American Government Exercise- Policy Position Paper

Topic: Domestic American politics is oftentimes filled with controversy and conflict, but it can also be bright examples of consensus and cooperation. Most domestic political considerations are mundane, becoming more a matter of protocol in our state and federal legislatures than newsworthy events. However, when we do think of domestic politics, the examples our minds conjure up involve the significant and controversial items, which yield myriad opinions and passionate feelings.

Directions: For this exercise, you will take a position on a current domestic policy dispute and compose a policy position paper detailing your stance. Select one of the following:

1. Air Pollution and Climate Change
2. Marijuana Industry/Legalization
3. Police Tactics

You will find a report for each topic above on Blackboard in the "Domestic Policy" folder, as well as attached to the assignment directions (in the "Exercise 4" folder). Each report contains background information, analysis, and a sampling of alternative ways to "resolve" the respective issue. I suggest reviewing the abstracts of each when determining which issue you wish to write upon.

Format: Your paper should be no longer than a page long (either single- or 1 ½-spacing), with normal one-inch margins and Times New Roman, 12-point font. In your paper, be sure to do the following:

1. Identify your issue and provide a brief background. Inform your reader what the particular problem definition is, or how you define the issue. Example: If you are arguing about marijuana legalization, why is marijuana an issue deserving the public's attention?

2. Declare your solution to the issue (i.e. what is your preferred alternative?). State, clearly and unequivocally, what you propose the government should do. Be sure to also include a statement about what your intended goal(s) is(are); what should your policy achieve?

3. Provide your rationale for why the government should adopt your position/alternative. If you believe that a carbon tax should be instituted, for instance, identify reasons why a carbon tax would achieve your goal. You may wish to cite some evidence in this endeavor; you can find sources within the respective CQ Researcher report, or use other outside sources. Regardless, you should cite where such material comes from with a parenthetical. Example: Studies indicate that legalizing marijuana will decrease usage among adults (Big Research Center, 2016). Include a references page if your use material which is not your own (this second page does not count against your page limit).

4. Provide a (brief) conclusion reaffirming your main points.

You should upload your finished position paper on Blackboard using the submission link provided in the "Exercise 4" folder. I reserve the right to run a plagiarism check should I suspect cheating, etc.