Argumentative Essay Topics: Constitutional Rights Issues
The following topics are suitable for argumentative essay assignments about constitutional rights issues. Suggested thesis statements and a list of web links to pertinent information are provided for each topic. Topics on this page include:
Gun Control
The Death Penalty
Electoral College System
Need more information? Try these links:

Useful Web Sites and Search Engines
GCC library (click on Periodical Indexes to search the electronic databases)
gunGun Control
Thesis Statements:
  • Stricter handgun control laws and licensing are necessary to save lives.
  • Americans have a constitutional right to own handguns and stricter laws and licensing will not effectively save lives.

Some of the issues in this argument:
Would stricter gun control laws infringe upon people's right to own guns?
Are current gun control laws enforceable?
Are gun manufacturers doing all they should to manufacture safe weapons?
Should stricter laws prohibit gun sales at gun shows without background checks?
Should there be an age limit for owning a gun?

 Sources of Information:
The Death Penalty

Thesis Statements:

  • The death penalty should be abolished.
  • The death penalty should be administered for particularly heinous crimes.

Some of the issues in this argument:
Is the death penalty an effective deterrent for heinous crimes?
What are the economic ramifications of the death penalty?
Is the death penalty the best protection from a murderer?
Are methods of execution reliable and practical?
Is justice for the victim achieved through the death penalty? 

 Sources of Information:

Against the Death Penalty

In Favor of the Death Penalty

Informational Websites
The Electoral College System
Thesis Statements:
  • The United States should support and retain the current Electoral College system of electing a President and Vice-President.
  • The Electoral College system of electing a President and Vice-President needs to be replaced with a method that better represents the will of the American people.

Some of the issues in this argument:
Is the direct election of the U.S. President a dangerous option due to the possibility of majority fraud?
Does direct election makes minority rule even more likely than the present process.
Would any other method of election be an improvement?
What is the likelihood that the Electoral College will frustrate the popular will in the selection of a president and a vice president?

Sources of Information:

Marla DeSoto
10/16/04