- Describe the major social issues in the United States that we discussed in class.
Gay marriage- Gay marriage is the legalization of same sex marriage. Right now it is legal in some states, but they get a certificate instead of being treated like a normal couple. Republicans are anti-same-sex marriage. Democrats are pro same-sex marriage.
Legalization of marijuana- Legalization of marijuana is making marijuana available for common use. Most states allow marijuana, but it is for medical use only. This topic is to make it legal for everyday usage. Some positive outcomes to legalizing marijuana are no harmful side effects to smoking pot, it would open up a whole new industry, and the government would tax it like cigarettes and alcohol. A negative reason is it is a gateway drug.
Gun laws/rights- Gun restrictions are a very big issue in the US because of all the school shootings, murders, etc. People say that gun rights are protected under the 2nd amendment. It is becoming much harder to get a gun and to get certain guns (mainly high ammo compactly guns).
Immigration- Immigration is a pressing issue because of all the illegal citizens in the US. President Obama has made a plan to sort out who’s illegal without punishing them. Both Republicans and Democrats want to sort out who is legal or not, but Democrats don’t want to kick them out of the country right away.
Abortion- Abortion is the “killing” of an unborn fetus. This topic is big because people see it as killing a child. Abortions are becoming more common, but some states don’t allow it. The views have been separated into pro-life and pro-choice. Pro-life means you are against abortion, usually people say it’s because they believe every human being should be granted life and that there are other options. Pro-choice means you are for abortion. Most people say they are pro-choice because it is a personal choice.
2. What are the main economic and political systems that are practiced in the world and how do they differ?
Socialism- Everybody gets equal amounts and the economy is controlled by the government.
Capitalism- The people are in control of the economy and people can make different amounts.
Theory of Communism- A classless, moneyless, and stateless social order structured upon common ownership of the means of production.
Practice of Communism- The needs of the state and society comes before the needs of the individual. Basically the government controls every aspect of people’s lives.
Direct Democracy- The people vote on everything instead of voting people to do it for them.
Representative Democracy- The people pick leaders to represent them and make decisions for them.
Dictatorship- Absolute power is given to one person.
Absolute Monarchy- All power is given to a king.
Constitutional Monarchy- There is still a king, but his power is greatly restricted by a constitution.
Anarchy- No government is present.
3. What are the major differences between democrats and republicans in the United States?
Republicans are more conservative (more government say in things) when it comes to major issues, whereas Democrats are more liberal (less government involvement). The parties rarely agree on anything and it is believed to be the reason they don’t accomplish anything. Both parties have different views on topics like abortion, gay marriage, gun control, immigration, and legalization of marijuana.
4. What is income inequality, why is it an issue and what can be done to help improve it?
Income inequality is the gap between the rich and the poor. There is such a big gap in the US that the top 1% brings in 40% of the nation’s income. Higher taxes on the rich can help reduce the gap.
5. Discuss 9-11 and the impact it had on the US.
9/11 put America on edge. After the attacks security became the main focus. Airports were the most affected by the attacks. Organizations like Homeland Security were formed. The US went to war with Afghanistan to destroy Al-Qaeda. 9/11’s positive side was that it brought people together.
6. Discuss the Iraq War and the impact it had on the US.
The US went to war with Iraq in 2003. We went in because their government was suspected of using chemical weapons on civilians. Many people in America didn’t like the US going into another war and that it was taking the focus from the war in Afghanistan.
7. Discuss the situation in Iran.
Iran is believed to have nuclear weapons and the US has been blockading their resources so they will let weapon inspectors in the country. The US’s main fear is that Iran will use the weapons on Israel which is a close ally to the US. Iran used to be on good terms with the US, but they started disliking the US after the Iranian revolution.
8.What are some of the major problems the world is facing, what are the causes of these problems and what is being done to help solve these problems?
•End poverty and hunger- The UN wants to provide food for everyone in the world. This goal is hard to complete because some countries don’t have very much money.
•Universal education- Some children don’t go to school, the UN hopes to give everyone a K-5 education so they can make a basic living. In some countries children can’t go to school because they need to work to help the family get by.
•Gender equality- This goal focuses on women getting equality in every country. Some countries treat women poorly because of tradition, beliefs, or because they just don’t think of them as equal.
•Child health- The UN wants to reduce child mortality. This means fewer children die in the early years of life. A way to improve this is by getting the children medication and vaccines.
•Maternal health- This focuses on the health of the mother before, during, and after pregnancy. Some countries have a high death rate of mothers during or after pregnancy. Maternal health for every pregnant woman would mean regular checkups (which some can’t afford now).
•Combat HIV/AIDS- The UN wants to eradicate the STD because it is becoming a widespread problem. AIDS is an immune deficiency spread through bodily fluids. HIV/AIDS are incurable and the UN wants to stop the spread by preventing new cases, and to eventually find a cure.
•Environmental sustainability- The UN wants to insure environmental stability by reducing deforestation, pollution, better sanitation, and getting people clean water. Ensuring environmental stability will preserve resources for future generations.
•Global partnership- Global partnership gives developing countries easier exportation of goods and more trading partners. This goal would boost the global economy and bring more money to poor countries. The main focus of the goal was to benefit landlocked countries because they don’t have access to oceans which makes it harder for them to export and import goods.
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