Essay 3 Questions: 15 Points Each, Rubric Worth 5 Points

Essay 3 Questions 15 Points Eachrubric Worth 5 Points Each Section5

Discuss your solutions (how would you fix the problem), integrate concepts learned in class (terms, laws, regulations, etc.), and answer the question completely with full sentences (1-2 paragraphs) for each question.

Paper For Above instruction

Question 1: Should the legal drinking age be changed from 21 and lowered to 18 years old? If you were a Senator in your State, would you vote yes or no for this law change? Explain your reasoning for voting for yes or no to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18 in the United States?

Lowering the legal drinking age from 21 to 18 has been a contentious topic, primarily because of public health and safety concerns. As a senator, I would oppose lowering the drinking age based on empirical evidence indicating increased risks of accidents, higher rates of alcohol dependency, and impaired decision-making among younger drinkers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently reports that the presence of a higher legal drinking age correlates with fewer vehicular accidents involving alcohol among young people (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2020). I believe maintaining the age at 21 aligns with the laws governing alcohol regulation and public health initiatives designed to protect young adults from the detrimental effects of early alcohol consumption. Integrating the legal concept of age restrictions, which are designed to safeguard minors, supports my decision to oppose reducing the legal drinking age.

Question 2: One of the most conservative topics in the US government is free health care versus free college education for a bachelor’s degree. If you were the governor of your State, and the federal government is awarding block grant funds, but you can only choose either to give residents of your state free health care or free college education up until a bachelor's degree, which would you select and why? Would there be any requirements or restrictions to receive services?

As a governor, my decision would prioritize providing free health care over free college education. The primary reason for this choice is the fundamental importance of health as a prerequisite for all other aspects of life, including education and employment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), access to health care significantly reduces mortality rates and enhances overall productivity, which benefits the broader economy. By offering free health care, I could help ensure that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to necessary medical services, thereby promoting public health, reducing disparities, and improving quality of life. Restrictions or requirements would include proof of residency, income verification, and possibly a means-tested eligibility criterion to ensure that limited resources are directed toward the most vulnerable populations, aligning with the principles of social justice and equitable access.

Question 3: In the midst of the pandemic, one of the biggest concerns is students in the K-12 education system returning back to school on campus. If you were the school district superintendent, what precautions would you put in place in your school district to assist with stopping the spread of Covid-19? Or would you mandate students to remain at home and take classes online? What services would you offer to parents to help with the new normal in the school system?

If I were the school district superintendent, I would implement a comprehensive set of precautions to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 while striving to maintain in-person learning. These measures would include mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing protocols, frequent sanitation of school facilities, and health screenings upon entry. Additionally, I would establish a robust contact tracing system in collaboration with local health authorities to quickly identify and isolate cases. To accommodate parents concerned about safety, I would offer hybrid learning options combining in-person and online classes, along with fully remote instruction when necessary. Support services for parents would include remote learning technical assistance, mental health counseling resources, and flexible attendance policies to adapt to ongoing health developments. Ensuring clear communication with families about safety protocols and providing access to technology and internet service would be essential in adapting to the new normal and fostering a safe, supportive educational environment.

References

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Traffic Safety Facts: Young Drivers. U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Health Systems Strengthening. WHO Publications.
  • Jones, S. (2022). The Impact of Legal Drinking Age Laws on Traffic Fatalities. Journal of Public Policy & Safety, 45(2), 123-135.
  • Garrett, T. (2020). Public Health and COVID-19: Strategies for School Reopening. Education Policy Review, 12(4), 450-468.
  • Schmidt, L., & Klein, J. (2021). Higher Education Funding and Policy: Debates on Free College. American Journal of Education Policy, 58(1), 89-102.
  • Johnson, M. (2019). The Role of Public Health Laws in Managing Alcohol Consumption. Journal of Health Law & Policy, 34(3), 215-234.
  • Lee, A., et al. (2020). COVID-19 Precautions in Schools: Strategies and Outcomes. Pediatrics & Public Health, 16(7), 478-490.
  • Miller, R., & Davidson, P. (2023). Equity in Access to Healthcare and Education. Social Justice & Policy Journal, 9(1), 75-91.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Considerations for Schools During COVID-19. CDC Guidelines.
  • Smith, T. (2021). The Economics of Public Health and Education Financing. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 35(2), 30-45.

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