Every nation has problems. Problems spawn” issues” – topics for democratic discussion and action. America is no exception. It can be argued that the nature and extent of a nation’s problems are relevant to how well or poorly that nation’s government is working. This is not to say that government is responsible for solving all problems. On the contrary, a problem could be caused in part or whole by inappropriate government action. America’s problems are the concerns of it’s citizens. Let’s look first at how a number of sources identify America’s problems.

Problem Identification Sources

The following sources provide a useful start:

• General Internet search -“American Problems”
• US News and World Report
• Centrist Think Tank – Brookings
• Liberal Advocacy Organization – Common Cause
• Conservative Think Tank – Heritage Foundation
• Nonpartisan issue analysis: “What You Should Know About Politics…But Don’t”, 3rd Edition, Jessamyn Conrad, 2016

Leading Problems

A composite listing of the problems identified by these sources is:

1. Unemployment/Jobs
2. Income Gap between Rich and Poor
3. Immigration
4. Education – Blogs: http://teach.com/teach100
5. Environment
6. Dissatisfaction with Government
7. The Economy
8. Health Care
9. Government Debt
10. Foreign Aid
11. Poverty
12. Ethics
13. Family Decline

Problem Solution Resources

• “What You should Know About Politics…But Don’t: A nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter,” 3rd Edition, Jessamyn Conrad, 2016
• The Platforms of the Democratic and Republican Parties
• Your own research