Step 1: Choose a bill passed by the legislature that is still in effect.
The bill you choose to research is up to you so that you may work on a topic or issue that interests you. While this allows you more control over your work, it also means more responsibility on you to choose a good topic. You can lookup bills on the main page of
https://house.texas.gov
https://senate.texas.gov
Step 2. Research the bill.
This is not an opinion-paper; it is a fact-paper. A key goal for the paper is to help you identify and utilize quality sources of information. This is more important than ever as we are surrounded by information, though much of it is of low quality. Thus, you must work to find sources that are objective, scientific, and data driven.
A significant portion of your grade will depend on the quality of your sources and supporting evidence, so research thoroughly. You are required to have a minimum of five sources. At least 1 scholarly article is required, and your sources as a whole will factor significantly into your grade. See the grading rubric at the end of this document for more information on quality sources, or ask me for specific advice.
Step 3: Write the paper.
Part 1: Introduction (~ ½ page)
Introduce the law you are researching and briefly explain your motivations for choosing it. Preview the general structure of your paper and what you hope the reader will learn.
Part 2: Policy History (~ 1 page)
In the first main section of the paper, summarize the origin and development of the bill. Discuss when the bill was passed and for what reasons. Discuss the events, individuals, or groups who were important to the bill’s formation and passage. In short, where did this bill come from?
Part 3: Current Effects (~2 pages)
In the second main section of the paper, describe how the bill works today. Explain the structure and rules of its programs and policies. For example, which executive agencies oversee or implement the bill? Discuss the effects the bill has on society. For example, what are the observable costs and benefits of this bill in Texas? In short, how does the bill work, and what impact does it have on society?
Part 4: Reform Proposal (~ 1 page)
In the third and final main section of the paper, propose a specific reform or change you would make to the bill to better fit the American society today and into the future. Rely on your research for ideas for reform or improvement, and especially for evidence on how this reform would impact the people of the United States. Be sure to consider both the potential benefits and downsides to your proposal, as well.
Part 5: Conclusion (~ ½ page)
This section should briefly summarize your paper as a whole. Remind the reader of the bill you researched and the key points you want the reader to remember about its history, present, and potential reforms. Conclude by reflecting on what you learned in this process and what future research should focus on with respect to this issue.
The following links are very useful for identifying quality sources of various types:
Political research basics:
http://libguides.csuchico.edu/c.php?g=414256&p=6584118 (Links to an external site.)
Scholarly articles:
https://libguides.csuchico.edu/c.php?g=414256&p=2822865#s-lg-box-8646332 (Links to an external site.) https://libguides.csuchico.edu/empirical
