Paragraph with at least 150 words each explaining the following which should include a reference for each paragraph. 

1. The executive branch of the government is responsible for the U.S. Department of Education. What purpose does the U.S. Department of Education serve? How does this department work with States’ Departments of Education and local school districts? In your opinion, does having a U.S. Department of Education benefit K-12 education in the United States? Why or why not?

2. An argument for nationalizing educational standards is that failing to educate students across the nation presents a national security threat; we will not be as competitive as our international competitors without a strong standardized education system. Is this a valid argument? Are there reasonable alternatives other than national education standards to protect national security? What other reasons are there for national educational standards other than promoting national security?