Assessment Engaging with Politics

Order Description

This assessment item requires students to select a political issue of interest. This can be a local, state, or federal issue. There are two components to this assessment. The first component takes the form of a series of questions and answers about the political issue chosen by the student. These will require short answer responses, and is worth 15 marks. The questions to address will be available in the Assessment folder on the Learning@Griffith site for this course. The second component of this assessment item requires students to draft a submission to government regarding the political issue they have chosen. This will be worth 25 marks. In total, the assessment piece is worth 40 marks (40%).

It is highly recommended that you use the Engaging with Politics tool to build your assessment, so that all questions are answered and so your letter is structured correctly.

This assessment item requires you to select a political issue of interest. This can be a local, state or federal issue. There are two components to this assessment. The first component requires you to provide short answer responses (approx. 250 words each) to the first three questions (in the Section Menu below left). The second component of this assessment item requires you to draft a letter to the person you have identified as the primary person with whom to raise the issue (the letter format is set out in the Section Menu below left, under the 3 questions).

check that you have answered all three of the questions and that your letter is tightly structured and well-written, free of grammatical/spelling mistakes, correctly referenced and that your address is positioned on the top right of the letter. In Word, add your name and student number and attach your reference list. In total, your questions should be approximately 250 words in length each and your letter should be approximately 1250-1500 words in length.

Essay Structure:

Question 1:
What is the issue, how did you find out about it, and what sources did you use to research it?

Question 2:
Which level/s of government is involved? (e.g. local, state, or federal government) and which would you target primarily if you wanted to be heard on this issue? Why?

Question 3:
Identify the Members of Parliament and/or Ministers with whom you would raise this issue. Are they members of the Government or the Opposition? Who would you target primarily? Why?

Senator or members address:
e.g. This section should contain the address of who you are sending your submission to. For eg.

The Hon Tim Carmody, SC
The Commissioner
Queensland Chidl Protection Commision of Inquiry
PO Box 12196
George St QLD 4003

Salutation:
It is important when addressing senators and members to do so correctly.
Following is a list of how the current senators and members should be addressed.

Position
Salutation

Prime Minister
Dear Prime Minister

Position
Salutation

President of the Senate (when writing formally)
Dear Mr/Madam President

Position
Salutation

President of the Senate (when writing to the President in their electrol capacity)
Dear Senator or Senator ______

Position
Salutation

Speaker of the House of Representatives (when writing formally)
Dear Mr/Madam Speaker

Position
Salutation

Minister (Senate)
Dear Minister

Position
Salutation

Minister (House of Representatives)
Dear Minister

Position
Salutation

Assistant Treasurer (House of Representatives)
Dear Assistant Treasurer

Position
Salutation

Parliamentary Secretary
Dear Mr/Ms

Position
Salutation

Senator
Dear Senator

Position
Salutation

Member (House of Representatives)
Dear Sir/Madam

Summary and Overview:
A concise summary of the current position and an overview of the problem

In this introductory section, you must provide a brief summary of the issue and briefly explain how the problem arises in context (e.g. the history of the matter, the legal or policy position currently, etc…) This section should contain a strong opening statement of your argument (supported by relevant sources) – e.g. do you agree/ disagree with the current position?

This should be the first (and perhaps second) paragraph of your letter.

Critical Analysis of the problem:
This forms the body of your letter. In this section, you need to analyse the issues to identify how/where areas of weakness or injustice arise. You will need to research the issue and use appropriate sources to support your analysis. Do not just describe the issues – analyse the strengths or weaknesses in the system that contribute to or overcome the problem.

This should be the body of your letter and should be about 2-3 paragraphs in length.

Recommendations for reform:
You should provide a recommendation for reform or a solution to the problem you’ve raised. Your recommendation should be well-grounded and achievable.

This is the closing paragraph of your letter.