In recent weeks, the topic of Social Security reform has emerged as a political topic. Social Security was created in 1935 as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and is now one of the biggest government entitlement programs. With a growing federal debt of more than $31 trillion, lawmakers must now decide if they wish to reform Social Security as part of larger changes during negotiations over spending and raising the debt ceiling. 

Those who argue that Social Security should be reformed contend that the program currently has major flaws. They argue that as more and more Baby Boomers retire and begin collecting Social Security, the more of a drain the program will be on the government’s fiscal health. They may argue that if changes aren’t made now, it will cause huge problems later on. Supporters of this view have proposed changes ranging from pushing back the age at which seniors can begin collecting Social Security to cutting the amount of money given to recipients. 

Those who argue that Social Security should not be reformed argue that doing so would threaten the financial livelihoods of many Americans. They may argue that younger people who have not yet begun to collect Social Security have contributed money to the Social Security fund and have certain expectations of the amount they will be able to collect and at what age. Reducing benefits or raising the age now, they claim, is unfair—and will shake the faith citizens have in the entire system. They may argue that changes can be made later on, but the time to do so is not now. 

So, what do you think? Should the United States Congress Reform Social Security? Students can answer Yes, it should; No, it should not; or a nuanced answer in-between! Be sure to submit your answers by March 1st to have your response be considered for this week’s contest. 

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Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:      

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner     
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers      
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors      
• They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner      
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly   

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JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP! 

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag. 

This question will run from 2/16/23 to 3/1/23, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes! 

(For rules/regulations click HERE)