Write a reflective paper on the assigned readings in the second module of the course, the U.S. Congress. The paper is to be a minimum of three and maximum of five pages in length, double-spaced, with standard margins and no cover page. Make sure you include your name and “Reflection Paper #2” on the first page of the paper. Papers are to be uploaded to Canvas. This paper is due on Monday, June 22, by 11:59 p.m. You may earn up to 150 points.
The main purpose of this assignment is for you to reflect on and express what you learned from the assigned readings, and your opinion as to the validity, strengths, or weaknesses of the arguments presented. It is important that your paper is coherent, uses correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, and expresses your own conclusions and points of view. Your grade will be based on the quality of your writing, and its completeness in considering each of the assigned readings: Mayhew, Melnick, Harbridge & Malhotra, Carson & Eves, and McGhee. You should carefully cite any writings that are not your own. Your paper will be scanned for plagiarism.
You should consider and respond to the following questions, however, you are not limited to addressing these questions. You will likely have questions of your own that should also be addressed.
What is Mayhew’s main argument? Although this was written over forty years ago, is it still relevant today? What are the strengths and weaknesses of his arguments? Your thoughts on what he wrote?
More recent political scientists have written about Congress and further developed themes discussed in Mayhew’s book. Several of these were assigned.
How do each of them help you better understand the U.S. Congress? What are their main strengths and weaknesses? What do you think about their arguments and conclusions?