United States History
Constitutional Issues CBA
Name:
Period:
CBA DUE DATE:
Citizens in a democracy have the right and responsibility to make informed decisions. You will
make an informed decision on a public issue after researching and discussing different
perspectives on this issue
Directions to Students: You will choose a topic and after researching different perspectives on
this issue you will take a position on your topic and write a 5-paragraph essay where you will:
• Write an introduction that includes a clear thesis statement (underline your thesis) that states
your
position on your issue (see below).
• Provide reason(s) for your position that include:
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An analysis of how the Constitution supports your position through the use of a court
case,
law, legal precedent, OR a government policy that supports your position.
A description and refutation of the opposing position.
Conclude with a review of your supporting reasons and explicitly show why your stance
is correct.
Cite a minimum of three (3) references within the paper using appropriate parenthetical
citations.
Cite a minimum of 5 sources in a Works Cited using MLA format. (You cannot use
Wikipedia
Research Topics:
Listed below are a few ideas on topics for your group. You may chose a different topic that you
like but it must be get approval from me first. The only topic that may not be used is Abortion
Military Draft
Affirmative Action
Gun Rights
Free Speech/Censorship
Legalized marijuana
RESEARCHING YOUR TOPIC
1. Research both sides of your issue outlining the primary arguments on either side. In your
research be
sure to identify a court case, law, legal precedent, OR a government policy that supports your
position (in
some cases you may need to use the court case, etc. as part of your opposition).
-Use a minimum of two-three sources for each side
-Identify usable quotes or factual information that can be cited in your paper
-Track all sources that you use in MLA format
2. Decide which side of the issue you wish to argue (affirmative or opposition) and outline your
strongest arguments that support your claim.
-Include a minimum of 2 central arguments
-Identify which quotes or factual information you will utilize directly in your paper with
appropriate parenthetical citations
3. Outline the strongest arguments that oppose your claim.
-Include a minimum of a central argument
-Identify which quotes or factual information you will utilize directly in your paper with
appropriate parenthetical citations
4. Show how the Constitution best supports your claim over the opposing viewpoint of your
issue.
CBA Checklist
Use the following checklist to ensure you have included all the required components of the
Power Point:
Proper in-text citation of sources within the report (minimum of three 3)
Works Cited Page in MLA Format with a minimum of five (5) sources
The following guidelines should be followed for all writing assignments in your Social Studies
class.
Please keep this in your notebook as a reference.
Standard Typed Format:
12 point font / Times
Indent Paragraphs (once)
Standard Conventions:
Spell properly
Proper use of punctuation and grammar
Formal written language
Avoid use of slang or contractions
No first person usage
Maintain consistent tense
No rhetorical questions
Explain Acronyms/Abbreviations
Spell out numbers One through Ten
Introduce an individual and their significance after only refer to their last name .
Bibliography
Use easybib.com to help you in getting your bibliography done correctly