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Write Your Member of Congress
Through SGAP’s parent company, National Write Your Congressman, you can use the Constituent Opinion Ballot to write your members of congress about key legislation underway. NWYC provides small businesses with nonpartisan information and research on top issues and pending legislation in Congress.
America’s Legacy Book
The Foundation of Freedom
Written for middle and high school students, the new “America’s Legacy” book focuses on the text and history of the United States’ Founding Documents, including the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Additional sections cover the elements of citizenship (how to be a good American citizen); the three branches of government and separation of powers; and excerpts from great American speeches. Interesting “Freedom Facts” and SGAP infographics are included throughout the book.
About Us
Established by National Write Your Congressman in 1992, the Student Governmental Affairs Program is a national nonprofit organization headquartered near Dallas, Texas. SGAP brings U.S. government and civics to life through a monthly newsletter that educates K-12 students about current legislation in Congress, presents pro/con perspectives from both sides of the aisle, and asks them to vote on the issues. SGAP supplements classroom instruction with nonpartisan educational materials that teach responsible citizenship through active participation. SGAP’s civics educational program is received by students in all 50 states and D.C., with about four million students having participated since its inception.
In 2019, SGAP received an Honorable Mention in the National Category for the American Civic Collaboration Awards (“Civvys”). Developed by the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, Big Tent Nation, and the National Conference on Citizenship in 2017, the Civvys Awards are among the most high-profile and visible aspects of the civic renewal movement.
Organizations We Partner With
Featured SGAP Infographics
2024 Impact Survey Results
2024 Student Voting Results
2023 Impact Survey Results
2023 Student Voting Results
2022 SGAP Year in Review
2023 SGAP Year in Review
2022 Impact Survey Results
2022 Student Voting Results
Presidential Demographics in the 21st Century Infographic
Divided Politics in America Infographic
Political Parties Infographic
What’s New
Links and Discussion Questions December 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 2: Concealed Carry Reciprocity
- Should there be a federal law for concealed carry reciprocity, and would it be a valid use of federal authority?
- Should federal law mandate states recognize other states’ concealed carry permits, even those from states with no permit requirement or weaker standards? Why or why not?
- Does a national concealed carry reciprocity law improve or threaten public safety? Why or why not?
- What are the implications of allowing states to set their own varying standards, and what are the arguments for and against it?
- How does the current, complex web of reciprocity agreements affect gun owners who travel between states?
Student Forum Newsletter December 2025
Blue Wave: Democrats Sweep Off-Year Elections
ON NOV. 4, voters cast their ballots in the 2025 off-year elections, held in certain states.
Democratic candidates won multiple state elections, suggesting that they are turning the tables on the issue of affordability, especially when they steer clear of leftist cultural snares.
Dominant electoral wins gave Democrats a jolt of energy, while Republicans saw a warning sign. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) declared the elections a total “disaster.”
Teacher Spotlight – Karina Chapman (Fortuna, CA)
Snapshot Teacher Name: Karina Chapman School Name: Fortuna Middle School School Location: Fortuna, California No. of Years Teaching: 25 (plus two substituting) Subject Currently Teaching: American History (5 sections; 8th grade) Education: M.A., American History...
Links and Discussion Questions November 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 1: No Congressional Pay
- Is it fair for lawmakers to receive a paycheck while many federal employees are furloughed or forced to work without pay?
- Do you think that withholding pay of congress members would be an effective incentive to avoid a government shutdown? Why or why not?
- Some members of congress have announced they are giving up their paychecks or donating them to charity during the government shutdown. If you were a member of congress, would you keep your paycheck or give it up? Why or why not?
- Does focusing on congressional pay distract from the real problem of partisan gridlock and an inability to compromise on budget matters? Why or why not?
- Could a “no pay” rule actually encourage more shutdowns? Could a shutdown be used as a political tactic to exert pressure on opponents?
Student Forum Newsletter November 2025
U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Third Week as Congress Remains at Stalemate
AS OF OCT. 15, the federal government remained shut down for a third week.
The government shutdown began on Oct. 1, after Republican and Democrat lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock.
Thousands of federal workers continue to go without pay, agencies are scaling back critical operations, and the effects are beginning to ripple through the economy.
With no breakthrough in sight, congressional leaders are facing mounting pressure to strike a deal as funding reserves run dry, and frustration grows among constituents.
Links and Discussion Questions October 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 1: Troops in U.S. Cities
- Do you support or oppose the federal government sending troops into American cities to deter crime? Why or why not?
- Is the federal government overstepping its authority by using troops to enforce federal immigration law or to counter local civil unrest? Why or why not?
- What role does the media play in shaping public perception of unrest and the necessity of federal intervention?
- What ethical dilemmas might military personnel face when ordered to act as domestic law enforcement in U.S. cities?
- Do some political leaders frame crime in certain cities as a way to justify federal intervention? Why or why not? How might claims of a “breakdown in law and order” shape public perception and political discourse?