The essay "Where Do You Stand on the USA Patriot Act?" (pages 2-3) is the result of students' weeklong participation in the Presidential Classroom education program. During the week, students share their ideas on topics that are important to them. They challenge others to listen to student perspectives. They investigate. They debate. They act. For one week in Washington, these students from around the country divide into "caucuses" representing various topics of their choice. Over the course of the week, their research goes beyond a school setting—sometimes involving direct contact with elected officials—and results in an oral presentation and written essay. The essay is presented with minimal editing, to reflect the students' original ideas and presentation.

Read the essay, and consider the following:

Carefully read the Current Issues Report titled "Where Do You Stand on the USA Patriot Act?" on pages 2 and 3. Highlight or note points where you agree or disagree and where you want to know more.

• Evaluate the structure of the essay. In what ways does it work well? In what ways do you think it could be improved?
• Examine the arguments on both sides of the debate about the USA Patriot Act. Are they succinctly summarized? Would you present the arguments differently? How?
• Take one argument—either on the "pro" or the "con" side—and explore it in depth. Consider these questions: Is the argument based on factual evidence or conjecture? Can history be used as a guide? How might someone on the other side of the issue respond to the argument? While conducting your research, did you come across additional significant information? Share it with your classmates.
• Evaluate the conclusion of "Where Do You Stand on the USA Patriot Act?" In what ways is it effective? It what ways might it be strengthened? Does the conclusion make you more or less likely to agree with the authors? Why?
• Now that you know more about the USA Patriot Act, where do you stand on the issue? Prepare a position paper or oral report in which you explain your position and attempt to convince others to accept your point of view. Be sure to include supporting arguments, while also disposing of the arguments on the opposite side of the issue. Wrap up with a compelling conclusion.
• Conduct a survey—of your family, your peers or your neighbors—to gauge sentiments about the USA Patriot Act. Compare your survey results with those of another student.