As we have learned this semester, the political representation and incorporation of traditionally excluded groups (e.g., women, minorities) in American politics has been a recurrent challenge. This makes us wonder: Does the American political system, as it actually functions, fulfill the standards of political equality and political liberty that are required of a “functioning representative democracy”?
Prompt
In your paper, compare and contrast the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government in protecting civil liberties and civil rights. Which branch has been most successful in this regard? Which branch has been least successful?
- Your thesis statement (your argument) should explain (1) which branch you believe has been most successful, (2) which branch you believe has been least successful, and (3) why.
- You should address both the protection of civil liberties and the protection of civil rights in your paper.
- Be sure to make the distinction between these two terms clear.
- You must use specific empirical examples as evidence to back up your claims.
the article here, lest use 5 of them!
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/9/29/16373460/senate-budget-reconciliation-filibuster
https://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2018/1/8/16863554/winfrey-administration-celebrity
https://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2017/7/12/15959032/political-amateurs-threat-to-democracy
https://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2016/2/22/11094172/supreme-court-conservative-liberal
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/02/13/why-its-time-to-get-serious-about-supreme-court-term-limits/?utm_term=.d4131237e2ac
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/5/30/15591700/mass-incarceration-john-pfaff-locked-in
https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-court-abortion-california-201710-story.html
Your paper should…
- …in the introduction:
- draw the reader in (e.g., introduce a puzzle or provide an illustrative anecdote)
- develop a clear, concise, and easily identifiable thesis statement (i.e., your argument)
- provide a “roadmap” that explains how you are going to demonstrate what you claim in your thesis statement (think of this as a mini-outline for your paper–it can take the form of “First, I will…Second, I will…Third, I will…”)
- If you need a reminder, please rewatch the What is a “roadmap”? video.
- …in the body paragraphs:
- logically build evidence in favor of your thesis statement
- include a minimum of five sources beyond the textbook (i.e., a minimum of six sources including the textbook)
- You will need to look at more than five sources to craft your argument. This minimum refers to the number of citations that you actually end up using in the paper.
- …in the conclusion:
- briefly address alternatives or criticisms
- re-emphasize the main points of your argument