Below is your first assignment. Before writing it, make sure that you read Strunk and White. Also see my writing advice at http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/govt/jpitney/writing.htm, which in turn contains links to model papers.
Pick one of the following:
- Find a recent (since October 2009) article pointing to a problem that Publius anticipated. (You may search newspapers at news.google.com.) Explain how The Federalist sheds light on the story. In this instance, is the political system working as the Founders hoped?
- Pick an environmental issue (e.g. toxic waste facility siting). Explain how federalism either fosters or hinders progress on this issue.
- See the box on p. 64 of the textbook. Would you favor or oppose a new constitutional convention? Explain.
- See the box on pp. 94-95 of the textbook. What, if anything, has your state government done about the issue of illegal immigration? What should it do?
- See the box on pp. 128-129 of the textbook. Do you believe that the government should encourage or discourage dual citizenship? Explain.
- Choose one of the following bills and evaluate it. Should Congress pass it or not? Why?
HR 1868 – deny birthright citizenship to children of illegal immigrants;
HR 3596 – repeal health insurance industry’s antitrust exemption.
Whichever essay you choose, do research to document your claims. Do not write from the top of your head.
Essays should be typed, stapled, double-spaced, and no more than three pages long. I will not read past the third page.
Put your name on a cover sheet. Do not identify yourself on the text pages.
Cite your sources with endnotes, which should be in a standard style (e.g., Turabian or Chicago Manual of Style). Endnote pages do not count against the page limit.
Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.
Return essays by the start of class, Wednesday, February 17. Late essays will drop a letter grade. I will grant no extensions except for illness or emergency.
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