Government Unit 5 Portfolio Use this document to gather your thoughts, take notes, and prepare your answer before submitting your FINAL answers to Unit 5 Lesson 12 portfolio in Connexus. Using your class resources of delegated powers (check the power points on the message boards or the lessons), identify whether you think each issue below is a state issue or a federal issue. Answer questions 1-7 below. KEY ISSUES: Climate Change Racial Equity Women’s Rights Gun Rights and Control Abortion LGBTQ rights Voting Rights Universal Basic Income Universal Health Care Decriminalization of some drugs (marijuana, THC, etc) 1. Which issues above are: a. state issues-- b. federal issues-- c. both state and federal issues-- 2. Pick one of the above issues and name it here: 3. Do you think this issue is federal or state and why is this issue important? 4. What are four specific examples of how this issue can affect people? 5. What are at least two different opinions about the best policies for this issue? Remember that most issues have more than two sides. Opinion A: Opinion B: 6. What are some special interest groups that are involved with this issue? Name 2 from either side or opinion. (You need to google “special interest group for X” with X being the topic you’ve chosen.) a. b. 7. What is something that YOU can do to take action to solve this issue at the local, state, and federal level? local: state: federal: (15 points)

Answer 1

Here's a structured approach to help you develop your portfolio for Unit 5 Lesson 12. You can fill in your thoughts based on the key issues you've identified:

1. Classifying Issues

• State issues: Gun Rights and Control, Abortion, Universal Basic Income, Universal Health Care, Decriminalization of some drugs (marijuana, THC, etc)
• Federal issues: Climate Change, Racial Equity, Women’s Rights, LGBTQ rights, Voting Rights
• Both state and federal issues: Gun Rights and Control, Abortion, Voting Rights, Universal Basic Income, Universal Health Care, Decriminalization of some drugs

2. Selected Issue

Abortion

3. Importance of the Issue

I think abortion is primarily a state issue because many states have different laws and regulations regarding access to abortion services. This issue is crucial as it directly affects women's rights, health care access, and personal autonomy.

4. Potential Effects on People

1. Access to Healthcare: Restrictive laws can limit access to safe abortion services, leading to health risks for women.
2. Economic Impact: Women who are unable to access abortion may face financial instability, affecting their ability to work or support their families.
3. Social Stigma: The issue can create social stigma for women who seek abortions, impacting their mental health and community relationships.
4. Legal Consequences: Changes in legislation can lead to criminal charges against providers or women, affecting personal freedoms.

5. Different Opinions on Policies

• Opinion A: Supporters of reproductive rights argue for access to safe and legal abortion as a fundamental human right and essential for women's health.
• Opinion B: Opponents, including some religious and pro-life groups, believe that life begins at conception and view abortion as morally unacceptable.

6. Special Interest Groups

a. Planned Parenthood - Advocates for reproductive rights, including access to abortion services. b. National Right to Life - Focuses on opposing abortion and promoting pro-life policies.

7. Personal Action Steps

• Local: Volunteer with or donate to local organizations that provide support and resources for women seeking reproductive health services.
• State: Advocate for or support local legislation that protects women's access to reproductive health care services.
• Federal: Participate in national campaigns, call representatives, or join organizations that lobby for or against federal abortion legislation.

Feel free to elaborate on these points based on your personal insights and the resources you've studied!