The Researched Essay
In a 4- to 6-page essay, analyze one of the presidential election campaigns that took place between 1868 and 2016. Ideally, your essay will address the following questions:
Why was this a significant election in America's young history. This should be reflected in your introductory paragraph and lead to a thesis statement - the key argument that your essay is going to make.
Describe the setting for the election you have chosen. What were the key issues affecting American at that time? What type of events had occurred or were occurring that would influence Americans' choice at the ballot box.
Who were the key candidates in each election? Provide one to two paragraphs of well-researched background information to include their accomplishments, qualifications, alliances and promises.
Give a full account of the election itself. This should take two to four completely developed paragraphs based on the primary and secondary sources that you use. What factors determined who won and who lost the election? How was the electorate split?
What was the result of the presidency of the individual who won? Was it considered to be a success or a failure? How would United States history be different if the opponent had prevailed?
Conclude by reinforcing the political and historic importance of the election you chose.
Don't forget to format your essay in MLA style and include a works-cited page. (This will be worth 20 points of the 200 points available for your essay.)