Books in Analyzing the Issues series

In the ongoing debates surrounding the United States' voting process, few topics are as heatedly discussed as the electoral college. It was established as a safeguard for democracy, but today many fear the electoral college does just the opposite; twice in recent elections the president who won the election did not win the popular vote, and many are concerned that the electoral college has outlasted its relevance. This collection of essays explores the impact, significance, and history of the electoral college, providing students with a wide-ranging look at what this institution means and key ideas about its future.

As the United States becomes more politically divided, the issue of gerrymandering is at the forefront of political debate. While gerrymandering, or manipulating distinct boundaries for political advantages, has largely negative connotations, few experts agree about the best way to redraw districts. In this collection, legal experts, politicians, experts, and ordinary citizens weigh in on this controversial and timely topic. Guided reading questions are included at the end of each article to direct readers to form their own opinions based on what they have read.

Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy as climate scientists and environmentalists give voice to the detrimental effects of fossil fuels. But how far have we gotten in developing efficient and sustainable energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal power, and what are the benefits of these renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels? This text examines the issue from diverse viewpoints, allowing students to analyze key ideas in energy production through primary source evidence.

Animal testing is a controversial issue, with some arguing it is essential to medical advancement and others stating it is cruel and unnecessary. In this book, articles from a variety of viewpoints and individuals, including scientists, government and legal professionals, media outlets, and ordinary citizens, highlight key areas of contention over animal testing. Questions at the end of each article encourage readers to think critically about what they have read and to form their own opinions on this important issue.

Vaccinations have been a contentious issue in recent years, particularly in North America, where parents have decided to forgo vaccinating their children due to potential health risks. According to health experts, this has led to an increase in potentially deadly diseases and an overall decrease in herd immunity. With so much fearmongering online about the potential deadly consequences of vaccinations, however, what information can we trust? This text provides primary source evidence from doctors and experts, along with scientific data, court cases, and the viewpoints of everyday people, in order to facilitate students own critical thinking about this important issue.

There are few issues that elicit such debate as assisted suicide. For some, assisted suicide is an important legal right for those battling fatal issues. For others, it stands for only self-harm and chaos. In this book, legal experts, journalists, activists, and ordinary civilians weigh in on this important issue, providing a wide range of viewpoints for readers. Readers are encouraged to think critically about what they have read and to form their own opinions through guided questions that follow each article.

In the ongoing debates surrounding the United States' voting process, few topics are as heatedly discussed as the electoral college. It was established as a safeguard for democracy, but today many fear the electoral college does just the opposite; twice in recent elections the president who won the election did not win the popular vote, and many are concerned that the electoral college has outlasted its relevance. This collection of essays explores the impact, significance, and history of the electoral college, providing students with a wide-ranging look at what this institution means and key ideas about its future.

While awareness of sexual harassment and gender-based violence has increased in recent years, there is still much debate about what constitutes harassment, what motivates gender violence, and how best to combat both issues. The impact of this particular kind of aggression is real; it impacts the ability of women and other victims to go to school or work safely, and leaves many either dead or forced to live with long-term emotional or physical effects. This book explores the many facets of the conversation surrounding sexual harassment and gender violence, so that students understand the causes, forms, and impact of these two interconnected issues.

Playing team sports has many benefits, and yet high-contact sports such as football and rugby have also been linked to serious injuries, including concussions, and a higher risk of dementia, depression, and Parkinsons disease. How can we weigh the potential benefits of contact sports with their potentially serious risks? This text provides primary source evidence from doctors, scientists, and experts in the field of sports medicine, as well as ordinary peoples viewpoints, in order to help students reach their own conclusions about the risks related to high-contact sports.

In political dictatorships or other forms of authoritarian governance, freedoms of the press are often curtailed first before any other liberties are revoked. This is because the press is integral to democracy and to keeping citizens informed of important political happenings so that they can become more informed voters. In some countries, such as Russia, journalists face extreme pressure to toe the party line; if they speak out against the government they are threatened and can even be killed. While most journalists do not fear for their lives in the United States, the press has faced increasing scrutiny from the White House. In this text, various experts weigh in on this important issue so readers can become more informed about the importance of, and the abuses toward, a free media.