Research Paper Assignment Instructions
Overview
In the area of federalism and intergovernmental relations, the Christian statesman should conduct research with an aim of addressing policy-relevant questions and evaluating findings within the framework of a Christian worldview. Toward that end, the purpose of the Research Paper Assignment is to develop the skills related to conducting scholarly research in a federalism-related topic. The tasks of this Assignment are to choose a topic within the framework of federalism scholarship, craft a research question from that topic, and conduct an inquiry of that question with the goal of providing findings and answers for it. This research question must be such that a Christian stateman can respond to it from a biblical worldview and contrast it against a secular worldview.
Write a research paper that addresses and answers a well-defined research question related to American federalism, a question that warrants a response from the Christian statesman. Follow requirements listed below with respect to the content and structure of the Research Paper (for other requirements, review the Research Paper Assignment Rubric):
- Title: Place the title on the title page and at the top of the first page, centered and bolded. The title or subtitle of the Research Paper is the research question.
- Length: Paper should be between 15–20 pages, double spaced. This includes the title page, the body of the paper, and the alphabetized list of references. Page numbering does not include other items such as an abstract, table of contents, or appendix.
- Format: Turabian Author-Date style (no footnotes/endnotes; in-text citations only), double-spaced, Times New Roman (12 pt.) with margins at 1” on all sides. Place page numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
- Content: Include title page, body of the paper, and an alphabetized list of references. Include the following headings in the body of the paper: Introduction, Research Topic and Question, Literature Review, Analysis of the Question, Biblical Response, and Conclusion (which includes answers to the research question).
- Research: Paper must cite and reference at least ten peer-reviewed scholarly articles that explicitly relate to the research question.
Below are questions that you can apply to your area of policy study. Fill in the blank with your chosen policy. Your policy choice must be one where there is a substantial national/state relationship. Make sure that as you narrow your area of research, your question is one that warrants a response from the Christian statesman:
- Does policy align with the Founder’s view of federalism?
- Would further decentralization help the federal relationship in policy?
- Is the Roberts Court altering the federal relationship in policy?
- Is more federal preemption needed in the area of policy?
- Overview
- You will review some of the remaining questions surrounding federalism and intergovernmental relations. Lingering challenges to federalism and intergovernmental relations will be emphasized.
- Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
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- Discuss the reasons for the current fragmented nature of intergovernmental relations as a separate and distinct discipline.
- Categorize areas of intergovernmental relations that demand future study.
- Evaluate the merits of establishing a formal institution designed to coordinate discussions on intergovernmental affairs.
- Assess the future strength or weakness of American federalism.
- Reading & Study
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- O’Toole & Christensen: ch. 30, Conclusion- attached
- Presentation: Christian Statesmanship in a Federal System-(attached):
To cite this presentation, please use this format: Ferkaluk, Emily. (accessed (date)). Week Eight Presentation: Presentation: Christian Statesmanship in a Federal System
- Article: A New Vision of American Federalism- attached
- Article: American Federalism on the Horizon-(attached)
- Assignments
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- Research Paper Assignment