Gun Rights....Let's Debate!

Debate #1:  Does an individual have a right to gun ownership? Is the 2nd Amendment still a necessary freedom that should be ensured in the United States.

Yes, Individuals should have the ability to possess guns. The second amendment is a right that needs to be protected.  (Sofia and Jennifer)   2nd source

No,  Individuals should not have the ability to possess guns. The second amendment needs to be adjusted/eliminated to reflect 2015 society.  (Will and Jacob)

Debate #2:  Should certain guns (fully automatic weapons, for example) be banned from public sale?

Yes, we should limit the type of guns that people can buy.  (Sam and Drew)

No, people should be able to buy and/or sell whatever guns they want. The 2nd amendment protects people from this limitation. (Kenan and Alex)

Debate #3: Should there be additional limits to who can possess guns and/or limitations on how many guns that a single person should be able to buy (background checks, etc)?
Yes, there is a need to create stronger background checks and limitations to who can legally possess a gun. (Manny and Sydney) 

No, background checks and other limitations to who can possess firearms will NOT reduce crime or effectively address concerns people have.  (Sarah and Kiera)

Debate #4: Should people have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
Yes,  people should have the right to carry a concealed handgun.  (Kasey and Max)
No, people should NOT have the right to carry a concealed handgun. (Scarlett and Ashwini)

General Pro Gun Rights Articles, Resources:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/19/opinion/bennett-gun-rights/

2016 Presidential Candidates...What a field!!

NYTimes 2016 Presidential Election Overview

Goal for this class.

Step 1: Choose 1 DECLARED candidate for EACH major political party (Democrats and Republicans) to learn a bit more about their candidacy.

Step 2: Select the button that says "What _____________ would need to do to win" and read the strategy that some believe the candidate must take in order to have a real chance at winning their party's primary

Step 3: Record 3 single sentence statements on Today's Meet. Each statement must begin with:

1. (Name of candidate's) biggest strength is...

2. (Name of candidate's) biggest challenge is...

3. I think (Name of candidate's) has a (0-100%) chance of winning the primary to represent their party in the Presidential Election of 2016.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Step 4: If you have time you can look at some of the PROBABLE candidates and complete the same process above.