Baby You Can Regulate My Car

AP US Government and Politics

What has happened to the number of deaths per 100 million vehicle miles driven in the US over the past 70 years?

AP US Government and Politics

1. How accurate was your prediction?

2. What is the biggest surprise in this data?

3. What is the big story this chart tells?

4. Why do you think the death rate has been reduced so significantly over the past 70 years?

5. Do you think we have regulated car safety enough or do you think we should continue to improve safety measures?

6. If someone came from another country and asked you for your opinion on the government regulating cars what would you say?

7. What impact did the introduction of the seat belt have on car safety?

8. Based on this data, What would you say to someone who says that regulations don't work?

9. Did you know that people actually argued against the government regulating car safety?

10. Before 1968 there were no federal safety standards for cars. When I look back on this I think, that's crazy!!!! What do you think people in 70 years will think about the lack of regulations on guns in American today?

11. Some people say that gun regulations don't work. Does this information make you feel like the U.S. should do more to regulate guns in America?

12. The Second Amendment reads, A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Do you read the Second Amendment to outlaw regulations on guns?

13. Of course, what you think about the Second Amendment doesn't have the effect of law. What group's opinion on the Second Amendment would have the effect of law? And what part of government would carry out any rulings, laws, or executive orders regarding guns?

14. What are some things other than cars that the federal government regulates?

15. Let's say you wanted the Congress to make a law regulating guns the way we regulate cars. What are the most effective steps you could take to try to influence Congress?

Learning Extension

Read this article on US government regulations.

Action Extension

A well regulated militia has the right to keep and bear arms. But you also have a right to life. Some Florida high school students have gotten fed up with feeling unsafe at school and have taken to the streets to protest. Do something about how you feel about regulating guns and share your action in class or online.

Visual Extension

T-Rextension