This essay should explain what the issue is, what the different positions are on the issue, and why you think it is important
The essay must present at least two different and competing positions on the issue, explaining what the arguments are on each side, and what the role of government might be. The essay should explain how these two positions can be reflected in American Political Ideology, referring to the concepts from Chapter 1.
Potential Resources for background on issues:
CQ Reports (this site provides a lot of background and explanation on major issues in American politics).
procon.org/ (this site is produced by a nonpartisan group and provides two general sides to many contemporary issues)
Resources on fact-checking claims
factcheck.org
politifact.com
snopes.com
The essay should show at least one example of what American public opinion looks like on this issue. Be sure to incorporate an example about public opinion from Chapter 10 in our textbook in your essay.
Potential Resources:
Gallup.com
PewResearch.org
Be sure to clearly cite the source for this public opinion example
The essay should explain where the Democratic and Republican political parties stand on this issue. Be sure to incorporate at least one connection to the role and functions of political parties from Chapter 11 in your essay.
The essay should identify and explain at least one interest group that is involved, explaining how the group works on the issue. Be sure to incorporate at least one connection to the role and functions of interest groups from Chapter 11 in your essay.
The essay should talk about either the recent importance of this issue in elections and in voting or the ways media coverage of politics have affected this issue. If the essay discusses elections and voting, it should include a connection to Chapter 12. If the essay discusses media, it should include a connection to Chapter 13.
Within the essay, students should not pick a side or argue which side is correct; the purpose is to analyze the issue, using concepts in our class.
Letter to a Representative
The second activity within this project is a Letter to a Representative.
Students should decide where they stand on this issue, and then draft a sample letter to the appropriate representative explaining their thoughts on the issue. This letter must be addressed to an actual representative. The letter should:
explain the student’s position on the issue, giving at least one reason why you feel this way
identify at least one action they would like the representative to make. For example, the letter can ask the representative to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on an upcoming bill, to increase funding or attention to an issue, or to change their position on an issue.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|