Essay and Discussion Questions from Regions of the World

The Americas High School Questions

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Help students understand the Americas by exploring this collection of resources in connection with the essay and discussion questions below.

Questions

  1. How has U.S. power and influence in the Americas changed over time? What factors have driven that change?
  2. In your opinion, has U.S. power and influence in the region been a net negative or net positive for other countries in the region? Why?
  3. Which countries in the Americas do you think face the greatest threats to democracy? Why? Are they part of a region-wide trend, or are each country’s problems unique? What steps would you recommend to address this issue?
  4. In what ways does the drug trade threaten the countries of the Americas? What other national and regional challenges does it contribute to? What do you think is needed to effectively combat this problem?
  5. Today, the United States holds political, military, economic, and cultural sway over the region. To what extent do you think China is poised to challenge the United States in any of those areas? Why?
    1. If you were advising the leaders of a country in the Americas, would you advocate for a close relationship with the United States, with China, or some other course of action?
  6. What factors underpin the decision to migrate in the Americas? What challenges and benefits accompany the decision to migrate? What do you think are the root causes of migration in the region?
  7. What threats do the Americas face from climate change? To what extent are these threats unique compared to the threats faced by other regions? How effective do you think countries in the Americas  have been at addressing the challenges presented by climate change? Why?