Position Paper Instructions American Government (Winter 2019)

Option #2

Over the last several decades, there has been broad controversy regarding the future of the undocumented immigrants in the country. According to current estimates there are some 11-13 million people that can be classified as uncommented immigrants who live in the US. While some are new arrivals, many others have been here for decades. On the one hand, some groups argue that undocumented immigrants are here illegally and therefore should be deported since they broke the country’simmigration laws, put a strain on the economy, and might even pose a threat public safety. On the other hand, many others believe that undocumented immigration is the result of a broken immigration system that does not enable low skilled immigrants the opportunity to enter the country legally despite the fact that the economy needs them.

They argue that undocumented immigrants should be given the opportunity to stay in the country legally and even be granted a pathway to citizenship. In this paper you will need to argue in favor of one of these positions. What are the costs and benefits of your position and the counter position? Are undocumented immigrants an asset or a burden? What would be the main points of the policy you think the government should promote to solve this issue? Be sure to explain your position and offer concrete evidence to support your ideas and reasoning.

Option #3

The Second Amendment to the Constitution reads, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This has been interpreted as giving all Americans the right to own firearms, with few restrictions placed on this right. But in recent years, due to increasing gun violence and mass shootings, many argue in favor of more restrictive gun policies. Should restrictions be placed on gun ownership? If you believe there should be no restrictions placed on gun ownership, you must present a clear argument and offer supporting evidence (“it’s in the Constitution” for instance, is not a good argument since the constitution can be amended). Similarly, if you believe restrictions should be placed on firearm ownership, make a clear argument that describesthe restrictions you propose, and be sure to provide supporting evidence to support your position.