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The subject for the first of three larger written assignments in the course is the interaction between Congress and the Executive branches, topics from Modules 4-6.
ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
A recent presidential election, new Administration, unified government, and renewed interest in separation of powers between co-equal branches, executive authority over the bureaucracy, the role of congressional oversight all point to a relevant range of subjects for you to select a topic, engage in research and analysis, and compose an essay addressing a current topic that illustrates executive-legislative relations.
Washington, D.C. is an extremely competitive, political town and you must work hard to govern — whether it is via legislation, an executive order, or to keep or increase your agency funding — it is an important part of government. No matter when on the legislative calendar or President’s agenda, you sell your ideas and compete for attention, staff, funding.
Choose an issue of contemporary relevance to the federal government — it may be an issue of primarily legislative oversight or initiative or executive branch purview. However, in particular, identify a current issue of contention between the branches and present a reasoned argument or analysis describing the problem or conflict and how the branches work (or fail).
DETAILS
- Submit a written analysis on a current topic of your choice. If you have any questions about relevant topics, please reach out to your Instructor.
- A quality report will be between 750-1000 words (3-4 content pages).
Clarity and detail, as well as connections to the structure and powers of each branches, are more important than length. - You should use at least 5 quality sources to research and clarify your thoughts. When appropriate, the sources should be cited within the body of your analysis (using MLA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. or APA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.style). A complete bibliography or Works Cited should be and the end of your submitted document and will include all sources from which you gathered information. URLs alone are NOT a sufficient citation (See MLA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. or APA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. style guides).
- Be sure to check for clarity and appropriate word usage; complete sentences; correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- You should demonstrate substantial understanding about your topic and the current state of play on the issue.
- Be sure to follow all guidelines as outlined in the full Writing Assignment Rubric (click here).
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Exceeds Expectations |
Meets Expectations |
Slightly Below Expectations |
Below Expectations |
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Quality of Writing (1 2 points ) |
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Sentence Structure |
All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. 4 points |
Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. 3 points |
Some sentences are well-constructed but some lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling. 2 points |
Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling. 0-1 points |
|
Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation & Capitalization |
Writer makes no errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or capitalization so the paper is exceptionally easy to read. 4 points |
Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or capitalization but the paper is still easy to read. 3 points |
Writer makes a few errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or capitalization that catch the reader’s attention and distract the reader from the content. 2 points |
Writer makes several errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or capitalization that catch the reader’s attention and greatly distract the reader from the content. 0-1 points |
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Organization |
Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. 4 points |
Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. 3 points |
Information may be disorganized, paragraphs are not well-constructed therefore distracting the reader. 2 points |
The information is disorganized and difficult for the reader to understand. 0-1 points |
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Quality of Sources (12 points) |
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Number of Sources |
Five unique sources are integrated into the paper. 4 points |
Four unique sources are integrated into the paper. 3 points |
Three unique sources are integrated into the paper. 2 points |
Two or fewer unique sources are integrated into the paper. 0-1 points |
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Bibliography Attached |
Yes 1-4 points |
No 0 points |
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Citation |
All sources are accurately documented in MLA or APA. 4 points |
All sources are documented, but a few are not in the desired format. 3 points |
All sources are accurately documented, but many are not in the desired format. 2 points |
Some sources are not accurately documented or cited within the text. 0-1 points |
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Quality of Information (26 points) |
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Accuracy |
All facts are reported accurately. 7-8 points |
Almost all facts are reported accurately. 4-6 points |
Many facts are not reported or reported inaccurately. 2-3 points |
Most facts are not reported OR are inaccurately reported. 0-1 points |
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Amount of Information |
All topics are addressed and all questions are answered completely. 7-8 points |
All topics are addressed and most questions are answered. 4-6 points |
All topics are addressed but many of the specific questions are not answered. 2-3 points |
One or more topics were not addressed or most of the questions are not answered. 0-1 points |
| Quality |
Information clearly relates to the topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. 9-10 points |
Information clearly relates to the topic. It provides 2-3 supporting details and/or examples. 6-8 points |
Information relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given. 3-5 points |
Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic. 0-2 points |
