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Need a Research Topic?
| More than 30 years ago, in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the Supreme Court established a woman's constitutional right to have an abortion. Since then, antiabortion activists and abortion-rights groups have battled in courts and legislatures throughout the country. Is a fetus a human being with an absolute right to life like anyone else? Or do women have a fundamental right to terminate their unwanted pregnancies? Should minors have the right to obtain an abortion without parental consent? |
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| Advertising is pervasive in the U.S. But what impact does it have on the consumer? Should certain types of advertisements—such as for prescription drugs, alcohol or tobacco, and ads aimed at young people—be regulated? Or should companies be allowed to present their products as they wish, leaving it up to the consumer to decide whether to buy the product? |
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| Since the 1980s, AIDS has killed roughly 32 million people worldwide, and there are currently some 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Is focusing on prevention efforts the best way to combat the disease? Or should efforts focus on treating those who already have HIV/AIDS? How should other diseases, such as malaria, be addressed? |
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| Although most medical evidence backs the claim that tobacco and excessive alcohol use is harmful to one's health, imposing further restrictions on their use has raised protest. A growing movement to impose smoking bans in public places—to protect nonsmokers from second-hand smoke—has also sparked controversy. Should alcohol and tobacco use be strictly regulated? Or is the decision to drink and smoke a personal one that should be left up to each individual? |
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| Animals have played a variety of roles in humans' lives, whether as pets, food or in commercial ventures. But is there a limit to how much people can use animals? To what extent should people consider the rights of animals in their dealings with them? |
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| Following terrorist attacks against the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush (R) initiated a controversial war against terrorism. Do U.S. antiterrorism measures adequately protect the public from future acts of terrorism? How should those captured in the war on terrorism be treated? Where is the balance to be found between ensuring security and protecting civil liberties? |
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| Arts and entertainment are a vital part of many people's lives; activities such as going to museums and listening to music can be a source of pleasure or of education, or both. But they are not without debate. Who owns "art"? Who should fund it? Are some forms of artistic expression more valid than others? Can forms of expression considered inappropriate by some be regulated? |
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Hip-Hop Culture
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| The overall number of cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. has more than quadrupled in the past seven years. More than 200,000 teenagers undergo cosmetic surgery each year, while some 66% of high school girls are on diets at any given time. Why is the nation seemingly obsessed with physical improvement? What role do beauty pageants and the media's focus on physical beauty play in presenting an unattainable ideal of beauty? Is the rise in cosmetic surgery a trend that should be curbed, or is it a way of helping people with cosmetic flaws improve their self-esteem? |
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| Many Americans are fascinated with celebrities. Playing on their recognition, celebrities espouse causes, endorse products, and even run for public office. But do people listen more to celebrities? And, considering they are public figures, how much privacy can celebrities expect to have? |
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| Most people consider freedom of speech and expression to be vital to a free society. But what happens when some consider that speech offensive, or even harmful? Are there any instances in which it is acceptable for the government to restrict certain speech? Or do such restrictions constitute an unacceptable violation of the First Amendment? |
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| The U.S. is one of the most religious nations in the world but, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, the Constitution calls for a near total division between church and state at the federal, state and local levels. Finding the proper balance between church and state has proved difficult. In what ways may religion enter into public life? And when does the inclusion of religion in public institutions constitute an unconstitutional attempt to promote that religion? |
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| People participate in national life in a number of ways—they may volunteer at a homeless shelter, serve in the military or go to the ballot box on election day to help select their nation's leaders. Should such civic participation be expected of, or even required of, people? What is the best way to instill the spirit of national service in both younger and older Americans? Is it ever acceptable to force people to serve their country in the military? |
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| In the early 1980s, President Ronald Reagan declared a "war on drugs." But since then, while the nation's prisons have filled with drug offenders, drugs still remain prevalent in society, causing some to call for new approaches to fighting illegal drug use. In the past 30 years, has the U.S. come any closer to ending illegal drug use? Should certain drugs, particularly medical marijuana, be legalized? |
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| While most people agree that those who break the law should be punished, they disagree over the best way to do so. Determining that punishment becomes particularly controversial when dealing with youth and people with diminished mental capacity. Is the current justice system in need of reform? Or does it adequately deal with lawbreakers? |
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| As the global population continues to grow, so does the number of people living in poverty worldwide. The U.S. contributes $16 billion in development assistance every year, but should it do more? Who should be more responsible for fighting global poverty and disease: the U.S. or international organizations? |
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| Nearly two-thirds of all Americans are considered overweight or obese, leading health officials to declare an "obesity epidemic." Should the government take on a more active role in the fight against obesity? Or is the battle against obesity a matter of personal responsibility? |
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| In December 2007, the U.S. economy entered a recession. The following year, the U.S. banking system nearly collapsed, prompting the most severe economic crisis in almost 80 years. By early 2010, some statistics indicated the worst of the recession might be over, yet the national unemployment rate stood at 10%, and many people remained in danger of losing their jobs. The housing market, which was in part responsible for causing the recession, was also struggling, and many people had lost their homes. What kinds of measures can the federal government take to prompt job growth and boost economic recovery? What kinds of regulations have been drafted and which ones might be enacted to ensure that a similar crisis does not occur in the future? How much of a factor is the federal budget deficit in the U.S.'s economic woes? |
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| President George W. Bush made education a large focus of his presidency with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). President Obama seeks to revise the much-criticized NCLB legislation, favors charter schools, and has instituted Race to the Top, a competitive federal incentive program for states. What are the the key factors in ensuring that all students get a quality education? |
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| Contentious presidential elections in 2000 and 2004 cast a spotlight on the U.S. system of elections. Is the current system the fairest way to elect the nation's president? Or is it in need of reform? |
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| In August 2003, the largest blackout in U.S. history cut power to eight Midwestern and Northeastern states, as well as parts of Canada, raising questions about the nation's system of power distribution. In addition, soaring fuel prices have cast doubt on the wisdom of relying on foreign oil. Should the U.S. seek to upgrade its power grid and boost the nation's energy supply? Or should the government focus on energy conservation efforts instead? |
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| In 1970, the Clean Air Act was signed to combat air pollution. But the Clean Air Act and other laws regulating emissions to curb global warming are controversial, and business and industry interests have challenged them in court. Are such laws necessary to protect the environment? Or do they inhibit innovation and result in increased costs for compliance, which get passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices?
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| With an estimated half of all first marriages in the U.S. ending in divorce and a growing movement to legalize same-sex marriage, some people express concern about the breakdown of traditional two-parent families in the U.S. Should gay marriage be legalized, or would that harm the institution of marriage? Should it be more difficult or easier for Americans to get divorced? When it comes to the welfare of children, should government policies focus on attempting to reunite troubled families or is it better for children to be removed from dysfunctional families and placed in foster care? |
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| The second term of President Bush has been marked by fierce battles over the confirmation of federal judges, with Democrats threatening to filibuster to block the confirmation of several Bush nominees. Should the Senate ban judicial filibusters so that judicial nominees may more easily be confirmed? Or do filibusters help ensure that candidates with some degree of bipartisan support are appointed? Should federal judges continue to enjoy lifelong tenure, or should term limits be set? |
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| Although homosexuals have become increasingly accepted by the public, the issue of gay rights is still divisive. One particularly controversial issue is same-sex marriage. Should homosexuals enjoy the same rights as heterosexuals, including the right to legally marry? Or would granting that right violate the sanctity of marriage? |
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| More than 30 years ago, geneticists spliced a gene from a toad into a bacterium, laying the groundwork for the revolutionary science of genetic engineering. Since then, scientists have applied the technology to plants, animals and even people, but it has raised a host of questions. Is genetic engineering a good way to improve people's lives, such as by using genetically modified crops to fight world hunger and by curing a variety of diseases through gene therapy? Is altering beings' genetic material essentially "playing God"? Should genetic engineering be used to select the gender of one's offspring or to try to increase human life span? What are the implications of human cloning? |
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| The government sets regulations in a wide array of areas, such as the environment, transportation and business. Should the government play an increasing role in setting regulations for the good of society? Or is the government already too intrusive in setting regulations, infringing on individuals' lives? |
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| Americans collectively own more than 200 million guns—almost one gun for every U.S. resident. In the wake of several mass-shootings that have taken place in schools and workplaces, calls for more stringent gun control have grown. But such measures have faced strong resistance from gun-rights advocates. Will stricter gun-control laws keep guns out of the hands of criminals? Or will they merely hurt law-abiding citizens who want to have guns to protect themselves? |
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| It is widely acknowledged that the U.S. offers some of the best medical care in the world, with renowned hospitals and world famous treatment centers. But the U.S. is the only developed nation in the world that does not provide universal health care to its residents; some 45 million people living in the U.S. do not have health insurance. Additionally, health care costs in the U.S. are far higher than in other developed countries, and tend to rise faster than workers' wages. Why are those costs so high? Should the government provide health care for the uninsured? Do Americans receive the best health care possible? What kinds of reforms are necessary to ensure a more affordable, equitable system that covers almost all U.S. residents? |
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| Everybody has to live somewhere, and there are a wide range of options, from cities to small towns, exclusive gated communities to public housing projects. But one thing they have in common is debate: Does the growth of suburbs provide people with a pleasant living space, or does it come at the expense of farmland and other natural land? Do superstores have a negative impact on communities, or simply provide people with less-expensive merchandise? Can the government take people's private property to use it for the good of the public? What is the best way to reform public housing?
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| The U.S. is a nation of immigrants, but not everyone agrees about whether that is a positive or a negative thing. Are immigrants a boon to the U.S., adding to the cultural and religious diversity of the country and providing a boost to the economy by taking low-wage jobs that Americans do not want? Or do they strain public resources and take jobs from American workers? Have immigrants been an unfair target of government scrutiny in the war against terrorism?
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| Intelligence gathering has long played a crucial role in U.S. policy, both foreign and domestic. But some have criticized intelligence agencies' methods of collecting information. Should there be restrictions on how intelligence officers can operate? Or should they be able to use whatever means necessary, even if those means are considered unethical? How effective and relevant are the U.S.'s intelligence gathering agencies in the post-Cold-War world? |
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| In an age of globalization, nations have become increasingly interconnected. To facilitate that cooperation, a number of international organizations oversee areas such as trade, security and justice. Do those organizations bolster relations between nations? Do international organizations risk usurping U.S. authority? Is there such a thing as too much globalization? |
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| The Internet has revolutionized many aspects of daily life, as people increasingly use it to communicate with one another, obtain information and shop. But the growth of the Internet has also raised several questions, including to what degree Internet content should be regulated, and how to protect sensitive online information and transactions. Should the government have a say in what online content is acceptable? Or is online communication essentially a form of speech, which is protected by the First Amendment? Will greater regulation make the Internet more secure, or needlessly restrict it? |
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| In March 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein refused to turn over his alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The lead-up to the war, the war itself and ensuing reconstruction efforts, and the fact that no WMDs have been found have all sparked divisive debate in the U.S. As U.S. soldiers continue to be killed, and with Iraq's first democratically elected government taking control, questions have been raised about what the U.S. should do next. Should the U.S. withdraw its troops? Or is there more for the U.S. to do in Iraq? |
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| The federal government oversees many aspects of public life: It makes laws, determines how the U.S. interacts with foreign nations, and seeks to provide for the poor. But to what extent should government control extend to the land on which people live? Who should be in charge of managing the nation's land, especially when that land could be a valuable natural resource? |
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| Under U.S. law, when a person is wronged by an individual or corporation, he or she can sue for compensation in civil court. While some argue that the ability to sue entities such as corporations for large amounts of money promotes fairness, others say that it harms economic interests unnecessarily. Do Americans sue too much? Is the ability to sue for injuries a basic American right and important way to punish wrongdoers? Or are the growing civil damages that are awarded causing significant economic harm to both businesses and consumers? |
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| Medical ethics encompasses a wide array of decisions that doctors and researchers have to make. Is it ethical for doctors to perform abortions, or to help end the life of terminally ill patients who are suffering? Is it ethical to test medications or treatments on human subjects when their effects are still unknown? |
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| Mental health services are traditionally the responsibility of individual states and local communities. However, many advocates contend that states so far have done a poor job of providing for the mentally ill. Should the federal government get more involved in the reform of the mental health care system? How should the mentally ill be treated in society? |
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| The Middle East is one of the more volatile regions in the world, and U.S. ties there are often tense. The death of long-time Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat in November 2004 offered an opportunity to advance peace talks, and some have called for the U.S. to play a greater role in the peace process. Other U.S. efforts have focused on fostering democracy in the region, in the belief that democratic governments are less prone to military aggression and supporting terrorism. How much of a stake does the U.S. have in what goes on in the Middle East? How involved should the U.S. be there? |
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| Whether to go to war and how best to prosecute that war are highly controversial decisions that governments sometimes have to make. The decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003 sparked fierce debate, as have the ongoing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. To what extent should a government take into account public opinion when determining whether to go to war and when to conclude a conflict? When should the U.S. send troops to participate in foreign conflicts? Should the U.S. have gone to war in Iraq, and how long should U.S. troops remain in that country and Afghanistan? |
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| Treaties between the federal government and Indian tribes have established a unique relationship between American Indians and the government by providing Indians with a relatively high degree of sovereignty and their own lands, referred to as reservations. But does the reservation system serve the interests of the more than 400,000 Native Americans who live there, helping them preserve their cultural heritage? Or does it merely foster poverty and separatism?
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| The Internet and growth in popularity of cable networks have dramatically changed the nature of news coverage, giving people 24-hour access to the news. Does the around-the-clock news coverage provide an easy and convenient way for people to become informed? Or does the pressure on networks to rush to report events, perhaps even before all of the facts are known, weaken the integrity of journalism? In addition to new questions raised by the 24-hour news cycle, other, more long-standing questions remain. For instance, Is there a bias in the media? Should reporters ever have to reveal their sources? |
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| More than nine billion trips were made on public transportation in 2003, and 587 million passengers traveled via airplane. Millions more traveled by automobile. How great a role should the government play in funding and regulating mass transportation and overseeing the nation's roads and highways? How can the safety of all travelers best be assured in light of concerns about terrorism? |
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| There are more than two million people in U.S. prisons. But before those offenders could be punished for their crimes, they had to be apprehended by the police. To carry out their jobs, police are granted unique powers to use force legally against offenders and to search their possessions. Where is the line drawn between legally subduing a suspect and police brutality? Should law-enforcement officials be granted greater leeway in conducting searches? Or would such power violate the constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizure? |
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| Because politicians can play a large role in everyday life through the policies they set, politics is often fodder for intense debate. People often disagree over specific policies, but also debate larger issues in the political process. For example: Do companies, groups and wealthy individual donors who supply candidates with money to cover the substantial costs of their campaigns have too much influence in politics? To what extent should a politician take into account his or her own religious beliefs when making policy? What checks should be placed on presidential powers: Should a president be able to declare war whether or not Congress approves? Should internal White House records and deliberations to allowed to be kept hidden from the public? |
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| The total global population surpassed six billion shortly before 2000, and is projected to reach nine billion by the mid-21st century. Is the growth in population a problem that should be addressed? Or is it simply a component of human progress? In the U.S., should the government promote family-planning efforts and birth control to reduce teen pregnancy? Or does government involvement in promoting birth control violate many people's religious beliefs? |
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| During the 1990s, U.S. policy makers vowed to "end welfare as we know it." Since 1996 welfare reforms went into effect, the number of people on welfare has declined dramatically. Is the program a success? Or does the number of "working poor" in the country indicate that further government help is needed? What is the best way to ensure people's futures as they enter old age? |
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| Americans spent more than $170 billion on prescription drugs in 2004, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. But while Americans continue to buy prescription drugs en masse, concerns are being voiced about the affordability and safety of the drugs. Is better regulation of the prescription drug industry necessary? Or is the industry already overregulated? |
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| With mandatory sentencing laws and a "get tough on crime" approach, the nation's prisons have filled; in 2001, the number of people incarcerated in the U.S. passed two million, and many prisons are operating over capacity. Much of the overcrowding has been fueled by a recidivism rate of over 60%, sparking debate over whether the best approach is to build more prisons or to focus on rehabilitating prisoners so they do not return to crime once released from prison. Can criminals be truly rehabilitated? What role can the prison system play in that process? |
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| With the rapid growth of technology and the Internet, personal information about people is collected and stored easily today. People often leave "footprints" behind without realizing it, such as an image captured by a surveillance camera or personal data when they order something online. While that can bring security and convenience, it also opens the risk of violating people's privacy and allowing their personal information to be misused, such as for identity theft. Does privacy need to be better safeguarded? How can such safeguards be achieved? |
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| While laws and policies have been passed over the past few decades in an effort to create an equal playing field for blacks and other minorities, many still view the state of race relations in different ways, and remain divided despite integration efforts. Is racism a continuing problem in the U.S.? Are affirmative action programs still needed to foster racial diversity, or do they amount to unfair discrimination against those who are not minorities? Is a race-neutral society possible? |
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| Since the 1980s, debate over what should be taught in public schools has reached a boiling point in several parts of the country. That debate grows particularly heated when religion is at issue, as it is in the recent controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution and creationism in the classroom. To what extent is religion permissible in the classroom? |
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| In 2003, the U.S. space shuttle Columbia broke apart during reentry, killing all seven people aboard and raising several questions about the future of the U.S. space program. Are the potential rewards of space travel worth the risks? To reduce those risks, should the U.S. move away from manned spaceflight, to unmanned, robotic-driven craft? |
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| Sports are a big business in the U.S., as every year millions flock to stadiums and ball parks to cheer on their favorite teams. But the image of sports has recently taken a hit; the National Hockey League season was cancelled over a labor dispute, and it was revealed that several prominent athletes have used performance-enhancing substances. What role do sports play in society? What impact do sports have on young people? |
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| While the Constitution created a strong federal government, the 10th Amendment declares that all powers not specifically delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states. Since the 1930s, the federal government has taken on an ever-increasing array of responsibilities. Is the federal government best equipped to deal with certain issues of national importance, such as gun control or health care? Or has the government assumed powers that it was never intended to have? |
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| While most students would not argue against the importance of mandatory education, many complain that their constitutional rights to free speech and privacy are unfairly restricted while they are in school. Are measures such as random drug and weapon searches and the prohibition of inflammatory statements in the best interests of the students, creating a safe atmosphere for learning? Or are they an unfair violation of constitutional rights?
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| Over the years, there have been several movements to dramatically change the system of U.S. taxation. Suggestions have ranged from instituting a flat tax to abolishing the income tax altogether and replacing it with a national sales tax. What is the best way for the government to collect taxes from its citizens? Are Americans taxed too much or too little? |
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| On average, teenagers spend more than 20 hours per week watching TV. And since parents cannot always monitor what their children watch, concern about the influence of TV over young people has sparked calls for tighter regulation of TV content. Is regulation of TV content censorship? Or is it necessary to protect society? |
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| Over the past 50 years, the U.S. has been the world's leading advocate of free trade. But many observers remain skeptical about its benefits; free-trade pacts tend to increase U.S. imports, resulting in trade deficits that often cause job losses for U.S. workers. Is free trade a boon or a threat to the U.S. economy? |
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| Since 1945, the United Nations has worked to maintain international peace and security. But many in the U.S. disagree over the role of the U.N. While some see it as playing a crucial role in world affairs, others warn that the U.N. interferes in U.S. affairs. Is the U.N. an obstacle that prevents the U.S. from exercising its rights as a sovereign nation? Or does it still have a vital role to play in maintaining peace and security? What role can the U.N. play in the war on terrorism?
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| As the sole remaining superpower, the U.S. plays a large role in the world. But some argue that the U.S. plays too great a role. Should the U.S. play a leading role in the affairs of other countries, or adopt a more noninterventionist approach? As a world leader, how much responsibility does the U.S. have to countries in need? Is it beneficial or harmful for the U.S. to attempt to spread its values to other countries?
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| The first permanent war crimes court, the International Criminal Court, was convened in September 2002. However, the court has faced strong opposition from the U.S. Is such a court a deterrent to crimes against humanity? Or does the international court pose a threat to U.S. sovereignty as well as U.S. soldiers, who could be prosecuted in politically motivated cases brought by unfriendly nations? |
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| Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the U.S. have renewed fears that a weapon of mass destruction—whether chemical, biological or nuclear—could be used in a terrorist attack against the U.S. What is the best way of preventing such an attack? And in the post-Cold-War world, how big should countries' nuclear arsenals be? |
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| In the 20th century, women gained the right to vote and enter into many professions formerly dominated by men. Women now run major companies, serve as high-ranking public officials and play professional sports. But the inclusion of women in certain areas of life, such as in the military, still sparks controversy. Have women achieved full equality with men? Or are there challenges they still have to overcome, such as objectification and sexual harassment? |
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| The American workplace is continually evolving: More people are working from home, jobs are outsourced overseas, and the work force has become more diverse than ever before. What is the best way to prepare today's young people for good jobs in tomorrow's economy? |
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| Society generally recognizes people to be adults once they pass the age of 18. While teens share several of the same concerns as adults, there are many issues that are unique to young people. What should the age limit be on activities such as driving? Should teens be treated differently than adults in the justice system? To what extent should students enjoy the right to privacy in schools? |
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