The Research Paper Guide is available by clicking here.Download The Research Paper Guide is available by clicking her
One objective of this course is to help students develop research, analytical, and writing skills. Each student is therefore responsible for preparing a formal research paper – minimum length 12 pages; typed, double-spaced; appropriately organized and documented. The research guide (provided for this course) and a standard style manual should be used in writing the paper. The following list of topics is suggestive, not exhaustive, but any topic chosen must be approved in writing. Finally, research papers are due on or before December 5. There will be a grade penalty of five points per day for late papers. The assignment must be submitted in paper form in class on December 5; additionally, an electronic copy must be submitted here through Canvas. Electronic submission is not considered an on-time submission of the assignment. I must receive a hard copy of the paper on or before December 5.
The Growth and Budgetary Impact of Social Security; or Medicare; or Medicaid.
Major Provisions and Budgetary Effects of 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012—Major Provisions and Budgetary Effects.
Comparison of 1981 and 2001 Tax Cuts – Major Provisions and Budgetary Effects.
Social Welfare Public Assistance Programs (e.g., EITC; TANF; Medicaid; SNAP; CHIP) (choose one).
The History and Impact of Reconciliation.
Budget Control Act of 2011.
Comparison of 1990, 1993, and 1997 Reconciliation Acts.
Demographic Trends and Entitlement Policy.
Budgetary Impact of the “New Deal.”
Budgetary Impact of the “Great Society.”
Budgetary Impact of the Reagan/Bush I/Clinton/Bush II/Obama/Trump Administration (choose one).
Social Security Reform Options.
Defense Policy and Defense Budgets under Carter/Reagan/Clinton/Bush II (choose one).
Spending and Revenue Effects of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Deficits, Debt, and “Modern Monetary Theory.”
For these and related topics, government documents are a primary research resource. Among these are executive branch documents (especially OMB and Treasury), congressional committee hearings and reports, and congressional staff agency materials (especially CBO, CRS, and GAO). In addition, scholarly books and articles should be utilized as appropriate. These materials are located in the Fondren and Underwood Law Libraries.
As a suggested schedule, preliminary research and topic choice should be completed by October 12. A detailed outline and bibliography should be completed by November 9. Please feel free to consult with me at all stages of paper development. Topics and outlines must be approved in writing.
