Reference no: EM132459976

A nation can legislate mandatory service in the armed forces. Known as "the draft," the United States used forced conscription to build the armies it needed to fight World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. If drafted, a person must leave his or her school, job, and family to serve for a specified period of time, typically two years, in the armed forces. Draftees become soldiers and some soldiers give their lives in combat. Those who try to escape their duties, known as "draft dodgers" are prosecuted and imprisoned.

Discussion 1: Assume the nation's military leaders evaluate the readiness of the armed forces and determine the national defense requires a military draft should be established now.

Discussion 2: Assume men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 will be subject to the draft as recommended to the President and the Congress.

Discussion 3: Assume the proposal to institute a draft is going to be taken up by Congress next week and you have the opportunity to offer your advice to your state's representatives and senators.

Discussion 4: Assume you are the right age to be drafted into the military and you are otherwise fully qualified and eligible to serve. That is, assume whatever law is passed, if there is a draft, you may be one of the people conscripted to serve.