You will find the instructions below. I am not expecting this to be answered as a formal essay, but you should be answering each part in full paragraphs/sentences. I would suggest that you format the assignment by creating a heading for each section and then answering the questions for that section (I illustrated below). Please be sure you cite all sources in your writings since I will be using software to ensure the work is your own. I do not care how you cite as long as there are clear indications that you are using other works. Also, I have seen several people use Wikipedia as a source – you should never use Wikipedia as a source in an academic setting. If you are going to use it to understand that is fine, but your sources should be the original documents that are put together to create the Wikipedia article. If you do not understand why we do not use Wikipedia please google it.
Example:
Part One:
Answers to all the questions here……
Part Two:
Answer all the questions here….
Instructions
For this assignment you have the opportunity to select one specific state policy topic. There are several topics discussed in Chapters 13 – 16 in the textbook. This is where you should start. You can select a topic under one of the following categories: Education, Healthcare, Environmental Policy, Tax Policy, Housing, Safety/Security, or contact me for approval for a different umbrella. It needs to be a specific issue under one of those umbrellas. (For example: you can discuss education funding under education, Medicaid expansion under healthcare, gun safety under safety/security) Pick an area and then get really specific on your topic. You will be writing a sort of policy brief on one of these issues. Be sure to be as specific as possible and provide as much detail as you can. Have fun with this and make it something interesting!
Part One (worth 25 possible points)
Introduce your topic. What issue did you look at? What is the brief history of the topic at the state level (here in Florida)? Why is it an important topic (aka why should I keep reading)? Should be answered in at least 1 paragraph.
Part Two (worth 55 possible points)
What is the current status of your topic in Florida? Are there current regulations, incentives, or policies that cover your topic? What is the current budget situation for your topic? Be very specific here and discuss the entire scope of your topic (that is why it is important to narrow your topic as specific as possible). Should be answered in at least 2-3 paragraphs.
Part Three (worth 45 possible points)
What is the current debate surrounding your topic? What do the supporters argue? What do the opponents argue? How does this debate impact policy outcomes? How do outside groups influence the current debate (introduce both sides and how money plays a role)? What is public opinion on the topic? Should be answered in at least 2-3 paragraphs.
Part Four (worth 45 possible points)
Take a side. You have done your research on this issue in Florida. What side of the issue do you fall on? Where should this issue go in the future in the state? Do research on at least one other state that has handled the same issue. What were their outcomes? Do you think another state has a better solution and outcomes to this issue? Should be answered in at least 2-3 paragraphs.
Part Five (worth 20 possible points)
Conclusion – tie it all together in one paragraph. Why is this important and what did you learn completing this assignment? How has your view on this subject changes or been shaped?
References (worth 5 possible points)
Be sure to list and cite all sources.
