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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
Links and Discussion Questions April 2025 – Teacher Ideas
- The “Kids Off Social Media Act” is intended to help alleviate youth mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide. Do you think the bill, if passed, would ultimately help children and teens with their mental health? Why or why not?
- Does the KOSMA bill provide the best solution to problems that may develop when youth use social media? These might include youth depression and suicide, child identity theft (see Experian link above), and other types of youth exploitation. Would you propose another solution? If so, what would that be?
- What are some of the best and worst things about using social media as a child or teen?
- How do you feel when you spend a lot of time on social media? Are there times when you wish you could stay off social media altogether? Why or why not?
- What do you think the social media platforms you use know about you? How do you feel about that?
Student Forum Newsletter April 2025
President Trump Delivers First Joint Address Before Congress
ON MARCH 4, President Donald J. Trump delivered his first address as U.S. president to a joint session of congress (both the Senate and the House), ), which was broadcast on prime-time television.
President Trump touted his work to reshape the federal government and declared that “America is back,” eliciting applause from the Republican side of the chamber and silence from Democrats on the other side.
Teacher Spotlight – Jack Reavis (Muskogee, OK)
As a descendant of Native American heritage, veteran social studies teacher Jack Reavis remembers how his great-grandmother and mother spoke the Cherokee language.
“My view of culture and respect for the Mother Earth and all humanity come from these two women,” says Reavis, who honors his past by practicing Cherokee culture and beliefs in the present. “The Cherokee have always stressed the importance of education.”
Links and Discussion Questions March 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 1: Gulf of America
- Watch the Fox News video (link above) where a co-host of The View argues that Gulf of America is a more inclusive name because “America” includes both Mexico and the U.S. Do you agree? Why or why not?
- Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed Trump’s decision to rename the gulf. “For us and for the entire world it will continue to be called the Gulf of Mexico,” she said. Why do you think Mexico opposes renaming the gulf and instead wants to preserve the name as the Gulf of Mexico?
- Why do the names of geographic entities matter to countries? What do map names symbolize to various nations? (e.g., power, culture, historical significance)
- Summarize the arguments for and against changing the name from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Which position do you agree with and why?
- How do geographic names strengthen a country’s claims to ownership of a certain place?
Student Forum Newsletter March 2025
President Orders Treasury to Stop Minting Pennies
ON FEB. 9, President Donald J. Trump said that he had asked the U.S. Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies due to their cost of production.
“For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is so wasteful!”
His remarks revived a debate over whether to get rid of the smallest denomination of U.S. currency.
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.