Final Research Paper, first, identify a current problem/concern/issue that matters to you. Then, research whether our government/people is/are doing something about it to solve the problem. And finally, evaluate whether our political system is alive and being utilized by people. REQUIREMENTS 1. Cover page 2. 5 – 6 pages of content – double-spaced, Times New Roman, font 12 3. Reference page with a. at least 5 credible references i. any websites ending in .edu or .org are acceptable ii. any articles retrieved b. use MLA citation style – https://www.library.cornell.edu/resrch/citmanage/ mla#mla Research a. Topic background? b. What is the main problem? c. How did the topic come to the attention of the public/government? Media? A tragic even? d. Who are the major contributors to the topic? How are they involved? Why? Who are on the opposition side? Why? Politicians? A victim? e. Are there any data to include? Polls? f. What actions have been taken by the interest groups, government, political parties? g. What solutions have be proposed or made? Legislative action? Laws? Supreme Court action? III. Write an outline of the paper a. SAMPLE PAPER OUTLINE: Introduction i. Introduction of your topic ii. Thesis statement- 1. EX: More and more elderly population is being neglected. If the government doesn’t intervene, they fail in their duty to provide this population with a general welfare and the right to live. Body iii. Background/historical information of your topic or description of the problem/ issue iv. Government (national or state) involvement in dealing with the problem/issue 1. Attempts, Bills, Laws, lawsuit 2. Executive, Legislative, or Judicial Branch involvement 3. Analysis – Your evaluation of government action v. Other non-government organization involvement (media, lobby groups, non- profits) 1. How have they tried to solve the issue? 2. How have they “influenced” the government? 3. Analysis vi. Is/was there a solution? 1. Effective? 2. Successful? 3. Analysis Conclusion thoughts vii.You stand – why or why not viii.Christian standpoint ix. Your suggestive solution IV. Write your rough draft The Final Research Paper is a combination of descriptive and analytical political paper. It is NOT a report about the topic. For example, if your topic is on abortion, it can’t be just describing about abortion. You’ll need to write abortion in the political context. Describe how the government is involved in the issue, including people, media, and interest groups, to influence and resolve the issue. 1. Issue Description – Information must be accurate and presented from a neutral viewpoint (both sides if needed): • Identify & describe the issue/problem in the political context • Discuss the cause(s) of issue/problem • How did it become a public agenda? • How did the government react to it? (State or Federal government) i. Bill? Laws? Court cases? Executive orders? • Was there non-government sector (interest groups, media, etc) involved? How? • Any resolutions? Potential resolution? Attempted resolution? 2. Political Analysis – Analysis must be connected with political ideas and concepts learned in the course: • Was it the work of federalism? • Did the media dictate government policy? • Is our government truly run by the people? • Who took the lead: executive, legislative, or judicial branch? Was it appropriate? • Was the resolution legitimate? Or, why wasn’t there a resolution? • Why is it a political issues? 3. Your Perspective/Your Evaluation – Given the facts, how should Christians respond to the political issue? Is it Constitutional?