Homework: Political Science Research Paper
Homework of the Purpose
The main purpose of the Research paper is to assess whether you understand how our democracy works (see below course outline) and be able to apply the knowledge in a real-world situation.
Review of the Course Outline:
Part A: Fundamental Principles of American Democracy (chapters 1-5)
1. Introduction
2. The Constitution
3. Federalism
4. Civil Liberties
5. Civil Rights
Part B: Participation in the Political System (chapters 6-11)
1. Political Socialization & Public Opinions
2. Interest Groups
3. Political Parties
4. Election/Campaign/Voting
5. The Media
Part C: The Branches of Government and Their Functions (chapters 12-15)
1. Congress
2. President
3. Bureaucracy
4. Judiciary
Direction:
The fundamental principle of American democracy, government by the people for the people, is that the government not only represents its people, but it also listens and addresses the concerns of the people.
For the Research Paper, research a current problem/concern/issue. Research how our democratic government has worked to listen and address/solve that concern.
Sample Paper Outline:
1. Introduction
I. Introduction of your topic
II. Thesis statement-
A. EX: More and more elderly population is being neglected. If the government doesn`t intervene, they fail in their duty to provide this population with a general welfare and the right to live.
2. Body
II. Background/historical information of your topic or description of the problem/issue
III. Government (national or state) involvement in dealing with the problem/issue
A. Attempts, Bills, Laws, lawsuit
B. Executive, Legislative, or Judicial Branch involvement
C. Analysis - Your evaluation of government action
IV. Other non-government organization involvement (media, lobby groups, non-profits)
A. How have they tried to solve the issue?
B. How have they "influenced" the government?
C. Analysis
3. Conclusion
V. You stand - why or why not
VI. Christian standpoint
Planning
I. Pick a topic.
A. Complete a quick research and submit your topic and rough thesis statement for approval.
II. Research.
A. Topic background?
B. What is the main problem?
C. How did the topic come to the attention of the public/government? Media? A tragic even?
D. Who are the major contributors to the topic? How are they involved? Why? Who are on the opposition side? Why? Politicians? A victim?
E. Are there any data to include? Polls?
F. What actions have been taken by the interest groups, government, political parties?
G. What solutions have be proposed or made? Legislative action? Laws? Supreme Court action?
III. Write your rough draft.
The Research Paper is NOT a report about the topic. Only the background information is a report of the topic. Your paper needs to provide information as to how the democratic process worked/is working to resolve this issue.
I. For example, if your topic is on abortion, it can`t be just about abortion. You`ll need to write abortion in the political context. Describe how the government is involved in the issue and is working to resolve it, including people, media, and interest groups.
II. Be sure to incorporate your knowledge learned from your textbook/lecture.
III. This is an objective researcher paper. Your personal position on the issue should not appear until the concluding paragraph.
IV. Political Analysis - connectpolitical ideas and concepts learned in the course:
A. Identify & describe the issue/problem in the political context.
B. Discuss the cause(s) of issue/problem.
C. How did it become a public agenda?
D. How did the government react to it? (State or Federal government)
a. Bill? Laws? Court cases? Executive orders?
E. Was there non-government sector (interest groups, media, etc) involved? How?
F. Any resolutions? Potential resolution? Attempted resolution?
G. Was it the work of federalism?
H. Did the media dictate government policy?
I. Is our government truly run by the people?
J. Who took the lead: executive, legislative, or judicial branch? Was it appropriate?
K. Was the resolution legitimate? Or, why wasn`t there a resolution?
L. Why is it a political issue?
IV. Have someone proofread your paper.
V. Write your copy.
VI. Submit your paper.
Sample Topics:
1. Economic:
I. Stimulus law
II. Unemployment rate & Minimum wages
III. National debt
IV. Income tax laws
2. Social Welfare:
I. Medicare
II. Social Security
III. TANF (Temporary Assistant for Needy Families)
IV. Health care
V. Education
VI. Elderly concern
VII. Children`s Right
VIII. Disabled Population
IX. Homeless
3. Civil Rights
I. Affirmative Action
II. "Comparable Worth" - equal wages
III. Rights of Disabled
IV. Gender equality
V. Diversity issues
VI. Aged Population
4. Personal Liberty
I. Issues related to the Bill of Rights
A. Ex: religious freedom
II. Abortion
A. Partial Birth
B. Morning After Pill
III. Intelligent Design
IV. Gay Marriages
V. Gun Control
VI. Death Penalty
VII. Right to Die
VIII. Rights of Criminals
5. MISC
A. Illegal Immigration
B. Military
C. Animal Rights & Welfare
D. Stem-cell research.
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