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.