Past U​nion Resolutions

Since its founding in 2014, the Penn Political Union has debated a wide range of policy issues, ranging from universal pre-school to personal income taxes to the Syrian Civil War.  With each session, the Union strives to provide a unique forum for passionate (while serious and respectful) discussion of these controversial topics. Resolutions are listed by reverse chronological order of date.

2017-2018

Debated November 2, 2017:
In order to prevent mass public shootings, the United States should more heavily regulate firearm ownership.

Debated October 5, 2017:
Political polarization in the United States is primarily the product of a hyper-partisan and sensationalist media.

Debated September 7, 2017:
The United States of America cannot allow North Korea to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), even if that means taking military action.

2016-2017

Debated March 23, 2017:
The U.S. should help implement a Ukrainian peace deal featuring the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, a 100 year lease of Crimea to Russia and the lifting of sanctions.

Debated February 23, 2017:
Taxes should be raised on the top 10% and large corporations in order to increase wealth redistribution program spending as a means of reducing poverty.

Debated January 26, 2017:
The U.S. should immediately double its resettlement of refugees (based on FY2015 numbers) from Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen & Libya.

Debated December 1, 2016:
In the U.S., lobbying is a force for good.

Debated November 3, 2016:
Obama's legacy will be a positive one.

Debated October 24, 2016:
China is the greatest threat to American security.

Debated October 13, 2016:
The President should take executive action to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions beyond the framework of the Paris Agreement.

Debated September 8, 2016:
The U.S. should adopt the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Debated August 27, 2016:
Special Event: A Presidential Debate - The merits of the 2016 candidates

2015-2016

Debated April 11, 2016:
Personal contribution limits to political parties should be removed.

Debated April 5, 2016:
The CIA helps ensure Global Security.

​Debated March 24, 2016:
The benefits of American drone policy outweigh their costs.

Debated February 25, 2016:
There should be a national Right to Work law.

Debated January 28, 2016:
There should be a ban on the purchasing, licensing, and use of handguns in the United States.

Debated November 19, 2015:
The U.S. should extend Medicare to all citizens and permanent residents, paid for by an increase in income taxes.

Debated October 22, 2015:
The U.S. should enact the College for All Act, as proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Debated September 17, 2015:
The U.S. should approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.

2014-2015

Debated April 23, 2015:
The U.S. should oppose the Israeli occupation of the West Bank.

Debated March 26, 2015:
All jurisdictions in the U.S. should legalize prostitution.

Debated February 19, 2015:
The construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline should be approved.

Debated January 22, 2015:
The Electoral College should be removed and the existing first-past-the-post voting system replaced with a preferential voting system across all States for all federal elections.

Debated November 20, 2014:
Universal access to high-quality preschool programs should be provided for American children.

Debated October 16, 2014:
The U.S. should escalate its involvement in Syria.

Debated September 18, 2014:
The current graduated U.S. personal income tax system and all of its associated exemptions should be replaced with a twenty-five percent flat personal income tax rate.