3-4 page research paper on social welfare programs

One required research paper for the course worth 200 points – papers should be size 12 font, 3 -4  pages (double-spaced) in length, and must contain at least three references (properly cited in MLA or APA format) to help substantiate your research. You will be required to write about a topic that we’ve touched-on in class, but you will research and write in greater detail than we have discussed. I am offering a great deal of flexibility here, so this is your opportunity to get creative with a topic. Write about "are social welfare programs successful in the United States. Are they helping citizens to get out of provotry?" 

note: I am an advocate for welfare programs for citizens who need them to help get back on there feet.  Yet, the type of job they can get determines if there able to feed their family.