Order Description
Congressional Politics Final Paper Assignment
Write a paper that either (1) analyzes a specific election for a U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives seat, or (2) analyze a specific policy decision made by the U.S. Congress. Start with a clear thesis statement, and then defend it using your research. You must demonstrate and use key terms and concepts from Davidson, Arnold, and Mayhew. You must identify key political actors and evaluate their role in supporting or opposing the policy or candidate. 10-15 pages, double spaced. 10-15 sources. APSA citation style. Students are expected to turn in a scholarly analysis of a political event, and, therefore, should avoid “I feel” statements.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge of key terms and concepts from Davidson,
Arnold, and Mayhew
Demonstrate ability to analyze a certain election or policy decision using theories discussed in class
Demonstrate ability to research within the field of Political Science
Demonstrate ability to clearly support your thesis using correct grammar and APSA style citation
Demonstrate ability to identify key political actors (Interest groups, policy makers, committee chairs, individuals, etc.) in their interactions in supporting or opposing the policy or candidate
Assessment will be based on the following criteria
Thought (10 points): Clear effort is shown in both research and writing. Adequate sources are used. Paper is well organized.
Concepts (25 points): Proper use of concepts and key terms from Davidson, Arnold, and Mayhew.
Summary/Analysis (30 points): Thorough summary and analysis of event (either election or policy decision), properly using theories discussed in class.
Actors (25 points): Identification of key political actors/groups.
Grammar/Format (10 points): Follow APSA formatting and citation rules, complete with cover page and page numbers. Use correct spelling and grammar.
Questions to address in your analysis if you choose the election option:
Why did one candidate win over the other?
What was the political stance of the candidates?
What was the political climate of the state or district?
What strategies did the candidates take to pursue victory?
How can the readings from class be applied to the election?
Were there any important interest groups, contributors, endorsers, etc. involved in the race?
Was an incumbent running? If so, how did that affect the campaign?
What role did the media play? How did the candidates use media? What kind of ads were used?
What major concepts from our reading can be applied to the election? (credit claiming, incumbency advantage, the two congresses, etc.)
Did the candidates use a GOTV campaign?
Any other questions that you feel are pertinent to answer.
Questions to address in your analysis if you choose the policy decision option:
How does federalism (the states) and separation of powers (the president/executive branch, and the courts) factor into this congressional decision?
What role did interest groups play in the policy decision?
How did media follow or affect the policy decision?
Be sure to discuss how the bill passed through committee and both houses.
What congressmen were involved on both sides of the issue? Can you identify factors that play into whether or not a congressmen supported the issue or was against it?
What role did the parties play?
What role did leadership play?
What was the eventual outcome? Was it successful?
Did either side appeal to the public on the issue? What was public opinion on the issue? Is the public satisfied with the outcome?
What major concepts from our reading can be applied to the policy decision? (credit claiming, symbolism, the two congresses, etc.)
Any other questions that you feel are pertinent to answer.
Sources:
Students should support their assertions with scholarly evidence or evidence from reputed news sources such as The New York Times or The Washington Post. For the elections option, local news sources will also be expected.
Pull from these book sources:
Davidson, Roger H., Walter J. Oleszek, Frances E. Lee, and Eric Schickler. 2016. Congress & Its Members (15th Edition). CQ Press.
Arnold, R. Douglass. 1990. The Logic of Congressional Action. Yale University Press.
Mayhew, David R. 1974. Congress: The Electoral Connection (2nd Edition). Yale University Press.
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