Objective:
Select a piece of major legislation and conduct a
comprehensive analysis of its background, passage, and subsequent impact. Your
paper should delve into the intricacies of the legislative process, public
opinion, and the effects of the legislation. Your paper should be 10 – 15 pages
in length (Times New Roman, 12-pt font, double spaced). Please be sure to cite
your sources and include a works cited page (does not count towards the page
count). Any citation style is fine so long as you use in text citations (ie.
(Author, Date)). MLA preferred.
Major legislation Selected for this Paper:
117th Congress. Major Legislation: Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Areas to Consider:
1.
Introduction
a.
Provide
a brief overview of the chosen legislation.
b.
Clearly
state the thesis or main argument of your analysis.
2.
Legislative Background
a.
Explore
the motivations behind the legislation. Consider historical, social, economic,
or political factors.
b.
Delve
into the origin and development of the bill. Include any relevant events or
precedents that influenced the bill.
3.
Public Opinion
a.
Analyze
how the public felt about the issue at hand before and during the legislative
process.
b.
Examine
public opinion regarding the bill as it was being debated and refined. Include
polls, editorials, and other indicators of public sentiment.
4.
Congressional Action
a.
Identify
and discuss the roles of key Congress members who spearheaded the legislation
and why. Include information on cosponsors and highlight if the effort was
bipartisan and why.
b.
Describe
the level of involvement from the president or executive branch during the
legislative process.
c.
Detail
the committees involved in shaping the bill, including any significant
amendments, debates, or hearings.
d.
Provide
the results of the final vote, noting any notable patterns or divisions within
Congress or notable voting decisions.
5.
Outcomes and Analysis
a.
Discuss
the immediate and long-term outcomes of the legislation.
b.
Analyze
the effectiveness and impact of the law on society, the economy, or other
relevant areas.
Grading Criteria:
A strong paper will demonstrate a thorough
understanding of the legislation’s background, development, and impact. It will
utilize a wide of outside sources and two in-class sources (attached below),
including academic journals, reputable news outlets, and official government
documents. It will be clearly organized and present information in a logical
sequence with clear connections between sections and topics. It will employ
clear, concise language with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
