20 Mar WRITING ASSIGNMENT 2

• Select ONE of the following topics to discuss for Writing Assignment 2. The writing assignment should be a minimum of 750 words. You should use information from the textbook and outside sources to complete the assignment in the textbook. You must include at least 3 outside sources referenced in both a Works Cited page and in-text citations. See the Writing Assignment Instructions for more information.

  • Read .   How does the United States rank in voter turnout when compared to other developed democracies?  According to your textbook, what are some of the causes of low voter turnout in the United States?  Do you think it is important to have a high voter turnout? Why or why not? Discuss at least two ways to increase voter turnout. You should discuss proposals that are either being used in some states (or other countries) or have been proposed by voting rights advocates seeking to increase turnout in the United States. How successful have these proposals been at increasing turnout?  Would these proposals actually increase turnout around the U.S. or would people resist the proposals you have discussed?  Why or why not?
  • There are some groups that remain restricted from voting in some or all parts of the U.S. (for example, immigrants legally admitted to the United States and people under 18). One potential group that has been in the news lately is ex-felons. Voting restrictions on ex-felons (those that have completed their prison sentence) vary from state to state. What are some of the different voting restrictions placed on ex-felons by states? In the past few years, there has been a push in some states to restore voting rights to ex-felons. What are the arguments for and against restoring voting rights to ex-felons?  Discuss the various methods being used to restore voting rights (for example, executive action by the governor, referendum passed by the public, actions in state legislatures, etc.) and include specific examples from two different states. Do you agree with restoring voting rights to ex-felons?  Why or why not?
  • Current event paper (topic chosen by the student and approved by instructor): The purpose of this assignment is for students to provide their perspective on a domestic or foreign policy issue (for example, trade, cost of prescriptions drugs, military intervention, economic sanction, etc.). Students will prepare a summary and analysis of a current policy issue in American government. The issue must be reported in a news story during the term of the course (this news story is one of the sources you will use for the paper). A deeper understanding of the issue can be developed by reading additional articles or information on the topic. You must cite your reference (news story), as well as any other sources from which you use information in the writing assignment. The selected topic must be submitted to the instructor to ensure that it is appropriate for your analysis.
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