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March 18, 2010: Should a year of national service be required for all Americans?

The Founders knew that for the republic to survive it needed not only the consent of the governed, but also the active participation of its citizens. Being engaged in civic life has long been a hallmark of active citizenship and being an active citizen requires not only knowledge and understanding of the nation’s political system, but also entails acquiring the skills and behaviors of democratic citizenship through the experience of participating in public life.

National service would expose Americans to national needs, provide them with an opportunity to help address them, and may help increase their concern and commitment to the country. National service connects community service to civic duty, provides work experience, teaches job skills, and instills the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The current debate over national service has centered on whether national service should offer financial compensation, be government-run and/or be mandatory for all Americans.

May 20, 2010: Topic to be announced

Because The Exchange explores the most current constitutional issues the topic for this web cast video conference will be announced in March 2010. This installment of The Exchange will be geared towards Advanced Placement Government, Comparative Government and United States History students.