Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be changed. What modifications would you make? Explain your reasons for making this change.

Short Essay Rubric

You will be writing 2 short essays this semester. You will right one after we cover the basic

foundations of our government and citizenship (Chapters 1-3), and another after we cover the

actors in our political system (Chapter 4-9).

Length: 2-4 pages

Format:

- Proper essay organization (intro and thesis, supporting/evidence paragraphs, conclusion)

- 12 pt. Times New Roman font (black)

- Double spaced

- 1 inch margins

- MLA format (need a works cited page)

- Page number at the top right of page.

Sources:

- The textbook

- Scholarly articles (google scholar, JSTOR, library databases etc.)

- News articles (NPR, BBC, NY Times, Washington Post, The Economist etc.)

*DO NOT use Wikipedia!!!! You will need to use 3 sources outside of the textbook.

Prompts

Short Essay 1:

Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be

changed. What modifications would you make? Explain your reasons for making this change.

Due: September 16, 2020

Short Essay 2:

Explain the purpose(s) of the American government, and how the functions of each branch of

government help accomplish and maintain the purpose(s) (you may want to consider the role of

citizens, media, rule of law, checks and balances, and federalism as well).

Due November 2, 2020