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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 FundBig 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

Teachers Advancing Civic Learning

Featured SGAP Infographics

This image shows the nationwide student voting results from the SGAP student program for the 2021 topics.

2023 Student Voting Results

This image shows the nationwide student voting results from the SGAP student program for the 2021 topics.

2022 SGAP Year in Review

2023 SGAP Year in Review

2022 Impact Survey Results

2023 Impact Survey Results

2022 Student Voting Results

This image shows the nationwide student voting results from the SGAP student program for the 2021 topics.

Presidential Demographics in the 21st Century Infographic

Divided Politics in America Infographic

Political Parties Infographic

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“Thank you for this program. It is very helpful for AP Government and Economics Honors and Standard levels. Once I get them hooked, the students ask when is the next one coming?”

Educator in Sanford, FL

“I give the America’s Legacy books to each of my AP Government students as a reward for taking and completing the class. It is something that students have come back years later showing me their copy explaining how helpful it was in their college classes.”

Educator in Prosper, TX

“One of our main goals at DISD is to build civic literacy among our students and build good citizens. Your program teaches them critical thinking, civil discourse, and other skills they will need after they graduate. SGAP is an extension of the social studies standards and provides great information.”

Social Studies Instructional Coordinator, Dallas Independent School District

What’s New

Links and Discussion Questions Nov 2024 (President Election + Congress Term Limits)

Links and Discussion Questions Nov 2024 (President Election + Congress Term Limits)

Issue 2: Congressional Term Limits

  1. Should members of congress be subject to term limits? How many terms should they be allowed to run for?
  2. Currently, the Constitution requires representatives to be at least 25 years old and senators to be at least 30. Some have suggested imposing a mandatory retirement age for members of Congress or a maximum age of election. Do you agree? Why or why not?
  3. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the president from serving more than two four-year terms. Does it make sense to have term limits for the executive branch of government (the president and his or her administration) but not for the legislative branch (members of congress)? Why or why not?
  4. Summarize the “for” and “against” arguments for setting congressional term limits. Which position do you agree with? Why?
  5. Proponents of congressional term limits say longtime members of congress have an “incumbency advantage,” making them practically unbeatable and less likely to listen to their constituents. Do you think the incumbent advantage presents a problem for true representation in congress? Would term limits solve this problem? What other changes might make races more competitive?
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Student Forum Newsletter 11/2024 (Presidential Election + Congressional Term Limits)

Student Forum Newsletter 11/2024 (Presidential Election + Congressional Term Limits)

What is the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is a process, not a place. Every four years, when a presidential election is held, the electors vote for the president and vice president.

Why does the Electoral College matter?
It’s the Electoral College, not the national popular vote, that determines who wins the presidency.

How many electors are there in the Electoral College?
A total of 538 votes are divided among the 50 states and District of Columbia.
There’s an elector for every member of the House of Representatives (435) and Senate (100), plus three for the District of Columbia.

How are the number of electors allocated per state?
There are two senators for each state, but the allocation of seats in the House is based on population.

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Links and Discussion Questions 10/2024 (Digital Privacy + SNAP Benefits)

Links and Discussion Questions 10/2024 (Digital Privacy + SNAP Benefits)

Issue 2: National Privacy Law

  1. Using the U.S. state privacy law tracker (link above), look up your state’s privacy law. How would you feel if a weaker national privacy law preempted your state’s privacy law?
  2. Read the Tech Policy opinion piece by Vermont State Representative Monique Priestley (link above). Are you surprised by her stance? Why or why not?
  3. Which is more important—having access to online content and social media sharing, or privacy? Is there a way to have both? Why or why not?
  4. Digital privacy spans many areas of our lives, including government spying on U.S. citizens, parental monitoring of their children, and corporate tracking of consumers. Which of these types of spying is the most egregious? Why?
  5. Over history, the federal government has expanded its powers at the expense of the states. Why do you think the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has not protected state power more effectively from federal encroachment?
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Ideas for Teachers September 2024 (Voter Eligibility + Supreme Court Term Limits)

Ideas for Teachers September 2024 (Voter Eligibility + Supreme Court Term Limits)

Issue 1: SAVE Act (Voter Eligibility)

  1. Should Congress pass the SAVE Act to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote? Why or why not?
  2. Do those with the right to vote have more power than those without? Why or why not?
  3. Why are so many people apathetic when it comes to voting? What happens (or could happen) when people do not vote?
  4. Do you think it makes sense to be 18 and not exercise your right to vote? Why or why not?
  5. What issues would bring more young people to the polls to vote, if included on ballots?
read more