Instructions:
- The paper will be 6-7 pages, double spaced 12 point font. The page requirement does NOT include title or reference page. Format can be Chicago, APA or MLA. Choose one and be consistent.
- You will need to do independent research and cite your sources. You must cite the appropriate discussion in the Marc Landy text and at least 5 other scholarly sources (may include books, journals, or news articles).
- The essay must be accompanied by a power point presentation. Pretend you are a delegate at a future constitutional convention and need to persuasively present the findings in your research paper to the other delegates.
- Review the grading rubric provided below for details on how the assignment will be graded.
The paper will address the following research prompt:
- Pick a feature of, or a provision in, the U.S. Constitution you think should be changed or preserved. Do your research. Start by providing the history of that feature or provision. Why was it designed that way to begin with? How has that design feature impacted American politics over time? (Landy text will be especially helpful with these questions) Conclude your paper with an argument for why you think the Constitution should be changed or preserved in the manner you are recommending.
Rubric
Research Paper
Research Paper
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCompleteness and Organization | | 5 pts Exceeds Expectations Each question and their parts are clearly answered • Questions are addressed in a coherent and logical order | 4 pts Meets Expectations Each question is addressed • There is a discernable order to the manner in which questions are addressed | 3 pts Needs improvement Some questions are not addressed • There is a lack of discernable order to how the questions are addressed | 0 pts Not present little or none of the questions are answered • Organization is entirely absent |
| 5 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConcepts and analysis | | 8 pts Exceeds Expectations provides in-depth analysis of topic • demonstrates strong understanding of the debate around chosen constitutional provision | 6.4 pts Meets Expectations provides adequate analysis of topic • demonstrates understanding of the debate around chosen constitutional provision | 4.8 pts Needs improvement provides superficial analysis of topic • demonstrates weak understanding of the debate around chosen constitutional provision | 0 pts Not present Analysis and understanding of constitutional debate not present |
| 8 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle | | 4 pts Exceeds Expectations Proper grammar and word usage is present throughout Pros are concise and clear throughout | 3.2 pts Meets Expectations Proper grammar and word usage is present with few exceptions • Pros are concise and clear with few exceptions | 2.4 pts Needs improvement Proper grammar and word usage lacking throughout Pros are lacking conciseness and clearness throughout | 0 pts Not present The paper is not legible. |
| 4 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat | | 4 pts Exceeds Expectations Page limit is met • Proper citation protocol is observed throughout • Uses required number of sources | 3.2 pts Meets Expectations Page limit is met • Proper citation protocol is observed with few exceptions • Uses one less than required number of sources | 2.4 pts Needs improvement Page limit is not met • Consistent errors in citation protocol • Uses two or more less than required number of sources | 0 pts Not present Page limit is not met • Citation protocol not present Sources not present |
| 4 pts
|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePower Point Presentation | | 4 pts Exceeds expectations PP presentation is informative, engaging and organized. | 2.4 pts Meets expectationis PP presentation is informative but minimally engaging. | 0 pts Not present |
| 4 pts
|
Total Points: 25 |
Previous
Next