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pol201.modelfinalpaper.docxRunning head: AMERICA’S DEMOCRACY 1
AMERICA’S DEMOCRACY 6
America’s Democracy: Your Report Card
The primary goal of your last assignment is to critically analyze the primary features of the American national government. The results of your analysis will indicate what you have learned over the last five weeks. In order to accomplish this task, it is important to critically evaluate the key facets of our American democracy.
You have been preparing for this final assignment each week by constructing a detailed outline of the Final Paper’s main points through the weekly Learning Activities. In addition, you have read the course text and course readings, reviewed videos, and researched additional material for each week’s assignments and for this paper. This week, you will put all of those outlines, readings, reviews, and research together into a one summative paper.
As we wrap up our course, reflect back on what you have learned about the key structures, systems, roles, and processes that embody our national government. Focus on the strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages, and positive and negative impacts of these aspects of our democracy. Use what you have learned so far to evaluate our national government and recommend ways to enhance what works and repair what is not working well. It is important to understand that this paper is not simply a cut and paste of your four Learning Activities. While the research you have completed can serve as a strong base it is important that you implement any comments from the instructor, as well as further expand on the material. Appropriate transitions and headings are needed to ensure a cohesive paper.
Construct a six-page paper based on the detailed outlines that you created over the last four weeks. It is important to utilize APA headings major sections of your paper in order to ensure that the paper is easy to follow. A model POL201 Final Paper Guide is provided for you to download and utilize when completing your Final Paper.
Scaffold your paper around the following outline:
· Introduction (half page)
· Describe the paper’s overall thesis.
· Provide an overview of main points.
· The Constitution (1 to 1.5 pages) (Week One)
· Describe one strength and one weakness of the U.S. Constitution.
· Recommend one option to maintain the strength and one to correct the weakness.
· Federalism (1 to 1.5 pages) (Week Two)
· Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of a national policy that must be implemented by one agency of the federal bureaucracy.
· Recommend one option to maintain the advantage and one to improve the disadvantage.
· Branches of Government (1 to 1.5 pages) (Week Three)
· Describe one strength and one weakness of one branch of our government: Executive, Legislative, or Judiciary.
· Recommend one option to maintain the strength and one to correct the weakness.
· Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Elections (1-1.5 pages) (Week 4)
· Describe one positive impact and one negative impact of one of the following: political parties, interest groups, or federal elections.
· Recommend one option to accentuate the positive impact and one to lessen the negative impact.
· Review your main points.
· Review your overall thesis.
The America’s Democracy: Your Report Card paper
· Must be at least six double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
· Must include a separate title page with the following:
· Title of paper
· Student’s name
· Course name and number
· Instructor’s name
· Date submitted
· Must use at least eight scholarly sources in addition to the course text. A minimum of six of the resources must be from peer-reviewed scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library
· The Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.
· Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
· Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
America’s Democracy
This is where the introduction for your paper should begin. You should indent the first paragraph and include a hook to draw your reader in and make the topic interesting. Your introduction should also include an overview of the main points you will discuss in your paper and conclude with a clear and concise thesis statement of 25 words or less that clearly summarizes what your paper is about. Please be sure to not refer to the paper in your paper. For example, “In this paper, I will discuss…” is not appropriate for formal writing. Also, your paper should not use words such as I, we, or you. Start the first paragraph here. It should introduce your reader to the subject you are writing about, as well as your particular position or claim. Be sure that your thesis reflects on all four of the topics you will discuss in a concise manner of 25 words or less. For more suggestions, please read about thesis statements on our Ashford Writing Center website: Thesis Statements. Other helpful tools on our website are the Thesis Generator and Moving from Prompt to Thesis. Your introduction should be at least ½ a page in length.
US Constitution
Your paper should include the four main headings, as outlined in this template. It is vital, in order to fully meet the expectations for this paper that you support your arguments utilizing scholarly sources. You must is properly cited with in-text APA formatted citations and an APA reference list in order to avoid plagiarism. No more than 10% of your paper should be direct quotations. Be sure to summarize, paraphrase, and include in-text citations. Each heading should focus on the topics you discussed in your Week 1, 2, 3, and 4 Learning Activities. Each heading/topic should be a a minimum of 1 to 1.5 pages in length. Please do not just cut and paste the paragraphs from your Learning Activities. It is important to include transitions and to more deeply reflect and expand on the material from each week. Be sure to review the WayPoint feedback provided by your instructor each week and integrate the feedback into your revisions as you expand your analysis of each topic for your final paper.
Federalism
Your section heading should focus on Federalism. Utilize your Learning Activities as a guide to construct each section of your paper or create an outline or list to help you organize the evidence you plan to present. Be sure to include the appropriate transitions, review your instructors comments from your Week Two Learning Activity, and expand on the material regarding Federalism.
Branches of Government
The third section of your final paper should focus on one of the branches of government, as you discussed in your Learning Activity. Be sure to include the appropriate transitions, review your instructors comments from your Week Three Learning Activity, and expand on the material regarding the branch of government you have selected. Each paragraph of your assignment should be clear and easy to follow. Ashford has several good resources to help you write a strong paragraph, such as How to Write a Good Paragraph and the P.I.E. Paragraph Structure.
Political Parties, Interest Groups, or Elections
The 4th section of your paper should focus on Political Parties, Interest Groups, or Elections as researched in your Week 4 Learning Activity. Once again, Be sure to include the appropriate transitions, review your instructors comments from your Week Three Learning Activity, and expand on the material regarding the topic you have selected. In addition to being well-written, each paragraph throughout your paper should include an in-text citation to all ideas, references, or quotations that are from outside sources and research. The Ashford Writing Center provides many resources to help you follow correct citation style (primarily APA) and gives lessons and examples of how to paraphrase and cite sources. The APA Key Elements page is a good place to start.
Conclusion
Your paper should conclude with a review of your main points and a review of your thesis.
Remember to start your references on a new page. Space down until References is as the top of the final page of your paper.
Description:
Total Possible Score: 20.00
Organization: Introduction, Thesis Statement, and Conclusion
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - The paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.
Proficient - The paper is logically organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One of these requires improvement.
Basic - The paper is organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.
Below Expectations - The paper is loosely organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.
Non-Performance - The introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes a Strength, Weakness, an Option to Maintain the Strength, and an Option to Correct the Weakness of the U.S. Constitution
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively describes a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness regarding the U.S. Constitution. The descriptions are fully supported with relevant and reliable sources.
Proficient - Describes a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness the U.S. Constitution. The descriptions are supported with relevant sources but slightly underdeveloped or unclear.
Basic - Minimally describes a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and/or an option to correct the weakness. The descriptions are somewhat supported with sources, but the sources are irrelevant. The descriptions are underdeveloped and/or unclear.
Below Expectations - Attempts to describe a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and/or an option to correct the weakness the U.S. Constitution; however, not all four areas are addressed, and the descriptions are not supported with sources, significantly underdeveloped, and entirely unclear.
Non-Performance - The descriptions of a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness of the U.S. Constitution are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes an Advantage, Disadvantage, an Option to Maintain the Advantage, and an Option to Improve the Disadvantage of Federalism
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively describes an advantage, disadvantage, an option to maintain the advantage, and an option to improve the disadvantage of federalism. The descriptions are fully supported with clear and detailed examples.
Proficient - Describes an advantage, disadvantage, an option to maintain the advantage, and an option to improve the disadvantage of federalism. The descriptions are supported with examples but slightly underdeveloped or unclear.
Basic - Minimally describes an advantage, disadvantage, an option to maintain the advantage, and an option to improve the disadvantage of federalism. The descriptions are somewhat supported with examples, underdeveloped, and/or unclear.
Below Expectations - Attempts to describe an advantage, disadvantage, an option to maintain the advantage, and an option to improve the disadvantage of federalism; however, not all four are addressed, and the descriptions are not supported with examples, significantly underdeveloped, and entirely unclear.
Non-Performance - The descriptions of an advantage, disadvantage, an option to maintain the advantage, and an option to improve the disadvantage of federalism are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes a Strength, Weakness, Option to Maintain the Strength, and an Option to Correct the Weakness of One of the Following Branches of Government: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively describes a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness of one of the branches of government. The descriptions are fully supported with clear and detailed examples.
Proficient - Describes a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness of one of the branches of government. The descriptions are supported with examples but slightly underdeveloped or unclear.
Basic - Minimally describes a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness of one of the branches of government. The description is somewhat supported with examples, underdeveloped, and/or unclear.
Below Expectations - Attempts to describe a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness of one of the branches of government; however, not all four are addressed, and the descriptions are not supported with examples, significantly underdeveloped, and entirely unclear.
Non-Performance - The descriptions of a strength, weakness, option to maintain the strength, and an option to correct the weakness are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Describes a Positive Impact, Negative Impact, an Option to Accentuate the Positive Impact, and an Option to Lessen the Negative Impact of One of the Following: Political Parties, Interest Groups, or Elections
Total: 3.00
Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively describes a positive impact, negative impact, an option to accentuate the positive impact, and an option to lessen the negative impact of one of the following: political parties, interest groups, or elections. The descriptions are fully supported with clear and detailed examples.
Proficient - Describes a positive impact, negative impact, an option to accentuate the positive impact, and an option to lessen the negative impact of one of the following: political parties, interest groups, or elections. The descriptions are supported with examples but slightly underdeveloped or unclear.
Basic - Minimally describes a positive impact, negative impact, an option to accentuate the positive impact, and/or an option to lessen the negative impact of one of the following: political parties, interest groups, or elections. The descriptions are somewhat supported with examples, underdeveloped, and/or unclear.
Below Expectations - Attempts to describe a positive impact, negative impact, an option to accentuate the positive impact, and/or an option to lessen the negative impact of the following: political parties, interest groups, or elections; however, not all four are addressed, and the descriptions are not supported with examples, significantly underdeveloped, and entirely unclear.
Non-Performance - The descriptions of a positive impact, negative impact, an option to accentuate the positive impact, and an option to lessen the negative impact are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.
Critical Thinking: Explanation of Issues
Total: 1.00
Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.
Proficient - Clearly explains the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.
Basic - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.
Below Expectations - Briefly explains the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Critical Thinking: Evidence
Total: 1.00
Distinguished - Employs persuasive and applicable information from credible sources to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are scrutinized thoroughly.
Proficient - Employs applicable information from credible sources to develop an analysis of the topic.
Basic - Identifies applicable information from credible sources, but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.
Below Expectations - Presents information from external sources, but such information may lack credibility and/or relevance. Neglects to apply such information toward the analysis of the topic.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Total: 1.00
Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.
Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.
Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.
Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: APA Formatting
Total: 0.50
Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.
Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.
Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Page Requirement
Total: 0.50
Distinguished - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
Written Communication: Resource Requirement
Total: 1.00
Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.
Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.
Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.
Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.
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References
Your paper must utilize at least eight scholarly resources (in addition to the textbook). A minimum of six of the resources must be from the peer-reviewed scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library. The following are commonly used references. Please fill in the required information, and if you need more help, see the AWC References page. References are listed in alphabetical order. Please be sure to format your references correctly according to APA 6th edition guidelines and utilize hanging indents.
Ashford Textbook (Online edition): *
Author, A. (Year published). Title of book: Subtitle of book (edition, if other than the first) [Electronic version]. Retrieved from from URL
Example:
Witt, G. A., & Mossler, R. A. (2010). Adult development and life assessment [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/4
Online Journal Article (such as from the Ashford Library):**
Author, A. (Year Published). Article title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), page range. doi:# or Retrieved from journal’s homepage URL
**When including a URL for an online journal, you must search for the journal’s home page and include this in your reference entry. You may not include the URL found through your university library, as readers will not have access to this library.
Examples:
Churchill, S. D., & Mruk, C. J. (2014). Practicing what we preach in humanistic and positive psychology. American Psychologist, 69(1), 90-92. doi:10.1037/a0034868
Santovec, M. (2008). Easing the transition improves grad retention at Trinity U. Women in Higher Education, 17(10), 32. Retrieved from http://www.trinitydc.edu/education/files/2010/09/Women_in_higher_ Ed_Trinity_Transistions_10_08.pdf
Online Magazine:*
Author, A. (Year, Month Date Published). Article title. Magazine Title. Retrieved from URL
Example:
Walk, V. (2013, April 29). Can this woman fix Europe? Time. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,213969.html
YouTube Video:*
Author, A. [Screen name]. (Year, Month, Day). Title of video [Video file]. Retrieved from URL
Example:
Apsolon, M. [markapsolon]. (2011, September 9). Real ghost girl caught on video tape 14
[Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyGCbxD848
Web Page:*
Author, A. (Year, Month, Date Published). Article title. Retrieved from URL
Example—Corporate web page:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Police and detectives. Retrieved from http://bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos160.pdf
Example—Article or section within web page with no author:
Presentation tools. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/web20tools-presentation.cfm
*Please delete the notes in this document before submitting your assignment.
