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:
- Unemployment/Jobs
- Income Gap between Rich and Poor
- Immigration
- Education – Blogs: http://teach.com/teach100
- Environment
- Dissatisfaction with Government
- The Economy
- Health Care
- Government Debt
- Foreign Aid
- Poverty
- Ethics
- 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
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
How to Use this Site
This site can empower your citizenship.
- Explore, LEARN AND DISCUSS issues important to citizens.
- Test yourself with QUIZZES that are designed to educate and guide you through the site.
- PRINT OUT the “Tracking Your Progress Sheet”.
- VOLUNTEER to improve and expand this site.
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