This research paper requires you to explore a focused research question related to the American government. Your final paper should go beyond merely describing a topic—it must engage in in-depth analysis by examining causes, effects, or underlying factors. A successful paper will present a clear analysis supported by evidence rather than simply summarizing information.
Paper Specifications
- Length: 8-10 pages (not including the title page or reference list).
- Sources: A minimum of 10 references, with at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Formatting: Must follow APA format for citations, references, and general structure (see Purdue OWL
- Links to an external site.
- for guidance).
- Writing Quality:
- No spelling or grammar errors.
- Proper citation of all facts, data, and information from primary or secondary sources.
- Your analysis and conclusions must be supported by cited evidence.
- Avoid excessive direct quotes—summarize in your own words unless a short quote best supports your point.
Content Expectations
A strong research paper will:
- Demonstrate understanding of key course concepts and apply them effectively.
- Answer a well-defined research question that is narrow enough to allow for depth and analysis.
- Provide an in-depth discussion of the topic rather than a broad overview.
- Synthesize information from multiple sources into a cohesive argument.
- Clearly connect evidence and analysis to your thesis.
Please review the rubric posted on Canvas for more detailed grading criteria.
My Paper Proposal:
- Research Question:
How has political polarization in the United States impacted congressional productivity and cooperation over the past few decades?
- Paragraph Elaborating on Your Topic:
Political polarization is best described as the growing divide between the two major political parties in the United States, Democrats and Republicans. The United States has seen a significant increase in polarization over the last twenty years, and many attribute this to it causing legislative barriers, reducing bipartisan cooperation, and decreasing congressional productivity. My paper will identify specific legislative examples, historical events, and statistical trends that help reveal the relationship between rising polarization and congressional efficiency. Additionally, I will look at some underlying factors that cause polarization, such as media influence, electoral incentives, and demographic shifts. When looking at polarization in the United States, a big part of the discussion concerns politics and the divide between Democrats and Republicans.
- Two Possible Sources:
- Stanton, Zach. “How the ‘Culture War’ Could Break Democracy.” Politico Magazine, 2021.
- Abramowitz, Alan I., and Steven Webster. “Negative Partisanship: Why Americans Dislike Parties but Behave Like Rabid Partisans.” Political Psychology, vol. 39, no. 1, 2018, pp. 119–135.
- Why are you interested in this topic? How did you come up with this idea?
I first gained interest in this topic when I read Zach Stanton’s article “How the ‘Culture War’ Could Break Democracy,” earlier this year. It made me consider just how strongly held political identities can affect our democratic institutions, and how Congress, as the central legislative body, plays a decisive role in shaping American day-to-day life. Both division and hostility are extremely dominant in American politics and are often in the headlines of our daily news and social media. I would like to learn more about legislative effectiveness and what it means for the future of our democracy.
- Concerns or questions about your topic (5 points)
The major threat that I see is that polarization is a wide and intricate concept. I don’t want to lose the focus of my paper and delve into more specific aspects of congressional productivity than I can analyze. I am also not sure if the period of multiple decades is the optimal time frame for analyzing these changes or whether there is another time period that would be more suitable for further research. In addition, any advice regarding the possible narrowing down of my analysis or further specification of the concept of productivity would be helpful.