Assignment

What is the purpose of this paper?

The Constitutional Convention was assembled to amend the Articles of Confederation and strengthen the national government. James Madison studied different types of government and proposed the Virginia Plan. In this plan, Madison advocated a strong central government with three different branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. By studying primary documents from the Constitutional Convention, you can better understand the structure of our government.

What is the paper?

Write a persuasive essay in which you defend the following claim: The Virginia Plan gave too much power to the national government. Use information from primary and secondary sources to support your answer.

What are the requirements of this paper?

• Use the Internet and research primary and secondary sources from the Constitutional Convention
• Analyze The Virginia Plan and break down each paragraph to understand the main idea
• Use at least 2 primary sources and 1 secondary source
• Use the persuasive essay format
• Present a multi-paragraph essay
• Compose approximately two pages
• Provide support from primary sources to advance your position

How do I complete the paper?

1. Review the course material and additional research to make sure you understand the Virginia Plan.

2. Organize your information for this essay before you start writing. Use the following format:

• Claim: Defend the following claim: The Virginia Plan gave too much power to the national government. Support this claim with primary and secondary sources. Be sure to find information from both sides.

• Context: Include the context and background ( who, what, when and where).

• Provide background information on the Constitutional Convention.

• Describe the Virginia Plan

• Evidence: Defend your claim and provide examples that will support your position (from primary and secondary sources).

• Justification: How does your evidence support your claim?

1. Write the essay to support your claim. Use your own words.
2. Follow appropriate writing guidelines by drafting, revising, editing, and rewriting your paper before turning it in to your teacher.

This assignment requires the use of valid, reliable resources such as those found on Ebsco Host and Grolier Online. Links to these sources are located in the Resource Library of the main menu on the left side of your screen. Please use these resources to begin your research. NOTE the differences between primary and secondary resources per the specific assignment instructions.

When creating your document, be sure to use the following format:

Times New Roman, 12pt font

Margins (right and left: 1.25"; top and bottom margins: 1")

Double space throughout

"Tab" key to indent all paragraphs.