Super Power Rankings

Since World War II, the United States has often been placed No. 1 in world rankings of various kinds. With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States was often referred to as the sole remaining superpower. As the twenty-first century proceeds, however, the position of the United States at the top of the rankings is being questioned.

What considerations, measures, and weightings do you think should be used in devising such rankings? Use your method to devise a ranking of the top three political states in a century of your choice before the twentieth, and suggest a likely ranking by the end of the twenty-first century.

This is the grading rubric:

1. Include the title of your essay and your name at the top page of your document. (5 points)

2. The first paragraph should be an introduction with a thesis statement that directly answers the question. (10 points)

3. The middle (3) paragraphs should make up the body. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and at least five detail sentences. Include interesting and informative supporting facts and examples in your own words to demonstrate a full understanding of the topic and support your thesis. Include documented personal experience from a primary source. (30 points)

4. The final paragraph should summarize your research and applications as they relate to your thesis in your conclusion. The total number of pages should be around 3-4, including references. (10 points)

5. Use at least five sources, all primary sources (= a source that is peer-reviewed and publishes original research). (30 points). Please, contact me well ahead of time, not the last week, if you need help.

6. Use a citation style such as APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA (Modern Language Association)  in 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, double-spaced (5 points)  Note, just providing a link does not count. You need, authors names, year, title of paper, full name of the journal, volume, inclusive pagination. 

7. Include parenthetical in-text citations (5 points)

8. Be formal in tone—do not use personal pronouns or contractions (5 points)