good government essay topics

25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes

Writing Ideas That Will Make Students Think

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If you are a teacher searching for essay topics to assign to your U.S. government or civics class or looking for ideas, do not fret. It is easy to integrate debates and discussions into the classroom environment. These topic suggestions provide a wealth of ideas for written assignments such as position papers , compare-and-contrast essays , and argumentative essays . Scan the following 25 question topics and ideas to find just the right one. You'll soon be reading interesting papers from your students after they grapple with these challenging and important issues.

Compare and contrast what is a direct democracy versus representative democracy.
React to the following statement: Democratic decision-making should be extended to all areas of life including schools, the workplace, and the government.
Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans. Explain how these led to the Great Compromise .
Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be changed. What modifications would you make? Explain your reasons for making this change.
What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants?" Do you think that this statement still applies to today's world?
Compare and contrast mandates and conditions of aid regarding the federal government's relationship with states. For example, how has the Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered support to states and commonwealths that have experienced natural disasters?
Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with topics such as the legalization of marijuana and abortion ?
Outline a program that would get more people to vote in presidential elections or local elections.
What are the dangers of gerrymandering when it comes to voting and presidential elections?
Compare and contrast the major political parties in the United States. What policies are they preparing for upcoming elections?
Why would voters choose to vote for a third party, even though they know that their candidate has virtually no chance of winning?
Describe the major sources of money that are donated to political campaigns. Check out the Federal Election Regulatory Commission's website for information.
Should corporations be treated as individuals regarding being allowed to donate to political campaigns? Look at the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling on the issue. Defend your answer.
Explain the role of social media in connecting interest groups that have grown stronger as the major political parties have grown weaker.
Explain why the media has been called the fourth branch of government. Include your opinion on whether this is an accurate portrayal.
Compare and contrast the campaigns of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives candidates.
Should term limits be instituted for members of Congress? Explain your answer.
Should members of Congress vote their conscience or follow the will of the people who elected them into office? Explain your answer.
Explain how executive orders have been used by presidents throughout the history of the U.S. What is the number of executive orders issued by the current president?
In your opinion, which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power? Defend your answer.
Which of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment do you consider the most important? Explain your answer.
Should a school be required to get a warrant before searching a student's property? Defend your answer.
Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail? What kind of campaign could be run to see it passed?
Explain how the 14th Amendment has affected civil liberties in the United States from the time of its passage at the end of the Civil War.
Do you think that the federal government has enough, too much or just the right amount of power? Defend your answer.
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332 American Government Essay Topics & Research Ideas

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
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American Government essay topics present a comprehensive spectrum for exploration, each varying in depth and complexity. Some themes may include the functionality of constitutional democracy in the United States (U.S.), the examination of civil liberties and rights, or the intricacies of the federal system. Students may delve into the analysis of influential Supreme Court decisions, the evolving role of the Presidency, or the workings of Congressional lawmaking. Contemporary subjects, like campaign finance reform, immigration policy, or the impact of media on political discourse, are also important. Unraveling the politics of environmental policy or the checks and balances system’s practicality offers bright themes. In turn, investigating the role of lobbyists and interest groups or dissecting the dynamics of public opinion and voting behavior can give intriguing insights. Thus, American government essay topics not only foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s political landscape but also stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills.

Easy Government Essay Topics

Understanding Democracy: Basic Concepts and Principles
Different Types of Government: A Comparative Study
Voting Systems: Pros and Cons of First-Past-the-Post
Government’s Part in Economic Development: An Overview
Public Health: Government’s Responsibilities and Duties
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens: A Closer Look
Elections: Understanding the Electoral College System
Why Do We Need a Constitution? An Elementary Explanation
Importance of Civic Education in a Democracy
Federal vs. State Powers: An Introduction
Social Security: Functions and Challenges
Government Regulation of Media: Freedom vs. Responsibility
Public Transportation and Government’s Involvement: An Overview
Differences Between Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government
Local Governments: Responsibilities and Functions
Citizen Participation in Government: Why Does It Matter?
Understanding Public Policy: A Basic Analysis
Freedom of Speech: Government and Constitutional Protection
National Security and Individual Privacy: Striking a Balance

Interesting Government Essay Topics

Privatization vs. Public Ownership: Theoretical Considerations
Decentralization of Power: Unraveling Its Implications
State Surveillance: Dilemma of Privacy vs. Security
National Debts: Examining Their Economic and Political Effects
Monarchies in the 21st Century: An Analytical Perspective
Cryptocurrency Regulation: Assessing Different Government Approaches
Digital Governance: Opportunities and Pitfalls
Constitutional Interpretation: Originalism vs. Living Constitution Theory
Understanding Federalism: A Comparative Analysis
Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Governance
Climate Change Policy: National vs. International Responsibilities
Democracy and Technology: Influence of Social Media on Governance
Public Administration Reforms: Lessons From Around the World
Immigration Policy: Factors Influencing Government Decisions
Separation of Powers: An Inquiry Into Its Real-World Implications
Fiscal Policy during Recessions: Strategies and Outcomes
Authoritarian Regimes in a Digital Age: Unpacking the Complexities
Intelligence Agencies: Examining Oversight and Control Mechanisms
Social Equity and Government Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
Political Dynasties: Assessing Their Influence on Democratic Governance

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for College

Gun Control Policies: Analyzing the Effectiveness in the U.S.
Unraveling the Complexity of U.S. Immigration Reform
Affordable Care Act: A Comprehensive Analysis Post Implementation
Effects of Social Media on the U.S. Electoral Process
Campaign Finance Laws in the United States: A Closer Look
Government Shutdowns: Causes and Consequences in the U.S.
Federalism in the United States: Changing Dynamics
Dissecting the Patriot Act: Implications for Civil Liberties
Constitutional Rights and Digital Privacy: An American Perspective
Polarization in American Politics: Causes and Effects
U.S. Tax Reform: An Analysis of Recent Changes
Influence of Lobbying on Law-Making in the United States
Supreme Court Appointments: Politics and Consequences
Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy: A Comprehensive Review
Investigating the Role of Super PACs in U.S. Elections
American Infrastructure Spending: Assessing Need and Impact
Analyzing the U.S. Response to Climate Change
Understanding the U.S. Electoral College: Pros and Cons
U.S. Drug Policy: Lessons Learned From the War on Drugs

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for University

Native American Treaties and U.S. Government: A Detailed Study
Rise of Partisanship: An Exploration Into U.S. Politics
Education Policy in the United States: A Critical Assessment
American Antitrust Legislation: A Review and Analysis
U.S. Military Strategy in the Post-Cold War Era: A Comprehensive Study
Housing Policy and Inequality in the United States: A Detailed Examination
U.S. Trade Agreements: Analyzing Their Success and Failures
Unfolding American Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific Region: An In-Depth Review
Citizens United Decision: An Analysis of Its Implications on U.S. Elections
Racial Profiling and Law Enforcement in the U.S.: A Study on Systemic Bias
Space Exploration Policies of the U.S.: A Comprehensive Overview
Gerrymandering in the United States: Analyzing Its Impacts on Representation
Public Health Policy in the U.S.: Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic
Women in U.S. Politics: A Study on Representation and Influence
Privatization in the U.S.: A Critical Analysis of Its Effects on Public Services
U.S. Welfare Policy: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy and Inclusivity
Privacy Rights in the U.S.: Analyzing the Balance Between Security and Liberty
Minimum Wage Policies in the United States: A Comparative Study
U.S. Energy Policy: A Study of Transition towards Renewable Resources
Cybersecurity in the U.S.: Analyzing Government’s Role in Protecting National Infrastructure

American Government and Foreign Policy Essay Topics

Middle East Policies: A Review of U.S. Strategy and Diplomacy
Democratization and American Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination
China-U.S. Relations: A Study of Economic and Security Dilemmas
American Strategy in Containing North Korea’s Nuclear Ambition
Shifts in U.S.-Russia Relations: Post-Cold War Analysis
Climate Change and American Foreign Policy: An In-Depth Study
Human Rights in American Foreign Policy: Case Studies From the 21st Century
Evaluating U.S. Intervention in Afghanistan: A Retrospective Study
Cyber Warfare and U.S. Foreign Policy: Exploring Strategies and Consequences
U.S. and NATO: Analyzing the Changing Dynamics of Transatlantic Alliance
Latin America in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Historical Analysis
American Policy in the Indo-Pacific: Security, Diplomacy, and Economics
U.S. Foreign Aid: Analysis of Trends and Effectiveness
Arms Control and American Foreign Policy: A Review of Key Agreements
U.S.-EU Relations: Trade, Security, and Diplomatic Perspectives
American Policy Towards Israel and Palestine: A Critical Evaluation
The Iran Nuclear Deal and U.S. Foreign Policy: A Comprehensive Study
Global Health and American Foreign Policy: Priorities and Challenges
Climate Diplomacy in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Study of the Paris Agreement

American Government and Media Essay Topics

Media Influence on Presidential Elections: A Case Study
Influence of Media in Shaping Public Policy: An Analysis
The First Amendment: Press Freedom and Its Limits
Media Portrayal of U.S. Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination
Partisan Media and Polarization in American Politics: An Exploratory Study
Fake News and Its Influence on American Political Discourse
Public Broadcasting in America: A Historical Analysis
Digital Media and American Politics: Understanding the Shift
Social Media’s Influence on Political Mobilization: Case Studies From the U.S.
Media Bias in Coverage of Gun Control: A Comparative Study
Media Framing of Immigration Policies in the U.S.: A Discourse Analysis
Network News and Its Influence on Public Perception of the Presidency
The Power of Political Cartoons in Shaping Public Opinion
Censorship and Self-Censorship in American Media: A Comprehensive Study
Media Coverage of the Supreme Court: A Critical Review
Cable News and Polarization in U.S. Politics: A Longitudinal Study
The Role of Satirical News in American Political Discourse
Media and Public Perception of Climate Change Policies in America
Traditional Media vs. Social Media in U.S. Political Campaigns: A Comparative Analysis

American Political Parties and Elections Topics

Campaign Strategies in Modern American Elections: An Analysis
Transformative Elections in American History: Case Studies
Minor Political Parties in U.S. Electoral Politics: A Comparative Study
Influence of Lobbying on Election Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
How Gerrymandering Shapes American Politics: A Comprehensive Review
American Presidential Primaries: A Historical Examination
The Electoral College: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy in Modern U.S. Politics
American Politics and the Issue of Voter Suppression: A Critical Study
Dynamics of Swing States in U.S. Presidential Elections: An In-Depth Analysis
Candidate Image Crafting in American Elections: A Semiotic Analysis
Polarization and Its Effect on American Elections: An Empirical Investigation
Public Financing in American Elections: A Comparative Study
Third-Party Candidates and Their Influence on U.S. Elections: An Exploratory Study
American Midterm Elections and Their Effect on Presidential Governance: An Analysis
Effects of Negative Campaigning in U.S. Elections: A Quantitative Study
Dynamics of Coalition Building in American Political Parties: A Case Study
Presidential Debates and Their Influence on Election Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
Changes in Electoral Behavior in the American South: A Longitudinal Study
The Effect of Voter Turnout on Election Results: A Statistical Analysis
The Future of American Elections: Predicting Trends in the Digital Age

Government Research Paper Topics About the Executive Arm

Presidential Decision-Making in Times of Crisis: A Comparative Analysis
Foreign Policy Execution and the American President: A Critical Study
Cabinet Appointments and Policy Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
Transformations in the Executive Office: A Historical Review
Executive Orders: A Quantitative Analysis of Their Use and Effectiveness
Exercise of Veto Power: A Comparative Study Across Presidential Administrations
War Powers and the U.S. Presidency: A Constitutional Analysis
American Presidency and the Pardon Power: A Legal Examination
Executive Privilege: Its Use and Misuse in American Politics
Presidential Succession and Continuity of Government: A Policy Analysis
Dynamics of Executive-Legislative Relations: An Interdisciplinary Study
The Vice Presidency: Evolution and Influence in Modern American Politics
Presidential Campaigns: Financing and Its Influence on Policy Outcomes
National Emergency Declarations and Presidential Power: A Constitutional Study
The Power of Persuasion: Rhetoric and the American Presidency
The Cabinet’s Influence on Presidential Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study
Presidential Nominations and the Confirmation Process: A Policy Analysis
Environmental Policy-Making in the Executive Branch: A Historical Review
Immigration Policy Execution and Presidential Discretion: A Comparative Analysis
National Security and the Use of Executive Power: A Critical Investigation

Legislative Branch of Government Essay Topics in American Politics

Committee Power in the U.S. Congress: A Quantitative Study
Bicameralism and Its Influence on Legislation: A Comparative Analysis
Parliamentary Procedure and Democratic Governance: A Policy Review
Policy-Making Dynamics in the Senate: A Historical Review
Congressional Oversight and Its Effect on Executive Power: A Qualitative Study
Gridlock in Congress: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
House Rules Committee and Its Influence on Legislation: An Empirical Investigation
Legislative Agendas: Partisanship and Its Effects on Lawmaking
Lobbying and Influence in the Lawmaking Process: A Critical Analysis
Congressional Elections: Campaign Financing and Electoral Outcomes
Redistricting and Its Effect on the Balance of Power in Congress: A Quantitative Analysis
Filibuster and Its Impact on Legislative Efficiency: A Policy Analysis
Political Polarization in the House of Representatives: A Comparative Study
Congressional Ethics and Conduct: A Legal Examination
Minority Representation in the U.S. Congress: A Quantitative Analysis
Leadership Dynamics in Congress: A Historical Review
Term Limits and Legislative Productivity: An Empirical Investigation
Congressional Budgeting Process: A Critical Examination
Lawmaking and the Influence of Interest Groups: A Comparative Analysis
Checks and Balances: The Role of Congress in National Security Policy-Making

Political Behavior and American Government Essay Topics

Identity Politics and Policy Preferences in American Government
Shifts in American Political Behavior: Historical Analysis
Public Opinion, Ideology, and Policy Change in U.S. Politics
Media Consumption and Its Influence on Political Preferences
Digital Democracy: How the Internet Has Transformed Political Participation
Voting Behavior and Electoral Outcomes: An Empirical Examination
Effects of Civic Education on Political Engagement: A Comparative Study
Partisan Realignment and Its Consequences for American Politics
Dynamics of Political Polarization in Contemporary America
Political Trust and Its Relationship With Government Performance
Cultural Factors and Their Influence on Political Attitudes
Citizen Engagement and Its Relationship With Political Accountability
Exploring the Nexus Between Socioeconomic Status and Political Behavior
Environmental Concerns and Their Influence on Voting Behavior
Political Socialization and Its Impact on Political Affiliation
Understanding Populism in the Context of American Politics
Racial Politics and Its Effect on the American Government
Religious Beliefs and Their Influence on Political Behavior
Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: A Historical Analysis

Political Theory and American Government Essay Topics

Applying Rawlsian Justice to American Policy Making
Hobbes and the Foundation of American Political Structure
Lockean Ideals in the American Declaration of Independence
Exploring the Influence of Machiavellian Theory on U.S. Politics
Marxist Interpretations of American Economic Policies
Application of Communitarianism in U.S. Social Welfare Policies
Classical Republicanism and Its Echoes in American Government
Neo-Conservatism and Its Theoretical Foundations in U.S. Politics
Postmodern Perspectives on American Democracy
Utilitarianism and Its Reflection on American Economic Policies
Feminist Political Theory and Its Relevance in U.S. Politics
Concepts of Liberty in American Political Discourse: A Theoretical Analysis
Civil Disobedience: From Thoreau to Modern American Protests
Pluralism and Interest Group Politics in America
Exploring Libertarianism in the Context of U.S. Government Policies
Populism as a Political Theory: Reflections in American Politics
Deliberative Democracy in Practice: U.S. Town Hall Meetings
Contractualism and the American Constitution: A Theoretical Analysis
Understanding Identity Politics through the Lens of Queer Theory in the U.S.
Anarchist Theories and Their Relevance to American Political Movements

Public Policy and Administration Topics

Understanding Policy Feedback and Its Implications on Program Sustainability
Public Administration Reforms: Comparative Analysis of Best Practices
Fiscal Federalism and Public Policy Making in Decentralized Systems
Emergent Public Policy Challenges in Cybersecurity
Public Administration and Crisis Management: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Public Policy Responses to Technological Disruption
Transparency, Accountability, and Ethics in Public Administration
Policy Diffusion in Intergovernmental Relations: Patterns and Challenges
Incorporating Behavioral Insights Into Public Policy Design
Interrogating the Influence of Lobbying on Public Policy
Urban Planning Policies and Sustainable Development Goals
Gender Mainstreaming Strategies in Public Policy and Administration
Public Administration’s Adaptation to Digital Transformation
Healthcare Policy Reforms: Balancing Efficiency and Equity
Exploring the Nexus of Public Policy and Social Justice
Multiculturalism in Public Policy: Incorporating Diversity in Service Delivery
Trade Policy Negotiations and National Interests: A Diplomatic Tightrope
Fostering Innovation and Creativity through Education Policies
Public Policy Making in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges

Questions About the American Government

American Government System: Why Does It Operate on a Two-Party Structure?
Supreme Court Appointments: How Do They Influence the Balance of Power?
Understanding the Bill of Rights: Which Amendments Have Provoked the Most Controversy?
Federalism in America: How Does It Affect State Policies?
Impeachment Process in the United States: What Are the Criteria and Consequences?
Why Does the United States Employ an Electoral College in Presidential Elections?
American Government and Lobbying: Is There a Need for Stricter Regulations?
Deciphering the Role of Super PACs in American Politics: Are They a Necessity?
How Does Gerrymandering Influence Political Representation in America?
Citizens United Decision: What Are Its Implications on American Democracy?
Understanding the Powers and Limitations of the American Presidency: Is It Truly a Democratic Office?
How Does the American Constitution Protect Individual Rights?
Campaign Finance in American Elections: How Does It Affect Political Outcomes?
Functioning of the American Legislative Branch: What Makes It Efficient?
Why Do Executive Orders Play a Vital Part in the Functioning of the American Government?
Effect of Gridlock in Congress on American Policy Making: Is It Detrimental?
How Does Public Opinion Influence Government Decision-Making in the United States?
Influence of Interest Groups on American Government: Boon or Bane?
Bicameral Legislature in America: What Are Its Rationale and Significance?

State and Local Government Essay Topics in the American System

Decentralization Dynamics: A Study of Power Shifts in State and Local Governments
Strategizing Municipal Finance: Effective Revenue Generation Models
State Sovereignty vs. Federal Guidelines: An Examination of Conflict and Cooperation
Examining the Efficacy of Participatory Budgeting in Local Government
Local Governments and Environmental Sustainability: Policy Design and Implementation
Diversity in Local Government Leadership: A Comprehensive Analysis
Education Policy Formulation at the State Level: A Comparative Study
Municipal Bond Market: Understanding Its Function in Infrastructure Development
Public Health Management at the State Level: Lessons From Pandemic Response
Understanding Land Use Policy: A Perspective From Local Governments
Fiscal Decentralization: Its Effect on State and Local Economic Development
Urban Planning and Local Governments: A Critical Analysis of Current Practices
Evaluating the Effectiveness of State Governments in Disaster Management
State Government Pension Systems: An Analytical Review of Their Sustainability
Public Transportation Policy: A Case Study of State-Level Initiatives
Revenue Sharing Between States and Localities: An Assessment of Current Mechanisms
Local Government and Community Engagement: Strategies for Effective Citizen Participation
Accountability Measures in State Government: An Investigation of Transparency Practices
Public-Private Partnerships in Local Government: A Review of Best Practices
Challenges and Solutions in State-Level Cybersecurity Policy Implementation

The Constitution and Bill of Rights Topics

Interpreting Freedom: First Amendment Controversies in the Digital Age
Second Amendment Debates: Understanding the Constitution and Gun Control
Protection vs. Privacy: The Fourth Amendment in an Era of Technology
The Eighth Amendment: Contemporary Challenges in the Context of Criminal Justice
Dilemmas of Due Process: A Critical Examination of the Fifth Amendment
Origins and Applications: A Deep Dive Into the Tenth Amendment
Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments: Understanding Their Significance
Cultural Shifts and Constitutional Interpretation: Exploring the Changing Landscape
Examining the Thirteenth Amendment: The Legacy of Abolition and Modern-Day Implications
Constitutional Equality: The Unratified Equal Rights Amendment
The Nineteenth Amendment and Beyond: Women’s Suffrage and Contemporary Gender Politics
Voting Rights: The Twenty-Sixth Amendment and Current Debates on Age and Citizenship
The Jurisprudence of the Supreme Court: Notable Cases Interpreting the Bill of Rights
Constitutional Debates and Democracy: Analyzing the Balance of Powers
Influence of International Law on Constitutional Interpretation
How the Bill of Rights Influences Modern Social Movements
The Constitution and Indigenous Rights: Historical Context and Present Implications
Reevaluating the Commerce Clause: A Critical Exploration in the Context of Globalization
Constitutional Perspectives on Data Privacy and Protection

The Judicial Branch of Government Essay Topics in American Politics

Deciphering Judicial Independence: Origins, Challenges, and Prospects
Understanding the Supreme Court: Composition, Function, and Influence
Appointment Controversies: Analyzing the Supreme Court Nominations
Federal Courts and Politics: An Examination of Judicial Decision-Making
Checks and Balances: The Judiciary and the Executive Power
Courts as Policy Makers: Exploring Activism Within the Judicial Branch
The Art of Interpretation: Statutory Construction in the Supreme Court
From Marbury to Modernity: The Evolution of Judicial Review
Exploring Sentencing Disparities: An Examination of Federal Courts
Diversity in the Judiciary: Assessing Representation in Federal Courts
Law, Order, and Ethics: A Critical Analysis of Judicial Conduct
Public Perception and Confidence in the Judicial Branch
Case Precedent and Legal Stability: The Doctrine of Stare Decisis
Securing Justice: The Role of Federal Public Defenders
Judicial Power in the Context of Constitutional Crises
Assessing the Effectiveness of Specialized Courts: A Comparative Study
Judicial Restraint and Activism: Ideology in Supreme Court Rulings
The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties: Trends and Implications
Administrative Law and Federal Courts: A Study in Regulatory Litigation
International Law in U.S. Courts: Application and Controversy

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122 american government research paper topics for you.

American government research paper topics lie under the political science category in schools, universities, and colleges. Many educators ask learners to write about these topics when pursuing political studies.

But, writing about these ideas is not an easy task due to the dynamic nature of politics. Ideally, political tides keep shifting every day. However, students should write about fresh and original ideas to impress their educators and earn top grades.

American Government Research Paper Outline

After picking a topic and researching it, a learner should write a paper with the following sections.

Introduction: This section should introduce your topic to the readers and briefly tell the readers what you’ll be discussing in the paper. It should also have your thesis statement or problem statement.
Literature review: Here, your paper should highlight relevant studies relating to your topics. Include information about past studies that you have used to research your title.
Methodology: This section should tell readers about your research methods and how you analyzed information about your topic.
Findings: Tell readers about your research findings in this section. You can describe and evaluate the results.
Conclusion: Summarize everything and tell the audience how your findings support your thesis statement. Also, recommend or suggest further studies on the topic if necessary.

Selecting interesting American government paper topics is perhaps, the essential thing when working on this assignment. That’s because you will spend a lot of time gathering and analyzing information. If you pick a dull topic, you won’t enjoy working on your paper. Here are exciting issues to consider when writing a piece about the American government.

Exciting American Government Topics

If the educator didn’t assign you topics for your American government essays, pick titles that you will find exciting to work with from the beginning to the end. Here are exciting ideas to consider for your papers.

Does the federal government have too much, enough, or the right power amount?
Effects of the 14th Amendment on the United States’ civil liberties
Why the Equal Rights Amendment failed
Direct democracy vs. representative democracy
Should the law extend democratic decision-making to the government, workplace, and school?
How New Jersey and Virginia plans led to the Great Compromise
What should the U.S. constitution change about the government?
States versus the federal government- Which deserve more power?
Which programs can compel more people to participate in local and presidential elections?
Is gerrymandering dangerous to presidential elections and voting?
A comparison of the United States’ political parties- What are their election policies?
Should the government require schools to secure a warrant for searching students’ properties?
Does the First Amendment provide the fundamental right?
Which branch in the federal government wields the most power?
How presidents have used the executive orders in the U.S. history
How many executive orders has the current President issued?
Should congress members vote by following the people’s will or their conscience?
Should the congress members have term limits?
A comparison of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate
Why do some people call the media the 4th branch of government?
How social media has strengthened political parties in the U.S.
What are the primary sources of funds for political campaigns in the U.S?

These are compelling topics that will captivate your professor or teacher to read your paper. Nevertheless, research your idea extensively to develop a winning essay.

Legislative Branch of Government Topics

Perhaps, you’re interested in a topic about the legislature. In that case, this category comprises topics you’ll find fascinating to work on from the beginning to the end.

The role of advocates, opponents, and experts in the rejection or passage of a bill
Why does the number of subcommittees and committees matter?
Describe the legislative process that the Senate follows
Why does the decisive vote by the Vice President matter to the Senate?
The 17th Amendment ratification in 1913
Why representatives should elect their house speaker
The essence of the 25th Amendment to the legislature and the house
How effective is the Senate in committee hearings and inquiries
Why the Congress should have powers to remove a seating President
Passing a bill- What is the origin of the two-third majority rule?
The importance of the Senate in approving presidential appointments
Why does the 25-year age limit matter when vying?
Why house representatives should sever for over two terms
The essence of the census in determining the representatives’ number
A critical evaluation of the Senate and House of Representatives
Is the American legislature an accurate reflection of women’s representation?
Is the United States Congress adequately constituted?

Consider these ideas and then explore them through research to develop informative papers. Aim to provide relevant and valuable information through your essay to impress the educator.

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for College & University Students

Perhaps, you’re in college or university, and you need a topic for your research paper. In that case, consider the following titles for your essays.

How reliable are presidential election polls?
American government’s public relations and their essence in its success
Clinton and Bush war doctrines
What is the U.S. government’s stance on immigration?
Why the 2008 U.S. Presidential election was a biased female politician’s depiction in the mass media
How the constitution balances power between the government branches
How the U.S. government influence the American democracy
How the government’s bureaucratic processes influence modern America
How the U.S. government’s foreign policies affect the European politics
The government’s role in fighting against terrorism
How political scandals affect the U.S. government
How divisions in the U.S. government affect its functioning
Foreign policy by the U.S. government- Guns or words?
The U.S. government and church interconnections- How do they influence society morals?
The U.S. government policy on speech freedom in modern society
Should direct voting replace the Electoral College system?
The pros and cons of the U.S. government policy on marijuana legalization
The U.S. government censorship- Should citizens watch whatever they want?
An empiric study of money distribution by the U.S. government
What is the U.S. government’s policy on outsourcing?
Describe the U.S. government’s policies about the web
Does the U.S. government have a religious aspect?
What are the issues facing the Federal government in the U.S.?
How the U.S. government policies affect social inequality
The U.S. government’s main principles and their implementation during the XXI century

Some of the topics in this category require high-level research to produce quality papers. Nevertheless, you can write a good essay if you take the time to research your preferred idea.

Government Research Paper Topics about the Executive Arm

Maybe you’re interested in the executive arm of the U.S. government. In that case, explore these topics about this branch of the U.S. government.

Why the Department of Defense is the most significant arm of the U.S. government
Does the committee have the correct number of departments to meet the U.S. people’s needs?
Why is the cabinet comprised of the closest confidants of the President?
Is it right for the U.S. president to select the cabinet members alone?
Why the White House Chief of Staff has to be the closest adviser of the President?
Why do Vice Presidents have a unique approach to their role?
What is the national relevance of the President’s Oval Office?
Is it necessary for the First Family and the President to live in the White House?
Is the congressional delegation during the electoral vote a representation of the people’s will?
What is the meaning of the State of the Union Address for a President?
What are the President’s powers?
Explain how the federal government administers and enforces federal laws
Does the President have the ability to appoint independent national commissions heads?
How the Congress affects overwriting a President’s veto
Should the constitution allow the President unlimited powers to extend amnesties and pardons for federal crimes?
Advantages and disadvantages of the Affordable Care Act by President Obama

Most research paper topics in this category revolve around the cabinet, vice president, and President. Nevertheless, they can be the basis of good academic papers.

Politics Topics to Write about in High School

If looking for political topics for high school, this section has the best ideas for you.

Is it right or wrong for the U.S government to monitor the public?
Government incentives and globalization
Government aid and U.S. airways
What is the difference between a parliamentary government and a presidential government?
Should the U.S. government regulate the internet?
How religion affects the U.S. government
Business and government relations
Does the government control equality?
Influence of government policies on wealth and income distribution
Local and state government accounting
What is the role of government in the market economy?
Does the constitution give citizens obligations and duties to the U.S. government?
What are the principles of the United States government?
Does the U.S. government control the media?
Issues facing the U.S. federal government

These are exciting topics in American politics and the government for high school students. Nevertheless, learners should research their topics extensively to write quality papers.

Questions about American Government

Perhaps, you’re looking for questions you can answer in your paper about the American government. In that case, here are brilliant ideas to consider.

Between representative and direct democracy, which is the best option for Americans?
What can convince more people to participate in the U.S. election?
Between the federal and the state government, which is the most powerful and why?
Who funds political campaigns in the U.S.?
Is the media the fourth U.S. government branch?
Do Congress members follow their voters’ will?
How do the U.S. presidents use their executive privileges?
Why are presidential election polls unreliable?
Does the U.S. federal government have excess power?
What led to the failure of the Equal Rightnecessarynt in the Senate?
Why is the U.S First Amendment so important to Americans’ human rights?
Is reducing the federal budget deficit important?
Has the U.S. government contributed to citizens’ inequality?
How does religion affect the U.S. government and citizens?
What are the effects of the ruling party on the U.S. government?
What is the U.S. government’s role in the American economy?

These questions can be the basis of excellent American government research topics. Nevertheless, research your preferred idea to develop a winning paper.

Public Policy Research Paper Topics

Perhaps, you want to write about a topic that touches on the public interest. In that case, consider the ideas in this category.

Should the U.S. government legalize marijuana?
Should the U.S. government change the public healthcare policy?
Should the government ban alcohol commercials from television?
Should state governments tackle the high divorce rate?
Ways for the U.S. government to address the gun ownership issue?
Does the U.S. government infringe on the citizens’ privacy through public surveillance?
Should the U.S. government regulate university and college education fees?
How does the U.S. government benefit from the high number of people completing higher education?
Should the U.S. government require immigrants to learn the national language?
Should the U.S. government make vaccines compulsory?

Writing an American research paper can be fun if you pick the right topic. Therefore, take your time to identify the best issues to write about, and you will earn the top grades in your class.

Get Professional Paper Writing Help

If unable to write a paper on any of these topics, seek professional assistance from the best writers online. Our crew comprises skilled and experienced writers with a proven track record of providing fast and reliable services to students. Regardless of your topic’s complexity or the professor’s requirements, we can write a winning paper for you. Contact us now for a cheap but quality paper writing service!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, need ideas for government-related argumentative essay topics.

My AP Gov teacher assigned us an argumentative essay and I'm kinda stuck on choosing a topic. Anyone got suggestions for interesting government-related topics that I could use for my essay? Much appreciated!

I'm happy to help you brainstorm some interesting government-related topics for your argumentative essay! Here's a list of ideas:

1. Campaign finance reform: Explore the pros and cons of implementing stricter regulations on campaign contributions, such as limiting the influence of Super PACs or reducing the impact of dark money in politics.

2. Electoral College reform: Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of changing the current Electoral College system, with alternatives such as direct popular vote or ranked-choice voting.

3. Separation of powers: Analyze the effectiveness of the current separation of powers between the three branches of government, and consider whether additional checks and balances are needed.

4. Privacy rights vs. national security: Examine the ongoing debate surrounding government surveillance and the potential infringement on individual privacy rights in the name of national security.

5. Mandatory voting: Explore the idea of implementing compulsory voting in the United States like some other countries, weighing the pros and cons of increased civic engagement vs. potential coercion or infringement on personal freedom.

6. Gerrymandering: Investigate the impact of gerrymandering on the U.S political system and consider various reform proposals to eliminate or minimize the practice.

7. Term limits for Congress: Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of instituting term limits for U.S. Representatives and Senators, analyzing the potential impact on government efficiency vs. the loss of experienced lawmakers.

8. Reducing the influence of special interest groups: Examine the role of special interest groups and lobbyists in shaping policy, and discuss potential reforms to reduce their power in the legislative process.

9. Universal basic income: Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a universal basic income (UBI) program in the U.S., considering factors like poverty reduction, economic growth, and potential changes in incentives to work.

10. Government healthcare: Analyze the pros and cons of implementing a single-payer healthcare system or expanding the existing Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States, taking into account potential impacts on healthcare coverage, affordability, and quality.

I hope this list sparks some inspiration! Good luck with your argumentative essay, and remember to provide strong evidence for your chosen stance to make your argument convincing.

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Political essay topics

Here are some basic topics for your political essay. Loads of students go for writing a political ideology essay.

Broader topics, on the other hand, cover connections between politics and other institutions like the church, religion, history, philosophy, etc.

When and how did the politics originate?
The connection between politics and religion.
Comparison of electoral systems in the world.
The most influential political figure of the XX century.
The political decision that has changed your country at most.
What is better for the world, globalization or nationalism?
Democracy: pros and cons.
Correlation between morality and power.
Terrorism as a political instrument.
Totalitarianism: pros and cons.
The environmental question in the politics of your country.
The impact of international relations on your country in the last ten years.
Change in politics at wartime.
The philosophy of politics.
Pros and cons of the political system in your country.

Political socialization essay

Usually, socialization topics cover various aspects of society and life. These topics can be connected with peoples or particular groups of people regarding the political context.

You may try writing a political cartoon essay, too. If you’re a fan.

Psychology of politics.
Are civil wars a failure of national politicians?
Which ways of reducing corruption in your country do you know?
What makes lots of people around the whole world think politics is immoral?
Does gender discrimination affect politics in your country?
How do you see the ideal political system?
How do cultural norms influence politics in different countries?
Should social movements have an impact on politics?
Connections between politics and the media.
Political scandals: pros and cons.
Are strikes and protests an efficient method of influencing the work of government?
How should government regulate privacy and internet safety?
Your position towards the death penalty.
Do people in your country have enough civil rights?
Advantages and disadvantages of legalizing drugs.

Political science essay topics

As those topics below are scientific, they most surely would demand reading a decent amount of literature about political history and its development.

Here students usually go for political systems thematic essays, yet we’ll try to offer something more interesting.

It can be a daunting assignment, but if you enjoy studying history and being super accurate that’s exactly what you’re looking for!

Description of democratization processes.
Development of politics in your country.
Analysis of civil wars phenomenon.
Nature of political conflicts.
The system of political parties in your country.
History of international relations.
Influence of non-state actors on the international arena.
Analysis of modern international relations.
The concept of power balance.
Modern conflict science.
Collisions in international law.
Ancient / Asian / Islamic / Christian political thought.
State and local government in your country.
The founding of the political system in your country.
The foreign policy of your country.

Political argumentative essay topics

Argumentative topics are fascinating, right? If you pick one, you’ll inevitably begin a fierce discussion about it.

Usually, there are two options available: for or against, yes or no, one side or the other.

If you have strong beliefs about any political topic, you should give it a try. That’s for sure. A political corruption essay would be a good start, but there is no reason to avoid searching for other options…

Do you think a war is always a political decision?
Should a politician be cruel or merciful?
Is your country headed in the right direction?
What do you regard as a more important thing: people’s privacy or national security?
Presidential republics or parliamentary republics?
What is more effective nowadays, war or diplomacy?
Can we completely overcome corruption?
Do revolutions cause more good or harm?
Are nuclear weapons a crucial need for countries in the XXI century?
Should America build the wall?

Political persuasive essay topics

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? Do you enjoy dreaming and breaking the existing frames society lives in? If yes, then the persuasive topic is what you need.

There can be no right or wrong point of view in such questions. Diverse opinions, that’s what it would be called more likely. The most popular type among students is a political party essay.

Have your own special vision on it? Cool! Write it down.

Want something else? Try these out!

Do you believe in your country’s democracy?
If you had the opportunity, which law would you add to your country’s legislation?
Tell about the most controversial political figure of your state and your attitude towards him/her.
Suggest ways of coping with corruption.
How do you see the future of politics?
Which political party in your country do you support and why?
Which political change or situation stroke you most during the last year?
Imagine creating your political party. What will it be like?
What is the most winning international rapport your country maintains?
Tell me how would you build your own state.

On balance…

I hope you’re full of fresh thoughts even if you didn’t choose any of the topics above.

Actually, politics is so multifaceted and diverse that you will definitely find something acceptable.

Finally, yet importantly, if you would consider the issue attractive, try writing an essay on political correctness. Why not?..

Do politics seem to be way too boring? We have trained professionals here, who strive to write a top-notch essay for you! Order it now and enjoy your free time…

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Political Science Essay Topics

Get Inspired by 200 Political Science Essay Topic Ideas

15 min read

Published on: May 8, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Political science is a fascinating and ever-evolving field that seeks to understand the complex workings of politics. As a student of political science, writing essays on political science topics can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge.

But finding an excellent topic for your essay is often the most difficult part. Don’t worry if you’re stuck at choosing a topic - delve into our list of topics to find inspiration!

In this blog, we've compiled a list of almost 200 political science essay topics. This list covers a wide range of topics and subfields within political science. These thought-provoking essay topics will inspire you to explore new ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

So let’s delve into it!

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Public Policy and Administration Essay Topics

The role of public policy in promoting sustainable development.
An analysis of the impact of social media on public policy decision-making.
The challenges of implementing public policy in diverse cultural contexts.
A comparative study of public healthcare policies in different countries.
The role of public-private partnerships in promoting economic development.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of public policy in addressing climate change.
The impact of globalization on public policy and administration.
The challenges of balancing individual rights and public safety in policy-making.
An analysis of the role of bureaucracy in public policy administration.
The ethical challenges facing public policy decision-makers and administrators.

Political Theory and Political Philosophy Essay Topics

The concept of justice in political philosophy
The views on power in political philosophy
The relationship between democracy and capitalism in political theory.
The role of civil disobedience in democratic societies: a philosophical perspective.
The relationship between individual freedom and social responsibility in political theory.
The role of the state in ensuring social justice in modern democracies.
A critical analysis of the concept of sovereignty.
The relationship between ethics and politics in the work of Aristotle.
A comparative study of the political thought of Plato and Machiavelli.
Feminist political theory and its role in promoting gender equality in democratic societies.

Comparative Politics Essay Topics

What are the different electoral systems used in democratic countries?
The role of political parties in democratic governance: a comparative analysis.
The impact of religion on politics in different countries: a comparative study.
The challenges of democratic consolidation in transitional societies: a comparative perspective.
A comparative analysis of the welfare state in different countries.
The role of civil society in democratic governance: a comparative study.
A comparative study of the political systems of federal and unitary states.
The impact of historical legacies on contemporary political systems: a comparative analysis.
A comparative analysis of the parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
The impact of globalization on political systems: a comparative study.

Political Economy Essay Topics

The impact of globalization on economic inequality: a critical analysis.
The role of the state in economic development: a comparative study.
A comparative study of capitalist and socialist economic systems.
The relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The impact of technological innovation on economic development.
The role of multinational corporations in shaping global economic governance.
A comparative study of the economic policies of different political regimes.
The impact of financialization on the global economy.
The relationship between trade liberalization and economic growth: a critical analysis.
The role of international organizations in shaping global economic governance.

American Politics and Government Essay Topics

The impact of political polarization on American democracy.
Government influence in the economics of the US.
Culture wars as the most important political issue in contemporary United States
The challenges of federalism in a diverse and complex society.
A critical analysis of the role of interest groups in American politics.
The impact of media on American politics and public opinion.
A comparative study of the voting systems used in different American states.
The role of the Electoral College in American presidential elections.
The impact of money on American politics: a case study of a recent election.
A critical analysis of the role of the Constitution in shaping American politics and society.

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International Relations and Diplomacy Essay Topics

The impact of globalization on international relations.
A comparative study of the foreign policies of major powers.
The role of diplomacy in conflict resolution: a case study of a recent conflict.
The impact of economic interdependence on international relations.
The role of international law and diplomacy in global governance.
The role of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security.
The role of soft power in shaping international relations
The impact of nationalism on international relations.
The relationship between technology and diplomacy in the 21st century.
The threat of nuclear weapons and nuclear war

Essay Topics About Regional Politics

How has the European Union navigated the challenges posed by Brexit and the rise of right-wing populism?
What role does the African Union play in promoting regional integration and economic development on the continent?
How successful has ECOWAS been in promoting peace and security in West Africa?
What challenges does ASEAN face in promoting economic integration and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia?
How has SAARC contributed to regional stability and economic development in South Asia?
What impact has the BRICS group had on global economic governance and geopolitics?
What are the implications of China's increasing influence in the Asia-Pacific region for regional stability and security?
How have the member states of Caricom worked together to promote economic integration and development in the Caribbean?
The evolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its role in the Middle East?
How have regional organizations and powers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what lessons can be learned from their experiences?

Political Science Education and Career Essay Topics

The benefits of studying political science for a career in public service.
The job prospects for political science graduates.
The impact of technology on the future of political science careers.
A comparative analysis of political science programs offered by different universities.
The role of internships in preparing political science students for a career in public service.
Diversity and inclusion in political science education and careers.
The salaries and benefits of political science professionals.
The role of professional associations in supporting political science education and careers.
The skills required for a successful career in political science.
The impact of globalization on political science education and careers.

Essay Topics About Political Parties and Elections

The impact of financial influence in politics on democratic elections.
The role of political parties in shaping democratic elections.
The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections.
A critical analysis of voter suppression in recent elections.
The role of interest groups in shaping election outcomes.
A comparative study of primary election systems used in different states.
The impact of political advertising on voter behavior.
A critical analysis of the role of political action committees in shaping election outcomes.
The impact of gerrymandering on democratic representation.
The role of charismatic leadership in elections

Essay Topics About Political Ideologies

An analysis of the major political ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism.
The role of ideology in shaping public policy.
A critical analysis of the relationship between democracy and different political ideologies.
The impact of globalization on the spread of political ideologies.
A comparative analysis of feminist and gender-based political ideologies.
The role of religion in shaping political ideologies.
A critical analysis of the intersection of race and political ideologies.
A study of the political ideologies behind different social movements.
The role of political ideologies in shaping political parties and elections.
The impact of political ideologies on political violence and terrorism.

Essay Topics About Human Rights and Justice

A critical analysis of the role of international law in promoting human rights and justice.
The impact of globalization on human rights and justice.
A comparative study of the human rights and justice systems in different countries.
The role of the United Nations in promoting human rights and justice.
A critical analysis of the intersection of human rights and social justice movements.
The impact of human rights abuses on democratic governance.
The role of civil society organizations in promoting human rights and justice.
A comparative study of restorative and retributive justice systems.
The impact of technology on the promotion and protection of human rights.
The role of the media in promoting human rights and justice.

Essay Topics About Gender and Politics

Representation of women in politics in different countries.
The impact of gender on voting behavior and political participation.
A critical analysis of the intersection of race and gender in politics.
The role of gender in shaping public policy.
A comparative analysis of the political representation of women in different regions.
The impact of social media on the gendered nature of political discourse.
A critical analysis of the gendered dimensions of political violence and conflict.
The role of gender in shaping political leadership styles.
A comparative study of the impact of gender quotas on political representation.
The role of feminist movements in shaping political agendas.

Essay Topics About Environmental Politics

The impact of climate change on global politics.
The role of international organizations in shaping environmental policies.
A comparative study of the environmental policies of different countries.
The impact of environmental policies on economic development.
The relationship between environmental justice and social justice.
The role of civil society organizations in shaping environmental policies.
Market-based vs command-and-control environmental policies.
The impact of the media on shaping public opinion on environmental issues.
A critical analysis of the relationship between environmental politics and global governance.
The role of science in shaping environmental policies.

Essay Topics About Media and Politics

The role of media in shaping political discourse.
The impact of social media on political communication and participation.
A comparative analysis of media systems and their impact on political outcomes.
The role of media in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.
An analysis of the relationship between media ownership and political bias.
The impact of fake news and disinformation on political processes and outcomes.
A comparative study of media regulation in different countries.
The role of investigative journalism in holding political leaders accountable.
The impact of media consolidation on political diversity and representation.
The relationship between media and democracy.

Essay Topics About Political Culture and Identity

The relationship of political culture on democratic governance.
The role of cultural identities in shaping political behavior.
The impact of cultural diversity on political processes and outcomes.
A critical analysis of the role of nationalism in shaping political identities.
The impact of populism on political culture and identity.
The role of gender and sexuality in shaping political identities.
A critical analysis of the relationship between religion and politics.
The impact of migration on cultural identities and political participation.
The role of art and culture in shaping political identity and activism.
The relationship between language and political identity.

Essay Topics About Political Geography and Geopolitics

A study of the impact of geography on political boundaries and territorial disputes.
A comparative analysis of political systems in different regions of the world.
The impact of natural resources on geopolitical relations and conflicts.
A critical analysis of the role of global institutions in shaping geopolitical outcomes.
The impact of infrastructure development on geopolitical relations.
A comparative study of the influence of colonialism on modern political geography.
The role of geography in shaping economic development policies.
The impact of migration on political geography and geopolitics.
The impact of climate change on political geography and geopolitics.
The role of technological innovation in shaping political geography and geopolitics.

Essay About Political Leadership and Decision-making

A critical analysis of the qualities and characteristics of effective political leaders.
The impact of leadership styles on decision-making in politics.
A comparative analysis of leadership styles and their impact on political outcomes.
The role of emotions and intuition in political decision-making.
The relationship between power and leadership in politics.
The impact of charismatic leadership on political influence.
The decision-making process in crisis situations in politics.
The role of communication skills in effective political leadership and decision-making.
A comparative analysis of the decision-making process in democratic and authoritarian systems.
The rise of global populist leadership.

Essay Topics About War and Peace

The causes and consequences of war in the modern era.
The effectiveness of different conflict resolution mechanisms.
The role of international law in regulating armed conflicts and promoting peace.
The role of peacekeeping operations in managing conflicts.
The impact of new technologies on the dynamics of modern warfare.
A comparative study of different approaches to peacebuilding and their effectiveness.
The role of diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflicts.
A study of the relationship between economic interdependence and peace.
The role of media in shaping public perceptions of war and peace.
The impact of environmental factors on the risk of conflict and the prospects for peace.

Political Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the United Nations have the authority to intervene in sovereign nations to prevent human rights abuses?
Is democracy the best form of government, or are there other viable alternatives?
Should the government have the right to regulate free speech in order to protect against hate speech and incitement to violence?
To what extent should the government be involved in regulating the economy?
Should the electoral college be abolished in favor of a popular vote for presidential elections?
Is democracy the ideal political system for every country in the world?
Should political candidates be required to release their tax returns in order to run for office?
Is political correctness a threat to free speech and academic freedom?
Should the government be responsible for ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all citizens?
Should the right to bear arms be protected, or should gun ownership be more strictly regulated for public safety?

Political Science Persuasive Essay Topics

The government should provide universal healthcare to all citizens.
Elected officials should be required to disclose their financial interests and conflicts of interest.
Renewable energy sources should be prioritized over fossil fuels to combat climate change.
The electoral college should be abolished in favor of a popular vote for presidential elections.
Voter ID laws should be eliminated to ensure fair and equal access to the ballot box.
The United States should increase its investment in education and reduce its military spending.
The minimum wage should be raised to a living wage in order to combat poverty.
The United States should adopt a policy of open borders and allow for more immigration.
The government should regulate social media platforms to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
The United States should take a more active role in combating human rights abuses and promoting democracy around the world.

How to Choose a Political Science Topic for Your Essay

Now that you have read some good political science essay topic ideas, you must be wondering which one to choose. This is because with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right topic.

Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:

Choose a Topic that Interests you:

It is essential to choose a topic that you are passionate about. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging.

Do Your Research:

Conduct preliminary research on each of your potential topics to see if there is enough literature and data available. You can use academic databases, books, and reputable websites to gather information.

Consider your Audience:

Think about your audience and what they might find interesting and relevant. Choose a topic that is not only relevant to your course but also to the broader political context.

Narrow Down your Focus:

Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow them down to a few that are more specific and manageable. You can do this by asking yourself questions such as, "What is the purpose of my essay?" and "What is my main argument?"

Keep it Relevant:

Choose a topic that is current and relevant to the present political landscape or the course you are studying. This will help keep your essay engaging and informative.

Consult with your Instructor:

Finally, if you are unsure about your topic or have questions about the assignment, don't hesitate to consult with your instructor. They can offer valuable insights and advice on how to approach your topic and structure your essay.

To Wrap it Up,

Political science is a fascinating field that offers a lot of topics for students to study. It's important to choose a topic that is both interesting to you and relevant to the course material.

With the list of 200 essay topics provided above, you can get an inspiration for your own essay. Moreover, by following the tips for choosing a topic, you can narrow down your options to find a manageable and engaging topic.

Struggling with your political science essay? Our expert essay helpers are here to assist you every step of the way. Trust our political science essay writing service to deliver top-notch papers tailored to your needs.

And for an even smoother writing experience, don't forget to explore our AI essay writer tool .

Cordon J. (Education)

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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150 Political Essay Topics

Whether it’s for a political science class, government class, or history class, you will eventually have to write a political essay. A political essay explores the various explanations for particular events that have transpired in the past and the different effects of those events on society and politics.

Political essays can be pretty challenging for students because the depth and scope of the subject matter can be quite vast. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about the workings of government and the political process can make writing a political essay quite difficult.

Fortunately, we’ve created a handy guide detailing essential components of political essay writing. Additionally, we’ve included 150 political essay topics students can use to get started.

The Basic Components of a Political Essay

Regardless of the topic’s complexity, political essays all have the same essential components – an introduction, a thesis, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Students can create an assertive and well-crafted political essay by understanding how these components work together.

The Introduction

The introduction of a political essay should grab the reader’s attention and give them an overview of the main points covered in the essay. An excellent way to do this is by starting with a provocative statement or posing a thought-provoking question. A great example of a political essay introduction could sound something like:

“In a world where the powerful seem to always get their way, is there any hope for democracy?”

The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most critical component of a political essay. It is the main argument or points that the essay will be making. Everything else in the essay should support the thesis statement. A thesis statement is probably the most challenging part of writing a political essay for many students because it can be challenging to distill the essay’s main argument into one or two sentences.

Some tips for writing a strong thesis statement include:

Make sure that the thesis statement is arguable. In other words, it should be something that someone could reasonably disagree with.
Be as specific as possible. A thesis statement that is too vague will make it difficult to write a strong essay.
Keep it short and to the point. A thesis statement should be no more than one or two sentences.

Great examples of a political essay thesis statement include:

“The current state of democracy is in danger due to the rise of populist leaders who exploit the fears of the people.”

“The government should do more to combat the rising inequality in society by implementing policies that help the working class.”

The Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of a political essay are where the essay’s main argument will be fleshed out in detail. Each body paragraph should focus on one specific point that supports the thesis statement. When writing body paragraphs, it is essential to:

Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point
Support the topic sentence with evidence from credible sources.
Connect the evidence back to the thesis statement.
Repeat for each body paragraph.

The Conclusion

The conclusion of a political essay should sum up the main points of the essay and leave the reader with a solid and clear understanding of the argument being made. A great conclusion should:

Restate the thesis statement in different words.
Summarize the main points of the essay.
Leave the reader with something to think about.

Some examples of final thoughts to end a political essay could be:

“It is clear that democracy is under threat from populist leaders. However, there is still hope as long as people remain engaged and fight for their rights.”

“The current state of democracy may be troubling, but it is nothing new. Throughout history, there have always been those who seek to undermine it. The key is to remain vigilant and to stand up for what we believe in.”

The Do’s and Don’ts of Political Essay Writing

While the tips above will help you write a solid political essay, there are also some things to avoid if you want your essay to be successful. Here are some dos and don’ts of writing a political essay:

Do research your topic inside and out.

A well-informed essay is always more persuasive than one that simply regurgitates the opinions of others. When researching, always use reliable sources and take good notes so you can easily refer back to them later.

Don’t forget to proofread and edit your work.

No matter how well-written and informative an essay is, if it is full of typos and grammatical errors, it will likely not make a good impression on the reader. Before submitting, proofread your work and fix any errors you may have missed.

Do be sure to stay objective.

A political essay is not the place for you to share your personal opinions. Instead, it should be a well-reasoned and unbiased exploration of the topic at hand.

Don’t forget to cite your sources.

If you use any information from outside sources in your essay, be sure to properly cite them according to the required citation style. Not only is failing to do so plagiarism, but it also makes your argument look weaker if you cannot back up your claims with evidence.

Do try to be concise.

A political essay is not the place to ramble on and on. Instead, get to the point and make your argument in as few words as possible. This will keep the reader engaged and prevent them from getting lost in your essay.

With the advice above, you should be well on your way to writing a successful political essay. However, if you need some additional inspiration, here are 150 more essay topics to get you started.

Political Essay Topics About History

Compare and contrast the policies of two different presidents.
How did the Cold War shape American foreign policy?
What was the most significant event of the 20th century?
How did the American Revolution change the political landscape?
What were the causes of World War I?
How did Napoleon Bonaparte rise to power?
What were the significant effects of the French Revolution?
Compare and contrast the American and French Revolutions.
What caused the fall of the Roman Empire?
How did Ancient Greece contribute to modern democracy?
What were the major political parties of the 19th century?
How did the Industrial Revolution change the political landscape?
What were the major triggers of World War II?
What was the Holocaust, and how did it impact politics?
How did the Cold War end?
What are the legacies of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher?
How has the European Union changed over time?
What are the major political parties in power today?
Compare and contrast the administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
How has social media changed the way we engage in politics?

Political Essay Topics About Ideologies

What is the difference between socialism and communism?
What is capitalism, and how has it changed over time?
What is Marxism, and what are its significant tenets?
What is fascism, and how did it come to power?
How do different political parties view taxation?
What is the role of the government in a capitalist society?
How does socialism differ from fascism?
What is the difference between conservatism and liberalism?
What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?
How do different political parties view welfare?
What is the role of the government in a socialist society?
How does communism differ from socialism?
What is the difference between democracy and dictatorship?
What is the role of the government in a communist society?
How do different political parties view education?
What is the difference between environmentalism and climate change activism?
What is the role of the government in protecting the environment?
How do different political parties view gun control?
What is the role of the government in ensuring public safety?
How do different political parties view healthcare?

Political Essay Topics About International Relations

Compare and contrast the foreign policies of two different countries.
How has globalization changed the international political landscape?
What are the major causes of war?
How does terrorism impact international relations?
What is the role of the United Nations in international politics?
What are the significant issues facing the European Union today?
What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and what is its role in international politics?
What are the major issues facing NATO today?
What is the difference between developed and developing countries?
How do developed and developing countries view each other?
What is the role of the International Monetary Fund in international politics?
What are the significant issues facing the International Monetary Fund today?
What is the World Trade Organization, and what is its role in international politics?
What are the major issues facing the World Trade Organization today?

Political Essay Topics About Social Issues

How has the abortion debate changed over time?
Discuss the political influences that make someone pro-choice or pro-life?
How has the gay rights movement changed over time?
Has the government been effective in stymieing the rise of racism?
What is the difference between sexism and misogyny, and is one political party more prone to it than another?
How has the Me Too movement changed the conversation about sexual assault and harassment?
What is the relationship between poverty and crime, and does politics have anything to do with it?
What is the relationship between education and income inequality?
Has the government been effective in tackling income inequality?
How do different political parties view reproductive rights?
How does religion influence politics?
What is the relationship between immigration and crime?

Political Essay Topics About Economic Issues

Should political affiliation have any bearing on economic policy?
What is the difference between a free market and a command economy?
How has globalization changed the world economy?
What are the major issues facing today’s world economy, and are politics to blame?
Should voters or Congress be responsible for economic policy?
What is the role of the government in an economy?
What is the difference between Keynesian economics and supply-side economics?
What is the difference between laissez-faire capitalism and crony capitalism?
How have politics funded the rise of inequality in the United States?
Should the rising cost of healthcare be considered a political issue or a social issue?
How do different political parties view deregulation?

Political Essay Topics About Politicians

Compare and contrast the political careers of two different politicians.
Analyze the effectiveness of a politician’s political campaigns.
Discuss the role that charisma plays in politics.
How much does a politician’s personal life influence their political career?
What is the difference between a successful and unsuccessful politician?
How do special interest groups influence politics?
What is the difference between a lobbyist and a politician?
What is the difference between a career politician and a term politician?
Compare and contrast the political ideologies of two different politicians.
Are career politicians more effective than term politicians?
How do campaign finance laws influence politicians’ decision-making processes?

Political Essay Topics About Elections

Should the Electoral College be reformed or abolished?
What is the difference between primary and general elections?
Discuss the role that voter turnout plays in elections.
How does gerrymandering influence elections?
How do campaign finance laws influence elections?
What is the difference between open and closed elections?
Should there be term limits for politicians?
Should people be allowed to vote by mail or early voting?
How did democratic elections come to be?
Should voting be mandatory?
How can we make sure that every vote is counted?
What is the difference between a hung parliament and a coalition government?
Should countries have more than two political parties?
What is the difference between a first-past-the-post system and a proportional representation system?
What is the difference between a parliamentary system and a presidential system?

Political Essay Topics About Laws and Regulations

How does a bill become a law?
What is the difference between a law and a regulation?
How do regulatory agencies influence politics?
Discuss the pros and cons of gun control laws.
Should there be stricter penalties for hate crimes?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should there be term limits for Supreme Court justices?
What is the difference between civil law and criminal law?
How do interest groups influence the passage of laws?
Should there be limits on campaign spending?
Should corporations be allowed to donate to political campaigns?
What is the difference between a veto and a filibuster?
How does the process of impeachment work?
What is the difference between judicial review and judicial activism?
Should members of Congress be allowed to vote for pay raises?

Political Essay Topics About Foreign Policy

Should the United States have a policy of isolationism?
How does foreign aid influence politics?
Should the United States intervene in other countries’ affairs?
How does the United Nations influence politics?
What is the difference between diplomacy and foreign policy?
How do trade agreements influence politics?
What is the difference between an alliance and a treaty?
How do sanctions influence politics?
What is the difference between a colony and an empire?
How does decolonization influence politics?
How do border disputes influence politics?
What is the difference between a refugee and an immigrant?
How does immigration policy influence politics?
What is the difference between a country and a nation?
How does nationalism influence politics?

Political Essay Topics About Civil Rights and Liberties

What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?
How do the Bill of Rights and the Constitution influence politics?
Should there be limits on free speech?
How do hate speech laws influence politics?
Should there be limits on the right to bear arms?
How do gun control laws influence politics?
What is the difference between a search warrant and a warrantless search?
How do search and seizure laws influence politics?
How do Miranda rights influence police interrogation?
What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?
How do stop and frisk laws influence politics?
Should there be limits on police use of deadly force?
How do racial profiling laws influence politics?
What is the difference between affirmative action and reverse discrimination?
Should there be limits on affirmative action?

No matter the type of essay you need to write, these 150 political essay topics should give you plenty of material to work with. Remember that you can always narrow your focus to a specific country, a specific type of government, or specific law or regulation. And if you need help writing your essay, re-read the helpful tips above to ensure you get a good grade.

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200 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
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50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment

General Education

At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important.

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic. Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

Should fracking be legal?
Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
Do GMOs help or harm people?
Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
Should self-driving cars be legal?
Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
Should sports be segregated by gender?
Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
Should religion be taught in schools?
Should clergy be allowed to marry?
Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
Should assisted suicide be legal?
Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
Should Puerto Rico become a state?
Should voter registration be automatic?
Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
Should sex work be legalized?
Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Should the death penalty be legal?
Should animal testing be allowed?
Should drug possession be decriminalized?

Should unpaid internships be legal?
Should minimum wage be increased?
Should monopolies be allowed?
Is universal basic income a good idea?
Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
Are school uniforms a good idea?
Should PE affect a student’s grades?
Should college be free?
Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
Should books with objectionable words be banned?
Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
Is art education important?
Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

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American government essay topics

Problems with American Democracy
Foreign-Born American Can Become the President
The Current Relationship between the American Citizens and the United States Government
The Function of the Articles of Confederation
How politics originated in America
The 3 Branches of the American Government
Making of the New Government
American government: are they cruel or merciful?
Racial Segregation Of the US
An Accurate Assessment of the American Political System
Contributors to our Successful Government
The concept of power balance in the US government
Changes in the American Government
Three Branches of American Government
The United States presidents that Pleased the people most
Problems with the electoral college
President Trump and His Policies
What is the connection between the American government and the media
United States Government Welfare
Contentions between the American government and the citizens
Tension In California Politics
The Roots and Reform of American Government
Gay Marriage and the Government
Corruption in the US Government
How to reduce corruption in the US government
The Woman in the American Government
Electoral College Reform
Major Accomplishments of President Barack Obama
Federalist versus Antifederalists
What impact do social movements have on the American government?
The philosophy of politics
The Involvement of Government with the Daily Life of Americans
The Articles of Confederation
The First American President
Problems with the American constitution
How World War II Transformed American Government and Society
American Constitutional Law
Classical Conservatism vs Classical Liberalism
Historical Ideas That Influenced The American Government
The link between politics and religion
Direct Popular Vote vs Electoral College
How is terrorism affecting the US government?
How international relations have impacted the US in the last ten years
Should American democracy grant more power to the people
The American Republic Government vs Aristotelian Government
Why the American government should regulate internet safety
Privacy and the American Government
American Federalism and the New Deal
Foundations of American Government
How did the fourteenth amendment affect civil liberties in the US after it was passed at the end of the civil war?
Communist Ideas in American Government
What the US citizens think about the government
The Need for Diversity in American Government
Privacy: The American People vs the Government
Development of the American Constitution
Electing Supreme Court Justices
The pros and cons of democracy
The top priorities of the US government
Foundations of the US Government
Current Top Issues of the United States National Government
The Reaction of American Government to September 11
Bill and Bill: The Government and the American People
Do Americans enjoy enough civil rights?
Ideologies Of The American Government
Social Security: Impacts of Its Disappearance
The History of the American Federal Government
Is it the role of the government to prevent gambling addictions, and should they ban lotteries?
Why presidents deserve the privilege to serve for more than two terms if the citizens want them
The US government and Native American
What political decision has changed America the most
American Diets: Why Government Should Not Control It
Illustration of the Founding Principles of America
Checks and Balances System in America
How is the threat of terrorism affecting the American government?
Roosevelt as an American Leader
Why a female president is ideal for the US

Get Help from the Experts with your American Government Essay Topics Paper

There are a lot of interesting topics to consider when writing an essay on the American Government. Is there one that interests you the most? The list we’ve provided has some suggestions for where to start your research, but if none of them sounds like they would be suitable for what you want in your paper, don’t worry! You can also contact us and get help from professional writers with your paper today. Place your order now and see how great it feels not having homework at home tonight!

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

Introduction
Supporting body paragraphs
Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
Do the transitions flow smoothly?
Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

Read your work aloud to yourself.
Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
Should schools push to abolish homework?
Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
Should universities do away with Greek life?
Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
Should women be allowed into special forces units?
Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
Should organ donation be mandatory?
Is cloning animals ethical?
Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
Is surrogacy ethical?
Should birth control require a prescription?
Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
Should the United States ban TikTok?
Is social media harmful to children?
Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
Should the government regulate religious practices?
Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
Should sports teams be divided by gender?
Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
Does computing harm the environment?
Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
Are electric cars really better for the environment?
Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
Should private jets be banned?
Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
Should tipping practices be phased out?
Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
7 Best Places to Study
Guide to the IB Extended Essay
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
AP Lit Reading List
How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook A Great Dark House (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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Good Argumentative Essay Topics

Having meaningful conversations and debates is important. Argumentative essays give us a way to do that. But figuring out what to argue about can be tricky. There are so many subjects out there, from big social issues to tricky ethical questions.

In this article, we will help you pick perfect argumentative essay topics that get people talking and make you think. So, let's dive in and find something worth debating!

By the way, if you’re pressed for time, hire an argumentative essay writer right now.

Characteristics of a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

A compelling argumentative essay topic possesses several key characteristics to engage readers and stimulate critical thinking. Here are some qualities to consider:

Characteristics	Description
Relevance
Controversy
Complexity
Evidence
Feasibility
Audience Appeal
Ethical Considerations
Personal Interest
Originality
Scope for Argumentation

If you’d like to know more about how to write an argumentative essay , please review this guide.

How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

Choosing argumentative essay topics is a pivotal step in the writing process. Here's a structured approach in seven steps to help you select the right topic:

Identify Your Interests

Start by brainstorming points that genuinely interest you. Consider issues, controversies, or debates you're passionate about or curious to explore further. Your enthusiasm for the central idea will enhance your motivation and engagement throughout the writing process.

Research Current Events and Trends

Stay updated on current events, trends, societal issues, politics, technology, culture, and other relevant areas. Browse reputable news sources, journals, and online platforms to identify timely, relevant, and potentially controversial subjects.

where to find good argumentative essay topics

Consider Multiple Perspectives

Reflect on different viewpoints surrounding potential subjects. A good argumentative essay often involves exploring opposing arguments and presenting a balanced view. Choose a matter that allows for diverse opinions and encourages critical analysis.

Evaluate Feasibility and Scope

Assess the feasibility of researching and arguing your chosen topical matter within the scope of your essay assignment or word limit. Avoid overly broad themes that are difficult to cover comprehensively and overly narrow subjects that may lack depth or significance.

Check for Credible Sources and Evidence

Ensure that your chosen point is supported by credible evidence, data, research studies, or expert opinions. Conduct preliminary research to determine the availability of reliable sources and evidence to substantiate your arguments. A subject with ample supporting material will strengthen the persuasiveness of your essay.

Consider Audience Interest and Relevance

Analyze your target audience's interests, knowledge level, and values. Choose a point that is likely to resonate with your readers and provoke their interest or thought. Consider the idea's broader societal relevance and potential impact on your audience.

Refine and Narrow Down Your Topic

Once you've generated a list of potential themes, refine and narrow down your choices based on the above criteria. Consider each subject's uniqueness, complexity, controversy, and ethical considerations. Choose the one that best aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and essay assignment requirements.

150 Argumentative Essay Topics

After checking out this collection of topics for an argumentative essay gathered by our essay writers , your creative juices will flow abundantly!

Science Argumentative Essay Topics

Genetic engineering ethics.
Vaccination effectiveness.
Climate change biodiversity.
GMO safety.
Nuclear energy debate.
Space exploration importance.
Tech and climate.
Stem cells in medicine.
Alternative medicine efficacy.
Animal testing ethics.
Plastic pollution impact.
Fracking controversy.
Renewable energy.
Biodiversity conservation.

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Social media's impact on relationships.
Cell phone use in schools.
Ethics of digital surveillance.
AI's threat to employment.
Tech's role in fighting climate change.
Video games' mental health effects.
Internet access as a human right.
Tech's influence on education.
Online vs. traditional learning effectiveness.
Regulating algorithms' societal impact.
Remote work pros and cons.
Government regulation of facial recognition.
Tech addiction's mental health impact.
Necessity of online censorship.
Tech's role in democracy.

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Universal healthcare pros/cons.
Mandatory child vaccination.
Fast food's health impact.
GMO safety in food.
Organ transplantation ethics.
Gov't junk food regulation.
Medical marijuana legalization.
Traditional vs. modern medicine.
Mental health in schools.
Healthcare as a human right.
Antibiotic resistance.
Social media and mental health.
Mental illness stigma.
Healthcare: Privilege or right?
Pharma and public health.

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Democracy's effectiveness.
Electoral college vs. popular vote.
Government's role in inequality.
Term limits for officials.
Campaign finance reform.
Political polarization.
Government surveillance.
Mandatory voting.
Stricter weaponry control.
Money in politics.
Freedom of speech.
Regulating social media.
Gov't action on climate change.
Globalization vs. sovereignty.
Voting age.

Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Standardized testing effectiveness.
Free college education.
Technology in education.
School dress codes.
Homeschooling's impact.
Teaching financial literacy.
Online vs. traditional learning.
Mandatory intercourse education.
Importance of arts education.
Teaching critical thinking.
Year-round schooling pros/cons.
Fairness of grading system.
Standardized curriculums' impact.
Free school meals.
Extracurricular importance.

Environmental Argumentative Essay Topics

The urgency of climate action.
Stricter carbon regulations.
Renewable energy's role.
Deforestation impact.
Single-use plastics ban.
Ethics of animal agriculture.
Preserving natural habitats.
Conservation vs. development.
Recycling program effectiveness.
Eco-friendly consumerism.
Urbanization's environmental impact.
Implementing carbon pricing.
Geoengineering ethics.
Corporate environmental responsibility.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

Paying college athletes.
Ethics of performance-enhancing substances.
Youth sports' impact on development.
Concussions in sports.
Transgender athletes' participation.
Technology in sports officiating.
Athletes' moral standards.
Sports and gender equality.
Commercialization of sports.
Safety of contact sports.
Racially insensitive team names.
Sports endorsements' influence.
Sports and academic success.
Sports-related gambling.
Legitimacy of esports.

Ethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Capital punishment.
Physician-assisted suicide.
Genetic embryo modification.
Cloning morality.
Abortion debate.
Autonomous vehicles ethics.
Business ethics.
Lying morality.
Animal entertainment.
Firearms control debate.
Charity donation ethics.
Whistleblowing.
Sweatshop labor.
Government morality.

Religion Argumentative Essay Topics

Prayer in public schools.
Ethics of religious conversion.
Religion's impact on society.
Religion and gender equality.
Displaying religious symbols.
Science vs. religion compatibility.
Creationism vs. evolution in schools.
Legitimacy of atheism.
Religion in politics.
Religious extremism ethics.
Taxation of religious institutions.
Religion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Limits on religious freedom.
Existence of a higher power.
Religious teachings in schools.

Social Issues Argumentative Essay Topics

Increasing the minimum wage.
Bias in the criminal justice system.
Affirmative action policies.
Immigration ethics.
Stricter arms control.
Same-gender marriage debate.
Universal healthcare.
Combatting racism.
Free childcare services.
Taxation for income redistribution.
Poverty's impact on education.
Gender pay gap.
Social programs and homelessness.
Freedom of speech vs. hate speech.

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

Green, L., Green, L., Green, L., & Green, L. (2024, April 3). 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024 . College Transitions - College Admissions Counseling & Consulting. https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/good-argumentative-essay-topics/
Argumentative Writing Prompts . (n.d.). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/spotlight/learning-network-argumentative-prompts

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Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Single-use Plastics Ban – Should single-use plastics be banned?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

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Social Media
Death Penalty
School Uniforms
Video Games
Animal Testing
Gun Control
Banned Books
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61 Government Regulation Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best government regulation topic ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting government regulation topics to write about, 📌 simple & easy government regulation essay titles.

Government Regulation of Market Economics In this regard, the effect of the government policy to lower costs of production would be an increase in the demand for the products, which would allow the company to increase its production capacity and […]
Government Regulation of Psychology Profession The patients have a right to be informed about the possible physical and emotional risks associated with the treatment process and the psychologist should also inform them of alternative forms of treatment and their effects […]
Policy/Regulation Fact Sheet: MACRA To assess the efficiency of healthcare providers, it is highly important to understand the aspects of the quality of the services. The development of MACRA allows for a higher quality of healthcare provided to the […]
Policy, Regulation, and Reimbursement Presentation: Triple Aim The main goal of this framework is to reform all aspects of the healthcare system performance by improving patients’ experience and overall health of the population as well as reducing the cost of the health […]
Government Regulation and the 2008 Crisis The video explains the events leading up to the 2007-2008 financial crisis. The state could also have mitigated the effects of the crisis.
Governmental or Self-Regulation of Monks Investment Trust It is important to note that national or government regulation of multi-national companies has often been misunderstood to mean that the governments interfere with the workings of the company.
Government Control: Self-Regulation and CARES Act The quick escalation of the health issue, specifically, the management of the COVID-19 epidemic and its quick rise to the scale of a pandemic have defined the further choice of government policies. Namely, the public […]
Government Regulation of Monopolies In this kind of regulation, the government sets rules and regulations to control the operations of firms that have monopoly power in their own industry.
Food Business and Government Regulation in the US This piece of work gives a discussion of the impact of the food industry on society with much emphasis being given to the question of whether the government should take charge of the regulation of […]
Government’s Regulation of the Corporate Directors It is believed that issues such as the independence granted to the directors and the lack of diversity within the boards are to blame for the escalation of the problem.
Coase Theorem: An Option of Government Regulation There are several ways to define the phenomenon; traditionally, the Coase Theorem is identified as the statement that “in the absence of government authority, the private sector will step in to provide alternative services, depending […]
Lead Paint Policy: Regulation and Funding The problem of the lead paint poisoning is not new, although, the government took actions to solve it, it should be highlighted that the issue is urgent as the poisoning still affects children and adults […]
Government and Organisational Regulation: Ethical Dilemmas Costas will be sure of getting good business in the future considering the fact that Dionisis is the Mayor and he is usually in charge of most contracts.
Business Regulation: Government or Self-regulation The government has interest in the regulation of businesses in the context of various issues such as health, safety standard in administrative centers, wages and salaries, advertising, imposition of taxes, and other items that relate […]
Consumer Protection: European and UK Regulation According to the EU, the objective of a good customer protection approach includes the ability to empower the consumer through the creation of a transparent market which can supply the consumer with a wide spectrum […]
U.S. Government Regulation and Product Safety The government makes use of a number of agencies to regulate product safety in the country. The proceedings to be taken in the event that the laws are violated are also stated.
Government Regulation of the Food Business The fast food is a big industry in the country and if there is nothing unhealthy that the industry is practicing, the government should then allow the theory of Laissez Faire to take control of […]
Government Regulation: Railroads, Manufacturers and Financial Industry In 1903, the Elkins Act was enacted with the motive of reducing discrimination between rates charged to the farmers and the big companies over the same distance.
Government Regulation of the Too Big to Fail Institutions The too big to fail concept is a reaction to the continued mergers and acquisitions in the financial sectors, which leads to a complexity of financial institutions.
Bargaining and the Sources of Transaction Costs: The Case of Government Regulation
Government Regulation and the Structure of Compensation Contracts
Understanding Philip Morris’s Pursuit of Us Government Regulation of Tobacco
Why Government Regulation Is Needed: Major Reasons for Government Involvement in a Market Economy
Product Choice Under Government Regulation: The Case of Chile’s Privatized Pension System
After the Fall: The Impact of Government Regulation on Church Attendance in Eastern Europe, 1990–2004
Budgeting for Healthcare and the Impact of Government Regulation
The Legal Environment Business Law and Government Regulation Dependence
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A List of Interesting US Government Essay Topics to Write About

It has become popular for students to choose essay topics that relate to the US government. Such topics are essential because activity of the government is something that affects everybody in the country. If you want to choose such a topic for your essay, but donвЂ™t know where to start, youвЂ™re welcome to look at the examples given in this article.

Principles of the U.S. government.

In this paper you can discuss the main principles of the U.S. government. They include democracy, rule of law, representative government, and so on.

Role of the U.S. government in the economy.

You should investigate in this work what influence the government has on the economy. What is the governmentвЂ™s contribution to stabilizing prices and increasing employment?

Issues that were faced by the new Federal government.

Make a list of problems that the new Federal government had to solve in 1789 under George Washington. Propose your solutions.

Equal distribution of income and wealth.

Discuss in your essay whether itвЂ™s possible to decrease the gap between the rich elite and numerous poor people. What should the government do?

The U.S. government and religion.

Do research in your paper on the influence of religion on the U.S. government. Is there religious freedom in the country? Does the government support particular religions?

The government and the Internet.

Investigate what the U.S. governmentвЂ™s contribution was to the development of the Internet. Were there certain scientists supported by the government?

The government and equality.

Investigate what effort the U.S. government makes to achieve equal rights for different social strata and to acheive justice in general.

Different governmental forms.

Choose another existing governmental form, like a parliamentary government, for example. Compare it with the U.S. presidential government. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of both forms.

The U.S. Constitution.

In your essay you can do research on the U.S. Constitution and discuss what you would like to change. Explain why you consider changes you proposed important.

Individual states and their power.

Discuss in your work whether individual states should have more power than the federal government when it comes to implementing laws related to abortion, legalization of marijuana, marriage of gay couples and so on.

Elections and voting.

Investigate what percentage of Americans who have reached the required age vote in elections. Propose some strategies that will increase the amount of active voters.

Political parties.

Do research on the two main political parties of the country. Describe them and compare them with each other.

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Writing in Government

How do i write a gov paper .

Expos teaches you about the fundamentals of writing an analytical argument. As you write papers in Gov, you are adapting the elements of argument to a particular audience: readers in the social sciences. These readers have specific expectations about how to present arguments and supporting evidence. Writing successfully in Gov requires you to identify those expectations in assignment prompts and then respond to them by making well-supported and clearly reasoned arguments.

__________________________________

"Everybody's work has to stand or fall on the basis of the arguments presented and the evidence." - Prof. Eric Nelson

Do the Exercise

In these exercises, you have two goals: to identify the common elements of essay prompts, and to learn strategies for developing arguments that respond effectively to the expectations presented by a given prompt.

Decoding Prompts

Developing a thesis.

What to Do:

Prepare by reading about the elements of paper prompts in the "Tips" tool to the right.
Read the three sample prompts below and select one to work with.
Answer the questions in the text boxes below the sample prompts.
Write a 1-sentence version in your own words of the prompt you have selected. You can do this in the first “Re-write” box below the questions.
Try re-writing the other two prompts in a single sentence.

Please note that these forms are not monitored; no feedback will be sent at this time.

Sample Prompts

1. The traditional definition of democracy is captured by Schumpeter’s statement that democracy is the “institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the people’s vote.” Is Schumpeter’s “free competition for the free vote” a sufficient conceptual and normative definition of “democracy”? What else, if anything, would you add to this definition?

2. The majority of Gov 97 has focused on state actors, but the Internet is a whole new non-state world that currently has little to no formal governance. Should the Internet be governed democratically? What does it mean to have democratic governance of the Internet? (Will there be elected bodies? Will the Internet be governed by democratic principles?) If you were on a committee to develop Internet governance, what democratic processes (if any) would you recommend? Why?

3. How do new technologies affect democratic politics? We have read a number of accounts of traditional forms of democratic participation and democratic institutions – choose one topic or outcome (e.g. elections, campaign finance, regime change, economic institutions, the welfare state, democratic peace etc.) that we have read about, and think about how new technologies challenge or add to traditional theories about that outcome.

( Taken from Gov 97, Spring 2015)

Understanding Prompts

Design and purpose.

Instructors have two main goals with most prompts: First, they want to test how well you’ve understood assigned material for the course and gauge your progress over the term. Second, they want to encourage you to think about certain questions in a way that may not be directly covered in the course materials themselves. In this way, prompts facilitates guided learning through writing.

In most cases, the instructor will have both of these goals in mind. Depending on the assignment, though, one goal may carry greater emphasis than the other.

Central Question

This is the main question that the instructor wants you to answer. It may be a yes/no question, where you need to agree or disagree with a given statement. Or it may be an open-ended question, where you need to develop your own line of argument. Either way, the central question is the core of the paper, i.e., the question your instructor is asking in order to test your knowledge about material from the course or to encourage you to develop a reasoned opinion based on that material. Your thesis statement should respond directly to this central question.

Example of a central question:

What do you think is Aristotle’s strongest justification for participatory citizenship?

Example of a multi-part central question:

What do you think is Aristotle’s strongest justification for participatory citizenship? Does it translate from ancient democracy to the present; does it apply today?

Supporting Questions

In addition to the central question, prompts typically include additional points to consider as you write your paper, and these points often come in the form of secondary or supporting questions. Supporting questions are meant to prompt your thinking and can help remind you of important debates that may exist within the topic you are writing about.

That being said, prompts made up of more than one question can be harder to decode. For one thing, the first question in the prompt is not always the central question, and it might be possible to interpret more than one of the questions as the central question. This ambiguity might be intentional (to allow students to write a range of essays), or it might be unintentional. For these reasons, it is always helpful to try putting the prompt in your own words. What is the central question being asked? And what is the central question your paper is answering with its thesis? What are the supporting questions being asked? And how will your paper answer those questions in relation to your thesis?

In the following example prompt, notice how the first set of questions (greyed out and in italics) form a multi-part central question about an idea of Aristotle and its relevance to the present day. The subsequent supporting questions provide a number of possible directions in which to elaborate on this question, but none of these supporting questions should be the main focus of an argument responding to this particular prompt.

Example:

What do you think is Aristotle’s strongest justification for participatory citizenship? Does it translate from ancient democracy to the present; does it apply today? How do modern democracies define citizenship? Do modern democratic institutions (representation, voting and elections, political parties) and/or the organized groups of civil society (voluntary associations, demonstrations, social movements) provide arenas for political participation? If so, how and why is participation valued? If not, why not, and how is the division of political labor justified?

Additional Cues

Prompts often provide cues about what should or shouldn't be the focus of a writing assignment. For instance, there may be debates or themes that have been raised in the course, but which are not meant to be the particular focus of the paper at hand. In the following excerpt from a prompt, you can see that Aristotle's definition of "citizen" is crucial, but the goal of the essay is to use the definition to make a further point, rather than getting bogged down in the definition itself.

Example from a Gov prompt:

In the Politics , Aristotle defined a citizen as someone who takes turns in ruling and being ruled, identified who was eligible (and ineligible) for citizenship, gave an account of citizens’ judgment, and set out reasons for popular political participation.

Restrictions

Prompts often include additional requirements that either guide or limit a writing assignment. These restrictions are usually straightforward requirements for the essay's form (how long it should be) or for its content (what question(s) it should answer and which sources or cases it should use).

You must analyze Aristotle’s text
You may pick just one or two government institutions or civil society groups to  illustrate your answer.
You must refer to at least two authors (in addition to Aristotle) in composing your  response.
Prepare by reading about the elements of thesis statements in the "Tips" tool to the right.
Read the sample prompt below.
Answer the questions in the text boxes below the sample prompts.

Sample Prompt & Theses

Making reference to the cases of Rwanda and Yugoslavia, construct an argument that addresses the following questions: When you consider the various theories you've encountered about the emergence of ethnic politics in your readings as well as in lecture, how well (or how poorly) do specific elements of these two cases fit those theories? What is the strongest explanation overall for why ethnic violence broke out in these two cases and eventually assumed the proportions it did? Does the same answer apply to both cases, or do different answers best explain Rwanda and Yugoslavia separately?

The Rwandan and Yugoslav genocides were similar in some ways. In other ways, though, they were different.
Ethnic politics leads to the emergence of ethnic violence.
I argue that ethnic politics is important for understanding violence in Rwanda and Yugoslavia and for explaining the genocides there.
Rwanda and Yugoslavia both experienced similar levels of ethnic politics and ethnic violence during the 1990s and followed similar paths to genocide.
Ethnic politics does not always lead to ethnic violence, but in cases where the state collapses like it did in Rwanda and Yugoslavia, the path from ethnic politics to genocide will be similar.

Taken from Gov 20, Fall 2015

What is an Argument?

In the social sciences, an argument typically make claims about the way the world works. It argues that the world is one way rather than another, and explains why it is that way .

The first part of the bolded statement above is really important. In social science courses, you will rarely be asked to just summarize a set of facts. You will instead be asked to make assertions about how something came to be or how some phenomenon caused another.

This implies a counterfactual , which is a statement about how the world would have been, if something else had happened. For example, you might argue that polarization in American politics is caused by people moving to areas where most people share their political beliefs. This implies that if people didn't move to neighborhoods or cities with like-minded people, there wouldn't be polarization. But they do , so there is .

The first part of the bolded statement above also implies that you will give evidence to show us that your argument is correct.

The latter part of the statement, in turn, implies that you will show us the "why" of the phenomenon you're looking at: how exactly does it work?

Thesis Requirements

A thesis statement will be in response to a specific question, whether that question is explicitly asked in a prompt or is a question you have yourself developed in response to course readings or class discussions. Therefore, your thesis statement should clearly be an answer to a question!

Your answer should not just contain a "what is" statement, but a statement of "how" your argument works. What is the "mechanism" of your argument? If you say that wealth causes democracy, make sure the “how” or “because” is also clearly previewed in your thesis.

This is also your introduction to the reader of what the paper’s really about, and it is your chance to explain how the paper will work. It should prepare them for the direction the paper is going, so they know what kinds of evidence they should expect.

In college-level papers, thesis statements can be more than one sentence long. Being concise is good, but it's ok to have a slightly longer thesis statement if your thesis is somewhat complex, e.g., if there are two or three steps in the "how" part of your paper.

Scope Conditions

Most papers are not about making universal arguments that showcase everything you know, but about making an valid argument within a set of parameters that are either provided by the assignment itself, or that you decide to keep your argument clear and effective.

In writing, be clear: what are the “scope conditions” of your argument? In other words, under what conditions or in which cases is your argument valid?

Example: “In democracies,” i.e., not for every country we’ve looked at, but only for democracies.

Example: “Among late developers” i.e., only in those countries that developed recently.

Make sure your these boundaries are clearly stated in your thesis statement . Do you think it will be intuitive to the reader why you used these scope conditions in particular? If not, you may need to briefly explain why you're using them, either in the thesis statement itself or just before (or after) your thesis statement.

Evaluating Theses

Can readers take your thesis statement and test it like they would a hypothesis? Would they know what to look for in order to evaluate how well your argument is made? If so, it's probably a strong thesis.

A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested . For example, in the statement "wealth leads to democracy," we can imagine testing it by looking for wealthy countries that aren't democratic.

If readers can look at your thesis statement and come up new evidence to refute your claim, it might mean there's room for healthy debate on the topic--and it might mean there's a genuine weakness in your argument--but it also means you probably have a clearly written thesis statement!

A really common thesis-related problem for students is that readers don't know how to evaluate whether the argument is right or wrong . This idea of being able to test arguments against new evidence is what makes political science "scientific."

Additional Tips

Be direct, and own your answer. Don’t say, “The purpose of my paper is to show that economic development causes democracy.” Say, “Economic development causes democracy, because…”

But it is OK to use the first-person voice in political science! (Example: "Wealth is a necessary condition for democracy. I show this by examining all countries with an average GDP above $6,000 per year")

Make it clear where your thesis statement is. You don’t have to put the thesis statement at the end of a short, first paragraph...but this is common, because it keeps you from writing too much/too little introduction, and it’s often where your reader will look first (because it is so common!)

Avoid the word “prove,” which implies definitive proof (which is rarely possible in social sciences)

Avoid overly stylized language in your thesis statement, and keep it as clear, specific, and unambiguous as possible.

It’s ok to argue that sometimes things work one way, and sometimes another. For example, “wealthy countries are usually democratic, but sometimes they aren’t.” However, it’s much stronger to try and make this difference part of your argument---”Wealthy countries are usually democratic because [reason], but oil-rich countries are an exception because [reason].”

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Donald J. Trump, wearing a blue suit and a red tie, walks down from an airplane with a large American flag painted onto its tail.

Trump and Allies Forge Plans to Increase Presidential Power in 2025

The former president and his backers aim to strengthen the power of the White House and limit the independence of federal agencies.

Donald J. Trump intends to bring independent regulatory agencies under direct presidential control. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times

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By Jonathan Swan Charlie Savage and Maggie Haberman

Published July 17, 2023 Updated July 18, 2023

Donald J. Trump and his allies are planning a sweeping expansion of presidential power over the machinery of government if voters return him to the White House in 2025, reshaping the structure of the executive branch to concentrate far greater authority directly in his hands.

Their plans to centralize more power in the Oval Office stretch far beyond the former president’s recent remarks that he would order a criminal investigation into his political rival, President Biden, signaling his intent to end the post-Watergate norm of Justice Department independence from White House political control.

Mr. Trump and his associates have a broader goal: to alter the balance of power by increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government that now operates, by either law or tradition, with any measure of independence from political interference by the White House, according to a review of his campaign policy proposals and interviews with people close to him.

Mr. Trump intends to bring independent agencies — like the Federal Communications Commission, which makes and enforces rules for television and internet companies, and the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces various antitrust and other consumer protection rules against businesses — under direct presidential control.

He wants to revive the practice of “impounding” funds, refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated for programs a president doesn’t like — a tactic that lawmakers banned under President Richard Nixon.

He intends to strip employment protections from tens of thousands of career civil servants, making it easier to replace them if they are deemed obstacles to his agenda. And he plans to scour the intelligence agencies, the State Department and the defense bureaucracies to remove officials he has vilified as “the sick political class that hates our country.”

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