Paper, Order, or Assignment Requirements

Each student will choose a topic and identify proposed or current legislation (may be State or Federal) that they would like to explore further. (Topic and identified legislation will be submitted to me, as a written assignment, during week #4.)

• The student will then write a paper, approximately 8-10 pages in length, typed.
• The paper should be written in paragraph style and clearly divided into the following sections (include shortened (one or two word) headings).
• Title page and references should be in APA style.
• You should have a minimum of 6 references.
• Paper should also include an abstract. This paper is comprehensive and considered in the grading as the final exam for this class.
• Late papers will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made and approved by the instructor. Late policies will apply (even if prior arrangements have been made).

1. In your own words, describe the proposed or current legislation.

• Clearly identify proposed legislation by name and number. Is legislation being proposed at federal or state level?
• What is this legislation supposed to do?  (What are the explicit and implicit goals?)
• What values are expressed by this proposal? Distinguish between those that are clearly stated and those that are implied.
• What are the financial effects, if any?  Is this realistic? Who will be responsible to pay for this? Who is the sponsor? 

2. Who does this proposal effect? How?

• Does it affect persons of color, class, and gender differently?  In what way(s)?

3. Explain and discuss social conditions surrounding this proposal.  (Why is/was such legislation beingconsidered? Why is it an issue?)

• Economic, political, technological, and social factors

4. 4.  Identify and discuss any possible historical links you see regarding previous public policy in the United States.

• Is there a connection, why should citizens not be surprised by such a proposal? Does this legislation have any previous history in this governing body (i.e. has it been introduced before? Is your legislation an amendment to previously enacted law?)

5. Identify two players who have/would support this proposal.

• Who are they?  Who do they represent?
• Identify their positions on this proposal.
• Identify arguments each player would use to support their position.
• At least one quote is recommended.
• Who is the sponsor of this bill/proposal?  Position?

6. Identify two players who have/would oppose this proposal.

• Who are they?  Who do they represent?
• Identify their positions on this proposal.
• Identify arguments each player would use to support their position.
• At least one quote is recommended.

7. Social Justice:  Is this a social justice issue and what is the likelihood of collective action? 

• What value(s) are supported by this proposal and how do they fit with the conceptions of social justice?

8. Questions for further thought.

• Include your own impressions in this section. Note: This is the only section of this paper where your personal opinion is appropriate.