Participation in Government

An argumentative essay requires an informed, opinionated thesis based on researched evidence. The opinion needs to be formalized and presented by refuting counterpoints and claims. Well researched evidence presented in support of an opinion and contrasting opposing views adds strength to the thesis statement. How the argued position is presented is key to persuade any dissenters.

A clearly stated opinioned thesis statement should be presented in the opening 250 to 500 words along with the importance of the topic while narrowing down the specificity of the topic itself.

The organization of this extended length essay should be organized into an introduction (250 to 500 words), body (500 to 750 words), and a conclusion (250 to 500 words). Each component should provide the reader with anticipation through logical transitions.

The body of the work should include cited evidence backing the opinion stated in the thesis.  It is important to point out to the reader how this evidence supports the initial claim and why it supports it. It is also important to demonstrate that the thesis is thoroughly researched and recognizes differing opinions and refutes them with evidential supports such as citing facts, using logic, and presenting statistics. In some cases, a short anecdotal can also support the claim; however, it should not be the only support offered.

The conclusion of the work should readdress the thesis but in a new light after presenting the researched evidential supports to refute any claims to the contrary.

A 1000 to 1750 word argumentative research essay goes beyond a simplified opinion and counterclaim. Therefore, the thesis needs a bit more research to offer a convincing argument against any opposing views. Typically, the introduction and conclusion are about 250 to 500 words each in length and the claim and counterclaims presented with evidence in the body consist of about 500 to 700 words.

Citations and Style: APA 7th Edition🔗

Date Style: Month Day, Year

Font Size: 12 point

Font Style: Times New Roman

Margins: top, bottom, left, and right; 1 inch

Page numbers: Required

References: Required

Spacing: Double

Title Page: Required

Length: 750 word minimum to 1500 word maximum

Scoring of the paper shall be compiled through an average of the committee consisting of an instructor and two peer students (author selected) using the following rubric:

Content 35%

Thesis is clearly stated, and key terms are defined. Sources provide an adequate amount of support for relevant analysis. Analysis is logical and connected to the thesis.

Writing 30%

Writer's argument is persuasive using quotations, paraphrasing and summarizations as needed. There are no distracting errors in spelling, mechanics, and sentence structure. The essay meets the 750 word minimum count and does not exceed the 1500 word maximum.

References 35%

Correctly implements APA 7 including the References page that accounts for all citations, references, tables, figures and is presented in APA 7 format.

• [Author selected political party] platform is the right one for the U.S.

• Democratic decision-making should be extended to all areas of life including schools, the workplace, and the government. 

• Direct democracy is better than representative democracy.

• Do you think that the federal government has enough, too much or just the right amount of power? Defend your answer.

• Executive orders should be subject to review only by the Supreme Court.

• Federal controls of donations to political parties are adequate.

• Gerrymandering is necessary to maintain a two-party system.

• Members of Congress should vote their conscience instead of following the will of the people who elected them to office.

• Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be changed. What modifications would you make?

• Representative democracy is better than direct democracy.

• Should a school be required to get a warrant before searching a student's property? Defend your answer. 

• Should corporations be treated as individuals regarding being allowed to donate to political campaigns?  Look at the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling on the issue. Defend your answer. 

• Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with topics such as the legalization of marijuana and abortion? 

• Social media, not traditional media, is the true fourth branch of government.

• Term limits be instituted for members of Congress.

• The [SCOTUS case] decision was wrong.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency delivers not enough (or too much) support to states and commonwealths that have experienced natural disasters.

• The Great Compromise leads to tyranny of minority rule in the House, and ultimately the United States.

• What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants?" Do you think that this statement still applies to today's world? 

• Which of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment do you consider the most important? Explain your answer. 

• Which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power? Defend your answer.

• Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail? What kind of campaign could be run to see it passed?

• Create your own; instructor approval required.