1. How many of the U.N.'s 192 member countries have signed on to the Law of the Sea Treaty? (Taiwan and Vatican City are also considered countries but are not members of the U.N. - Taiwan was replaced by China in 1971 and Vatican City has chosen not to be part of the U.N.)

2. Give a brief description of the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST).

3. a) Which Republican president refused to sign the treaty?
b) Which Democratic president signed a revised version of the treaty?
c) Why was it then not passed at that time?

4. a) List the groups that support LOST.
b) For what reasons do they support the treaty?

5. For what reasons are opponents against the treaty?

6. What is the main reason for opposing the treaty, according to Sen. Jeff Sessions, (R-Ala.)?

7. What rights would LOST give to the U.S. Navy, according to Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, vice chief of naval operations?

8. The Republican presidential candidates have all announced opposition to the treaty. What stand do you think the Democratic presidential candidates have taken on passage of the treaty?

9. a) How many Senators are in the U.S. Senate?
b) How many Senators would need to vote for the treaty for it to pass?

10. Think about the reasons for and against the treaty. (read more below)
Which group do you think makes the better argument?
Do you think the U.S. should sign on to LOST? Explain your answers.