political argument essay topics

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Political essay topics

Here are some basic topics for your political essay. Loads of students go for writing a political ideology essay.

Broader topics, on the other hand, cover connections between politics and other institutions like the church, religion, history, philosophy, etc.

When and how did the politics originate?
The connection between politics and religion.
Comparison of electoral systems in the world.
The most influential political figure of the XX century.
The political decision that has changed your country at most.
What is better for the world, globalization or nationalism?
Democracy: pros and cons.
Correlation between morality and power.
Terrorism as a political instrument.
Totalitarianism: pros and cons.
The environmental question in the politics of your country.
The impact of international relations on your country in the last ten years.
Change in politics at wartime.
The philosophy of politics.
Pros and cons of the political system in your country.

Political socialization essay

Usually, socialization topics cover various aspects of society and life. These topics can be connected with peoples or particular groups of people regarding the political context.

You may try writing a political cartoon essay, too. If you’re a fan.

Psychology of politics.
Are civil wars a failure of national politicians?
Which ways of reducing corruption in your country do you know?
What makes lots of people around the whole world think politics is immoral?
Does gender discrimination affect politics in your country?
How do you see the ideal political system?
How do cultural norms influence politics in different countries?
Should social movements have an impact on politics?
Connections between politics and the media.
Political scandals: pros and cons.
Are strikes and protests an efficient method of influencing the work of government?
How should government regulate privacy and internet safety?
Your position towards the death penalty.
Do people in your country have enough civil rights?
Advantages and disadvantages of legalizing drugs.

Political science essay topics

As those topics below are scientific, they most surely would demand reading a decent amount of literature about political history and its development.

Here students usually go for political systems thematic essays, yet we’ll try to offer something more interesting.

It can be a daunting assignment, but if you enjoy studying history and being super accurate that’s exactly what you’re looking for!

Description of democratization processes.
Development of politics in your country.
Analysis of civil wars phenomenon.
Nature of political conflicts.
The system of political parties in your country.
History of international relations.
Influence of non-state actors on the international arena.
Analysis of modern international relations.
The concept of power balance.
Modern conflict science.
Collisions in international law.
Ancient / Asian / Islamic / Christian political thought.
State and local government in your country.
The founding of the political system in your country.
The foreign policy of your country.

Political argumentative essay topics

Argumentative topics are fascinating, right? If you pick one, you’ll inevitably begin a fierce discussion about it.

Usually, there are two options available: for or against, yes or no, one side or the other.

If you have strong beliefs about any political topic, you should give it a try. That’s for sure. A political corruption essay would be a good start, but there is no reason to avoid searching for other options…

Do you think a war is always a political decision?
Should a politician be cruel or merciful?
Is your country headed in the right direction?
What do you regard as a more important thing: people’s privacy or national security?
Presidential republics or parliamentary republics?
What is more effective nowadays, war or diplomacy?
Can we completely overcome corruption?
Do revolutions cause more good or harm?
Are nuclear weapons a crucial need for countries in the XXI century?
Should America build the wall?

Political persuasive essay topics

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? Do you enjoy dreaming and breaking the existing frames society lives in? If yes, then the persuasive topic is what you need.

There can be no right or wrong point of view in such questions. Diverse opinions, that’s what it would be called more likely. The most popular type among students is a political party essay.

Have your own special vision on it? Cool! Write it down.

Want something else? Try these out!

Do you believe in your country’s democracy?
If you had the opportunity, which law would you add to your country’s legislation?
Tell about the most controversial political figure of your state and your attitude towards him/her.
Suggest ways of coping with corruption.
How do you see the future of politics?
Which political party in your country do you support and why?
Which political change or situation stroke you most during the last year?
Imagine creating your political party. What will it be like?
What is the most winning international rapport your country maintains?
Tell me how would you build your own state.

On balance…

I hope you’re full of fresh thoughts even if you didn’t choose any of the topics above.

Actually, politics is so multifaceted and diverse that you will definitely find something acceptable.

Finally, yet importantly, if you would consider the issue attractive, try writing an essay on political correctness. Why not?..

Do politics seem to be way too boring? We have trained professionals here, who strive to write a top-notch essay for you! Order it now and enjoy your free time…

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

Introduction
Supporting body paragraphs
Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
Do the transitions flow smoothly?
Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

Read your work aloud to yourself.
Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
Should schools push to abolish homework?
Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
Should universities do away with Greek life?
Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
Should women be allowed into special forces units?
Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
Should organ donation be mandatory?
Is cloning animals ethical?
Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
Is surrogacy ethical?
Should birth control require a prescription?
Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
Should the United States ban TikTok?
Is social media harmful to children?
Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
Should the government regulate religious practices?
Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
Should sports teams be divided by gender?
Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
Does computing harm the environment?
Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
Are electric cars really better for the environment?
Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
Should private jets be banned?
Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
Should tipping practices be phased out?
Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
7 Best Places to Study
Guide to the IB Extended Essay
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
AP Lit Reading List
How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
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Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook A Great Dark House (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

What’s covered:, how to pick a good argumentative essay topic, elements of a strong argumentative essay, argumentative essay idea example topics.

Are you having writer’s block? Coming up with an essay topic can be the hardest part of the process. You have very likely encountered argumentative essay writing in high school and have been asked to write your own. If you’re having trouble finding a topic, we’ve created a list of 52 essay ideas to help jumpstart your brainstorming process! In addition, this post will cover strategies for picking a topic and how to make your argument a strong one. Ultimately, the goal is to convince your reader.

An argumentative essay tasks the writer with presenting an assertion and bolstering that assertion with proper research. You’ll present the claim’s authenticity. This means that whatever argument you’re making must be empirically true! Writing an argumentative essay without any evidence will leave you stranded without any facts to back up your claim. When choosing your essay topic, begin by thinking about themes that have been researched before. Readers will be more engaged with an argument that is supported by data.

This isn’t to say that your argumentative essay topic has to be as well-known, like “Gravity: Does it Exist?” but it shouldn’t be so obscure that there isn’t ample evidence. Finding a topic with multiple sources confirming its validity will help you support your thesis throughout your essay. If upon review of these articles you begin to doubt their worth due to small sample sizes, biased funding sources, or scientific disintegrity, don’t be afraid to move on to a different topic. Your ultimate goal should be proving to your audience that your argument is true because the data supports it.

The hardest essays to write are the ones that you don’t care about. If you don’t care about your topic, why should someone else? Topics that are more personal to the reader are immediately more thoughtful and meaningful because the author’s passion shines through. If you are free to choose an argumentative essay topic, find a topic where the papers you read and cite are fun to read. It’s much easier to write when the passion is already inside of you!

However, you won’t always have the choice to pick your topic. You may receive an assignment to write an argumentative essay that you feel is boring. There is still value in writing an argumentative essay on a topic that may not be of interest to you. It will push you to study a new topic, and broaden your ability to write on a variety of topics. Getting good at proving a point thoroughly and effectively will help you to both understand different fields more completely and increase your comfort with scientific writing.

Convincing Thesis Statement

It’s important to remember the general essay structure: an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A strong thesis statement will set your essay up for success. What is it? A succinct, concise, and pithy sentence found in your first paragraph that summarizes your main point. Pour over this statement to ensure that you can set up your reader to understand your essay. You should also restate your thesis throughout your essay to keep your reader focused on your point.

Ample Research

A typical argumentative essay prompt may look like this: “What has been the most important invention of the 21st century? Support your claim with evidence.” This question is open-ended and gives you flexibility. But that also means it requires research to prove your point convincingly. The strongest essays weave scientific quotes and results into your writing. You can use recent articles, primary sources, or news sources. Maybe you even cite your own research. Remember, this process takes time, so be sure you set aside enough time to dive deep into your topic.

Clear Structure

If the reader can’t follow your argument, all your research could be for nothing! Structure is key to persuading your audience. Below are two common argumentative essay structures that you can use to organize your essays.

The Toulmin argument and the Rogerian argument each contain the four sections mentioned above but executes them in different ways. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both essay structures so that your essay is the most effective it can be.

The Toulmin argument has a straightforward presentation. You begin with your assertion, your thesis statement. You then list the evidence that supports your point and why these are valid sources. The bulk of your essay should be explaining how your sources support your claim. You then end your essay by acknowledging and discussing the problems or flaws that readers may find in your presentation. Then, you should list the solutions to these and alternative perspectives and prove your argument is stronger.

The Rogerian argument has a more complex structure. You begin with a discussion of what opposing sides do right and the validity of their arguments. This is effective because it allows you to piece apart your opponent’s argument. The next section contains your position on the questions. In this section, it is important to list problems with your opponent’s argument that your argument fixes. This way, your position feels much stronger. Your essay ends with suggesting a possible compromise between the two sides. A combination of the two sides could be the most effective solution.

Is the death penalty effective?
Is our election process fair?
Is the electoral college outdated?
Should we have lower taxes?
How many Supreme Court Justices should there be?
Should there be different term limits for elected officials?
Should the drinking age be lowered?
Does religion cause war?
Should the country legalize marijuana?
Should the country have tighter gun control laws?
Should men get paternity leave?
Should maternity leave be longer?
Should smoking be banned?
Should the government have a say in our diet?
Should birth control be free?
Should we increase access to condoms for teens?
Should abortion be legal?
Do school uniforms help educational attainment?
Are kids better or worse students than they were ten years ago?
Should students be allowed to cheat?
Is school too long?
Does school start too early?
Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
Is summer break still relevant?
Is college too expensive?

Art / Culture

How can you reform copyright law?
What was the best decade for music?
Do video games cause students to be more violent?
Should content online be more harshly regulated?
Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
Should schools ban books?
How important is art education?
Should music be taught in school?
Are music-sharing services helpful to artists?
What is the best way to teach science in a religious school?
Should fracking be legal?
Should parents be allowed to modify their unborn children?
Should vaccinations be required for attending school?
Are GMOs helpful or harmful?
Are we too dependent on our phones?
Should everyone have internet access?
Should internet access be free?
Should the police force be required to wear body cams?
Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
How has the internet impacted human society?
Should self-driving cars be allowed on the streets?
Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
Are professional athletes paid too much?
Should the U.S. have more professional sports teams?
Should sports be separated by gender?
Should college athletes be paid?
What are the best ways to increase safety in sports?

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original argumentative essay ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

130 Argumentative Essay Topics: Tips on How Choose the Best One

Defining What Is an Argumentative Essay

Imagine the following scenario: You just got into an argument with your friend over climate change. You said that this is an actual issue that poses significant threats to our environment and world population. Your friend, on the other hand, argued that climate change is not real, saying that it's a natural occurrence that has happened several times during world history. You got home, had time to reflect on the debate, and came up with several good reasons for your position. Oh! The things you could have said to clearly express and defend your stance... Now you're annoyed with the constant monologue running through your mind, reflecting upon the previous debate.

What if you documented the arguments that came to you afterward? Much like jotting them down on a piece of paper and giving some direction to your ideas. We say it would have made a brilliant work with fresh ideas and fiery passion.

That's exactly why you should practice argumentative essay writing. It will enhance your reasoning skills while allowing you to become more quick-witted. By doing this, you won't have to listen to your friends defending their stance while you lack your own arguments to contribute to the debate.

To persuade the reader of their position in an argumentative essay, the author must choose a position on a certain subject or problem and provide evidence to support it. This kind of essay is frequently required in high school or college classes to sharpen students' analytical abilities and motivate them to engage in challenging discussions.

So, let's take on a mission of fully understanding how to write an argumentative essay with a clear structure and endless topic ideas. We promise that after reading this article, you'll become an unshakable debater!

Three Common Argumentative Essay Models

First, let's start with the three most prevalent models of argumentative writing. Knowing this will guide you toward structuring your essay in your preferred style. The options are:

Toulmin model - Most commonly used model out of the three, the Toulmin model starts with an introduction, moves on to a thesis or claim, and then provides information and proof to back up that argument. This type of essay usually includes rebuttals of opposing points. This approach performs effectively when there is no undeniable truth or perfect answer to an issue.
Rogerian model - Created by Carl R. Rogers, the Rogerian model of argument assesses a debate and offers a compromise between opposing sides. This paradigm emphasizes cooperation and teamwork. It recognizes that an argument can be seen from a variety of angles. The Rogerian model starts with an introduction, moves to acknowledge opposing views, then states the author's main claims. Before the conclusion, it tries to provide a middle ground by carefully considering all sides of the argument.
Classical (Aristotelian) model- In the traditional paradigm, all sides of an argument are examined, and the side with the most convincing evidence is shown to be correct. This approach effectively convinces a listener to take a side in an argument by combining Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Proper Argumentative Essay Outline

This is not something new that you should be scared of - an essay outline that consists of classic five paragraphs and employs a sacred triangle of introduction, body, and conclusion. But still, in an argumentative essay outline, you should find something unique to this kind of paper. Let's examine these specifics more closely below with the help of our argumentative essay writing service :

Introduction

Your first task while writing argumentative essays is to grab the reader's attention with an eye-catching fact, story, or quotation that will work as a hook. Then continue by giving background information and outlining the problem at hand while clearly articulating your case and your point of argument.

Background information
Thesis statement

I. Introduction

The argumentative essay introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide background information. The introductory paragraph should also include a thesis statement, the main argument the essay will present, and support. For example:

Hook : Did you know that over 50% of Americans believe in aliens?
Background: UFO sightings and conspiracy theories have been around for decades.
Thesis: Despite the lack of concrete evidence, extraterrestrial life is a real possibility that should be explored further.

Body Paragraphs

The body section is where you confidently roll up your sleeves and give direction to your discussion. In the first paragraph, give your best argument in favor of your thesis, using examples, data, or expert opinions. Then, evaluate the data and describe how it backs up your claim. Remember to confront and disprove any potential opposing viewpoints. You might use the same strategy in the second body paragraph for a different argument supporting your thesis.

Consider the opposing position and offer arguments in the third and fourth paragraphs. Lastly, dispute the counterargument and explain why your argument is more powerful.

First supporting point
Explanation
Counterargument
Second supporting point

To wrap up, restate your major idea and summarize your supporting points. Explain why your point is important and what it means for the reader. To end on a strong note, encourage the reader to act or think more deeply about the subject.

Restate thesis
Significance
Call to action

Tips for Choosing Argumentative Essay Topics

Making a captivating and thought-provoking argumentative essay requires picking a strong topic. Here are six genuine suggestions to assist you through the process:

How to Choose Good Argumentative Essay Topics_ Tips

Keep your audience in mind - Consider the audience for your essay, and attempt to guess what they would think about the topic you wish to cover. Think about if your audience would find it fascinating.
Take a risk - Pick a highly debatable subject you think others would want to steer clear of. It will distinguish your topic from other ordinary argumentative essay topics. Make sure you can, however, present the reasoning for all sides of the controversy.
Consider your surroundings - Consider things that are either negative aspects or taboos in your environment. Dare to discuss and debate such problems.
Select an arguable topic - To avoid writing a dissertation; your topic should be in the middle of being both wide and narrow. Establish your paper's objectives. What point of view or hypothesis are you trying to support? Before you start writing, make an effort to clearly state your aim. If you cannot explain your goal effectively, try to free-write on your subject.
Provide logical and persuasive evidence - Ensure that your proof is appropriately documented. Be certain to introduce and explain the relevance of the evidence you use in an easy-to-understand way. Avoid assuming that your evidence will speak for itself and that your readers will draw the conclusions you want from it. Describe the significance of each piece of evidence, how it clarifies or supports your claim, and why it is relevant. Include evidence in your work and use it wisely to support your arguments.
Draft your essay - Make sure you include a lot of supporting material presented clearly and fairly, address the opposing viewpoint, and pay close attention to how your essay is organized. Ensure your argumentative essay structure is appropriate for your issue and audience, address and rectify any logical errors, and use appropriate transitions to make it easier for the reader to understand your argument.

Meanwhile, if you'd rather have a PRO craft your paper, you can always buy argumentative essay on our platform.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing the proper topic for your argumentative essay might be a major difficulty. You should always ensure that your chosen topic is interesting and worthwhile. Your school may occasionally provide you with a selection of subjects, but sometimes you may struggle to choose the topic.

Consider your struggle to be over in the following sections; our persuasive essay writing service will help you find the best argument topics for your upcoming argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Let's start with some easy argumentative essay topics for middle school students.

Explain whether or not students should have schoolwork on weekends.
Do you believe that the government should determine your school lunch?
Should students have to take gym classes?
Do you believe that children should have automatic screen time limits or should parents limit screen time manually?
Describe your position on whether or not school uniforms should be required.
Should violent video games be banned in the United States?
How unhealthy are hot dogs?
Why or why not should the electoral college be abolished?
Should the school day be prolonged to accommodate a long weekend?
Do you believe that prerequisite art classes should be mandatory for all college degrees?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

As you advance your education, you may also pick up more complex topics and open up a meaningful debate. So, here is a list of argumentative essay topics for students in high school.

Do you think the FDA is effectively policing what is put into our food?
What age do you consider the right age to start using social media?
Do you believe a civics test is required for 12th-grade students to pass to graduate?
Should professional athletes be permitted to use medications that improve performance?
Should high school students receive free breakfast?
At what point should children begin doing chores?
Do you believe using electronic voting machines makes the electoral process fair?
Do we have the power to affect climate change? Or is it far bigger and more powerful than we are?
Should the legal age to vote be reduced?
Should bottled water be prohibited if environmental protection is so important?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

College students have more freedom when it comes to choosing a topic of choice and freely expressing their opinions. Here are some interesting topics for an essay to delve right into:

Should the United States continue with daylight saving time, or should it be eliminated?
Should superior grades guarantee scholarship eligibility?
Has artificial intelligence overstepped its bounds?
Should there be no tuition fees for a public college education?
Do we need additional professional sports teams in the United States?
Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
Should there be a certain number of Supreme Court justices?
Are actors and sportsmen in the entertainment industry paid more than they deserve?
Should someone deny medical care due to their religious convictions?
Why is the Second Amendment part of the US Constitution that causes the greatest controversy?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Touching upon controversy makes the best argumentative essay topics for writing. To add a little spice to your paper, consider the following options:

Diversity Promotes Tolerance in Society
Electronic Voting Is Ineffective Because There Is Too Much Fraud
There is No More Free Journalism
People Getting Addicted Isn't Caused by Entertainment
Reality television fosters unrealistic expectations.
Serving in the military is dangerously romanticized
People's tax payments do not match the benefits they receive.
Given the effects of COVID, further funding for mental health services is necessary.
American Women Have the Same Chances as Men
Pollution Prevention Is Not Realistic Under the Present Circumstances

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

You may prefer to debate over funny topics. Here are some choices that will make humorous argumentative essay titles.

Which is preferable, the night owl or the morning person?
Do we have alien visitors, and if so, what do they want from us?
Should the employer impose strict nap requirements?
Is it OK to wear socks and flops together?
Should scooters take the place of all public transportation?
Can you eat pizza with a fork and knife?
Should we mandate dancing breaks during the working day?
Should we launch an initiative to promote cuddling as the new handshake?
Is it moral to routinely tease your loved ones?
Should we ban jeans and allow only pajamas to be worn in public?

If you want similar ideas for your next assignment, ask us - ' do my essay topics,' and we'll provide many more funny titles.

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

Here are some topics for argumentative speech from our speech writing service . With these options, you may as well confidently sign up for an inspirational TED talk!

What Opinions Do You Have About Cancel Culture?
Does being publicly shamed online prevent us from evolving and changing?
Phone etiquette: Do you ever feel awkward using your phone among other people?
How much, in your opinion, can we infer about our overall satisfaction from what is shared on social media?
Should Schools Need a Course in Media Literacy?
Does Teaching Happiness in Schools Make Sense?
Are there any books that shouldn't be found in public or school libraries?
What would you study if there was a unique school that taught you the things you truly wanted to learn?
Should Every Young Person Learn How to Trade Stocks?
Is Adversity a Prerequisite for Happiness?

Argument Topics on Social Media

The most efficient argumentative essay title examples relate to social media and online trends. Try the following alternatives:

Describe and analyze some of the issues that social media brings to society.
Social media has gained increasing acceptance in classrooms over time. Discuss while pointing up positives and drawbacks.
Describe the role that social media has had in the radicalization of society.
Talk about some ethical issues that become moot when creating a social media account.
Discuss how employing social media may assist in increasing your brand's overall value.
The importance of social media in contemporary marketing and for kids and teens.
What does social media weaponization entail?
What are the psychological harms that social media causes?
What impact does comedy have on mental health in online forums?
What effects do social media have on how people communicate?

Argument Topics on Music

Maybe you'd enjoy an argumentative essay topic on music? Say no more! We have a special place for it in our hearts, and we couldn't wait to share them with you!

Why Should a Musician Hire Another Person to Compose Music for Them?
How the Making of Music Affects People's Thoughts
Should performers utilize their platforms to speak out on social and political issues?
Is live music more significant and true to its origins than recorded music?
Can one use music as a means of expression and free speech?
Is it morally required of musicians to utilize their platform to promote social and political change?
Why music education should be a mandatory topic in schools.
Why pursuing a profession in music is meaningful and beneficial.
Why it's important to acknowledge and encourage the achievements made by women in music.
Why it's important to promote and preserve vanishing musical traditions.

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

What about a health-related topic for argumentative essay? Choose one of the below and contribute to the meaningful conversation in medicine!

Who carries out the main work, doctors or nurses?
Oversleeping has no negative effects on the body.
There should be restrictions on human medical testing.
Physical and mental health demand different levels of care.
Should the use of antibiotics be systematically and carefully regulated?
Are health campaigns useful strategies for preventing and controlling disease?
Should only those with healthy lives be eligible for organ transplants?
Should the US proclaim obesity the biggest threat to the country's health?
Should there be any regulation of US healthcare costs to increase access?
Should genetic engineering be permitted as a kind of therapy for terminal illnesses?

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

For more up-to-date examples of argumentative essay topics, here are some ideas on science and technology:

Do children's IQs differ depending on their socioeconomic status?
Are humans becoming more or less lazy as a result of technology?
Can we ever settle on Mars?
Do technological advances imply a weakening of the force of nature?
Can physicians ever be replaced by computers or robots?
Should people work on AI development?
Is the digitization of healthcare beneficial?
Should people be allowed to own their own DNA?
Will the use of robots improve our quality of life?
What potential advancements in cloud storage are there?

Argument Topics on Sports

We couldn't possibly miss the argumentative essay example topics on sports. Sports are a huge part of our everyday life no matter nation or gender. Examine the topic ideas below; we're sure you'll find something inspiring:

Why cheerleading belongs in the Olympic Games.
Colleges should prioritize wellness initiatives above athletics.
Are amateurs the only ones who practice non-contact versions of American football?
What character traits are important in professional football?
Could there be a place for women in the NFL?
Is it appropriate for national teams to hire players from other nations?
Why is women's soccer less well-liked than that played by men?
Are the wages of soccer players too high?
Is coordination more important in soccer than stamina?
Is the current FIFA ranking system accurate?

Argument Topics on Government

As the government is a crucial part of our society, we believe exploring, criticizing, or favoring some political policies, figures, or systems can make the best topic for an essay:

How should the government oversee online safety and privacy?
Are protests and strikes effective ways to affect how the government works?
Should more be done by the government to control and combat the rising issue of wealth inequality?
Is choosing the president of the United States through the electoral college a successful process?
Should the government be able to control and restrict access to weapons?
Should more be done by the government to advance and defend the rights of underrepresented groups?
Which political party do you favor in your nation and why?
Offer advice on the finest and most efficient strategy to deal with corruption.
Which political development or circumstance in the past year most affected you?
Should the amount of money given to political campaigns be capped to prevent rich people from exerting too much influence?

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

Last but not least, mainstream mediums of entertainment, TV, movies, or video games can also make some effective arguable topics:

Do aggressive behavior and violence in society rise due to violent video games?
Is it damaging when mental illness is portrayed in TV and film?
Is the movie business doing enough to combat whitewashing?
Is binge-watching television programs a safe pastime?
Indie films: A subgenre or a way of thinking?
The Ethics of Making Documentary Films
Documentary Films: The Potential to Influence Humanity
The Psychosocial Effects of Walt Disney's Heroes
Are augmented reality and video games getting too immersive?
Should parents be held accountable for watching their kids' graphic or violent media exposure?

Final Words

After researching a variety of excellent essay themes, you might wish to write a well-researched paper on your favorite. Don't forget that we are always ready to help you with all types of writing projects, from selecting an argumentative essay topic to perfecting the cause and effect essay structure . Contact us with your ' write a research paper for me ' request and let us take some of the pressure off your shoulders!

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150+ Informative Essay Topics for All Students

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Writing Tips

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

● Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

● Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

● Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

● Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

● Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

● Is AI helping or hurting society?

● Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

● Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

● Is war always a political decision?

● Should people join a political party?

● Is capitalism ethical?

● Is the electoral college an effective system?

● Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

● Should the death penalty be legal?

● Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

● Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

● Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

● Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

● Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

● Should abortion be legal?

● Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

● Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

● Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

● What causes the stigma around mental health?

● Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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● Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

● Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

● Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

● Should sports be segregated by gender?

● Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

● Are professional athletes overpaid?

● Should college athletes be paid?

● Should sports betting be legal?

● Should online access to art such as music be free?

● Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

● Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

● Should schools be required to offer art courses?

● Is art necessary to society?

● Should schools require uniforms?

● Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

● Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

● Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

● Should higher education be free?

● Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

● Are children better off in two-parent households?

● Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

● Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

● Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

● Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

● Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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150 Political Essay Topics

Whether it’s for a political science class, government class, or history class, you will eventually have to write a political essay. A political essay explores the various explanations for particular events that have transpired in the past and the different effects of those events on society and politics.

Political essays can be pretty challenging for students because the depth and scope of the subject matter can be quite vast. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about the workings of government and the political process can make writing a political essay quite difficult.

Fortunately, we’ve created a handy guide detailing essential components of political essay writing. Additionally, we’ve included 150 political essay topics students can use to get started.

The Basic Components of a Political Essay

Regardless of the topic’s complexity, political essays all have the same essential components – an introduction, a thesis, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Students can create an assertive and well-crafted political essay by understanding how these components work together.

The Introduction

The introduction of a political essay should grab the reader’s attention and give them an overview of the main points covered in the essay. An excellent way to do this is by starting with a provocative statement or posing a thought-provoking question. A great example of a political essay introduction could sound something like:

“In a world where the powerful seem to always get their way, is there any hope for democracy?”

The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most critical component of a political essay. It is the main argument or points that the essay will be making. Everything else in the essay should support the thesis statement. A thesis statement is probably the most challenging part of writing a political essay for many students because it can be challenging to distill the essay’s main argument into one or two sentences.

Some tips for writing a strong thesis statement include:

Make sure that the thesis statement is arguable. In other words, it should be something that someone could reasonably disagree with.
Be as specific as possible. A thesis statement that is too vague will make it difficult to write a strong essay.
Keep it short and to the point. A thesis statement should be no more than one or two sentences.

Great examples of a political essay thesis statement include:

“The current state of democracy is in danger due to the rise of populist leaders who exploit the fears of the people.”

“The government should do more to combat the rising inequality in society by implementing policies that help the working class.”

The Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of a political essay are where the essay’s main argument will be fleshed out in detail. Each body paragraph should focus on one specific point that supports the thesis statement. When writing body paragraphs, it is essential to:

Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point
Support the topic sentence with evidence from credible sources.
Connect the evidence back to the thesis statement.
Repeat for each body paragraph.

The Conclusion

The conclusion of a political essay should sum up the main points of the essay and leave the reader with a solid and clear understanding of the argument being made. A great conclusion should:

Restate the thesis statement in different words.
Summarize the main points of the essay.
Leave the reader with something to think about.

Some examples of final thoughts to end a political essay could be:

“It is clear that democracy is under threat from populist leaders. However, there is still hope as long as people remain engaged and fight for their rights.”

“The current state of democracy may be troubling, but it is nothing new. Throughout history, there have always been those who seek to undermine it. The key is to remain vigilant and to stand up for what we believe in.”

The Do’s and Don’ts of Political Essay Writing

While the tips above will help you write a solid political essay, there are also some things to avoid if you want your essay to be successful. Here are some dos and don’ts of writing a political essay:

Do research your topic inside and out.

A well-informed essay is always more persuasive than one that simply regurgitates the opinions of others. When researching, always use reliable sources and take good notes so you can easily refer back to them later.

Don’t forget to proofread and edit your work.

No matter how well-written and informative an essay is, if it is full of typos and grammatical errors, it will likely not make a good impression on the reader. Before submitting, proofread your work and fix any errors you may have missed.

Do be sure to stay objective.

A political essay is not the place for you to share your personal opinions. Instead, it should be a well-reasoned and unbiased exploration of the topic at hand.

Don’t forget to cite your sources.

If you use any information from outside sources in your essay, be sure to properly cite them according to the required citation style. Not only is failing to do so plagiarism, but it also makes your argument look weaker if you cannot back up your claims with evidence.

Do try to be concise.

A political essay is not the place to ramble on and on. Instead, get to the point and make your argument in as few words as possible. This will keep the reader engaged and prevent them from getting lost in your essay.

With the advice above, you should be well on your way to writing a successful political essay. However, if you need some additional inspiration, here are 150 more essay topics to get you started.

Political Essay Topics About History

Compare and contrast the policies of two different presidents.
How did the Cold War shape American foreign policy?
What was the most significant event of the 20th century?
How did the American Revolution change the political landscape?
What were the causes of World War I?
How did Napoleon Bonaparte rise to power?
What were the significant effects of the French Revolution?
Compare and contrast the American and French Revolutions.
What caused the fall of the Roman Empire?
How did Ancient Greece contribute to modern democracy?
What were the major political parties of the 19th century?
How did the Industrial Revolution change the political landscape?
What were the major triggers of World War II?
What was the Holocaust, and how did it impact politics?
How did the Cold War end?
What are the legacies of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher?
How has the European Union changed over time?
What are the major political parties in power today?
Compare and contrast the administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
How has social media changed the way we engage in politics?

Political Essay Topics About Ideologies

What is the difference between socialism and communism?
What is capitalism, and how has it changed over time?
What is Marxism, and what are its significant tenets?
What is fascism, and how did it come to power?
How do different political parties view taxation?
What is the role of the government in a capitalist society?
How does socialism differ from fascism?
What is the difference between conservatism and liberalism?
What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?
How do different political parties view welfare?
What is the role of the government in a socialist society?
How does communism differ from socialism?
What is the difference between democracy and dictatorship?
What is the role of the government in a communist society?
How do different political parties view education?
What is the difference between environmentalism and climate change activism?
What is the role of the government in protecting the environment?
How do different political parties view gun control?
What is the role of the government in ensuring public safety?
How do different political parties view healthcare?

Political Essay Topics About International Relations

Compare and contrast the foreign policies of two different countries.
How has globalization changed the international political landscape?
What are the major causes of war?
How does terrorism impact international relations?
What is the role of the United Nations in international politics?
What are the significant issues facing the European Union today?
What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and what is its role in international politics?
What are the major issues facing NATO today?
What is the difference between developed and developing countries?
How do developed and developing countries view each other?
What is the role of the International Monetary Fund in international politics?
What are the significant issues facing the International Monetary Fund today?
What is the World Trade Organization, and what is its role in international politics?
What are the major issues facing the World Trade Organization today?

Political Essay Topics About Social Issues

How has the abortion debate changed over time?
Discuss the political influences that make someone pro-choice or pro-life?
How has the gay rights movement changed over time?
Has the government been effective in stymieing the rise of racism?
What is the difference between sexism and misogyny, and is one political party more prone to it than another?
How has the Me Too movement changed the conversation about sexual assault and harassment?
What is the relationship between poverty and crime, and does politics have anything to do with it?
What is the relationship between education and income inequality?
Has the government been effective in tackling income inequality?
How do different political parties view reproductive rights?
How does religion influence politics?
What is the relationship between immigration and crime?

Political Essay Topics About Economic Issues

Should political affiliation have any bearing on economic policy?
What is the difference between a free market and a command economy?
How has globalization changed the world economy?
What are the major issues facing today’s world economy, and are politics to blame?
Should voters or Congress be responsible for economic policy?
What is the role of the government in an economy?
What is the difference between Keynesian economics and supply-side economics?
What is the difference between laissez-faire capitalism and crony capitalism?
How have politics funded the rise of inequality in the United States?
Should the rising cost of healthcare be considered a political issue or a social issue?
How do different political parties view deregulation?

Political Essay Topics About Politicians

Compare and contrast the political careers of two different politicians.
Analyze the effectiveness of a politician’s political campaigns.
Discuss the role that charisma plays in politics.
How much does a politician’s personal life influence their political career?
What is the difference between a successful and unsuccessful politician?
How do special interest groups influence politics?
What is the difference between a lobbyist and a politician?
What is the difference between a career politician and a term politician?
Compare and contrast the political ideologies of two different politicians.
Are career politicians more effective than term politicians?
How do campaign finance laws influence politicians’ decision-making processes?

Political Essay Topics About Elections

Should the Electoral College be reformed or abolished?
What is the difference between primary and general elections?
Discuss the role that voter turnout plays in elections.
How does gerrymandering influence elections?
How do campaign finance laws influence elections?
What is the difference between open and closed elections?
Should there be term limits for politicians?
Should people be allowed to vote by mail or early voting?
How did democratic elections come to be?
Should voting be mandatory?
How can we make sure that every vote is counted?
What is the difference between a hung parliament and a coalition government?
Should countries have more than two political parties?
What is the difference between a first-past-the-post system and a proportional representation system?
What is the difference between a parliamentary system and a presidential system?

Political Essay Topics About Laws and Regulations

How does a bill become a law?
What is the difference between a law and a regulation?
How do regulatory agencies influence politics?
Discuss the pros and cons of gun control laws.
Should there be stricter penalties for hate crimes?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should there be term limits for Supreme Court justices?
What is the difference between civil law and criminal law?
How do interest groups influence the passage of laws?
Should there be limits on campaign spending?
Should corporations be allowed to donate to political campaigns?
What is the difference between a veto and a filibuster?
How does the process of impeachment work?
What is the difference between judicial review and judicial activism?
Should members of Congress be allowed to vote for pay raises?

Political Essay Topics About Foreign Policy

Should the United States have a policy of isolationism?
How does foreign aid influence politics?
Should the United States intervene in other countries’ affairs?
How does the United Nations influence politics?
What is the difference between diplomacy and foreign policy?
How do trade agreements influence politics?
What is the difference between an alliance and a treaty?
How do sanctions influence politics?
What is the difference between a colony and an empire?
How does decolonization influence politics?
How do border disputes influence politics?
What is the difference between a refugee and an immigrant?
How does immigration policy influence politics?
What is the difference between a country and a nation?
How does nationalism influence politics?

Political Essay Topics About Civil Rights and Liberties

What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?
How do the Bill of Rights and the Constitution influence politics?
Should there be limits on free speech?
How do hate speech laws influence politics?
Should there be limits on the right to bear arms?
How do gun control laws influence politics?
What is the difference between a search warrant and a warrantless search?
How do search and seizure laws influence politics?
How do Miranda rights influence police interrogation?
What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?
How do stop and frisk laws influence politics?
Should there be limits on police use of deadly force?
How do racial profiling laws influence politics?
What is the difference between affirmative action and reverse discrimination?
Should there be limits on affirmative action?

No matter the type of essay you need to write, these 150 political essay topics should give you plenty of material to work with. Remember that you can always narrow your focus to a specific country, a specific type of government, or specific law or regulation. And if you need help writing your essay, re-read the helpful tips above to ensure you get a good grade.

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460 Excellent Political Topics to Write about in 2024

If you have an assignment in politics, look no further—this article will help you ace your paper. Here, you will find a list of unique political topics to write about compiled by our custom writing team .

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

But that’s not all of it! Keep reading if you want to:

See how to tackle political essay topics in your paper;
Choose a topic that will be interesting for you to research;
Refresh your knowledge of essential political concepts.

Now, without further ado, let’s get started! Below, you’ll find political topics and questions for your task.

🔝 Top 10 Topics
✅ Main Political Concepts
🇺🇸 American Politics Topics
🌐 Global Politics
📚 Political Science
🏛️ Political Philosophy
⚖️ Comparative Politics
💵 Political Economy
🍴 Food Politics
🌱 Environmental Politics
📖 Political Case Study Topics
✍️ How to Write a Political Essay

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 political topics to write about.

The political causes of terrorism
Why do we need political parties?
Is politics connected to religion?
Does an ideal political system exist?
How to prevent ideological conflicts
Electoral systems around the world
The role of the UN in the world politics
Should nuclear weapons be banned?
The importance of international relations
Should the government control the internet?

✅ Main Political Concepts to Focus On

Politics is an exciting and versatile subject. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not confined to senates and debate chambers. It also takes place on the streets and in your home. You can even say that everything is political.

Politics has so many areas to study—it may be hard to decide what to choose. Let’s see what interesting concepts you can focus on:

Government and all that concerns the state. It includes actions that involve state institutions and people serving them. You might want to concentrate on voting, transnational interactions, or acts of politicians.
We’ve all heard that conflict is a healthy part of every relationship. Do you believe that politics should embrace the differences? Then you may want to study the mechanisms of protests and revolutions.
Or, you can focus on methods of nonviolent conflict resolution .
Execution of power . Here the question is: what is power? Study various definitions and choose the ones you like best.
Maybe you consider politics a social activity . You can also think of it as more of a public activity . Look into these concepts and see where politics takes place.

Does any of these ideas seem particularly interesting to you? Write an essay about it! Or, if you want inspiration, check our extensive list of ideas covering every major branch of politics. Below you will find current political topics as well as historical ones.

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🇺🇸 American Politics Essay Topics

Inner social and economic tensions have led to drastic changes in America’s political climate. The divide between Democrats and Republicans grows more resonant by the minute. What is your opinion on these developments? Have a closer look at it with one of our engaging topics:

Discuss gun control measures and crime rates reduction in the US.
Analyze Kanye West’s presidential campaign.
What are the crucial current issues to voters in America?
Do national politics in the USA neglect older adults?
Why isn’t the right to privacy listed in the US constitution?
The American government has extensive plans concerning the closure of Purdue Pharma. But are they acting in the public’s best interest?
Pros and cons of raising the number of justices at the Supreme Court.
Write about American neutrality and contribution in the Great War.
Discuss the pros and cons of building a fortified border wall between the USA and Mexico.
What would happen to California if it became an independent country?
Who should pay for essential healthcare services in America?
Does the two-party-system do more harm than good?

What did President Trump achieve by pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord?
Describe how the American states collaborate in the federal system .
Is a cap on immigration to the US necessary?
How does wealth inadequacy affect American democracy?
The role of freedom in American politics.
How does the Electoral College work?
What are the implications of Donald Trump’s revealed tax statements?
Political impact of the body positivity movement in America.
The BLM movement as covered by Fox News vs. CNN.
The US-Australian cooperation and its implications.
Should the US seek tighter bonds with China?
What’s the easiest way to become politically involved in the US?
Why should you join a political party?
Effects of the war on drugs.
Debate implementing more restrictive gun laws nationwide.
America’s role in restoring Europe after World War II.
How does social media influence political decisions in America?
Is capitalism the best system for the US?
Why don’t LGBT people in America have the same rights as straight people?
How did the legalization of dispensaries in California impact consumer behavior ?
What branches does the American government consist of?
How is poverty affecting rural communities in the US?
Explore law enforcement in the US on local, state, and federal levels.
Discuss the limits of executive power in New Jersey.
Should Oregon implement a cap on the price of medicines?
What caused healthcare in America to become so expensive?
Religious extremism in the US after 9/11.
Your position on the American intervention in Syria.
What caused many people to lose trust in President Trump’s government?
Describe the state of affairs that allowed Donald Trump to win the 2016 election.
What laws restrict campaign financing in Florida?
Discuss the budgeting of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Evaluate President Trump’s crisis response.
Outline the ideas of American politicians from parties on the margin.
The importance of the Hispanic vote.
The Patriot Act: facts and controversies.
How do stereotypes towards Asian Americans influence their opportunities?
The power of line-item vetoes in Wisconsin.

🌐 Global Political Topics to Talk About

Global politics studies basic political ideas on an international scale. This subject combines multiple social sciences to analyze political activity worldwide. Choose between the topics concerning human rights, development, conflict, and international relations.

Why did Reporters without Borders build a library in Minecraft?
How influential are NGOs?
What are the main functions of the UN?
Discuss how the 2015 migrant crisis affected European politics.
What are the drawbacks of being stateless ?
African socialism in the 1950s and 1960s.
Has the US become estranged from its European allies?
What is the Human Development Index?
Explain the three waves of democratization .
Why do some countries suffer from terrorism more than others?
Discuss methods of conflict resolution used by the African Union.
At what point does a crisis justify international intervention?
Trace the events of the 2020 election in Belarus.
What caused the Eastern Mediterranean to be war-torn?
Discuss the role of gender in modern Africa.
How did the California Gold Rush in 1848 impact global politics?
The development of Latin American cities in the past 30 years.
Why was Germany hesitant to participate in colonization? What led to the change of heart?
Israeli-Palestine conflict and the global community.
How do countries reconcile after being at war with each other?
What is the Spratly Islands dispute?
Why does China claim ownership of the South China Sea? What makes it a globally important issue?
The threats of transnational organized crime.
What are the effects of Brexit on the UK and international relations?
How does a country’s geography shape its politics?
US foreign policy: criticism and problems.
The purpose and importance of global health.
Discuss how Sub-Saharan Africa can become independent of foreign aid.
Global citizenship: characteristics and responsibilities.
How does feminism influence global relations?
What does deterrence theory entail?
Explain how the International Court of Justice works.
Global war in terrorism: what are its main challenges?
What causes interdependence between nations?
Why do states need to be internationally acknowledged? What happens if they aren’t?
Structural effects of uneven resource distribution.
Gender bias in global politics.
Explore the history of Cambodian politics.
Kazakhstan: the proposal to switch the alphabet from Cyrillic to Latin.
What factors determine if a country is safe to travel to?
Discuss Daniel Drezner’s theories of global politics.
The development of the UK’s global political influence.
Compare how various countries protect their indigenous cultures.
Should the EU be dissolved?
What is Wilsonianism?
Characterize America’s foreign affairs in the Middle East.
What rights does a stateless person have?
Amnesty international: criticism and controversies.
What has the Pan-African movement achieved?
How did American government respond to the Arab Spring?

📚 Political Science Topics to Research

Political science studies collective decisions and their consequences. Part of this process is analyzing the structure and mechanisms of government. Researchers in this field consider psychological, social, and cultural aspects of political activity.

The rise of Austria’s Freedom Party in 2000.
What can game theory tell us about society?
Discuss the concept of nationhood, its benefits, and pitfalls.
Trace the development of the Nigerian government from the ’60s up to now.
The impact of celebrities on political campaigning.
Describe the goals of the anti-globalization movement.
Why did all Germany’s attempts to form a republic fail until after World War II?
The effects of poverty on Australian indigenous peoples.
What type of events affect voting behavior the most?
Examine historical examples of anarchist societies.
Does a president need to represent all of their country’s citizens ?
What are the advantages of polling?
Can monarchies be democratic?
What influences people’s political beliefs?
The regulation of water supply in Latin American countries.
Describe how the media affects cultural globalization .
Compare right and left-wing terrorist groups.
What constitutes tyranny?
How does the Saudi Arabian government work?

The relationship between the automobile industry and politics in Japan .
Crisis theory, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
What are the goals of the alt-right?
The historical significance of the treaty of Westphalia.
Was the Equal Rights Amendment doomed to fail? What is its current status?
How does tourism affect Caribbean politics?
What makes someone a leader?
Discuss how powerful states influence poorer ones.
How does the EU make decisions?
Examine the success rate of petitions.
The psychology behind supporting extremist groups.
The mechanics of propaganda: when language becomes a political tool.
Class 12 political education: preparing students to vote in their first election.
Analyze the structure of the Chinese Communist Party.
What does the Lemon test determine?
Is fear a good instrument of control?
The political danger of fake news .
How do civil wars happen?
Political culture: why did democracy in Iraq fail?
Investigate the conflict between China and Tibet.
Should institutions benefit society’s poorest members?
The role of poverty in driving the popularity of Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Why do some people miss the Soviet Union?
What are the differences between the IS and al-Qaeda?
Organization of the Taliban government in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.
Political radicalization on the internet.
The importance of women in governments .
Balance of power theory and modern world order.
The dangers of neopatrimonialism in African politics.
Why was the French Revolution an important event in history?
What influences outside the government can impact policymaking?

🏛️ Best Political Philosophy Essay Topics

What type of systems can ensure a happy life for everyone? Political philosophy, or political theory, seeks to answer this question. Its goal is to create a social standard by applying ethics to politics. Get contemplative with our interesting political theory paper topics:

How ethical is capitalism ?
Explore the ideological connection between liberalism and feminism.
How close is your community to Plato’s ideal society?
What would happen if we leave capitalism behind?
Discuss the concept of democracy in political theory.
Ethical issues concerning globalization .
What would Aristotle say about the world’s current state of affairs?
Marx’s and Lenin’s imperialism theories.
Was Jean-Jacques Rousseau right in saying that a civil society began with a fence?
Is restricting immigration an ethical way to increase wages?
How relevant is John Locke’s social contract theory today?
Explore the problems of democratic transition and consolidation.
Analyze the shortcomings of positivism.
Discuss John Rawls’ position on justice.
What is philosophical anarchism ?
How does Michel Foucault explain the development of Western penal systems in Discipline and Punish ?
Discuss grounds on which war is morally permissible or even necessary.
The influence of existentialism on Western politics.
What events sparked the foundation of the Paris Commune?
How can governments and communities cooperate?
Can religion have a positive influence on lawmaking?
What does it mean to have authority ?
Should governments provide stability or freedom of choice?
The influence of revisionism on the German Social Democratic Party policies.
Is gerrymandering always unjust?
How did the idea of democracy change from ancient Greece to modern times?
Is the law always morally right?
The role of violence in the ideologies of Pyotr Kropotkin and Mikhail Bakunin.
Police corruption: understanding and prevention.
Is democracy indeed a rule by the people?
What’s the difference between nationalism and patriotism?
The role of power from the post-structuralist perspective.
Is there a big divide between Asian and Western political ideology?
What motivates someone to be politically active?
Why are students typically engaged in politics?
Is populism ethical?
Provide an advanced perspective of public policy.
Should the state be allowed to decide whether an individual can end their life?
The meaning of the term “liberalism” from its origins to this day.
What do feminists mean by saying “the personal is political”?
How do you define the word “ political ”?
Discuss dehumanization and its evolution in warfare.
If you could start a whole culture anew, what would its principles be?
Analyze how pornography can be political.
Policymaking: systemic thinking on various levels.
Are liberal government models the end of political development?
How did the US government morally justify the Vietnam war ?
According to Thomas Hobbes, why do citizens need a Leviathan ?
Describe Machiavelli’s position concerning the role of religion in politics.
The influence of Ayn Rand’s objectivism on libertarian movements.

⚖️ Comparative Politics Essay Topics

Have you ever wondered how the state influences a nation’s economy? Scholars of comparative politics know the answer. They analyze governments by comparing and contrasting them. Choose a topic in this category to discover the differences between various political systems.

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What causes nations to transform their governments?
Define the differences between a nation and a nation-state.
Causes of war: comparative politics and peace studies.
The politics of baby boomers vs. millennials .
Is the “tyranny of the majority” an unavoidable weakness of democracy?
Characteristics of authoritarian vs. totalitarian regimes.

What are the differences between laws and executive orders ?
How does bureaucracy work in Norway vs. Russia?
Living conditions in South African squatter settlements and Brazilian favelas.
Compare conservative ideology in the US vs. the Netherlands.
What is the ideological difference between liberalism and conservatism?
Discuss the advantages of a participatory vs. a representative democracy .
What are the current trends in democratization ?
Compare the contents of the French vs. the British constitution .
Describe the differences between federal and unitary governments.
The executive’s role in Japan vs. China.
Political parties in Canada: ideological analysis.
What does it take to pass a law in Finland as compared to Sweden?
How does the naturalization process work in Canada vs. the US?
What factors impact political participation in different countries?
How does a country’s education influence its citizens’ political activity?
Analyze the role of interest groups in the USA and Poland.
How do presidential systems work in comparison to parliamentary systems?
Idealism versus realism in international politics
Ownership laws in Nigeria vs. Eritrea.
Compare Saddam Hussein’s regime with societies from Orwell’s 1984 .
Identify current trends in voter turnout.
What constitutes the civil society in India and Pakistan?
Contrast the structures and influence of the top five grassroots movements.
The role of independent media in political education.
What factors determine whether a societal change is successful?
Compare American and Icelandic healthcare systems.
Protest votes: in which system do they work best?
Which fundamental ideologies do most of the world’s democracies share?
The social consequences of corruption in Mexico vs. Venezuela.
The perception of conservatism in the US vs. other countries.
Analyze Indian and Brazilian democracies.
Revolving door politics in Japan vs. Australia.
How is gender equality institutionalized in different countries?
Why are green parties more successful in Europe than in the US?
Contrast political education across the states of the former Soviet Union .
The influence of the military on the government in the US vs. New Zealand.
Achievements of the LGBT movement in Poland and the Czech Republic.
What are sustainability measures in South Africa vs. Senegal?
The evolution of women’s rights in Russia vs. Switzerland.
How does federalism in Brazil differ from the one in America?
Compare Peru’s and Lesotho’s unitary systems.
Comparison between Florida and Maryland’s legislative frameworks.
Contrast various military governments. Can they be beneficial for the public?
Political socialization in France vs. India.

💵 Political Economy Topics to Write About

Are you interested in how trade relates to a nation’s law and government? Then this section is for you. Scholars in this field study how economic theories influence societies. On top of that, they advise governments on economic policies and proposals. Find a great topic in the list below:

Economic interdependence theory and future of trade.
How do oligopolies influence the market?
What are the economic effects of taxation ?
Do democratic countries have better economies than autocratic states?
Did NAFTA overall benefit Mexico’s economy?
The oil industry in Saudi Arabia: analysis and strategies.
Globalization and the economy: interrelations and consequences.
What are the goals of the WTO?
How did the foundation of OPEC shape oil trade?
What factors influence the global GMO market?
Explain the concept of the invisible hand.
What are the characteristics of public goods?
Does private ownership necessarily lead to inequality?
How did mercantilism affect colonized countries?
Define critical political economy theory.
What role does mass media play in a nation’s economic decisions?
The current revival of neoliberalism .
Why does the exchange rate matter?
The role of competition in politics.
How did the development of financial systems impact governments?
Why did President Trump’s tax reports cause a scandal?
How did economic troubles lead to political tensions in the EU?
What policies did countries in South-East Asia implement to drive economic growth?
Can guaranteed income prevent socio-economic crises?
How are pension age policies connected to a country’s economic situation?
The impact of terrorism on oil prices and production.
What were the political pros and cons of the gold standard ?
Does the trade war between the US and China have the potential to affect global trade?
What types of governments are more likely to engage in protectionism?
How is America “weaponizing” the dollar?
Discuss risk management strategies during the financial crisis in the US.
Utilitarian ethics in political economy.
What is the minimum wage , and how do you calculate it?
Do big companies have too much political influence?
The effects of gender-biased laws on economic systems .
What are the economic concerns behind sustainable policies?
Why are European countries struggling to convert to green energies ?
Does turning away from fossil fuels automatically mean a decrease in economic growth?
How do policies create wealth gaps?
What do wealthy countries do to stay rich?
Describe the political consequences of outsourcing .
The connection between political instability and widespread poverty .
The political economy of financing conflicts in the Middle East.
Why do countries export weapons to war-torn areas?
How do political power balances create inequality?
The politics of free markets vs. planned economies.
What are the key elements of the political economy, according to Marxism ?
Explain the 19th-century socialist ideology.
What effects do a country’s political institutions have on the development of organized crime ?
Feminism in the political economy .

🍴 Food Politics Essay Topics

Decisions concerning packaging labels and food safety regulations belong in the realm of food politics. This branch also encompasses aspects related to food production, distribution, and consumption. Dive into the world of food politics with one of our popular writing ideas:

How much should the government influence our food choices ?
What’s political about our diet?
How do food politics influence our eating habits ?
Why do most American food production companies add sugar and syrup to bread?
The politics of kid-targeted food advertising.
What are the differences between the major labels of organic food ?
Should conventional agriculture still be subsidized?
What are the most dominant conflicts of interest in the agricultural industry today?
What can governments do to make fresh and healthy foods more accessible?
Compare various government-sponsored programs to promote a healthy diet .
How does the demand regulate the market in terms of food products ?
Will we ever be able to eradicate hunger globally?
How can policies and restrictions make the food industry more sustainable?
Why are food politics crucial to achieving development goals?
Should governments ban plastic bags and packaging?
Following the annexation of Crimea, Russia received heavy sanctions. It prompted President Putin to ban the import of food products from Europe and the US. How does this affect the country?
Monsanto: the political influence of America’s former biggest GMO seed distributor.
What issues are associated with eco-friendly food packaging?
What would be the consequences of outlawing alcohol?

Should there be a ban on advertisements for unhealthy foods?
Lobbying tactics in the alcohol industry.
Discuss the benefits of implementing higher taxes on soft drinks.
When can a company label their product as “natural”?
Discuss the problems related to US school cafeterias.
The danger of alcopops: policies that prevent early alcohol consumption.
Challenges of regulating deceptive health claims.
How does sponsored research influence nutritional guidelines?
The biopolitics of nutrition and food distribution.
What should all food labels contain to ensure safe consumption?
The vegan movement’s impact on the organic food market.
How did industrialization change the way we eat?
Is ethnic food underrepresented in nutritional guidelines? If so, why?
Discuss the role of price in alcohol consumption.
Why is cannabis banned in many countries, but cigarettes aren’t?
Sin tax: what are its unintended social repercussions?
How do gruesome pictures on cigarette packages influence smoking behavior?
Consumption of harmful products in states with and without a sin tax.
Treatment of migrant fruit pickers in Texas.
California removed sugary drinks and sweets from its public schools. Did this lead to a decrease in youth obesity?
Food safety: a policy issue in agriculture today.
What would sustainable policies on regulating food waste be?
Should governments allocate more resources into cloning research to satisfy the meat demand?
The political influence of the American meat industry.
Should animal rights be secured in the constitution?
The development of whale hunting laws in Japan.
What type of regulations could ensure sustainable fishing?
What’s the problem with “Big food”?
Examine the food vs. fuel dilemma.
Discuss the court case in which a Colorado bakery refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple.
Denial of food access as a war weapon.

🌱 Environmental Political Research Topics

Issues like sustainability and climate change need coordinated political decisions. That’s where environmental politics comes into play. This branch analyzes policymaking as well as political theories and ideas concerning the environment. Besides, it investigates what position political parties and social movements have on the matter. If you want to address environmental concerns in your essay, this section is for you.

How can the global power of the church be used to drive sustainability agendas?
Why do some arid countries want to tow icebergs? What are the environmental consequences of this practice?
What are the goals of the carbon tax?
Why should cities endorse greenways in their urban planning?
How did Nigerian activists react to the environmental consequences of the country’s excessive oil production?
Political strategies to preserve biodiversity .
What did the Kyoto protocol achieve?
Why didn’t Iran and Turkey sign the Paris Agreement?
Explore the environmental positions of various parties across the political spectrum.
Is sustainability a viable aspiration for a community?
Why are liberal governments more likely to address environmental concerns than conservative ones?
Does it take an authoritarian state to combat global warming effectively?
The benefits of environmental education in class 11.
How do interest groups manipulate political action against environmental problems ?
Is lobbyism responsible for the hesitation in terms of setting strict sustainability goals?
The Clean Water Act: achievements and shortcomings.
Are governments doing enough to tackle environmental issues ?
The success of market mechanisms in environmental policymaking.
Discuss the progress made to control air pollution in China.
What roles do NGOs play in driving policies to protect nature?
Are environmental politics mostly moving forward in times of a crisis?
Geoengineering: should governments rely on changing the weather instead of adjusting regulations?
Discuss the correlation between energy crisis and climate change.
How will Indonesia’s new Omnibus Law impact environmental politics?
The influence of social movements in making the fishery industry more sustainable.
How can governments ensure green conservation without reducing their country’s living standards?
Is ecoterrorism a good way to bring attention to under-discussed problems?
Investigate how environmental politics can reconcile its proponents with its adversaries.
How did Hannah Arendt influence modern political thought about nature?
What is ecofeminism , and what are its goals?
Implications of the Gaia hypothesis for environmental politics.
Provide an outline of an environmental conservation project.
Al Gore’s influence on environmental decisions during his time as vice president.
Sustainability initiatives in the US vs. Europe.
The significance of environmental politics in international relations.
Discuss the link between social justice movements and the rise of green parties.
Should the California government promote native fire tending techniques to save the state’s forests?
An Inconvenient Truth : legacy and criticism.
Do not let Belgrade d(r)own: environmental activism in the Balkans.
The role of the military in protecting nature.
What plans does the New Zealand government have to reduce carbon emissions?
Responsible mining practices in the Philippines.

Political cooperation efforts for protecting the Caspian Sea.
Discuss the benefits and costs of the US acid rain program.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact environmental policymaking?
The role of populism in addressing climate change .
Radioactive waste management policies in the EU.
Contrast the methods of various climate justice organizations.
How can we use AI to protect the environment?
Combating food waste in Norway: consequences of introducing the phrase “best before, often good after” on food labels.

📖 Political Case Study Topics to Look Into

Case studies are valued among all social sciences. They are an excellent method to learn from real-life examples. What’s even better, you can apply the information you’ve gathered from them to a broader framework. If you prefer a practical approach to politics, check out these compelling ideas:

The 2011 drought caused the Yangtze River to carry significantly less water. How did this affect Chinese politics?
The Arctic ice is melting at an unprecedented pace. How do politicians cooperate in combating it?
Pollution has caused an ecological disaster in Kamchatka. What was the Russian government’s response to the crisis?
The economic growth of Asian countries has put them on the radar of potential Western allies. What stands in the way of a successful partnership?
Apartheid in South Africa didn’t end until the 1990s. What events led up to the system’s abolishment?
Botswana used to be one of the world’s poorest countries. Now, it’s considered a role model for African development. How did it achieve its wealth?
Environmental NGOs have positioned themselves against fracking from the very beginning. How do their actions impact congressional decision making?
Guinea-Bissau is a haven for the illegal drug trade. Politicians are not able to contain it. How did the situation develop?
In Nigeria, ethnic minorities and the state claim ownership over the country’s oil reserves. How did this conflict emerge? What has been done to solve it?
In 2016, military troops attempted to overthrow the Turkish government. Why did they fail?
In 2020, the military took over the Mali government. How did it happen? What was the international response?
Kenya remained under British rule until 1963. Describe the consequences colonization had on the country.
Nornickel is a Russian Nickel and Palladium production company. In 2020, it has caused two major environmental disasters: an oil leakage and a wastewater spill. What were the consequences? What did officials do to cover it up?
In the 20th century, Latin America was home to many dictatorships. To this day, some countries in the area are struggling with their governments. How did this happen?
The Universal Child Allowance is a conditional cash transfer designed to help underage Argentinian children from low-income families. Investigate their impact.
Microfinancing has created a debt trap for women in Sri Lanka. As a result, they formed a cooperative movement with better credit conditions. Could such cooperatives be an alternative to microfinancing worldwide?
Greece’s refugee camps are notorious for their harsh living conditions. Investigate their access to healthcare.
Few countries are as affected by HIV as India. Identify how this phenomenon connects to the nation’s high poverty rate.
Civil conflict in Columbia between the far-right, far-left, and the government has been ravaging the country for decades. What strategies could restore peace?
Bhutan has recently transitioned from an absolutist monarchy to a democracy. How did religion influence this development?
Class identity has been a central topic in post-apartheid South Africa . How are changes in identity perception impacting politics?
Incarceration rates among black citizens in America are significantly higher than among white people. Discuss how this is linked to racial profiling .
The Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán funds populist propaganda campaigns. How does he instrumentalize the national identity to drive his agenda?
During the 2020 elections in the United States, there was no clear result on the election night. Yet, Donald Trump has falsely declared himself the winner before the official announcement. What political intentions did he have?
In 2014, Scotland tried to gain independence from Great Britain through a referendum. Why did it fail? Would it be more likely to succeed now?
Women’s rights in countries under Islamic rule are often underdeveloped. How did the Musawah movement influence lawmaking in these nations?
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion is the world’s most secure airport. Explore its history. What makes it unique?
Ever since its foundation, the US has been a dream destination for many immigrants. How did this situation change since President Trump promised to build the wall?
The Antarctic has plenty of lands to offer. Currently, governments are engaging in territorial disputes. Who does this land belong to? Why is this debate relevant?
Since 2019, Hong Kong people have been protesting laws that potentially impose closer legal bonds with mainland China. How did these protests influence the legislature so far? How did the governments in Hong Kong and China react?
The Gaza strip has been a center of an ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. How did its latest developments influence Israeli security politics?
Child labor is a significant problem in the Philippines. What does the country do to tackle it?
South Ossetia is a Caucasus region fighting for autonomy. It is officially recognized as part of Georgia by most countries. Plans to integrate the de facto state with Russian North Ossetia have failed. What caused the fights? What can be done to solve the conflict?
Asian countries are developing rapidly. It causes economic competition for the neighboring nations. What factors led China and Japan to emerge as global players?
In Vietnam, agriculture has undergone significant changes in the past decades. How have these transformations impacted farmers?
The Ottoman Empire used to be an enormous state. It encompassed most of Southeastern Europe and much of Arabia. How did its dissolution lead to modern-day conflicts on the Arabian Peninsula?
Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. How does the government ensure enough housing opportunities?
The Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammad bin Salman was celebrated for his liberal economic and social reforms. Why was he suspected of ordering the assassination of journalist and government critic Jamal Khashoggi?
Colton is a valuable mineral found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The excessive mining of the resource has led to increased criminal activity and conflict. How is this impacting the local civilians? What solutions have been proposed?
Sierra Leone was engaged in a war with the Revolutionary United Front for 11 years. How did foreign intervention resolve the conflict? How did this experience impact the current political situation?
Until its criminalization in 1997, cannabis has been a medicinal staple in Pakistan . Recently, the government approved the industrial production of the drug. What were the reasons for it? How is this going to affect the country’s economy?
In Japan, decreasing birth rates have led to a steep decline in the population. What plans does the government have to tackle this problem?
4chan is an anonymous forum that caters to all kinds of interests. It is infamous for spreading hate and online radicalization. Some of America’s recent mass shooters were connected with the site, as is QAnon. What led to this development? Should the website be taken down?
In 2019, American colleges were at the center of a bribery scandal. Celebrities tried to enroll their children with substandard grades into prestigious schools such as USC and Yale. How can colleges maintain their funding while ensuring equal opportunities for the less wealthy candidates?
In the Ice Bucket Challenge , people poured a bucket of ice water over their heads. It was supposed to raise awareness for ALS. How did this activity impact disease research funding?
In 2017 and 2018, Finland studied the consequences of universal basic income. What did the findings suggest? Should other countries adopt this strategy?
Tesla electric car company has reinvented the automobile industry with its vehicles. What role did the company play in raising awareness of sustainability issues?
Facebook is financed by targeted ads and data trade. How is this influencing voter behavior?
The Interview is a 2014 political satire film in which American journalists plot to kill Kim-Jong Un. The film sparked outrage in North Korea. How did this impact US-North Korean political relations?
In the US, advertisements for prescription drugs aren’t illegal. How does this influence consumer behavior in comparison with the countries where such advertisements are banned?

✍️ How to Write an Essay on Politics

Are you eager to start your paper right away? Check these helpful essay writing tips! Keep them in mind when talking about political issue topics:

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Research. Read your notes first, then search the internet. Academic journals and government sites are an excellent place to start. Stay on point; don’t waste your time with sources that are not relevant to your topic.
The introduction presents all the essential terms and relevant literature. Your thesis statement belongs there.
Your paper’s body includes your arguments and supporting evidence. Use topic sentences to introduce your point.
The conclusion contains a summary of the essay’s key points.
Style and format. Write concisely in a formal manner. Ask your tutor for formatting requirements such as font, size, space, or margin. Don’t forget to include a reference list at the end.
Editing and proofreading. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Make sure all your arguments are directly connected to your topic. Lastly, make sure to cite all your sources properly.

That’s all we’ve got for you. We hope this article was useful and wish you good luck with your assignment!

188 Hot Political Essay Topics + Expert Writing Guide

Do you have a political essay to write, and it is turning out to be a hard nut to crack? Most students find it challenging because the discipline is very wide and requires good analytical skills. To craft great essays in politics, the first step is selecting the right political essay topics. Again, this is never easy, but we are here to help.

In this post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write high-quality essays, from politics to custom law essays . We will also list hot 188 topics in politics for you to select the best. Do not get content with standard essays: this guide is all you need to prepare the best for top grades.

What Is Politics?

Politics can be defined as the way people who live in groups make decisions. It entails creating and entering into agreements that are meant to make people live together in small or large groups, such as countries, regional blocks, cities, or tribes.

If you take it closer to everyday life as we know it, politics is the way people are governed, whether in their cities or countries. Therefore, it incorporates structures that are used to make rules & laws, review their application, and change them to suit the people.

At the international level, politics involve agreements and the development of policies that aim at advancing the interest of respective parties. Good examples include the cooperation between countries through the World Trade Organization. It also includes agreements, efforts, and actions that are necessary to address issues of concern.

How To Write A High Quality Political Essay

Now that you know what politics is, we will now provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a high-quality essay.

Determine the type of essay that you will be writing. If your university lecturer has indicated the type of essay, that is ok. If not, you need to decide the type of essay, from argumentative essays to compare & contrast political essays.
Select a good topic: This is very important because it will dictate everything that happens later. This is never easy for many students, but you need not worry because we have listed 188 hot political essay ideas, from interesting government topics to political issues prompts for you. Whether you prefer international political issues topics or law-related ones, ensure you have ample resources to handle them. This will help you avoid getting stuck in the middle.
Create an Essay Outline: This is very important because it allows you to correctly organize the essay for a clear flow of ideas from the start to the end. Remember that you can improve the outline along the way as you discover more content about the selected topic.
Introduce your essay: Introduce the essay with an enthralling hook statement to arouse interest from the readers. For example, you can start with a rhetoric question or interesting statistics. Then, briefly highlight to the reader what to expect in the essay. Still, in the introduction, preferably around the middle or at the end, write your thesis statement.
Write the body of the essay: The body should take the bulk of the essay. Here, you should organize the main points well so that the reader can easily follow them. Make sure that every paragraph starts with the topic sentence, and then use the subsequent ones to support it. Where possible, numbers, statistics, and quotes should be used to emphasize your ideas. Try to make the essay as unique as possible.
Conclude your essay: Use the conclusion to wrap up the main points that you discussed in the essay. You should do this by restating the thesis and summarizing the findings in just a few sentences. Remember to avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion. However, you can mention gaps noted in the literature and even call for additional studies to fill them.

188 Hot Political Essay Topics For Top Grades

Next, we will look at the best political essay topics that you should consider.

Political Science Essay Topics On America

Should the United States foster stronger ties with China?
Why should people join political parties?
Analyze the American role in stabilizing Europe after WWII.
The importance of the right to privacy in the US constitution.
Raising the number of justices at the Supreme Court.
California: What happens if it starts a quest to become an independent country?
How does the Electoral College work in the United States?
Compare the leadership styles of Donald Trump and Barack Obama.
Becoming politically involved in the US: What is the easiest route?
Capitalism: Is it the best system for the United States?
Poverty in the rural communities of the United States.
Review the American strategy for withdrawal from Afghanistan.
What made the US get involved in WWII?
Where do you see America in the next 50 years, both politically and economically?
Analyzing the importance of Hispanic votes in the US elections.

Interesting Political Topics

What local issues do you think your state or president should solve first?
If you were the leader of your nation, how would you spend the budget surplus?
When is using the military justified?
Privacy or national security: What is more important?
Do rich people get their way off faster than the poor when they break the law?
Is it justifiable for the US to spy on other countries?
The best ways to address mass shootings.
Should the death penalty be abolished in all countries?
How do social media platforms impact people’s political decisions?
What is the risk of WWIII emerging?
Religious extremism after the September 11 attack.
Reviewing America’s preparedness after 9/11 attack
The effects of war on drugs on Europe.
The growing China-Africa economic ties.
The impacts of body positivity in the US.
Where did politics originate?
Democracy: Pros and cons.

Political Argumentative Essay Topics

Is war always a political decision?
Do you think your country is headed in the right direction?
War of diplomacy: Which is the better option for handling the conflicts in the Middle East?
Is it possible to overcome corruption?
Revolutions: Do they cause more harm or good?
Is it a good idea for the US to build a wall on its border with Mexico?
Who should pay for healthcare services in the US?
How do individual states in the US work in the federal system?
Should you become a member of a political party?
What makes healthcare in the US so expensive?
How could America be if Hilary Clinton had won the US election against Donald Trump?
Legalizing marijuana: Is it a good idea?
Do people in your nation enjoy enough civil rights?
Do we have instances when democracy is not a good idea?

Global Political Topics For Essays

How influential are NGOs on global politics?
Library in Minecraft: Why was it built by Reporters without Borders?
How did the 2015 migrant crisis impact EU politics?
Socialism in Africa between the 1950s and 1960s.
Is the UN strong enough to prevent the risk of World War III?
Democratization: A review of the three main waves.
Why do countries in Middle East suffer more from terrorism than other nations?
When is international intervention justified in addressing a crisis?
Discuss the role of women in World War II.
California Gold Rush of 1848: How did it impact international politics?
A review of the development of Latin America cities in the early 1900s.
Israel-Palestine conflict: Will there ever be a lasting solution?
What is the process of reconciliations for countries that have been at war?
Analyzing the main risks of transnational crime.
What was the main cause of the war in Afghanistan?
Analyzing the global efforts to protect the environment.
Review the growth of international terrorism.
Foreign policies of African countries towards Europe.
The impact of nationalism in the UK.

Political Science Essay Topics On Public Law

The Human Rights Act of 1998: A review.
Judicial interpretation of the public safety statutes.
Reviewing the most famous legislators in the history of Modern Europe.
Interpreting the Nuremberg Laws during the Hitler’s era.
Comparing America and China’s legal journeys after the 1950s.
Post-conflict justice inequality: A review of the globe after WWII.
Was the nuclear attack in Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 1945 justified?
Civil liberty: Can it be destroyed by national security.
International relations: What is the impact on your country in the last ten years?
Private law and procedural law: What is the difference in application in the UK?
Philosophy of politics: A legal viewpoint.
A comprehensive analysis of constitutional law in Germany after WWII.
What role do mandatory rules in public law play? A case study of the UK.
Comparing private and public law in the US.

Easy Political Writing Prompts

A review of Jim Carter’s leadership style.
President Barack Obama’s biography: How does it compare to that of Jim Carter?
International court of justice: How does it work?
What makes a leader a dictator? Comparing Saddam Hussein to Adolf Hitler.
The life and Achievements of Angela Markel of Germany.
A review of the US-North Korea relationship.
Comparing election news coverage in the UK and US.
Compare and contrast republicanism and liberalism.
Human development index: Why is it important in politics?
China claims ownership of the South China Sea: Why is this so important?
How does a nation’s location shape its politics?
What strategies can sub-Saharan countries adopt to operate free of foreign aid?
Characteristics and responsibilities of global citizenship.
Deterrence theory: What does it entail?
Comparing the African Union to the European Union.
A deeper look into the American policy on the Middle East.
Should the EU be dissolved and each country allowed operating on its own?
Stateless persons in the EU: What rights do they have?

Comparative Politics Essay Topics

Talk about conflicts and revolution in an Asian country of choice.
A review of two comparative parties in the EU.
What is comparative politics?
A closer look at the application of modernization theory.
Comparing parliamentary to presidential democracy.
Analyzing Anglo-Saxon characteristics in the American political system.
Recruitments in Latin America: How do they compare to those in the EU?
Comparing the Apartheid and holocaust phenomenon.
Imagining the UK after Brexit: How does it compare to late 1900s Britain.
Comparing US and UK foreign policies towards Russia.
How does WWI compare to WWII?
Criticism and controversies of Amnesty International.
Compare the UK and US response to the Arab Spring.

Good Political Issues To Write About

French Revolution: Why was it so important in the History of Europe?
Online political radicalization.
Capitalism: Is it ethical?
What is the connection between feminism and liberalism?
Plato’s notion of an ideal society: Is your community close to this notion?
Imagine leaving capitalism behind: What would happen?
Ethical issues about the use of globalization today.
Restricting immigration: Is it a good way to increase wages?
Analyzing the concept of philosophical anarchism.
What impact does religion have on politics?
Freedom or stability: What should governments provide?
Preventing police corruption: What are the best strategies?
Discuss the most important things that make people become politically active.

Interesting Political Topics In Economics

How did Mexico benefit from NAFTA?
World Trade Organization: How effective is it in promoting economic growth in developing countries?
Foundation of OPEC: How did it shape the global oil trade?
A closer look at the characteristics of public goods and application in law.
The role of the media in national economic decisions.
Competition in politics: Why is it important in economic development?
Economic troubles in Europe: Why did they cause political tension in the European Union?
Guaranteed income: Can it prevent socio-economic crisis in a country?
Terrorism impact on the production of oil and oil prices.
Trade wars between China and the US: How does it impact the global trader?
Big companies: Do they wield too much political power?
Why are so many countries finding it hard to convert to green policies?
Comparing free markets versus planned economies.
Vegan movement: What is the implication on the organic food market?
Industrialization: How did it change the way we eat?
Cannabis is banned in many counties but cigarettes are not: Is it justifiable?

Food-Related Political Issues To Write About

How much should government influence a country’s food prices?
A deeper look into food politics and impacts on eating habits.
Politics of children-targeted food advertising.
Is subsidizing conventional agriculture a good idea?
What recommendations can you give to the UK administration to make healthy foods more available?
Plastic packaging of food products: Should it be banned to save the planet?
A review of issues related to eco-friendly food packaging.
Outlawing alcohol: What would be the impacts?
Discuss the advantages of banning ads on soft drinks.

Current Political Science Topics

Analyzing the 2019 general election in India.
How do the 2019 general elections in India compare to the 2020 US elections?
The Israel-Hamas conflict of 2021: What were the main causes?
The Russia policy towards Ukraine.
US withdrawal from Afghanistan: Will this embolden other rebel groups?
Emerging environmental problems on the globe.
Sustainable policies: Reviewing economic concerns.
Comparing the politics in the EU and Asia-Pacific (APAC).
America-China relations in 2023.
China-US trade relations in 2023.
Nuclear weapons: Are they necessary in the 21st century?
Crisis management preparedness: Comparing the US to the EU.

Political Essay Topics on Environment

Using the church to drive global efforts on sustainability.
Should all cities adopt greenways in their urban planning?
A review of global political strategies for preserving biodiversity.
Why is global warming so hard to address?
Gaia hypothesis application in environmental politics.
Kyoto Protocol: What did it achieve?
Should environmental education start in lower grades?
Is lobbyism to blame for the delay in the adoption of sustainability in many countries?
Is the US doing enough to address environmental issues?
Are you satisfied with your country’s efforts to address sustainability-related issues?
Where do you see the globe in the next 100 years as far as sustainability is concerned?

Seek Help Of Essay Writing Service

Armed with the essay writing guide and top-rated topics we have listed above, it is time to get down and start writing. If you still feel unprepared, lack enough resources, or simply want to get the best grades, it will be a good idea to contract expert writers. At My Custom Essay we have online writers who are knowledgeable and can help you with all political research questions or topics for essays.

The expert writers have been in academic writing for years helping other students, and now it is your turn to get assisted. They use recent publications and ensure that all your class or school requirements are adhered to for top grades. Even if you fear that your persuasive or argumentative essay assignments are late and could get penalized by your professors, we can handle them. Let an expert help you for the assurance of top grades!

25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes

Writing Ideas That Will Make Students Think

Teaching Resources
An Introduction to Teaching
Tips & Strategies
Policies & Discipline
Community Involvement
School Administration
Technology in the Classroom
Teaching Adult Learners
Issues In Education
Becoming A Teacher
Assessments & Tests
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Homeschooling
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
B.A., History, University of Florida

If you are a teacher searching for essay topics to assign to your U.S. government or civics class or looking for ideas, do not fret. It is easy to integrate debates and discussions into the classroom environment. These topic suggestions provide a wealth of ideas for written assignments such as position papers , compare-and-contrast essays , and argumentative essays . Scan the following 25 question topics and ideas to find just the right one. You'll soon be reading interesting papers from your students after they grapple with these challenging and important issues.

Compare and contrast what is a direct democracy versus representative democracy.
React to the following statement: Democratic decision-making should be extended to all areas of life including schools, the workplace, and the government.
Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans. Explain how these led to the Great Compromise .
Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be changed. What modifications would you make? Explain your reasons for making this change.
What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants?" Do you think that this statement still applies to today's world?
Compare and contrast mandates and conditions of aid regarding the federal government's relationship with states. For example, how has the Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered support to states and commonwealths that have experienced natural disasters?
Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with topics such as the legalization of marijuana and abortion ?
Outline a program that would get more people to vote in presidential elections or local elections.
What are the dangers of gerrymandering when it comes to voting and presidential elections?
Compare and contrast the major political parties in the United States. What policies are they preparing for upcoming elections?
Why would voters choose to vote for a third party, even though they know that their candidate has virtually no chance of winning?
Describe the major sources of money that are donated to political campaigns. Check out the Federal Election Regulatory Commission's website for information.
Should corporations be treated as individuals regarding being allowed to donate to political campaigns? Look at the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling on the issue. Defend your answer.
Explain the role of social media in connecting interest groups that have grown stronger as the major political parties have grown weaker.
Explain why the media has been called the fourth branch of government. Include your opinion on whether this is an accurate portrayal.
Compare and contrast the campaigns of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives candidates.
Should term limits be instituted for members of Congress? Explain your answer.
Should members of Congress vote their conscience or follow the will of the people who elected them into office? Explain your answer.
Explain how executive orders have been used by presidents throughout the history of the U.S. What is the number of executive orders issued by the current president?
In your opinion, which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power? Defend your answer.
Which of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment do you consider the most important? Explain your answer.
Should a school be required to get a warrant before searching a student's property? Defend your answer.
Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail? What kind of campaign could be run to see it passed?
Explain how the 14th Amendment has affected civil liberties in the United States from the time of its passage at the end of the Civil War.
Do you think that the federal government has enough, too much or just the right amount of power? Defend your answer.
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Political Science Essay Topics

Get Inspired by 200 Political Science Essay Topic Ideas

15 min read

Published on: May 8, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Political science is a fascinating and ever-evolving field that seeks to understand the complex workings of politics. As a student of political science, writing essays on political science topics can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge.

But finding an excellent topic for your essay is often the most difficult part. Don’t worry if you’re stuck at choosing a topic - delve into our list of topics to find inspiration!

In this blog, we've compiled a list of almost 200 political science essay topics. This list covers a wide range of topics and subfields within political science. These thought-provoking essay topics will inspire you to explore new ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the subject.

So let’s delve into it!

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Public Policy and Administration Essay Topics

The role of public policy in promoting sustainable development.
An analysis of the impact of social media on public policy decision-making.
The challenges of implementing public policy in diverse cultural contexts.
A comparative study of public healthcare policies in different countries.
The role of public-private partnerships in promoting economic development.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of public policy in addressing climate change.
The impact of globalization on public policy and administration.
The challenges of balancing individual rights and public safety in policy-making.
An analysis of the role of bureaucracy in public policy administration.
The ethical challenges facing public policy decision-makers and administrators.

Political Theory and Political Philosophy Essay Topics

The concept of justice in political philosophy
The views on power in political philosophy
The relationship between democracy and capitalism in political theory.
The role of civil disobedience in democratic societies: a philosophical perspective.
The relationship between individual freedom and social responsibility in political theory.
The role of the state in ensuring social justice in modern democracies.
A critical analysis of the concept of sovereignty.
The relationship between ethics and politics in the work of Aristotle.
A comparative study of the political thought of Plato and Machiavelli.
Feminist political theory and its role in promoting gender equality in democratic societies.

Comparative Politics Essay Topics

What are the different electoral systems used in democratic countries?
The role of political parties in democratic governance: a comparative analysis.
The impact of religion on politics in different countries: a comparative study.
The challenges of democratic consolidation in transitional societies: a comparative perspective.
A comparative analysis of the welfare state in different countries.
The role of civil society in democratic governance: a comparative study.
A comparative study of the political systems of federal and unitary states.
The impact of historical legacies on contemporary political systems: a comparative analysis.
A comparative analysis of the parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
The impact of globalization on political systems: a comparative study.

Political Economy Essay Topics

The impact of globalization on economic inequality: a critical analysis.
The role of the state in economic development: a comparative study.
A comparative study of capitalist and socialist economic systems.
The relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The impact of technological innovation on economic development.
The role of multinational corporations in shaping global economic governance.
A comparative study of the economic policies of different political regimes.
The impact of financialization on the global economy.
The relationship between trade liberalization and economic growth: a critical analysis.
The role of international organizations in shaping global economic governance.

American Politics and Government Essay Topics

The impact of political polarization on American democracy.
Government influence in the economics of the US.
Culture wars as the most important political issue in contemporary United States
The challenges of federalism in a diverse and complex society.
A critical analysis of the role of interest groups in American politics.
The impact of media on American politics and public opinion.
A comparative study of the voting systems used in different American states.
The role of the Electoral College in American presidential elections.
The impact of money on American politics: a case study of a recent election.
A critical analysis of the role of the Constitution in shaping American politics and society.

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International Relations and Diplomacy Essay Topics

The impact of globalization on international relations.
A comparative study of the foreign policies of major powers.
The role of diplomacy in conflict resolution: a case study of a recent conflict.
The impact of economic interdependence on international relations.
The role of international law and diplomacy in global governance.
The role of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security.
The role of soft power in shaping international relations
The impact of nationalism on international relations.
The relationship between technology and diplomacy in the 21st century.
The threat of nuclear weapons and nuclear war

Essay Topics About Regional Politics

How has the European Union navigated the challenges posed by Brexit and the rise of right-wing populism?
What role does the African Union play in promoting regional integration and economic development on the continent?
How successful has ECOWAS been in promoting peace and security in West Africa?
What challenges does ASEAN face in promoting economic integration and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia?
How has SAARC contributed to regional stability and economic development in South Asia?
What impact has the BRICS group had on global economic governance and geopolitics?
What are the implications of China's increasing influence in the Asia-Pacific region for regional stability and security?
How have the member states of Caricom worked together to promote economic integration and development in the Caribbean?
The evolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its role in the Middle East?
How have regional organizations and powers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what lessons can be learned from their experiences?

Political Science Education and Career Essay Topics

The benefits of studying political science for a career in public service.
The job prospects for political science graduates.
The impact of technology on the future of political science careers.
A comparative analysis of political science programs offered by different universities.
The role of internships in preparing political science students for a career in public service.
Diversity and inclusion in political science education and careers.
The salaries and benefits of political science professionals.
The role of professional associations in supporting political science education and careers.
The skills required for a successful career in political science.
The impact of globalization on political science education and careers.

Essay Topics About Political Parties and Elections

The impact of financial influence in politics on democratic elections.
The role of political parties in shaping democratic elections.
The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections.
A critical analysis of voter suppression in recent elections.
The role of interest groups in shaping election outcomes.
A comparative study of primary election systems used in different states.
The impact of political advertising on voter behavior.
A critical analysis of the role of political action committees in shaping election outcomes.
The impact of gerrymandering on democratic representation.
The role of charismatic leadership in elections

Essay Topics About Political Ideologies

An analysis of the major political ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism.
The role of ideology in shaping public policy.
A critical analysis of the relationship between democracy and different political ideologies.
The impact of globalization on the spread of political ideologies.
A comparative analysis of feminist and gender-based political ideologies.
The role of religion in shaping political ideologies.
A critical analysis of the intersection of race and political ideologies.
A study of the political ideologies behind different social movements.
The role of political ideologies in shaping political parties and elections.
The impact of political ideologies on political violence and terrorism.

Essay Topics About Human Rights and Justice

A critical analysis of the role of international law in promoting human rights and justice.
The impact of globalization on human rights and justice.
A comparative study of the human rights and justice systems in different countries.
The role of the United Nations in promoting human rights and justice.
A critical analysis of the intersection of human rights and social justice movements.
The impact of human rights abuses on democratic governance.
The role of civil society organizations in promoting human rights and justice.
A comparative study of restorative and retributive justice systems.
The impact of technology on the promotion and protection of human rights.
The role of the media in promoting human rights and justice.

Essay Topics About Gender and Politics

Representation of women in politics in different countries.
The impact of gender on voting behavior and political participation.
A critical analysis of the intersection of race and gender in politics.
The role of gender in shaping public policy.
A comparative analysis of the political representation of women in different regions.
The impact of social media on the gendered nature of political discourse.
A critical analysis of the gendered dimensions of political violence and conflict.
The role of gender in shaping political leadership styles.
A comparative study of the impact of gender quotas on political representation.
The role of feminist movements in shaping political agendas.

Essay Topics About Environmental Politics

The impact of climate change on global politics.
The role of international organizations in shaping environmental policies.
A comparative study of the environmental policies of different countries.
The impact of environmental policies on economic development.
The relationship between environmental justice and social justice.
The role of civil society organizations in shaping environmental policies.
Market-based vs command-and-control environmental policies.
The impact of the media on shaping public opinion on environmental issues.
A critical analysis of the relationship between environmental politics and global governance.
The role of science in shaping environmental policies.

Essay Topics About Media and Politics

The role of media in shaping political discourse.
The impact of social media on political communication and participation.
A comparative analysis of media systems and their impact on political outcomes.
The role of media in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.
An analysis of the relationship between media ownership and political bias.
The impact of fake news and disinformation on political processes and outcomes.
A comparative study of media regulation in different countries.
The role of investigative journalism in holding political leaders accountable.
The impact of media consolidation on political diversity and representation.
The relationship between media and democracy.

Essay Topics About Political Culture and Identity

The relationship of political culture on democratic governance.
The role of cultural identities in shaping political behavior.
The impact of cultural diversity on political processes and outcomes.
A critical analysis of the role of nationalism in shaping political identities.
The impact of populism on political culture and identity.
The role of gender and sexuality in shaping political identities.
A critical analysis of the relationship between religion and politics.
The impact of migration on cultural identities and political participation.
The role of art and culture in shaping political identity and activism.
The relationship between language and political identity.

Essay Topics About Political Geography and Geopolitics

A study of the impact of geography on political boundaries and territorial disputes.
A comparative analysis of political systems in different regions of the world.
The impact of natural resources on geopolitical relations and conflicts.
A critical analysis of the role of global institutions in shaping geopolitical outcomes.
The impact of infrastructure development on geopolitical relations.
A comparative study of the influence of colonialism on modern political geography.
The role of geography in shaping economic development policies.
The impact of migration on political geography and geopolitics.
The impact of climate change on political geography and geopolitics.
The role of technological innovation in shaping political geography and geopolitics.

Essay About Political Leadership and Decision-making

A critical analysis of the qualities and characteristics of effective political leaders.
The impact of leadership styles on decision-making in politics.
A comparative analysis of leadership styles and their impact on political outcomes.
The role of emotions and intuition in political decision-making.
The relationship between power and leadership in politics.
The impact of charismatic leadership on political influence.
The decision-making process in crisis situations in politics.
The role of communication skills in effective political leadership and decision-making.
A comparative analysis of the decision-making process in democratic and authoritarian systems.
The rise of global populist leadership.

Essay Topics About War and Peace

The causes and consequences of war in the modern era.
The effectiveness of different conflict resolution mechanisms.
The role of international law in regulating armed conflicts and promoting peace.
The role of peacekeeping operations in managing conflicts.
The impact of new technologies on the dynamics of modern warfare.
A comparative study of different approaches to peacebuilding and their effectiveness.
The role of diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflicts.
A study of the relationship between economic interdependence and peace.
The role of media in shaping public perceptions of war and peace.
The impact of environmental factors on the risk of conflict and the prospects for peace.

Political Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the United Nations have the authority to intervene in sovereign nations to prevent human rights abuses?
Is democracy the best form of government, or are there other viable alternatives?
Should the government have the right to regulate free speech in order to protect against hate speech and incitement to violence?
To what extent should the government be involved in regulating the economy?
Should the electoral college be abolished in favor of a popular vote for presidential elections?
Is democracy the ideal political system for every country in the world?
Should political candidates be required to release their tax returns in order to run for office?
Is political correctness a threat to free speech and academic freedom?
Should the government be responsible for ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all citizens?
Should the right to bear arms be protected, or should gun ownership be more strictly regulated for public safety?

Political Science Persuasive Essay Topics

The government should provide universal healthcare to all citizens.
Elected officials should be required to disclose their financial interests and conflicts of interest.
Renewable energy sources should be prioritized over fossil fuels to combat climate change.
The electoral college should be abolished in favor of a popular vote for presidential elections.
Voter ID laws should be eliminated to ensure fair and equal access to the ballot box.
The United States should increase its investment in education and reduce its military spending.
The minimum wage should be raised to a living wage in order to combat poverty.
The United States should adopt a policy of open borders and allow for more immigration.
The government should regulate social media platforms to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
The United States should take a more active role in combating human rights abuses and promoting democracy around the world.

How to Choose a Political Science Topic for Your Essay

Now that you have read some good political science essay topic ideas, you must be wondering which one to choose. This is because with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right topic.

Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:

Choose a Topic that Interests you:

It is essential to choose a topic that you are passionate about. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging.

Do Your Research:

Conduct preliminary research on each of your potential topics to see if there is enough literature and data available. You can use academic databases, books, and reputable websites to gather information.

Consider your Audience:

Think about your audience and what they might find interesting and relevant. Choose a topic that is not only relevant to your course but also to the broader political context.

Narrow Down your Focus:

Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow them down to a few that are more specific and manageable. You can do this by asking yourself questions such as, "What is the purpose of my essay?" and "What is my main argument?"

Keep it Relevant:

Choose a topic that is current and relevant to the present political landscape or the course you are studying. This will help keep your essay engaging and informative.

Consult with your Instructor:

Finally, if you are unsure about your topic or have questions about the assignment, don't hesitate to consult with your instructor. They can offer valuable insights and advice on how to approach your topic and structure your essay.

To Wrap it Up,

Political science is a fascinating field that offers a lot of topics for students to study. It's important to choose a topic that is both interesting to you and relevant to the course material.

With the list of 200 essay topics provided above, you can get an inspiration for your own essay. Moreover, by following the tips for choosing a topic, you can narrow down your options to find a manageable and engaging topic.

Struggling with your political science essay? Our expert essay helpers are here to assist you every step of the way. Trust our political science essay writing service to deliver top-notch papers tailored to your needs.

And for an even smoother writing experience, don't forget to explore our AI essay writer tool .

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

Are you about to write an argumentative essay but still confused about the topic?

Argumentative essays help students learn more about the subject matter of a particular course. This kind of writing is a genuine key to learning argumentative skills. You must pay attention to your subject while choosing a strong topic for your essay.

But what if you don’t even know what to write about?

Don’t worry! Here is a list of topics and tips to help you decide on the perfect topic for your argumentative paper.

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics for students

Argumentative essay writing is one common academic assignment that almost every student will get to draft. In order to help the students, we have prepared a list of argumentative topic ideas. Pick a topic that works the best for you.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

What age is suitable for kids to start schooling?
Should students be allowed to evaluate their teachers?
Metal music should be banned due to its violent lyrics.
What are the pros and cons of making friends virtually?
Can we conserve energy as a society?
Does playing violent video games contribute to making a person violent in real life too?
How close is reality TV to real life?
Do girls face more societal pressure than guys?
What is the biggest challenge faced by students today?
Should there be cash rewards for getting a good score on standardized tests?
The rich should pay more taxes than the poor.
Cartoons are better than movies.
Teachers Vs. Parents: who plays a bigger role in shaping a child?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6

Here are some argumentative essay topics for 6th-grade students:

Should schools start later in the morning?
Is confining wild animals within zoos a cruel practice?
Should there be stricter laws for texting and driving?
Are social media sites like Facebook and Twitter bad for our society?
Should the voting age be lowered to allow young people a voice in democracy?
Should the school year be longer or shorter?
Is it okay for children to play violent video games?
Should cell phones be banned from schools?
Should recycling become a mandatory practice in all households?

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders

Should schools provide free meals to all students?
Are uniforms necessary for student success?
Does standardized testing accurately measure student progress?
Are after-school activities important for student development?
Is there too much emphasis on social media in education today?
Should schools place a stronger emphasis on physical education?
Are required classes in high school helpful or harmful to students?
Should all students have access to laptops and tablets in the classroom?
Is technology taking away from traditional learning methods in the classroom?
Should gym classes be mandatory for students?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

Looking for argumentative essay topics for teenagers? Check out the ideas below:

Should the drinking age be lowered? Should the death penalty be abolished?
Is it necessary for governments to fund childcare?
Is there too much emphasis on standardized testing in schools?
Are schools doing enough to prevent bullying from happening?
Do adolescents need more sleep than adults?
Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
Is social media affecting the way we interact with each other?
What should be done about the student loan crisis?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

Is homeschooling better than the public school educational system?
Smartphones help the learning process.
Is co-education more advantageous than single-sex education?
Are GMOs safe for human consumption?
Is fast food healthy or a serious threat to physical health?
Teenagers feel more comfortable talking on social media rather than face to face.
Should it be legal to get a tattoo for kids younger than 18?
Are standardized tests beneficial for school students?
A negative high school experience you believe is important when it comes to personality.
Does the education system prepare a student for the real world?
Is there life after death?
Our society works on gender equality.
Subjects that should be removed from the high school program.
Is hate crime growing in high school?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

Is the current taxation system effective or not?
Are men paid more than women in our corporate sector?
Should Shakespeare still be studied as part of the college curriculum?
Is college tuition becoming way too expensive?
Are test scores the only way to judge the competency of a student?
Getting a College degree is worth the cost.
Is the system of the electoral college still viable in the US?
Youngsters on social networks don’t realize the significance of privacy on these online sites.
Life is incomplete without faith.
Students nowadays face greater social pressures compared to the past.
Your past does not define you.
What can be done about gun control in the United States?
Is it ethical to genetically modify children to protect against diseases?
Do we need more gender diversity in STEM programs?

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Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students

Should mental health services be made available for free?
Is income inequality a necessary part of capitalism?
Should the minimum wage be raised in all countries?
Does technology have a positive or negative impact on mental health?
Should universities be allowed to charge students for taking classes?
Is it necessary for governments to fund space exploration?
Should religion be taught in public schools?
Are animal experiments necessary for medical progress?
Should young students join a political party to enhance the democratic process?
Does free speech help promote extremism in society?

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels

Should the government regulate the use of social media?
Is the death penalty an effective way to prevent crime?
Are online classes replacing traditional courses in schools?
Do standardized tests accurately measure academic achievement?
Should abortion be legalized in all countries?
Do celebrity role models have a positive or negative influence on young people?
Should school uniforms be mandatory in all schools?
Should the Internet be censored by governments around the world?
Should GMO foods be allowed in supermarkets?
Does free trade help or harm developing economies?

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Just as important as it is to create compelling content, choosing a great topic is equally important. If you want to score well in academics, you will have to impress your instructor with the best argumentative essay topics.

Below are some great topic ideas for you related to different fields. Choose the right topic for your essay and start the process.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

Can video gamers be counted as true athletes?
By participating in sports, can children be kept out of trouble?
Should girls be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys?
Should alternatives to steroids be legalized for professional athletes?
Do you consider cheerleading a sport?
Does your College spend a lot of money in the name of sports programs?
Student-athletes should get money for playing.
Betting on sports should be illegal.
Sports events shouldn’t broadcast alcohol and tobacco ads.
Are female athletes looked upon as sexual objects by the media?
All athletes should be tested for drugs before their performance.
Females should not be allowed to take part in extreme sports.
Impact of bodybuilding on a woman’s body in old age.

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

Parents should have an active role in their child's education.
The grading system shouldn’t exist to judge a student’s abilities.
Standardized tests should be abolished in schools.
All students must wear a uniform in high school.
Does technology benefit the educational system?
Studying in a single-sex class is better than studying in a mixed one?
All students must be made to learn a foreign language?
Programming should be made compulsory for all students.
Should students have sex education classes at school?
Should schools have the right to test students for drugs?
Girls should be equally encouraged to take part in sports in school.
The world should have a uniform language.
Hard work isn’t enough for being successful in a student’s life.
Should teachers be allowed to physically discipline their students?
How to bring change in the education system of the United States?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

Are social networks an effective platform for communication?
Do people really get a job through LinkedIn?
Is Facebook legally allowed to leak the private information of its users?
Is it possible to earn a good amount of money from YouTube?
Should Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter be banned permanently?
Social media has successfully increased employment rates.
Celebrity endorsements are unethical.
Social media has destroyed real-life communication.
Social media has made doing business easier.
Blogging is an irrelevant profession.
How is social media depicting beauty standards?
How has social media become a major source of inferiority complex among teenagers?
Is it possible to have a life without social media at this time?
Should underaged children be allowed to own social media accounts?
Pros and cons of social media.

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

Are cell phones harmful to the human race?
Are spy applications invading the privacy of users?
Are Millennials more dependent on computers than Baby Boomers?
Is Typescript the future of front-end development?
The impact of microwave tech on our biology.Technology has made us lazier.
Should coding be taught from middle school?
Cognitive Computers like Watson are unethical.
Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?
Children shouldn’t be given personal mobile phones.
Self-driving cars and the future of transportation.
Has technology made people less efficient?
Technological advancements in the field of psychology.
Is the future in the hands of Artificial Intelligence?
Pros and cons of depending a lot on technology.

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

What was the impact of European colonization on Native Americans?
What was the role of women in the movement toward revolution?
What were the key causes of the American Revolution?
The key issues that caused conflict between North and South and led to the civil war?
The effects of the Great Depression on the banking industry in America.
Did the Civil Rights Movement reduce or lead to racial violence?
Post World War II, how did America grow?
21st-century American foreign policy.
Is Barack Obama the first American president who made history?
Was slavery an inevitable part of the development of American society?
Should the Indian Removal Act be considered an act of genocide?

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Are antidepressants overprescribed in modern society?
Should mental health services be made free for all?
Is social media affecting mental health negatively?
Is there a stigma attached to seeking out mental health help?
What role do genetics and environment play in determining mental illness?
Can art and music therapy be effective treatments for mental illness?
How can we tackle the stigma associated with mental illness?
What can be done to reduce the prevalence of anxiety in young people?
Should there be mandatory mental health education in schools?

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

Should male workers receive paternity leave too?
Is age a major factor in relationship success or failure?
Is torture acceptable under any circumstance?
What are the primary causes of down syndrome?
What should the punishments be for failed parenting?
A candidate’s appearance shouldn’t be considered in a job hiring process.
Some common stereotypes in your society.
Cheating is increasing every day.
We are way too dependent on computers and technology.
Is boredom the cause of getting into trouble?
Beauty magazines should stop photoshopping models.
Capitalism vs. socialism. What would benefit society more?
Is the women’s rights movement justified?
The real objectives of Feminism.
Impact of homosexuality on society.

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

Hunting for fun and sports is unethical and must get banned.
Aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls should not be allowed as pets.
Testing beauty products on animals is justifiable.
Using monkeys for research in labs is a necessary evil.
Wearing fur and leather shouldn’t be unethical.
Is genetic modification of livestock beneficial?
Animal dissection in medical school is a good way to learn.
Owning pets reduces the risk of getting diseases. Do you agree?
Emotional support animals can truly help lonely people.
Keeping exotic animals as pets is inhumane.
Stronger laws must be enforced against animal cruelty.
Pros and cons of animal testing.
How can the emotional support of animals help in treating mental problems?
Significance of microchipping the pets.
Rights enjoyed by the ESA owners.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Ways to decrease childcare costs in the United States.
Are literate people better parents?
Challenges faced by female politicians.
Is rehab effective for sex offenders?
Is music a form of real art?
Spanish is a simple language to learn.
Schools should ban vending machines on-campus.
Are teachers to blame when a student performs poorly?
Are gender stereotypes encouraged by parents?
Illegal immigrants and terrorism: is it related?
Can imposing a tax on sugar help fight obesity.
Should age be a factor in relationships?
Do dreams have a symbolic meaning?
Should South and North Korea become one?
Can depression be cured using natural ways?

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

Looking for some general argumentative essay topic ideas? Here is an ultimate list of great topics that can make your essay writing fun for you and your readers.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Should same-sex marriage be legal in all 50 states within the United States of America?
Is the feminist movement ruining the minds of young girls?
Corruption and its effects on increasing wages.
Hunting should be banned globally. Do you agree?
Which is more beneficial for society, Communism or Capitalism?
Should human cloning be allowed or not?
Abortion – A pro-life or a pro-choice?
Do anti-discrimination laws reinforce discrimination?
Should patients be entitled to request medically-assisted suicide in cases of terminal illness?
Can beauty standards be more inclusive?
Workplace dating should not be allowed, and here’s why.
Displaced immigrants and refugees should be given shelter by every country.
Is vegan or vegetarian life good for health?
Online dating has ruined the essence of old-school romance.
Chocolate can help improve our bad mood.
Is it ethical to eat meat?
Mothers make better parents naturally.
Politics can never be clean and fair.
Should the drinking age be lowered?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

Are girls more intelligent than boys?
Parents of middle schoolers should control their internet.
Was Johnny Depp the best choice for Burton’s Ed Wood?
Do religious movements cause the outbreak of war?
Are human beings the major source of global climate change?
Is it ethical to have kids perform chores?
Is using LEDs making a difference?
How does being a vegan help the environment?
Should teenage marriages be allowed?
Social media has brought families closer. Is there any truth to this statement?
If the House of Lords had veto power over the House of Commons, Britain would’ve been better off.
It’s okay to date multiple people at the same time.
HIV is falsely associated with homosexuals. Why?
Why are the laws neglecting tobacco and alcohol?
Most of the modern-time artists are one-hit wonders.

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

Is panda hugging a viable career option?
Does Justin Bieber owe his success to negative PR?
Is it true that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?
Is the Bermuda Triangle a real thing?
Is it okay for parents to lie to their children about Santa Claus?
Did the feminist movement ever help you?
How did the feminist movement ever help you?
There is no such thing as organic food.
How to make your roommate believe that moving out is the best option.
Why should I join a different family?
Fans should not judge players after losses or failures.
Is social promotion a helpful practice?
Is racism a natural condition of human society?
Dieting must not be practiced by schoolers.
Should tattoos be perceived as a social deviation?

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Argumentative Essay Topics 2022

Are US elections always fair?
Is the death penalty an effective punishment for criminals?
Is it wise to replace soldiers with machines and artificial intelligence on battlefields?
Should animals be used for performing experiments?
Effects of terrorism on the foreign policy of the United States of America's cosmetic surgery worth the risks?
What is your point of view on a terminally ill person having the right to assisted suicide?
Life 100 years ago was much easier than it is today.
Is religion a factor that contributes to war?
A woman who doesn’t have enough resources to raise a child to be allowed to abort?
Physical activities are the most convenient way to relax.
The best way to enhance education is to decrease the number of classes.
Sports classes should become mandatory for everybody.
The pros and cons of using gadgets for studying purposes.
What is the most important socio-political movement of the modern era?

Argumentative Essay Topics 2023

The following are some amazing topics for argumentative essays. Have a look at them to get a better idea.

Fast food is responsible for childhood obesity in the US.
Is the United States ready for a female president?
Parents need to be very friendly with their kids.
Are smartphones harmful to our health?
Education needs to be free for all.
Is single-sex education still a good idea in 2020?
Should all people pursue a university degree worldwide?
Internet access must be unlimited and free.
Modern education has to eliminate grading systems.
Capitalism should acquire more socially significant policies.
Tourist tax is mandatory to save cultural heritage.
Kindergartens must introduce foreign language instruction.
Is hunting good for environmental well-being?
Using animals for research must be banned.
Women perform better than men in official positions and occupations.

Choosing a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

So you know the importance of choosing the right topic when writing an argumentative essay.

But what are you going to write about?

You sure don’t want to pick an argumentative essay topic that everyone else is working on. And you don’t want to research an argumentative topic where information and data are impossible to find.

You hopefully want to write on a debatable topic that will interest both you and your reader. Here are the criteria we use to choose a topic for argumentative essays:

It has to be interesting to the writer. You’ll be outlining, researching, and writing in-depth, so pick an engaging topic for your argument.
Have some information to begin with. The more familiar you are with the subject area, the easier it will be for both you and the reader.
The best argumentative essay topics are mostly controversial. If there’s no conflict and everyone agrees on everything, it won’t qualify as an argumentative essay.
An arguable thesis statement can be created according to the topic.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

A good argumentative essay is one that presents a well-reasoned and logical argument. It should be supported by facts and evidence, not just speculation or opinion. To create an effective argumentative essay, the writer must provide a strong case for their position on any given topic.

Strong Introduction and Thesis

The first element of a good argumentative essay is an interesting and clear introduction. This should introduce the topic in a way that engages readers and makes them want to learn more.

It should also provide an overview of the writer's position on the issue, as well as any evidence they will be using to support their argument.

Good Research and Evidence

Good argumentation requires good evidence. So a good argumentative essay should be backed up by research and evidence.

If a writer is making an assertion, they must provide evidence to back it up. This could include physical evidence such as statistics or quotes from experts in the field, as well as logical arguments that support their position.

Organized Structure

The structure of an argumentative essay is also important. It should be structured in a way that makes it easy to follow and understand.

This could include using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text into more manageable pieces. In addition, it should have a clear flow of ideas, with each paragraph logically leading to the next.

Effective Conclusion

Finally, a good argumentative essay should have an effective conclusion. This should provide a summary of the writer's main points and reiterate their position on the issue. The conclusion should also leave readers with something to think about, leaving them informed and with new insight.

After reading our list, don’t be surprised if your mind starts coming up with additional topics for an argumentative essay. We recommend that you keep a notebook or journal handy to record these topic ideas for later.

These were some of the most interesting essay topics . Did you find a topic to write on?

Now, before you overwhelm yourself by jumping straight to the writing process, we have a helpful tip for you. Go through this detailed article to learn how to craft an argumentative essay effectively.

Seeking help from professionals is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when your grades are at stake. It is quite common for some students not to have a knack for writing. Also, some might not have the time to complete assignments.

If you can relate to such students, you should consider taking help from a reliable essay writing service such as 5StarEssays.com . You can simply request ‘ write my essay '. And we will have an expert essay writer to provide you with high-quality assignments regardless of type and field.

Or, use our AI Essay Generator , for AI powered writing help to guide your way!

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Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 55 great debate topics for any project.

General Education

A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

All people should have the right to own guns.
The death penalty should be abolished.
Human cloning should be legalized.
All drugs should be legalized.
Animal testing should be banned.
Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
Violent video games should be banned.
The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
All people should have Universal Basic Income.
Sex work should be legal.
Countries should be isolationist.
Abortion should be banned.
Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
Bottled water should be banned.
Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

Homework should be banned.
Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
School uniforms should be required.
Standardized testing should be abolished.
All students should have an after-school job or internship.
School should be in session year-round.
All high school athletes should be drug tested.
Detention should be abolished.
All student loan debt should be eliminated.
Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
All schools should have armed security guards.
Religion should be taught in schools.
All schools should be private schools.
All students should go to boarding schools.
Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
Public college should be tuition free.
All teachers should get tenure.
All school districts should offer school vouchers.

Health Debate Topics

Healthcare should be universal.
Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
All people should be vegetarians.
Euthanasia should be banned.
The drinking age should be 18.
Vaping should be banned.
Smoking should be banned in all public places.
People should be legally required to get vaccines.
Obesity should be labeled a disease.
Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
The sale of human organs should be legalized.
Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

Social media has improved human communication.
The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
Individuals should own their own DNA.
Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
Net neutrality should be restored.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Why Losing Political Power Now Feels Like ‘Losing Your Country’

A man with his head bowed is wearing a red hat with only the words “great again” visible in the light.

By Thomas B. Edsall

Mr. Edsall contributes a weekly column from Washington, D.C., on politics, demographics and inequality.

Is partisan hostility so deeply enmeshed in American politics that it cannot be rooted out?

Will Donald Trump institutionalize democratic backsliding — the rejection of adverse election results, the demonization of minorities and the use of the federal government to punish opponents — as a fixture of American politics?

The literature of polarization suggests that partisan antipathy has become deeply entrenched and increasingly resistant to amelioration.

“Human brains are constantly scanning for threats to in-groups,” Rachel Kleinfeld , a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote in a September 2023 essay, “ Polarization, Democracy, and Political Violence in the United States: What the Research Says .”

“As people affectively polarize, they appear to blow out-group threats out of proportion, exaggerating the out-group’s dislike and disgust for their own group, and getting ready to defend their in-group, sometimes aggressively,” Kleinfeld argued.

Kleinfeld acknowledged that “a number of interventions have been shown in lab settings, games and short experiments to reduce affective intervention in the short term,” but, she was quick to caution, “reducing affective polarization through these lab experiments and games has not been shown to affect regular Americans’ support for antidemocratic candidates, support for antidemocratic behaviors, voting behavior or support for political violence.”

Taking her argument a step further, Kleinfeld wrote:

Interventions to reduce affective polarization will be ineffective if they operate only at the individual, emotional level. Ignoring the role of polarizing politicians and political incentives to instrumentalize affective polarization for political gain will fail to generate change while enhancing cynicism when polite conversations among willing participants do not generate prodemocratic change.

Yphtach Lelkes , a political scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, succinctly described by email the hurdles facing proposed remedies for polarization and antidemocratic trends:

I don’t think any bottom-up intervention is going to solve a problem that is structural. You could reduce misperceptions for a day or two or put diverse groups together for an hour, but these people will be polarized again as soon as they are exposed once more to campaign rhetoric.

The reality, Lelkes continued, is that “a fish rots from the head, and political elites are driving any democratic backsliding that is occurring in America. Most Republican voters do not support the antidemocratic policies and practices of their elected officials.”

In their March 2024 paper, “ Uncommon and Nonpartisan: Antidemocratic Attitudes in the American Public ,” Lelkes, Derek E. Holliday and Shanto Iyengar , both of Stanford, and Sean J. Westwood of Dartmouth found that public opposition to antidemocratic policies is not adequate to prevent their adoption:

More ominous implications of our results are that 1) public support is not a necessary precondition for backsliding behavior by elites, and 2) Americans, despite their distaste for norm violations, continue to elect representatives whose policies and actions threaten democracy. One explanation is that when partisanship is strong, voters place party and policy goals over democratic values. Indeed, one of the least-supported norm violations — removing polling places in outparty-dominated areas — has already been violated by elected officials in Texas, and there are concerns about pending similar laws in other states. Such unconstrained elite behavior suggests that threats to democracy could well manifest themselves in both parties in the future.

The level of public support for democratic institutions will be a crucial factor in the 2024 elections. President Biden is campaigning on the theme that Trump and his MAGA allies are intent on strengthening authoritarian leadership at the expense of democracy.

Political scientists and reform groups seeking to restore collegiality to political debate and elections have experimented with a wide variety of techniques to reduce partisan hostility and support for antidemocratic policies.

These efforts have raised doubts among other election experts, both about their effectiveness and durability. Such experts cite the virulence of the conflicts over race, ethnicity and values and the determination of Trump and other politicians to keep divisive issues in the forefront of campaigns.

I have written before about the largest study of techniques to lessen polarization, which was conducted by Jan G. Voelkel and Robb Willer , sociologists at Stanford, along with many other colleagues. Voelkel and Willer are the primary authors of “ Megastudy Identifying Effective Interventions to Strengthen Americans’ Democratic Attitudes .” Given the heightened importance of the coming election and the potential effects of polarization on it, their study is worth re-evaluating.

Voelkel, Willer and 83 others

conducted a megastudy (n=32,059) testing 25 interventions designed by academics and practitioners to reduce Americans’ partisan animosity and antidemocratic attitudes. We find nearly every intervention reduced partisan animosity, most strongly by highlighting sympathetic and relatable individuals with different political beliefs. We also identify several interventions that reduced support for undemocratic practices and partisan violence, most strongly by correcting misperceptions of outpartisans’ views — showing that antidemocratic attitudes, although difficult to move, are not intractable.

Their own data and their responses to my inquiries suggest, however, that the optimism of their paper needs to be tempered.

In the case of the “six interventions that significantly reduced partisan animosity,” the authors reported that two weeks later “the average effect size in the durability survey amounted to 29 percent of the average effect size in the main survey.”

I asked Voelkel to explain this further, posing the question: “If the initial reduction in the level of partisan animosity was 10 percentage points, does the 29 percent figure indicate that after two weeks the reduction in partisan animosity was 2.9 percentage points?” Voelkel wrote back to say yes.

In an email responding to some of my follow-up questions about the paper, Voelkel wrote:

I do not want to overstate the success of the interventions that we tested in our study. Our contribution is that we identify psychological strategies for intervening on partisan animosity and antidemocratic attitudes in the context of a survey experiment. We still need to test how big the effects could be in a large-scale campaign in which the psychological mechanisms for reducing partisan animosity and antidemocratic attitudes get triggered not once (as in our study) but ideally many times and over a longer period.

Voelkel cautioned that “one-time interventions might not be enough to sustainably reduce affective polarization in the mass public. Thus, successful efforts would need to be applied widely and repeatedly to trigger the psychological mechanisms that are associated with reductions in affective polarization.”

Willer sent a detailed response to my queries by email:

First, to be clear, we do not claim that the interventions we tested have large enough effects that they would cure the problems they target. We do not find evidence for that. Far from it. I would characterize the results of the Strengthening Democracy Challenge in a more measured way. We find that many of the interventions we tested reliably, meaningfully and durably reduce both survey and behavioral indicators of partisan animosity.

Willer wrote that “the interventions we tested were pretty effective in reducing animosity toward rival partisans, particularly in the short term. However, we found that the interventions we tested were substantially less effective in reducing antidemocratic attitudes, like support for undemocratic practices and candidates.”

Other scholars were more skeptical.

I asked Lilliana Mason , a political scientist at Johns Hopkins and a leading scholar of affective polarization: “Are there methods to directly lessen polarization? Are they possible on a large, populationwide scale?”

“If we knew that,” she replied by email, “we would have definitely told people already.”

There is evidence, Mason continued, that

it is possible to correct misperceptions about politics by simply providing correct information. The problem is that this new correct information doesn’t change people’s feelings about political candidates or issues. For example, you can correct a lie told by Donald Trump, and people will believe the new correct information, but that won’t change their feelings about Trump at all.

“We think of affective polarization as being extremely loyal to one side and feeling strong animosity toward the other side,” Mason wrote, adding:

This can be rooted in substantive disagreements on policy, identity-based status threat, safe versus dangerous worldview, historical and contemporary patterns of oppression, violations of political norms, vilifying rhetoric, propagandistic media and/or a number of other influences. But once we are polarized, it’s very difficult to use reason and logic to convince us to think otherwise.

Similarly, “there are methods that reduce polarization in academic research settings,” Westwood, an author of the March paper cited above, wrote by email. He continued:

The fundamental problems are that none “cure” polarization (i.e., move the population from negative to neutral attitudes toward the opposing party), none last more than a short period of time and none have a plausible path to societywide deployment. It is impossible to reach every American in need of treatment, and many would balk at the idea of having their political attitudes manipulated by social scientists or community groups.

More important, in Westwood’s view, is that

whatever techniques might exist to reduce citizen animosity must be accompanied by efforts to reduce hostility among elected officials. It doesn’t matter if we can make someone more positive toward the other party if that effect is quickly undone by watching cable news, reading social media or otherwise listening to divisive political elites.

Referring to the Voelkel-Willer paper, Westwood wrote:

It is a critically important scientific study, but it, like nearly all social science research, does not demonstrate that the studied approaches work in the real world. Participants in this study were paid volunteers, and the effects were large but not curative. (They reduced partisan hatred and did not cure it.) To fix America’s problems, we need to reach everyone from fringe white nationalists to single moms in Chicago, which is so costly and logistically complicated that there isn’t a clear path toward implementation.

One problem with proposals designed to reduce partisan animosity and antidemocratic beliefs, which at least three of the scholars I contacted mentioned, is that positive effects are almost immediately nullified by the hostile language in contemporary politics.

“The moralized political environment is a core problem,” Peter Ditto , a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, wrote by email:

Unless we can bring the temperature down in the country, it is going to be hard to make progress on other fronts, like trying to debias citizens’ consumption of political information. The United States is stuck in this outrage spiral. Partisan animosity both fuels and is fueled by a growing fact gap between red and blue America.

Ditto argued that there is “good evidence for the effectiveness of accuracy prompts (correcting falsehoods) to reduce people’s belief in political misinformation,” but “attempting to reduce political polarization with accuracy prompts alone is like trying to start a mediation during a bar fight.”

Attempts to improve political decision making, Ditto added, “are unlikely to have a substantial effect unless we can tamp down the growing animosity felt between red and blue America. The United States has gone from a politics based on disagreement to one based on dislike, distrust, disrespect and often even disgust.”

Citing the Voelkel-Willer paper, Jay Van Bavel , a professor of psychology and neural science at N.Y.U., emailed me to express his belief that “there are solid, well-tested strategies for reducing affective polarization. These are possible on a large scale if there is sufficient political will.”

But Van Bavel quickly added that these strategies “are up against all the other factors that are currently driving conflict and animosity, including divisive leaders like Donald Trump, gerrymandering, hyperpartisan media (including social media), etc. It’s like trying to bail out the Titanic.”

Simply put, it is difficult, if not impossible, to attempt to counter polarization at a time when partisan sectarianism is intense and pervasive.

Bavel described polarization as

both an illness from various problems in our political system and an outcome. As a result, the solution is going to be extremely complex and involve different leadership (once Trump and his inner circle leave the scene, that will help a lot), as well as a number of structural changes (removing gerrymandering and other incentive structures that reinforce extremism).

Affective polarization, Bavel added,

is really just a disdain for the other political party. Political sectarianism seems to be an even worse form because now you see the other party as evil. Both of these are, of course, related to ideological polarization. But affective polarization and political sectarianism are different because they can make it impossible to cooperate with an opponent even when you agree. That’s why they are particularly problematic.

Stanley Feldman , a political scientist at Stony Brook University, pointed to another characteristic of polarization that makes it especially difficult to lower the temperature of the conflict between Republicans and Democrats: There are real, not imaginary, grounds for their mutual animosity.

In an email, Feldman wrote:

There is a reality to this conflict. There has been a great deal of social change in the U.S. over the past few decades. Gay marriage is legal, gender norms are changing, the country is becoming more secular, immigration has increased.

Because of this, Feldman added:

it’s a mistake to suggest this is like an illness or disease. We’re talking about people’s worldviews and beliefs. As much as we may see one side or the other to be misguided and a threat to democracy, it’s still important to try to understand and take seriously their perspective. And analogies to illness or pathology will not help to reduce conflict.

There are, in Feldman’s view,

two major factors that have contributed to this. First, national elections are extremely competitive now. Partisan control of the House and Senate could change at every election. Presidential elections are decided on razor-thin margins. This means that supporters of each party constantly see the possibility of losing power every election. This magnifies the perceived threat from the opposing party and increases negative attitudes toward the out-party.

The second factor?

The issues dividing the parties have changed. When the two parties fought over the size of government, taxes and social welfare programs, it was possible for partisans to imagine a compromise that is more or less acceptable even if not ideal. Compromise on issues like abortion, gender roles, L.G.B.T.Q. rights and the role of religion is much more difficult, so losing feels like more of a threat to people’s values. Feldman continued:

From a broader perspective, these issues, as well as immigration and the declining white majority, reflect very different ideas of what sort of society the United States should be. This makes partisan conflict feel like an existential threat to an “American” way of life. Losing political power then feels like losing your country. And the opposing parties become seen as dangers to society.

These legitimately felt fears and anxieties in the electorate provide a fertile environment for elected officials, their challengers and other institutional forces to exacerbate division.

As Feldman put it:

It’s also important to recognize the extent to which politicians, the media, social media influencers and others have exacerbated perceptions of threat from social change. Take immigration, for example. People could be reminded of the history of immigration in the U.S.: how immigrants have contributed to American society, how second and third generations have assimilated, how previous fears of immigration have been unfounded. Instead there are voices increasing people’s fear of immigration, suggesting that immigrants are a threat to the country, dangerous and even less than human. Discussions of a “great replacement” theory, supposed attacks on religion, dangers of immigration and changing gender norms undermining men’s place in society magnify perceptions of threat from social change. Cynical politicians have learned that they can use fear and partisan hostility to their political advantage. As long as they think this is a useful strategy, it will be difficult to begin to reduce polarization and partisan hostility.

In other words, as long as Trump is the Republican nominee for president and as long as the prospect of a majority-minority country continues to propel right-wing populism, the odds of reducing the bitter animosity that now characterizes American politics remain slim.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here's our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Thomas B. Edsall has been a contributor to the Times Opinion section since 2011. His column on strategic and demographic trends in American politics appears every Wednesday. He previously covered politics for The Washington Post. @ edsall

Can you trust 2024 election polls on Donald Trump and Joe Biden? Here's how to cut through the noise.

Love them or hate them, political polls aren’t going anywhere. As the 2024 presidential election kicks into high gear, the internet will be flooded with surveys tracking the horserace between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Keeping track of the numbers can be daunting: Who's ahead in national polls? Who's ahead in state-level surveys? Figuring out which numbers to pay attention to – and whether any of it actually matters – can be even more challenging.

Luckily, the USA TODAY Network has got you covered. Here’s a refresher on why polls matter, whether you can trust them and what to look out for this year.

What do polls tell us about the election?

Think of polls as quick snapshots rather than crystal ball readings.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

They don’t necessarily predict the results of an election. Rather, they’re used to gauge how people feel about a race during a specific period. Pollsters may ask questions about the future, but surveys have more to say about the voters' current temperature.

Polls also tend to have a short shelf life. Public opinion can shift quickly, meaning that the results of polls are often only a reliable measure of the state of a race during the time they were taken.

A survey taken two months ago won’t reflect the state of a race today, and a poll fielded tomorrow won’t tell us who is going to win the presidential election in November.

However, that doesn't mean polls captured at the beginning of a campaign cycle don't matter. The insights from early polls tease out the major issues voters are thinking about that could shape the race. They also help trace the trendlines of how a candidate is performing – whether they’re gaining traction, stagnating or losing support.

Pollster John Zogby likened the importance of looking at early polling to checking benchmarks while trying to reach an exercise goal.

“Am I going to get on the scale the day before to see how I did?” said Zogby. “No, I get on the scale every so often to say what am I doing? How am I doing? What am I doing right?”

Conducting polls early in a race and often throughout the course of an election allows political scientists, journalists and the public to track trends and spot major inflection points in campaigns.

Beware of two-candidate polls

Not all polls are built the same. The way a survey is designed, from how questions are worded to the demographics of the participants chosen, can influence the accuracy of its results.

David Paleologos , director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, said political polls are most accurate when they replicate as closely as possible the questions and options voters will see on their ballot.

For instance, he said that polls on the 2024 presidential election should include choices beyond the two major party candidates – Trump and Biden – because most ballots will contain third-party and independent candidates who will garner some support.

“If the polls only show a binary choice, between Trump or Biden, you're not getting the full picture,” Paleologos said.

He pointed to close margins in critical swing states, including Wisconsin, Arizona and Georgia, during the 2020 election as an example. Trump lost in those states by fewer votes than Libertarian Party candidate Jo Jorgensen received.

If Jorgensen had not been in the race, the results in those battlegrounds, and possibly the outcome of the election nationally, could have looked markedly different, Paleologos said.

The Libertarian Party hasn’t yet chosen its candidate for the 2024 election. But early polls that include the party and other independent candidates as options are likely to more accurately show how disaffected voters are looking at their options, he explained.

Suffolk University and USA TODAY have a partnership collecting polling data and insights.

Who's being polled?

Another factor that can impact a poll’s accuracy is the sample population surveyed. Polls randomly select a small sample of people designed to represent the broader views and attitudes of a larger population. But every organization uses different methodologies to create their samples.

For instance, some election polls take the temperature of the general population, while others only include active voters or likely voters. They also may weigh demographic information, such as the ratio of Democrats to Republicans, differently.

In the 2024 race, Zogby, author of the forthcoming book "Beyond the Horse Race: How to Read Polls and Why We Should," suggested that the most accurate polls include only likely voters, the pool of people already planning to cast a ballot in November.

“A likely voter today may not be a likely voter on October 31,” Zogby said, but capturing these voters allows political scientists to better understand the Americans who will choose the next president.

Should I pay attention to national polls or state surveys?

Pollsters were lambasted in 2016 for projecting that then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton would win the election over Trump.

But national polls , which are supposed to reflect the popular vote across all states, were technically right. Overall, Clinton won nearly 2.9 million more votes than Trump.

So, what went wrong? Many analysts overstated Clinton’s lead in national polls, and few organizations conducted state-specific polls in former Democratic strongholds, such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, that Trump was able to capture. His wins in those states ultimately landed him the electoral college victory.

That’s not to say that national polls are inferior to state polls, but you should think of them differently.

“National polls are more valuable to understand what the issues are impacting likely voters,” Paleologos said, while state polls better represent the horserace.

He and other polling experts told USA TODAY that Biden needs to lead Trump by three to four percentage points in a national poll to be tied with the Republican in the electoral college . That's because large liberal-leaning states like California and New York tend to tilt the results of national polls in Democrats’ favor, whereas the "electoral college these days skews Republican," Zogby said.

In other words, a national poll showing Biden and Trump tied would tell a similar story to a swing state poll that shows Trump leading Biden by a few points. But generally, experts warn against comparing national and state surveys, which are built off of different methodologies, against one another.

Can you trust the polls?

Mostly. Because polls are analyzing a myriad of shifting factors, they'll always have some level of uncertainty baked in, regardless of the specific election. Organizations also don’t collaborate on what states they plan to poll, or when, which means there’s always potential for blind spots, like in 2016.

Some political observers rely on poll averages, such as a tally from Real Clear Politics. These are generally reliable, but they can miss trends.

But when interpreted properly, polls often provide an accurate portrait of the state of an election.

“There are folks that will say, ‘Oh, you missed the election by two points,’” Zogby said. "Well, two points – that showed the ballpark of what was going to happen.”

And the more polls there are, the easier it is to evaluate the race.

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The Basic Components of a Political Essay

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Political Essay Writing

Do research your topic inside and out.

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