Your 3-page minimum paper must include the following sections:

• Part 1: Introduction/Historical Background (1/2 page to 1 page)

  • • Identify and define the issue;

    • Provide historical background on the issue, including laws, amendments, landmark Supreme Court cases, or other legislation related to the issue;

    • Explain how the issue impacts those living in your community, the state, or nationally.  

• Part 2: Body Paragraphs (2 pages- one page for "pro" side; one page for "con" side)

  • • Body Paragraph 1: Explain the "pro" side of the issue using evidence, data, quotes and statistics from your research.

    • Body Paragraph 2: Explain the "con" side of the issue using evidence, data, quotes and statistics from your research. 

• Part 3: Conclusion (1/2 page to 1 page)

  • • This is the only section where your personal opinion on the issue can be stated and explained. 

    • Determine what can be done- at the local, state, or federal level- to address this problem;

    • State which side (pro or con) of the issue you support and why.  Include evidence from your research to support your position. 

• Part 4: Bibliography (last page- not counted in total page number count) 

  • • Alphabetical list of the sources used in your research paper.