Directions: Use this worksheet to record your answers to the Policy Issue Portfolio
activities. Be sure to add citations as necessary to avoid plagiarism on this
worksheet. When you are finished, save this worksheet with your answers and
submit it for a portfolio grade.
Policy Problem Identification
Question 1
You will submit this activity in the last lesson of this unit as part of your portfolio
assignment.
In this portfolio, you will identify policy solutions and seek action to solve a problem.
You will develop a proposal that includes your solutions.
Identify an important issue that is under the control of the national government. Use
the list of delegated powers to help you understand for which issues the national
government is responsible for creating policy. Once you have identified an issue,
respond to the four questions that follow.
As you answer the questions, use credible online resources to learn more about the
topic and its proposed policies. Be sure to add citations as necessary to avoid
plagiarism.
At this time, try not to take a position about the policies the government should
create about the issue. Keep an open mind, and look at multiple perspectives.
1. What is the issue?
2. Why is this issue important?
3. What are four specific examples of how this issue can affect people?
4. What are at least two different opinions about the best policies for this issue?
Remember that most issues have more than two sides.
Question 2
Identify an important issue that is under the control of the state government. Use the
list of reserved powers to help you understand for which issues the state government
is responsible for creating policy. Once you have identified the issue, respond to the
four questions that follow. Be sure to add citations as necessary to avoid plagiarism.
As you answer the questions, use credible online resources to learn more about the
issue and its proposed policies.
At this time, try not to take a position about the policies the government should
create about the issue. Keep an open mind, and look at multiple perspectives.
1. What is the issue?
2. Why is this issue important?
3. What are four specific examples of how this issue can affect people?
4. What are at least two different opinions about the best policies for this issue?
Remember that most issues have more than two sides.
Question 1:
1. The issue I have identified that is under the control of the national government is climate change.
2. Climate change is an important issue because it has significant and wide-ranging impacts on the environment, economy, and human health. It poses risks to natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity, and it also threatens livelihoods, food security, and public health.
3. Four specific examples of how climate change can affect people are:
a) Increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, which can lead to loss of life and property damage.
b) Rising sea levels and coastal erosion, which can result in the displacement of coastal communities and loss of coastal habitats.
c) Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to agricultural impacts such as reduced crop yields and increased pests and diseases.
d) Health impacts, including increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from poor air quality, and the spread of vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and Zika virus.
4. Two different opinions about the best policies for addressing climate change are:
a) Some argue for implementing strict regulations and international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources. They believe that government intervention and investment in clean energy technologies are necessary to mitigate climate change effectively.
b) Others believe in market-based approaches and technological innovation to address climate change. They advocate for incentives and subsidies for renewable energy, carbon pricing mechanisms such as cap-and-trade or carbon taxes, and promoting private sector involvement in finding solutions to climate change.
Question 2:
1. The issue I have identified that is under the control of the state government is education policy.
2. Education policy is important because it directly influences the quality of education that students receive, which in turn affects their academic achievement, future opportunities, and overall well-being. It plays a crucial role in shaping the educational system and ensuring equity and accessibility for all students.
3. Four specific examples of how education policy can affect people are:
a) Access to quality education: Policies regarding school funding, school choice, and resource allocation can impact the availability of educational opportunities for different communities, particularly low-income and marginalized groups.
b) Curriculum and standards: State education policy determines the curriculum taught in schools, including the subjects, content, and standards that students must meet. This can affect the depth and breadth of knowledge that students acquire and their preparedness for future educational and career pathways.
c) Teacher quality and evaluation: Policies related to teacher certification, professional development, and performance evaluation influence the quality of teaching in schools and the effectiveness of classroom instruction.
d) School accountability and assessment: Policies governing standardized testing, accountability measures, and school evaluations can shape the focus and priorities of schools, impacting the learning environment and student outcomes.
4. Two different opinions about the best policies for education include:
a) Some argue for increased funding for public schools and equity-focused policies to address educational disparities. They believe that investing in resources, reducing class sizes, and providing support services can improve educational outcomes for all students, especially those in disadvantaged communities.
b) Others advocate for school choice and market-based reforms, such as charter schools and vouchers, to increase competition and promote innovation in education. They argue that empowering parents to choose schools and fostering a competitive educational marketplace can improve overall educational quality.