History

Final Essay Paper Assignment

Essay Paper Topic:

It is 1974. President Ford has named you to chair a task force to study ways to reduce the size of the federal government, and he wants you to prepare a report that examines why government has taken on so many responsibilities. In particular, Nixon wants you to examine how different economic and social challenges have caused the federal government to assume new roles in caring for Americans. To do this, you need to discuss the following:

Examine why the rise of Big Business created problems for smaller businesses and consumers [with examples] (6 points) and then explain [with examples] the ways in which Progressives used the federal government to help fix these problems (6 points).

Describe why FD Roosevelt felt the government had to take on more responsibilities to protect Americans grew during the Great Depression (2 points). Then use the Banking Act of 1933, the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act to show how government worked to provide Americans with more economic security (9 points).

Examine how post-World War II economic concerns caused the responsibilities and size of federal government to grow beginning in 1944 to 1964 (4 points). Then examine how and why America’s role in foreign affairs grew during the 1950s and show how this led to further growth in the government (6 points)

Describe how the Great Society, and civil rights and women’s rights legislation caused the responsibilities and size of federal government to permanently grow in the 1960s and 1970s (16 points).

Writing Instructions:

The purpose of this essay is not for you to just provide a “laundry list” of facts or simple descriptions of individual programs. The main focus is for you to pursue some analysis into the events that have shaped American history – that is you must explain WHY things happen. Therefore, while it is important you describe specific programs and events learned in class, it is more important that you explain how these examples support and clarify your main points.

It is important to state a central thesis in your introduction, which you then develop in the body of your paper. You must also have a formal conclusion that restates and summarizes your key points.

This is not a research paper; use only your lecture notes and materials on D2L to complete this assignment.

Plagiarism will result in a failing grade. If you use material from the textbook, you must paraphrase the author’s ideas (i.e. restate in your own words) and not just copy text verbatim. Information taken from the textbook should be cited in the body of the essay as follows: (OpenStax, p. xxx). There is no need to cite my lectures.

If you are uncertain whether your paper violates any these rules, ASK ME!!

Technical Specifications:

This essay will be typed, double-spaced with 1″ margins on all sides with a 11 or 12- point font size and style (e.g. Calibri, Times Roman, Arial)

Minimum length is 4 pages (suggested length is 7-10 pages).

Spelling, grammar, paragraph length and format (introduction, body, and conclusion) will account for 2 points of the grade. Greater penalties will be made for gross writing errors and instances where students fail to following instructions.

Late papers will be penalized 3 points per day

Content Poor Fair Good Excellent
Does not answer all parts of the question. Few examples given. Answers all parts of the question with examples given as “lists.” Answers all parts of the question with some examples that are described well Answers all parts of the question with strong and specific examples that directly relate to the thesis

Analysis Poor Fair Good Excellent
Just facts with no analysis
Limited analysis that is simplistic and basic Analysis answers why facts/examples are important. Extensive analysis that not only explains “why” but also connects to the overall thesis.

Style Poor Fair Good Excellent
No introduction or conclusion. Clearly did not proofread paper Weak introduction and conclusion. Few grammar errors, but structure issues (paragraphs too long/short, run-on sentences, etc). Good introduction and conclusion. No grammar errors and minor structure issues. Solid thesis. Introduction outlines essay and good summary conclusion. Solid writing skills (topic sentences, well developed paragraphs).

Final Essay Grading Rubric