Charles Kettering, an American inventor who holds more than 300 U.S. patents said, "A problem well stated is a problem half-solved."

Solutions are dependent upon what we say the problem is.

The Purpose

The purpose of Phase 1 is...

• to concisely state the problem
• to concisely state its current impact.

The resulting output (or the goal) of performing this step is to develop the Problem Statement

The Problem Statement

A good problem statement will help focus us in the right direction. A poorly defined problem statement can cause us to waste time and effort.

You will be asked to state the problem or problems you see in America. Follow the Format and Rules & Criteria below to record your answer.

Format

1. Each sub-page of Phase 1 will have one Question. Click on that page to read the question.
2. To answer the question, edit the page and follow the existing format.
   

Remember, this is your space to expound your answer. Update it as often as you like. Comment on others input by using the comment section at the bottom of the page.

Rules & Criteria

1. Only members of this camp can offer answers.
2. Visitors are welcome to leave comments. We encourage visitors to join us and help us.
3. Leaving comments in the comment section will help others clarify their thoughts.
4. Asking questions in the comment section will do the same.
5. Try keeping your answer concise and specific. Remember in the end, a problem statement is only going to be a few lines long at most.

Tips to help jog your mind

The more subjective we become the more likely we will be divided.

A frequently overlooked step in problem solving is to identify the assumptions made about the situation. Many of the assumptions will be hidden and unrecognized until a deliberate effort is made to identify them.

A problem with no assumptions is usually too general to handle. Often it is the unrecognized assumption that prevents a good solution.
An example of an assumption is to think we CANNOT abolish our government. Contrary to this, the Founders claimed the right to abolish is self-evident and though not desirable is highly POSSIBLE. (I’m not advocating this, but suggest this to question our thinking.)

Another example of an assumption is to conclude “it won’t work", or "people are too apathetic.” It might help to ask “why are they this way.” There may be a condition that makes them this way. Can the condition change? If so, will the apathy go away? Maybe people really are not apathetic.

So let's get started right now recording what you think the problem in America is.