Possible Research Questions

POSSIBLE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

 Is there a workable alternative to the Electoral College system?

 Is America free?

 Are the seatbelt laws justified, or should they be repealed?

 Is the drinking age justified, or should it be lowered to eighteen?

 Is one-man-one-vote a viable political alternative in the United States?

 Is marijuana a dangerous drug?

 Is the Bible inspired, or merely inspiring?

 Is pornography harmful?

 Does pornography degrade women?

 Are the seat-belt laws unreasonable?

 Does God exist?

 Is religion negative or positive?

 Is belief in the existence of God illogical?

 Do gays have the same right to marry as heterosexuals?

 Does the term “marriage” belong to the Church?

 Should pornography be restricted by law?  Should journalists be required to reveal their sources?  Is there life after death?  Should parents or schools censor textbooks and other literature for children in schools?  Should schools teach sex education?  Should the minimum wage be raised?  Should prayer be permitted in public schools?  Should homosexuals be permitted to serve in the armed forces?  Should genetic engineering be restricted by law?  Are women equal in the workplace?  Has Title IX been carried too far?  Do the salaries of professional athletes have a negative impact on the athletes or on the sports they play?  Should America interfere in the internal affairs of foreign powers?  How should colleges balance their athletic programs with their academic goals?  Do certain children's toys provoke negative social or emotional problems?  Should public servants (like school teachers or nurses) have the right to strike?  Should privacy be considered a basic constitutional right?  Should sex and violence on television or in the movies be restricted?  Does a political candidate’s private life or sexual practice have any bearing on his ability to serve in public office?  Should Creationism be taught alongside Evolution in public schools?  Should academic freedom be curtailed in any way?  Should smoking be permitted in public places?  Should "victimless crimes" such as prostitution or sex between consenting adults be free from legal interference?  Is government “by the people, for the people” a reality in modern America, or has the Great Experiment failed?  Should euthanasia be an option?  What should be done to protect the rights of minorities?  Should homosexuals be considered a minority group, in the same way as Latinos and African- Americans?  What techniques should the public schools use to strengthen literacy at all grade levels?  Should the drinking age be lowered?  Should patients who are removed from life support be eligible for euthanasia?  Should song lyrics be rated or censored?  Should advertising aimed at youth be regulated by law?  Should bilingual education be offered in public schools?  How far should the government go to ensure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”?  Is the federal government justified in its classification of “enemy combatants” who are not protected by the Geneva Conventions?  Is concealing information from the public justified in a government which believe in government “by the people, for the people”?  Is terrorism ever justified?  Is war ever justified?  Is abortion ever justified?  Should flag burners face legal reprisal for their actions?  Are the federal or state governments responsible for remedying problems such as AIDS, homelessness, unemployment, or recession? (Pick only one problem for a focus.)  Should medical marijuana be made available to individuals for whom traditional remedies have proven ineffective?  Are tobacco companies responsible for smoking-related deaths?  Should the federal government provide universal healthcare?  Should juvenile offenders be tried and punished as adults?  Do violent movies, lyrics, or computer games promote teenage violence?  Have computers enhanced or hindered literacy?  Is Mormonism Christian?  Should the Second Amendment be repealed?  Should the United States dispense with the death penalty?  Is the doctrine of eminent domain ethical?  Is “No Child Left Behind” viable?  Are senior citizens adequately valued in our society?  Is public virtue eroding in America?

Source: Mark A. Spalding, 2008.