CNN Student News: Ten Questions

(CNN Student News) -- October 29, 2008

1. According to the report, what concerns are being raised about absentee voting for many U.S. military members serving overseas?

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2. In the segment, Lt. Melissa Cox Bosse states that the absentee voting problem is "disenfranchising our military." Why do you think that she means? Do you agree with her assertion? Why or why not?

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3. According to the segment: What is Rep. Kevin McCarthy doing to address this absentee voting issue? What action has Virginia's attorney general taken to ensure that the votes of overseas soldiers from Virginia are counted?

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4. In your opinion, what role does voting play in the democratic process? Do you think that an election should be held if a group of voters can potentially have its ballots go uncounted? Why or why not?

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5. What is a filibuster? In your view, what might be some possible benefits and drawbacks of a filibuster? How do you feel about the use of the filibuster as a political tool?

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6. According to the report, during which previous presidential administrations has a single political party dominated the U.S. government? Why do you think that during the earlier part of the 20th century, unified governments lasted longer than they have in recent years?

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7. According to CNN's Bill Schneider, what are the potential risks of having either a unified or a divided government?

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8. In your opinion, is it better for the U.S. if the White House and Congress are controlled by the same party? Why or why not?

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9. What are Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain's views on stem cell research? How do their views on this issue compare to yours? In your opinion, where does stem cell research rank compared to other political issues?

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10. According to the program, what formal complaint did Syria lodge with the United Nations yesterday? What action, if any, do you think that the U.N. should take in response to Syria's complaint?

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