Unit 4 FRQ topics

Possible FRQ topics include but are not limited to:
1. Selective incorporation
2. Bill of Rights
3.  Civil Rights amendments
4. Significant court cases

Should the CIA use "enhanced interrogation"?

This week the Senate released a report on the use of "enhanced interrogation" techniques by the CIA to obtain information from terrorists after 9/11. It is a largely scathing report that contends the CIA mislead elected officials abotu the extent to which torture was used to obtain information. Senator Feinstein believes that these tactics are "deeply misguided," while former VP Dick Cheney says the report is "full of crap." There have been many responses to the release of the report, so what do you think?  Answer the following questions AND respond to another post to receive credit.

1. Do you think that, as a policy, torture should be condoned by the US government? What if it yields only a minimal amount of usable information?

2. Do we lose a moral high ground if we use torture or do you think that we should try to obtain information to protect Americans by any means necessary?

3. Do you think the Senate should have released the CIA report on enhance interrogation? Do you think the allegations of misleading government officials or the actual torture is a bigger issue?

Immigration reform: Will it happen? If so, then how?

President Obama took executive action on immigration, effectively allowing around 4 million illegal immigrants to "come out of the shadows" and obtain temporary legal status.  Now, 17 states are suing Obama over this action.  The implications of his actions have yet to be fully determined and there are people on both sides of this argument.  Clearly both sides want something done to reform immigration, but there is major disagreement on Obama's approach.  Read the linked articles for background, and answer the following questions about the debate:
1.  Do you think what Obama did was unconstitutional?  Why or why not?  Explain your reasoning, citing text from the Constitution in your answer.
2.  Aside from the constitutionality of his actions, do you agree with what he did?  Should illegal immigrants be given legal status, even temporarily?  Why or why not?
3.  What are three main reasons why there is a push to reform America's immigration policies?  Be specific in your answer.
4.  Should Congress shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills to prevent Obama's actions from having an immediate effect?  Why or why not?