Assignment:
Governments administer, or design and implement public policy to address social problems and controversies. Politics is the contested social process whereby individuals and groups compete to have government represent varied and often opposed interests as official public policy. In a 3-4 page essay, you will analyze a political issue that the federal government addresses through public policy. Your essay should cover the following themes:
- Issue Identification and Explanation: Identify and explain an important political issue that the federal government administers through public policy. Why is the issue controversial? What are the relevant facts? Provide data or support.
- Interest Group Analysis: How do they get government to do what they want? Do they lobby the Congress and executive branch of government? Do they mobilize the public with information and grassroots movements? Be specific.
- Government Administration and Policy Analysis: Identify and explain how the federal government administers the policies that address the political issue. What laws have Congress passed regarding the issue? What executive department, agency, or bureau is responsible in creating and enforcing the public policies and programs related to the issue? How have the federal courts and Supreme Court ruled in interpreting the constitutionality of legislation and policies related to the political issue?
- Assessment and Conclusion: Conclude by providing an assessment of your research: Are government institutions effective in addressing the political issue through public policy? Why or why not?
Formatting and Requirements:
- Length: 3-4 pages
- Double-spaced
- 12-point font (Calibri or Times New Roman)
- Standard margins
- Clear introduction with a thesis statement
- Well-organized body paragraphs with evidence
- Concluding paragraph summarizing your analysis
- Proper citation format (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
