PURPOSE:         

At the heart of the constitutional debate was the issue of federal government vs. state government.  Do you believe in a strong national government, as James Madison argued in the Federalist Papers, or do you believe in stronger states’ rights, such as Thomas Jefferson supported? You will argue your opinion of these questions by completing the following:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1- Choose one of the following topics:

· Marriage 

· Abortion

· Gun control

· Education

· Health care

· Immigration

· Marijuana, et al

· Environment

If you would like to write on a different topic, just send me an email letting me know what you choose.

2- Research the following arguments:

WHY should this be a federal (national) issue?

WHY should this be a state issue?

Present both sides in your paper. Be sure to use the Constitution as your basis for each side: WHY, according to the Constitution, should this issue be federal or state?

3- Choose the side you agree with and explain why you think that issue is best under national or state authority.

FORMAT:

· 4+ pages typed, double-spaced

· 12 pt font, Courier New font

· 1” margins

· Cover sheet (APA format) **You do NOT need an Abstract

· 3-4 academic sources, APA citation format 

**Remember, this is not a pro/con paper about your topic.  This is a paper demonstrating your understanding of FEDERALISM and the conflict between national and state governments.  Therefore, you should stay focused on the constitutional arguments of who has the authority over these issues.

Be sure to review the textbook chapters on Federalism, Constitution, and others you feel relevant to your chosen topic.  You may use the textbook as one of the sources to cite.  Below are a few suggested websites to help you get started on researching an issue. 

www.constitutioncenter.org/constitution/

www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/bill
 

www.uscourts.gov/about.html
 

www.supremecourtus.gov
 

www.statelocalgov.net/index.cfm

www.ca.gov