Submit by March 21, 2025

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Welcome to the SITC Contest Topics and Resources page! Here, you’ll find everything needed to select a contest topic and get underway, including the prompts and curated videos to inspire ideas and serve as a starting point for research. Why not start today?

Teachers and students may choose from any one of these four topics. Find the one that suits your class best, or let your students decide for themselves.

The Effect of Minimum Wage
on Entry-Level Workers

 

Several states have recently increased their minimum wage and as a result many entry-level workers have lost their jobs. From the start, many economists pointed out that minimum wage laws actually hurt the very people they intend to help.

Explore the impact of minimum wage laws on entry-level workers, particularly young people entering the workforce. Consider how minimum wage rates influence job availability, skill development, and overall employment experiences. Take a position on whether minimum wage laws help or hinder entry-level workers and support your stance with evidence and examples. Reflect on how changes to the minimum wage might affect your own opportunities and those of your peers as you begin your careers.

Recommended Videos:

Cancel Culture or Censorship –
Is it an assault on 1st Amendment freedoms?

 

In today’s digital age, “cancel culture” has intensified debate about the boundaries of “acceptable” speech. While some see it as a tool for holding individuals accountable, others warn that it can lead to government censorship under the guise of preventing misinformation or hate speech—a dangerous path that threatens open dialogue and free expression for everyone. Recently, social media platforms have revealed government pressure to censor content on their platforms, while in some countries, governments actively block social media networks and suppress dissent by jailing individuals for expressing their views.

Given this context, critically examine the impact of “cancel culture” and government suppression on freedom of speech. Why is it dangerous to allow the government the power to suppress speech and views? Why should freedom of speech be defended? Research historical and current events to support your stance.

Recommended Videos:

A Better Immigration System

Immigration has long been a hotly debated issue, and many countries around the world are grappling with how to manage the flow of people across their borders. In the U.S., discussions about the “crisis at the border” dominate headlines, while in Britain, protests continue over immigration policies.

Considering the contributions immigrants can make to a country’s economy, culture, and society, as well as the challenges seen in today’s headlines, propose your ideal system of immigration for the United States. How would your system work, and why do you believe it would be successful? What potential unintended consequences can you foresee? Research past and current policies and current events to support your proposed immigration system.

Recommended Videos:

Coercion vs. Choice

In our society, a balance between government authority and individual freedom is crucial. Policies such as corporate welfare, eminent domain, rent control, vaccine mandates and lockdowns, government spending and debts, and war involve government decisions that can significantly affect our lives. These policies can be seen as forms of coercion, where individuals are compelled to support or comply with policies they may not agree with.

Explore the concept of coercion versus choice in the context of government policies and society. How do government policies reflect coercion and why is it important to limit such practices in society? Select one or more government policies and discuss the impact on individual freedom, public trust, and the proper role of government. Research your selection(s) to support your argument, and reflect on the potential consequences of unchecked government power.

Recommended Videos:

    For information on prizes, submission details, and complete contest rules, please visit the pages for the Essay Contest and Video Contest.