Research Paper: Students are generally encouraged to complete the service-learning
assignment. However, you may choose the Political Issues Assignment if you are unable to
volunteer or prefer not to.
For this assignment, you need to find a political issue of interest to you and write a six page
paper in which you state and defend your position on the issue. Note that this paper should not
be a rant; you need to find actual evidence to support your view. Approach this assignment as if
you are trying to convince someone who is undecided on the issue that your point of view is
correct. Remember that opinions are stronger if backed up by facts.
Some examples of issues to consider include, but are not limited to:
No Child Left Behind/Common Core Balancing counterterrorism & civil liberties
“Speech codes” on college campuses Affirmative action
Has the presidency become too powerful? The Electoral College
Term limits for members of Congress U.S. policy toward China
The limits of free expression U.S. trade policy
The War on Drugs Are the police becoming too militarized?
U.S. counterterrorism strategy The Affordable Care Act
Immigration policy Is the tax code fair?
Free speech and social media The PATRIOT ACT
Should the SCOTUS be reformed? How can the VA be improved?
Gerrymandering Balancing civil liberties and public health
Race and the legal system The opioid epidemic
Transgender rights
Papers dealing with abortion or gun control will not be accepted. Though these issues are very
important, most minds have already been made up on them. This assignment is an opportunity
to explore other topics which are not so polarized.
In order to successfully complete this assignment, you need to cite at least five academic
sources to support your argument. These sources need to be academic sources, i.e. sources
found in library databases (journal articles and books) or from government agencies. Wikipedia
and similar websites are not valid.
Also, if you are writing about an issue with legal implications (free speech, censorship, etc.), you
must discuss legal constraints in your argument. If your argument is not likely to withstand a
legal challenge, you need to revise it to one that is likely to. For example, you should not argue
that all objectionable should be banned because the courts will strike that down.
If you choose an issue listed above, you do not need approval, but if you choose an issue not on
the list, you need to get it approved. There are many, many possible issues so don’t be afraid to
ask if you’re interested in an issue not on the list. Chances are it can be approved.
This assignment will be completed in three phases, as follows:
Phase one: Decide on your topic and begin the research process. Find at least five academic
sources you plan to use and submit them along with your thesis statement. Your sources should
be formed as a bibliography in MLA or APA format, and should include a brief statement
My Topic I Picked-Has the presidency become too powerful?Electoral College
The President has too much power in my opinion.
Must have 5 academic sources
