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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
2023 Student Voting Results
2022 SGAP Year in Review
2023 SGAP Year in Review
2022 Impact Survey Results
2023 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
Teacher Spotlight on Will Linser (Bellevue, WA)
Located just east of Seattle, Bellevue, Washington, is home to some of the world’s largest technology companies. Amazon was founded in Bellevue by Jeff Bezos in 1994, and today the city hosts satellite offices for eBay, Meta, ByteDance, Oracle, Salesforce, Google, and Microsoft, to name a few.
Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that Will Linser—who teaches AP U.S. Government and U.S. History at Bellevue High School—says that technology has changed how we teach significantly.
Student Forum Newsletter February 2025
President Trump Launches DOGE to Cut Government Spending
AS PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP transitions into his second term, he is preparing to launch the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to slash government spending and reduce regulations. The committee is spearheaded by Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Links + Discussion Questions February 2025
Issue 1: Birthright Citizenship
- After reading the Issue One page of the newsletter, what are your views on the issue of birthright citizenship?
- Are you for or against ending U.S. birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants? Why? Justify your answers with arguments.
- Do you feel that undocumented immigrants take advantage of the current U.S. policy on birthright citizenship? Why or why not?
- Were you aware of the issue before reading these materials? Had you formed an opinion? If so, has your opinion changed? Why or why not?
- What are the costs of maintaining the current policy on birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. of undocumented immigrants?
Links + Discussion Questions Dec 2024
Issue 1: Sanctuary Cities
- After looking at the Fox News article on which locations are sanctuary cities (link above), what do sanctuary cities have in common? Why do some places decide to become sanctuary cities?
- Do you think city governments should always cooperate with state or federal governments? Why or why not?
- What is a sanctuary city? Why do people support or oppose sanctuary cities? What is your stance?
- Is Immigration an issue in your city or state? Why or why not?
- What rights should illegal immigrants have in our country?
Student Forum Newsletter Dec. 2024 (Sanctuary Cities + STOP CCP Act)
2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Republicans Achieve a Political Trifecta
SOON AFTER AMERICANS voted in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, it became apparent that something unexpected was afoot. Most pollsters and political pundits had anticipated a tight race between the Republican and Democrat presidential nominees—President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, as states reported their ballot counts into the evening and next day, Trump ended up winning the popular vote and the electoral college vote in a resounding victory. By the day after the election, Harris had conceded to Trump.
Links and Discussion Questions Nov 2024 (President Election + Congress Term Limits)
Issue 2: Congressional Term Limits
- Should members of congress be subject to term limits? How many terms should they be allowed to run for?
- 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?
- 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?
- Summarize the “for” and “against” arguments for setting congressional term limits. Which position do you agree with? Why?
- 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?