This week we learned about the presidency, the powers of the presidency,
and the unique way our president is elected via the Electoral College.
In this assignment you will be guided in creating a complete argument
regarding whether or not you think the Electoral College should be kept
or eliminated.
This activity will be useful practice in how to
create and present and thoughtful argument. The ability to create and
communicate a thoughtful argument will help you out in future studies
and in any career.
Your essay must be at least 500 words long.
Follow these steps to create an argument in the form of an essay:
Step
1: In one or two very clear sentences state whether or not you think
the Electoral College should be kept or eliminated. This is called
writing a thesis statement.
Step 2: In three paragraphs
describing three (3) arguments that support your position regarding the
Electoral College. Give each argument one paragraph. Do not just list
three arguments in support of your position regarding the Electoral
College. You must tell the reader why each of your three arguments
supports your position on the Electoral College.
Step 3: In three
paragraphs describe three (3) arguments that go against your position
regarding the Electoral College. This is called addressing
counterarguments. Give each counterargument one paragraph. Describe the
counterargument and then tell the reader of your essay why that
counterargument should be dismissed.
Step 4: Write one paragraph
concluding your essay. Restate your initial position on the Electoral
College. And review the one or two arguments that you found to be the
most compelling in support of your position.
Step 5: Write a
reference list. In any good argument you will present your ideas but
then include evidence from credible external sources to support your
ideas. Always include a reference list.
In outline form your paper should look like this.
1. Introduction: Thesis statement of your position regarding the Electoral College.
2. Three arguments supporting your position.
1. Describe argument 1 and why it supports your position.
2. Describe argument 2 and why it supports your position.
3. Describe argument 3 and why it supports your position.
3. Three counter arguments opposing your position.
1. Describe counter argument 1 and why it is not sufficient.
2. Describe counter argument 2 and why it is not sufficient.
3. Describe counter argument 3 and why it is not sufficient.
4. Conclusion paragraph.
Please note: APA formatting and citations rules apply to this and all essays in this course.
As
with all weekly written assignments, submit your work as an attached
file. Double-space your paper and use 12 point Times New Roman as your
font.
argument
Field of study: