NOTE TO STUDENTS:  Many issues can be controversial.  While you might not feel strongly about a certain topic, others around you might take a strong position on one side or the other.  Learn to logically defend your position, and politely respect your neighbor's point of view.  And if your neighbor gets argumentative with you, remind each other that both sides need to be tolerant of the other's point of view.

A party platform is a set of principles, goals, and strategies designed to address pressing political issues. Each party's platform is broken down into "planks," or declarations that speak to each specific issue.

1.  What does the 2012 Republican party platform state about government funding for abortions?  (Does the Republican party support or oppose using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions for women who cannot afford them?)

2.  What exceptions does the Republican party platform leave out of the plank regarding their view of abortion?

3.  How has the National Right to Life Committee reacted to the Republican Party's plank on life issues?

4.  How has the National Organization of Women reacted to the Republican Party's plank on life issues?  Be specific.

5.  How do Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan differ on their views on abortion?

6.  Read the full text of "The Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life" plank of the 2012 Republican Party platform under "Background" below the questions.  The party platform states that "the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed."  Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Explain your answer.

7.  Read about the purpose of passing a human life amendment to the U.S. Constitution, something the Republican Party supports.  Do you agree or disagree with this idea?  Explain your answer.

COMING SOON:  The Democratic party's 2012 platform will be approved at the Democratic convention this week.  Look for a Daily News Article regarding the Democratic 2012 platform.