Research paper

Choose one of the following topics and write a 2-4-page double-spaced paper.  Proper grammar and spelling is required.  Papers must include a cover page, 2-4 full pages of content, and a bibliography.  All sources must be good, academic, peer reviewed sources.   This means that most websites (Wikipedia, answers.com, and similar websites) are disqualified.  If you can’t identify an author and date that’s a good sign that the source needs to be carefully evaluated and, most likely, not used.  Note that encyclopedias and textbooks should not be used in research papers.  You may refer to them, but their use should be very minimal.  The UMUC online databases are recommended as a way to find good academic sources, particularly journal articles.

1. Explain the role of one of the three branches of government with regards to a current event.

2. Please choose a current event involving the American government and discuss how the historical development of the American political system impacts your chosen current event.

3. Research a political interest group and analyze the group’s role in a current political event.

4. Research and analyze how a demographic factor affected a recent political election.

5. Choose a current public policy issue and argue how cultural sensitivities and ethics are influencing your issue.

6.  Choose any current member of Congress (House or Senate), Governor, or Supreme Court Justice, and tell us (a) how they got started in politics; (b) their background (biographical info); and, (c) detail one significant piece of legislation they sponsored, enacted, or ruled on.