Each student will submit a research paper on a topic in American Government. Students may choose any topic they wish with the exception of abortion. Any student writing their research paper on abortion will receive No Credit for the assignment. Students will choose a controversial topic in American Government, present the pros and cons of the chosen topic (supported by cites), and provide an analysis of the subject with an opinion/conclusion. The analysis must present a critical review of the topic as well as a critical analysis of the sources used. Options for critical topic analysis include, but are not limited to, liberal/conservative ideology, media coverage, political parties, institutions, political participants, and details of the actual topic (refer to SLO’s for areas of analysis). Source analysis is based on a critical review of the articles/citations used for the paper.
Papers must be a minimum of five (5) pages of text in length (7 pages max.) plus a standard bibliography of no fewer than 5 reputable sources. Any paper submitted without a complete bibliography will receive no credit for the assignment.
Students MUST use the following publications as sources (minimum 1 article from each source: 3 of the 5 required citations) for their papers: Mother Jones, the National Review, One Government Publication (US or state) or One Interest Group Publication; additional cite choices are at the discretion of the student. All of these publications can be found via LBCC Library online resources, specifically the search engine ProQuest. If a website is used as a required cite, it must be from a reputable publication, institution or association. Non-reputable websites will not be counted toward required sources. The required textbooks, dictionaries, Wikipedia, or any encyclopedia or standard reference volume may not be used as a required cite (reference material may be used as additional citations, and must be included in the bibliography).
Papers must be written in the following format: ½ page introduction and facts, 1 page pros of topic (properly cited from research), 1 page cons of topic (properly cited from research), 1 page source analysis (a discussion of the positives and weaknesses of your sources), 1 page subject/topic analysis (choose 2 from the list below) and ½ page conclusion (including author’s position on the topic).
The Analysis section of the paper should include a one (1) page source analysis where the student critically analyzes 2 – 3 of the sources used in writing the paper; AND a (1) page topic analysis using two of the following: 1. ideology (liberal and conservative), 2. media/source treatment of topic, 3. institutions, or 4. political participants, to further analyze the topic beyond pro/con.
The paper is worth 250 points, 10 points will be deducted each day for a late paper up to one (1) week late. Papers shorter than the minimum 5 pages, lacking a complete bibliography, or not meeting the requirements of the assignment will receive severe point deductions or no credit. See Semester Schedule for Due Date. Students needing assistance with writing a complete bibliography, check out the website www.aresearchguide.com.
The Research paper, including bibliography, Must be typewritten, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman or CG Times font.
Please refer to the Syllabus for additional information and a list of mandatory deductions.
Something like this
Sure, here’s a sample research paper on the topic of gun control in American Government, following the specified structure:
Gun Control in America: A Controversial Debate
Introduction and Facts
Gun control remains one of the most contentious issues in American politics. The debate centers on the extent to which the government should regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms. Proponents of stricter gun control argue that it is essential for reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety. Opponents, however, believe that such regulations infringe upon the Second Amendment rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. This paper examines both sides of the gun control debate, analyzing the pros and cons, and providing a critical review of the sources used.
Pros of Gun Control
Advocates for stricter gun control measures argue that such regulations are necessary to curb gun violence and reduce the number of mass shootings. According to an article from Mother Jones, countries with stringent gun laws, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, have significantly lower rates of gun-related deaths compared to the United States . Additionally, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that states with stronger gun laws have fewer gun deaths per capita . Proponents also point to studies showing that background checks and restrictions on assault weapons can prevent firearms from falling into the hands of criminals and individuals with mental illnesses, thereby reducing the potential for violence .
Cons of Gun Control
Opponents of gun control argue that such measures are unconstitutional and ineffective. The National Review asserts that the Second Amendment explicitly protects an individual’s right to own and bear arms, and that any infringement on this right is a violation of constitutional freedoms . Critics also argue that gun control laws do not deter criminals, who are unlikely to obey such regulations. Instead, they believe that these laws only restrict law-abiding citizens’ ability to protect themselves. Additionally, some studies suggest that areas with strict gun control laws, such as Chicago, continue to experience high rates of gun violence, indicating that other factors, such as socio-economic conditions, play a more significant role in influencing crime rates .
