Becoming an Informed Voter – Researching Your Congressional Delegation

RESEARCH PAPER INSTRUCTIONS
The purpose of this paper is to provide practical application of material learned by developing concepts learned in the presentations. The body of the paper must be at least 6 pages (double spaced, 12-point font) and include level 1, 2, and 3 headings as appropriate and necessary. In addition to the body, you must include a separate title page and reference page. Do not submit an abstract with this assignment.

Do not write the paper without carefully studying the related presentations. To achieve more than a passing grade, you must demonstrate a mastery of the presentations and factual information and incorporate those ideas into your paper. Naturally, stylistic points such as grammar and spelling will be considered in grading. Your paper must adhere to the current APA formatting guidelines. Doing the minimum amount of work does not guarantee a perfect score.

Topic: Becoming an Informed Voter – Researching Your Congressional Delegation

The research paper has 2 steps. First, you will analyze the background of your congressional district and your U.S. Representative. Second, you will analyze the political background of your state and 1 of your U.S. Senators. You may choose which senator to study; however, if one senator is newly elected and does not have interest group ratings, study the other one. Note that these are United States Representatives and Senators. Do not use members of your state legislature.

Begin by reviewing the presentation on “Becoming an Informed Voter.” The example of Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia is used. If you have a newly elected representative who has not yet received interest group ratings, get the interest group ratings of a representative from a neighboring district.

After reviewing the presentation, the first part will deal with your congressional district and congressman; the second part will deal with your state and senator. As explained in the presentation, interest group scores may be found at Vote Smart.

A helpful source to find information for this paper is The Almanac of American Politics by Richard E. Cohen and James A. Barnes.