PRO/CON: Controversial Issues “In the News”

Should the words "under God" be in the US Pledge of Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance was first written in 1892 for a magazine contest, and it read:
"I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The Pledge became part of the US Flag Code in 1942, and in 1954 President Eisenhower and Congress added the phrase "under God” into the Pledge.

Proponents of including "under God" in the Pledge argue that the United States is a Christian nation, at least 80% of Americans support the phrase, the language reflects America’s civic culture and is not a religious statement, and federal law, state constitutions, and US currency already contain references to God.

Opponents contend that church and state should be kept strictly separate as the Founding Fathers intended. They argue that the Constitution protects minority rights against majority will, and that the words "under God" in the Pledge are a religious phrase and thus violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Please go to the website PROCON.ORG to read more about this issue. The web address for this specific topic is:
  1. Please click on “Did You Know” and read the list of “little known” facts on this topic.
  2. On your own paper, record three facts that you believe are interesting.
  3. Please click on “Top 10 Pros and Cons” and read the statements from both sides on this issue.
  4. On your own paper, record two “Pro” arguments that you find most logical or persuasive.
    Remember to record the source information for citation purposes.
  5. On your own paper, record two “Con” arguments that you find most logical or persuasive.
    Remember to record the source information for citation purposes.
  6. Open a Microsoft Word document and write a 1 – 2 page essay comparing/contrasting the debate on this issue.
  7. MLA Format
  8. Must include specific evidence. (Look at your notes!)
  9. Save your essay with your name (last, first) and “pledge” in the file name: Example: SmithBrianPledge
  10. Submit your essay:

Go to: dropitto.me/osullivan

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Congratulations – You are done! 

O’Sullivan – English IV Academic