Examine the legislation that comes out of Congress. Understanding the lawmaking process, what laws have actually been created?

Paper Details

2-3 pages Typed, Double-spaced 12 pt. TIMES NEW ROMAN 1 inch margins on all sides Use proper SOURCING (works cited page) and IN-TEXT CITATIONS (MLA Style) Use AT LEAST 5 FORMAL SOURCES in your research – any less and points will be deducted.

Each student will be required to write a term paper on an issue of politics and government. You may choose to write this 2-3 page assignment on one of the prompts found below (please choose just one!). Focus the topic on an issue of national/federal scope; focusing on a local/state issue is outside the scope of this class. See Course Calendar for Term Paper due date. Proper citation of sources is necessary; if you do not include your sources, you will receive a failing grade! Further information on the details of the paper (and how to turn it in) will be provided on Blackboard and discussed in class. There may also be a secondary written assignment (TBD).

FEDERALISM: Take a look at some recent news articles or news reports (TV, internet, newspaper, etc.). Try to find an issue that deals with a Constitutional enigma. Is the federal government’s power in question? Is there a state versus national power showdown? What Constitutional question is being asked? How would you resolve the conflict? Or, if it has been solved, do you agree with the decision?

Possible Topics: education, healthcare, gay marriage, taxes, jobs

CONGRESS: Examine the legislation that comes out of Congress. Understanding the lawmaking process, what laws have actually been created? Research recent news and current events and pick a law that has been hotly contested. What does the law entail; what does it require? How was it voted on in the Congress? Should this law continue to be enacted, or should it be repealed? How would this happen, and is it currently happening?

Possible Legislative Topics: post-9/11, education, same-sex marriage, healthcare, gun control

EXECUTIVE ORDERS: Executive orders are a powerful tool that presidents use to get things done. But are executive orders too much power? Examine some current events and news articles and find recent presidential orders, or look back to presidential orders of historical significance. What topic did they deal with, and what was the order? Then explain why the order is/was necessary, or not necessary. Was the order challenged in any way? Is/Was it a violation of presidential powers, or not?

Possible Topics: current orders, or orders from past presidents (FDR, Lincoln, Jefferson)

THE JUDICIARY Look at one of the major court cases we discussed as part of Chapters 12 and 4. Draft a case brief for a federal Supreme Court case of your choosing. A case brief includes mainly four components: case name, facts, questions and conclusion. Also include a 1-2 page critique of the court’s final decision. Did the courts answer the question properly? Why or why not?

Possible Topics: US Supreme Court decisions on same sex marriage (2013, 2015), healthcare (2012), war (2000s), speech (20th Century) or the New Deal (1930s)