Write an essay of at least three full pages (approximately 750+ words) in which you explain at least three core concepts from the course (from the list given below) and identify current events in the news that represent examples of these concepts.
How do I write the paper??
Begin by choosing any three core concepts about American politics we’ve
learned about in the course from the list below. Pick any three concepts you wish.
● Plan on at least one full page for each topic.
● Begin by writing several sentences explaining the topic. Your explanation
should discuss how you understand the topic, in your own words, and include specific supporting evidence from the textbook and/or course videos. Clearly identify your sources.
● Once you have given a detailed description of the concept, locate a current event news story from a major media source (not social media or blogs) that represents an example of that concept. Explain in detail how your selected news story is an example of the concept.
● Your current event should be from March 1, 2024 to the present.
● At the end of your paper, include a works cited page that clearly identifies the
sources you used. Cite in APA format. Use this guide:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_a
nd_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html
● Three pages is the minimum and a paper meeting the minimums with no
serious problems will earn a C, which is the grade for “satisfactory” work.
List of Concepts
(choose any three from the list below):
1) Politics – “who gets what, when, how” – apply Lasswell’s definition to a specific
government action or policy.
2) Separation of powers/checks and balances – how to these structures built into our
government affect politics?
3) Constitution (any amendment/specific part) – what amendments or sections of the
Constitution have federal courts looked at in cases concerning the pandemic?
4) Federalism – conflicts between federal and state government – what has been a
recent conflict between some of the states and the federal government?
5) Civil rights – equality – are there examples of discrimination or unequal treatment
between groups?
6) Public opinion polls – rational public vs Lippmann view: which one better describes
the public reaction to a recent major issue?
7) Political ideologies – conservative, liberal: how has the conservative-liberal divide
been apparent on a recent major issue?
8) News coverage of the crisis: examine news coverage of a major current news
event and discuss either framing or agenda-setting
9) Congress and the response – powers of Congress, representation: how has
Congress used its powers to respond to a current event?
Note: 10 and 11 below are covered after the due date for the paper – if you
want to write on these topics, contact me for details.
10) Presidency and the response – Bully Pulpit / Going Public: what are these and
how has President Biden used this tool on a recent event? How effective was it?
11) Courts – discuss a recent US Supreme Court ruling; what mode of constitutional
interpretation was used?
Nuts and Bolts
● The paper is typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins
Be specific and refer to actual details and points we learned about each of
these things. You do *not* need an introduction, conclusion, abstract, or
cover page.
● Be sure to prepare a works cited page at the end with all of your current
events sources listed in APA format.
