2008-2009 William Randolph Hearst Foundation United States Senate Youth Program

William Randolph Hearst Foundation 2009 Brochure 2008 Delegate Testimonials: Tara Fleming | Ryan Hicks Senate Youth Program Principal's Nomination Packet -- 2008 PDF Word

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(Disclaimer: These are only sample questions from past years and not actual questions being used in the current year's process.)

Sample Essay Questions for Finalists

Essay (90 possible points) - Time Limit: 45 minutes
Write an essay of 300 words or less exploring as fully as possible any one of the following questions. Label your essay with the number of the question.

• What are the major differences in the philosophies of the two major political parties? How have the parties' philosophies affected public policies in the past 20 years? 
• What are the major arguments for and against campaign finance reform? Which argument or arguments do you find most persuasive? Explain your answer.
• Why is government-sponsored prayer in public schools unconstitutional?

Sample Interview Questions for Finalists-- (Asked before a panel of judges.)

Introductory Question: (Not Evaluated.)
"Please tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in the U.S. Senate Youth Program."

Interview Questions: (Usually limited to five questions.)

• Our first question is in regard to systems of government. Please compare and contrast the parliamentary system of government (such as the one used in Great Britain) with the system of government in the United States.
• The issue of privatization of government functions is both a national and a state concern. What are positions of the Republican and the Democratic candidates for governor on this issue?"
• An official visit from the Chinese Head of State has been in the news lately. What is the nature of our relationship with China? What role should the United States be playing? And, finally, why do we care about China?
• Polls indicate that many people favor direct popular election of the President as a more Democratic method that the electoral college system. How would this alter the division of powers between the national government and the states? How might this alter the political influence of large and small states? How might it change political campaigning?
• What do you believe is one of the most important civic issues facing Indiana today? Why is this so important?
• What are some of the major issues which are preventing Israel and the Palestinians from implementing a peace agreement?
• What are some of the provisions of the recent nuclear test ban treaty that the U.S. Congress refused to ratify? What concerns about the treaty did some members of Congress have?
• Indiana's current Governor easily won his last election and yet he currently has a low approval rating. Why might this be?
• Congress is considering a federal no-call law to regulate telemarketing. It is rumored to be less restrictive than the current Indiana law. If it were passed, how would it affect the Indiana law?
• Concerns about Dick Cheney's health take on a new importance with war looming. In the event of the sudden incapacitation of both the President and the Vice President, what would the current order of assumption of power as stated in the Constitution?

Nancy Wolfe
Social Studies/Economics Specialist
Office of Program Development
Indiana Department of Education
Room 229, State House
Indianapolis IN 46204-2798
(317) 234-2092
Fax (317) 232-9121