You learned in the lesson that the Constitution protects individual rights that affect most citizens’ daily lives. You also learned that the government must balance the rights and needs of individuals with the needs of the public. Limitations to individual rights are most obvious during a time of crisis. However, today limitations of rights have expanded into technology and even health.
You will write an essay explaining both sides of an issue that frequently arises in modern society. Then you will make a decision on which side you support using a well reasoned argument.
The Common Good Assessment
The conflict between protecting individual rights and the public good is a common concern to many modern issues. To complete your work, download and use the The Common Good Template.
Choose one scenario from the list below. If you want to choose an issue not listed, please contact your instructor for approval. Choose one:
Campus Safety—The parents of local high school students are concerned about student safety on campus. At the recent school board meeting, they proposed installing metal detectors at the entrance to each high school.
Smoking and Vaping—Local health officials warn there has been a sharp rise in minors with lung damage and disease related to smoking, vaping, or involuntary inhalation. At a council meeting, they proposed a ban on the sale of tobacco and vape products anywhere in the county.
Teen Curfew—Local arrest reports show that most violent crimes occur in the hours between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The data also reveal that most suspects and victims are teenagers. The city council has proposed a 10 p.m. curfew for all minors (those under 18 years of age).
Based on your scenario, research the rationale for and against the proposed action. You will need at least four reputable sources total—two in support of and two against the proposed action. Sources could be government websites, interest groups, or even research organizations. You might find sources that detail both support and opposition—just be sure that you have balanced research. Cite your sources in MLA Citation Style. You may find this activity on how to Research helpful to get started.
Write your essay using the following structure:
Introduce your chosen scenario, discussing why it is an issue. Describe the limitation to individual rights or interests that is proposed in the scenario.
Discuss at least two reasons to support this limitation. Refer to your research sources to support these reasons.
Discuss at least two reasons to oppose this limitation. Refer to your research sources to support these reasons.
Take a stand. Conclude with which side has the strongest argument and the reasons why it is more robust, considering your research evidence.
Cite your sources using MLA format. List them at the bottom of your essay. Review your essay for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
Assessment
Complete the related section in the Civic Participation Note Guide.
Review the Rubric before you begin the activity.
Submit your work to the 03.03 The Common Good assessment.
Rubric
(100 points possible)
Excellent
Good
Needs Improvement
Poor
Content
40–35 points
The work includes all of the required elements::
discussion of scenario issue and proposed solution
two reasons to support the solution
two reasons to oppose the solution
evaluation of the proposed solution
at least four sources cited in MLA format
34–29 points
The work includes most of the required elements:
discussion of scenario issue and proposed solution
two reasons to support the solution
two reasons to oppose the solution
evaluation of the proposed solution
at least four sources cited in MLA format
28–20 points
The work includes some of the required elements:
discussion of scenario issue and proposed solution
two reasons to support the solution
two reasons to oppose the solution
evaluation of the proposed solution
at least four sources cited in MLA format
19–0 points
The work contains few of the required elements:
discussion of scenario issue and proposed solution
two reasons to support the solution
two reasons to oppose the solution
evaluation of the proposed solution
at least four sources cited in MLA format
Quality
40–35 points
The essay contains completely accurate and thoughtful information about the relationship between the scenario and citizen rights. Evaluation of the proposed limitation is completely detailed, explained, and justified.
34–29 points
The essay contains mostly accurate and thoughtful information about the relationship between the scenario and citizen rights. Evaluation of the proposed limitation is mostly detailed, explained, and justified.
28–20 points
The essay contains somewhat accurate and thoughtful information about the relationship between the scenario and citizen rights. Evaluation of the proposed limitation is somewhat detailed, explained, and justified.
19–0 points
The essay contains rarely accurate and thoughtful information about the relationship between the scenario and citizen rights. Evaluation of the proposed limitation is inadequately detailed, explained, and justified.
Presentation Skills
20–17 points
The work is well organized and easy to read and comprehend. It has few spelling or grammar errors.
16–13 points
The work is mostly organized and easy to read and comprehend. It has few spelling or grammar errors.
12–10 points
The work is somewhat organized and easy to read and comprehend. It has some spelling or grammar errors.
9–0 points
The work lacks organization and ease of reading and comprehension. It has many spelling or grammar errors.
