The Letter of Concern will demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate by developing and writing an executive summary that identifies, integrates, critically analyzes and makes recommendations for a solution to an issue that is based on considering the origins, facts, processes, inputs (public opinion, interest groups, political parties and the intercultural communities they serve) and the ethical consequences for the issue and recommendations.
Address the following criteria for the letter you will write. Research the issue and find a constitutional solution to the problem and develop an ethical strategy(ies) that can be used to help implement your policy solution.
Identify and analyze either a civil liberties, civil rights, or foreign or domestic (social/economic) policy issue or controversy. (SLO 8; CT, SR, PR)
Demonstrate why this why this is a national issue and not a state issue. (SLO 2; CS)
Explain how this issue is related to the origin and development of a constitutional democracy in the United States. Make sure to provide background on the issue and how it relates to the constitutional foundations, amendments of the U.S. Bill of Rights. (SLO 1; CS)
Evaluate how different people in our society may be affected by the specific issue. What is the public’s as well as certain groups like interest groups and political parties’ opinion on the matter? (SLO 5;CT, SR)
Identify the branch of the government responsible for that policy issue and if there is part of any other branch that could also be implicated in the matter. (SLO 3 and SLO 4; CS)
Discuss your constitutional solution to the problem and develop an ethical strategy(ies) that can be used to help implement your policy solution. (CT, CS, SR, PR)
Analyze how your action you may take regarding this issue may impact the election process and discuss how the congressional leader’s stance on the issue might impact how you vote in the next election. (SLO 6; CT, CS, SR)
Conclude the letter with why this is a right and responsibility to address this letter to your representative in Congress. (SLO 7; CS, PR)
The following are databases where you can find samples of letters/emails of how to write to your member of Congress:
https://www.apa.org/advocacy/guide/letter-email (Links to an external site.)
https://www.nlacrc.org/home/showdocument?id=272 (Links to an external site.)
https://www.writeexpress.com/How-to-Write-a-Letter-to-Congress.html (Links to an external site.)
Letter Organization:
Start out by putting the date on the letter.
Then put the address of your selected U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative.
Start the letter with the proper salutation (Example: Dear Senator (Last name) or Representative (Last name).
Make sure to clearly state the reason for your concern for the issue in your letter.
Make sure that you fulfill the criteria listed at the beginning of this handout.
Make sure to point out your relationship to the legislator, for example, if you are their constituent.
At the end of the letter, place your name, signature and address.
Format:
12-point
Times New Roman
Single spaced
Minimum 1000 words, maximum 1100 words
At the bottom of your letter you should include your name and city.
PLAGIARISM: Anytime you copy something word for word or simply rephrasing, you must cite your source according to APA formatting. If you use someone else’s words and ideas without citing them you are committing plagiarism and will receive an F.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) met with this activity:
Explain the origin & development of constitutional democracy in the U.S.
Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system.
Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice.
Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, & judicial branches of the federal government.
Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in the political system.
Analyze the election process.
Describe the rights & responsibilities of citizens.
Analyze issues & policies in U.S. politics.
