First Essay Assignment, Fall 2011

Pick one of the following:

1. Find a recent (since June 2011) article pointing to a problem that Publius anticipated. (You may search newspapers at news.google.com.) Explain how The Federalist sheds light on the story. In this instance, is the political system working as the Founders hoped?

2. From the assigned sections, identify a significant claim by Tocqueville that was either incorrect from the start or no longer applies to the United States.

3. Here are some current proposed amendments to the United States Constitution. Pick one, weigh the arguments for and against, and explain your position.

• HJ Res 16: repealing the 16th Amendment
• HJ Res 17: repealing the 22d Amendment
• HJ Res 33: respecting the right to a clean, safe, sustainable environment
• HJ Res 53: setting term limits for Congress
• HJ Res 57: allowing states to call a limited constitutional convention
• HJ Res 75: regarding the use of foreign law in US courts

Whichever essay you choose, do research to document your claims. Do not write from the top of your head.

• Essays should be typed, stapled, double-spaced, and no more than three pages long. I will not read past the third page.

• Put your name on a cover sheet. Do not identify yourself on the text pages.

• Cite your sources with endnotes, which should be in a standard style (e.g., Turabian or Chicago Manual of Style). Endnote pages do not count against the page limit.

• Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.

• Return essays by the start of class, Wednesday, September 21. Late essays will drop a letter grade. I will grant no extensions except for illness or emergency.