Req 3a — America in the News
Connecting Today to Yesterday
The news can feel disconnected from history class, but almost every major issue in America today has roots in the past. Immigration policy connects to waves of migration going back centuries. Debates about government power echo arguments the founders had in 1787. Even technology issues — like online privacy — connect to the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches.
This requirement asks you to be a detective. Pick something happening right now and trace its historical DNA.
How to Choose a Topic
Your topic should be:
- Currently in the news — something being reported on right now
- Related to the United States — it can be domestic or international, but it must connect to America
- Interesting to you — you will do better work if you care about the topic
Where to Find Good News Sources
Not all news sources are equally reliable. Look for sources that are well-established and fact-checked:
PBS NewsHour — Student Reporting Labs News stories and media literacy resources designed for students. A great starting point for finding current events.Other reliable sources include the Associated Press (AP News), NPR, BBC News, and your local newspaper. Many libraries provide free access to news databases too.
Tracing the Historical Connection
Once you have chosen a topic, use this framework to connect it to American history:
Step 1: Describe What Is Happening
Write a short summary (3–5 sentences) of your news topic. Cover the basics: Who is involved? What is happening? Where? When did it start?
Step 2: Identify the Historical Roots
Ask yourself:
- Has this kind of issue come up before in American history?
- What laws, events, or movements from the past are connected?
- What values from America’s founding documents (Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights) are at play?
Step 3: Explain the Connection
This is the most important part. Draw a clear line between the past and the present. For example:
- A story about voting rights → the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, the Voting Rights Act of 1965
- A story about immigration → Ellis Island, the Immigration Act of 1924, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
- A story about free speech → the First Amendment, landmark Supreme Court cases
Talking to Your Counselor
When you discuss your topic, be prepared to:
- Clearly describe the current event
- Name specific historical events, laws, or values that connect to it
- Explain how the past influenced what is happening today
- Share your own opinion about whether America has made progress on this issue
Next up: the symbols that represent America — and the stories behind them.