Second Assignment, Spring 2020

Pick one:

• Pick a topic from table 1 of p. 122 in the Grossman article and write about the stances of the parties-in-government on this issue.  How the results in the table reflect that difference?  That is, how are voters responding to what officials actually propose or accomplish? (h/t Danny)
• Who will win the Democratic nomination in 2020?  In your answer, consider similarities and differences between the 2016 and 2020 contests.
• Propose and defend one reform of the presidential nomination process in either party. In your answer, spell out the goal of your reform.  Are you trying to make the process more open or transparent?  Or are you trying to encourage the nomination of a more electable candidate?  What would opponents of this proposal say?  What practical and political obstacles stand in the way? 

Essays should reflect an understanding of class readings and discussions. Many resources, including CQ Weekly and Politics in America are at Honnold Library/Databases/CQ Library. You should check other sources as well. See:

• http://www1.cmc.edu/pages/faculty/JPitney/elect.htm 
• http://www1.cmc.edu/pages/faculty/JPitney/dempub.html

The specifications:

• Essays should be typed (12-point), double-spaced, and no more than four pages long. I will not read past the fourth page. Please submit papers as Word documents, not pdfs.
• Cite your sources. Please use endnotes in the format of Chicago Manual of Style. Endnotes do not count against the page limit. Please do not use footnotes, which take up too much page space. 
• Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you. Return essays to the Sakai dropbox for this class by 11:59 PM, Friday, March 13. Papers will drop one gradepoint for one day’s lateness, a full letter grade after that.

WRITING AND RESEARCH