These issues are ones that have not really been solved yet by any government measure. Although some, like Abortion, have gotten attention, public opinion varies widely. Look for our takes on these issues at the bottom of the pages. We've intentionally shown both sides of the coin so you can make up your own mind.

Abortion -- One of the most controversial issues, abortion can be seen from numerous (legal, ethical, religious) viewpoints.

Affirmative Action -- A level playing field is needed to let minorities be on equal footing with the rest of society. True or false?

Capital Punishment -- The Death Penalty has always been a sticky subject - find out why.

Regulation of Cyberspace -- Should we limit what people can access on the internet, the communications medium you're using right now?

Gay Rights & Marriage -- Recently the question of gay marriages has surfaced. The way America sees gay relationships is a pressing issue.

Illegal Immigrants -- Currently, any woman who bears a child on U.S. soil is entitled to welfare benefits, and her baby to health care and education. You be the judge.

National Language -- Ebonics was a really hot topic in the first half of 1997, and its controversy affected the entire nation.

Victims' Rights -- Are laws like Megan's law wrong, even unconstitutional? Or should we be protecting victims and potential victims from criminal offenders?

Although they may not grab headlines anymore, these issues have challenged the nation in the past to redefine itself in some way, and have been solved in some way. In some cases, their effects can still be seen today.

Affirmative Action -- Should minorities receive special entitlements to offset past bias? Or is it just discrimination in the opposite direction?

Incorporation -- This doctrine made the states accountable to the Bill of Rights, like the Federal government.

Judicial Review -- Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall was instrumental in establishing this power of the Supreme Court.

Presidential Powers -- Because they're not well-defined in the Constitution, there has always been a question as to the powers of the Executive branch.

Prohibition -- Though it may seem silly or downright ludicrous today, at one time it was thought that banning alcoholic beverages would improve society. Wait a minute...

Slavery -- The issue that sparked the bloody Civil War. Its after-effects lasted for decades and had a profound impact on the course of the United States.

Term Limits -- How long should the President serve for? The Twenty-second Amendment solved this problem, but it is still debated today.

Voting -- Originally in this nation, only white, landowning men could vote. The path to universal voting rights has been long and hard.