1. TRUMP’S DEAL WITH THE I.R.S.

A controversial agreement that ended President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has sparked criticism and renewed legal scrutiny. The lawsuit claimed that the IRS failed to prevent the leak of Trump’s tax records by a contractor who was later prosecuted and imprisoned. Rather than paying Trump directly, the settlement created a proposed $1.8 billion fund for people who claim they were harmed by what supporters describe as government “weaponization,” while also providing broad protections from certain IRS audits involving Trump, his family, and his businesses. The deal was negotiated largely by lawyers closely connected to Trump, including officials within a Justice Department led by former Trump defense attorney Todd Blanche. Critics argue that the arrangement raises significant conflict-of-interest concerns because the federal government was effectively negotiating with the president over a lawsuit in which he was both the plaintiff and the head of the executive branch overseeing the defendant agency. A federal judge has reopened questions about the settlement, asking whether the court was misled during the process. The controversy highlights broader debates about executive power, government accountability, and the ethical challenges that arise when public officials have personal legal interests connected to government institutions. Supporters view the agreement as a way to address perceived abuses by previous administrations, while opponents see it as a troubling example of self-dealing and the use of government authority for private benefit. Examine the concept of conflicts of interest in democratic government. Research two historical examples—either in the United States or another democracy—where elected officials faced accusations of using public office for personal, political, or financial gain. Then write a comparative analysis explaining how governments attempt to prevent such conflicts and evaluating whether those safeguards are sufficient. Conclude by discussing why public trust is important to the functioning of democratic institutions.

2. PROTESTS LEAD TO CHANGE AT DETENTION CENTER

Federal officials announced that visitation will resume at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, following days of protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The protests began over concerns about detainee living conditions and intensified after visitation was suspended. Tensions escalated as protesters and police confronted one another, leading to arrests, the use of tear gas, and the establishment of a nighttime curfew around the facility. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and other elected officials have called for calm, arguing that violence distracts from concerns about detainees and their families while potentially increasing tensions between communities and federal immigration authorities. Some officials have also criticized outside activist groups that they say have contributed to confrontations. Meanwhile, immigrant advocates have raised concerns about reports of hunger strikes, medical conditions, and the treatment of detainees inside the facility. Federal officials dispute some of those claims and maintain that detainees are receiving appropriate care. The dispute reflects broader national disagreements over immigration enforcement, detention practices, and the balance between public protest and public safety. It also highlights the challenges officials face when trying to address humanitarian concerns while maintaining order during highly charged political conflicts. Public demonstrations often seek to bring attention to important issues, but disagreements frequently emerge over tactics. Write a policy brief evaluating the role of protest in a democratic society. Using examples from history or current events, analyze how peaceful demonstrations, civil disobedience, and confrontational protests can influence public opinion and government action. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach and assess which factors determine whether a protest movement achieves its goals.

3. EBOLA OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL AFRICA

A rapidly growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has exposed the difficulties of containing deadly diseases in regions with limited resources and ongoing instability. The outbreak is centered in the remote mining town of Mongbwalu, where hospitals are struggling with shortages of medical supplies, protective equipment, trained personnel, and testing capacity. Hundreds of suspected cases and hundreds of deaths have already been reported, making the outbreak one of the largest in the country’s history. Health workers face challenges that extend beyond medicine. Misinformation, public distrust, conflict, and attacks on medical facilities have complicated efforts to isolate patients and safely handle burials. Some residents have questioned whether the disease exists at all, while others have resisted public health measures designed to prevent transmission. At the same time, the region’s gold-mining economy and population movement create conditions that allow the virus to spread more easily. Medical experts warn that developing a vaccine for this strain of Ebola could take many months. Until then, containment efforts depend heavily on testing, isolation, protective equipment, public cooperation, and international assistance. Public health crises often reveal weaknesses in social and political systems. Research another major disease outbreak, such as COVID-19, SARS, HIV/AIDS, or the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic. Compare it with the current outbreak in Congo and analyze how factors such as government response, public trust, healthcare infrastructure, communication, and international cooperation affected outcomes. In a well-developed essay, argue which factor you believe is most critical in controlling the spread of infectious diseases and support your claim with evidence.

4. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PUTS PRESSURE ON IMMIGRANTS

The Trump administration has implemented a broad strategy aimed at encouraging immigrants to leave the United States by reducing access to employment opportunities, government programs, financial services, and other benefits. The approach affects both undocumented immigrants and many people who have legal forms of temporary or humanitarian status. Administration officials argue that limiting access to these resources discourages unlawful migration and reduces incentives for people to come to the United States. The policy changes include restrictions on certain jobs, proposed limits on work permits for asylum seekers, changes to child-care and tax-credit eligibility, barriers to government-backed loans, and efforts to tighten access to public housing and healthcare services. Supporters contend that government benefits should primarily serve citizens and permanent residents, while critics argue that the policies create hardship for families, including households that contain U.S. citizens, and may discourage immigrants from seeking medical care, paying taxes, or participating openly in society. The strategy demonstrates how presidential administrations can use executive authority and federal regulations to reshape immigration policy even without major new legislation from Congress. It also raises broader questions about the goals of immigration policy, the role of government services, and the social and economic consequences of restricting access to public resources. Immigration policy often involves competing priorities, including national security, economic needs, humanitarian obligations, and public resources. Create a policy analysis that identifies at least three different goals governments may pursue through immigration policy. Then evaluate how the policies described in this story might advance some goals while creating challenges for others. Your analysis should consider multiple perspectives and discuss the trade-offs policymakers face when balancing competing priorities.

5. RIVAL A.I. COMPANIES BACK CONGRESSIONAL RACES

Artificial intelligence companies are becoming increasingly influential in American politics, with rival groups connected to major A.I. firms spending millions of dollars to shape election outcomes. Two super PACs—Public First, associated with Anthropic, and Leading the Future, linked to OpenAI—have emerged as major players in congressional races. Although both organizations support the growth of artificial intelligence, they disagree sharply about how the technology should be regulated and have often worked against each other politically. The conflict reflects broader divisions within the technology industry. Supporters of stricter oversight argue that artificial intelligence presents significant risks that require stronger safeguards, while advocates of a lighter regulatory approach contend that excessive restrictions could slow innovation and reduce competitiveness. These disagreements have spilled into election campaigns, where candidates may receive support or opposition based on their positions regarding A.I. policy. The growing political influence of technology companies raises questions about campaign finance, corporate power, and the role of emerging industries in shaping public policy. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important to the economy and society, debates about regulation and political influence are likely to become more prominent in future elections. Select a technological development—such as artificial intelligence, social media, biotechnology, cryptocurrency, or autonomous vehicles—and investigate how governments are responding to it. Prepare a position paper that examines the arguments for stronger regulation and the arguments for allowing innovation to proceed with fewer restrictions. Then develop your own framework for determining when government intervention is justified and explain how that framework could be applied to future technologies.