Assignment:
General Information:
You work for a company that gives advice to political candidates of both parties. Your firm has a contract with the strictly nonpartisan Congressional Research Service to provide an issue briefing to help members of Congress from both parties make decisions about critical policy issues. Your firm wants you to choose one specific policy issue that is important for the United States in the next several years. The legislators need to know (1) why the issue is so important, (2) how the issue has developed over time, (3) what the pros and cons of the issue, and (4) who (individuals, groups and political parties) supports and opposes each position. NOTE: This project is to provide an objective overview of a controversial issue in society NOT to argue for one position or the other. You must present your issue in a way that is completely fair and speak objectively about all sides of the issue.
Your Project will be submitted in 3 parts:
1. Proposal - You will select your topic and provide a basic outline of the issue, basic arguments for and against and overview of who supports and opposes the issue. There is a fillable form that you will need to complete and submit for credit.
2. Written Paper - You will write a 5 to 6 page (1000 to 1500 words) informative essay that covers why the issue is so important, how the issue has developed over time, what the pros and cons of the issue (with researched, documented support for each position), and who (individuals, groups and political parties) supports and opposes each position.
3. Infographic - You will develop data visualization of the information presented in your written paper.
Resources:
I have provided a folder (Policy Project Information) in the "Lesson Modules" section that provides specific information on completing each of the 3 parts of the Policy Project.
Carefully review this material as I grade on very specific criteria.
I have also provided a number of links in blackboard (Under Weblinks on the main menu) to assist you with researching and developing your topic. Additionally, I suggest you consult the "Academic Search Complete" Database on the College library site under "Databases." See also Public Agenda at https://www.publicagenda.org/ or The Almanac of Policy Issues at https://www.policyalmanac.org/]
Topic Selection:
When selecting a topic for your project, it is best to select a yes/no or pro/con focused issue. So rather than selecting a broad topic like "illegal immigration" focus your topic on a specific aspect of that issue, for example, "Should we construct a wall to deter illegal immigration?" Some examples of the topics you might choose include, but are not limited to [Original topics not on this list are very strongly encouraged]:
- Should the U.S. construct a wall across its entire southern border to prevent illegal border crossings?
- Should Medicare be changed to a voucher program?
- Should there be a national identity card?
- Should a national law tightly regulate access to handguns?
- Should the U.S. provide more subsidies for wind-powered energy?
- Should medical marijuana be legalized nationally?
- Should the U.S. government invest in a manned space mission to Mars?
- Should there be a Constitutional amendment banning abortion?
- Should the U.S. allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
- Should the U.S. ban stem cell research?
- Should there be a Constitutional amendment banning the death penalty?