In recent lessons, you have been reading about some of the challenges and issues that the United States faces in both foreign and domestic affairs. Review your notes from Chapters 39–41 and make a list of these issues. Make sure you review the Looking to the Future and Charting Future Courses sheets from the Divisions and New Realities lessons. Of all the challenges and issues that the United States faces, which do you believe is the most serious in terms of foreign affairs and which in terms of domestic affairs? Choose one of each and write an essay that describes each issue and explains why you believe it is the most serious.

which do you believe is the most serious in terms of foreign affairs

The rise of China is one of the most serious challenges that the U.S. faces. China is growing economically at a faster pace, it has a larger population, it has the largest standing army in the world (even if the U.S. army is more powerful, this is something to take into account), and its influence in some areas like Eastern Africa and Central Asia is growing.

which do you believe is the most serious in terms of domestic affairs

Growing economic inequality presents a challenge. Very unequal societies like those of Latin America tend to be very conflictive. The U.S. could face similar consequences in terms of security and social cohesion if economic inequality continues to grow.

the first forms of writing came from them in the form of pictographs around 3100 bc.