INSTRUCTIONS:

• Select onetopic from the list provided below that you would like to research, investigate, analyze, and resolve.
• Once you select a topic, your next step is to identify a specific problem directly related to the general topic you selected in step one. You will then analyze the problem using the template below.

3) You are required to use no less than seven (7) sources.  The sources/references used must come from scholarly articles, newspapers, periodicals, etc. You can use the internet for researching articles in databases, govt. resources, journals, newspapers, etc.just make sure you cite the source accordingly.  Do not cite an actual website.

4)  You are required to answer allthe questions found in the template below using APAformat while citing sources/references throughout your answers accordingly and where appropriate.

5)  You must type the questions and answers using a word document, double space, 12 as your font size, and times new roman as your font face.

6) You can type your analysis in essay format or question-answer format.  Please note: I prefer question and answer format. That is, type the question followed by your answer to each question.

7) A bibliography formatted in APA format must be submitted at the end of the analysis

LISTS OF TOPICS/PROBLEMS TO SOLVE:

1) Democracy (one specific problem)

2) The U.S. Constitution (one specific problem)

3) American Federalism (one specific problem)

4)  Political Action Committees (PACs) (one specific problem)

5) Civil Rights (one specific problem)

6)  Public Opinion Polls (one specific problem)

7) The Media (one specific problem)

8) Political Parties (one specific)

9)  Interest Groups (one specific problem)

10) Lobbying (one specific problem)

11) Executive Branch (one specific problem)

12) Legislative Branch (one specific problem)

13) Judicial Branch (one specific problem)

TEMPLATE TO FOLLOW FOR PROBLEM SOLVING ANALYSIS:

1)  State your problem as clearly and precisely as you can.  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

2)  What is your purpose, goal, and need for solving this problem? (Recognize problems as obstacles to reaching your goals, achieving your purpose, or satisfying your need.) Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

3)  Study the problem to determine the “kind” of problem you are dealing with.  What kind of problem are you trying to solve? What do you have to do to solve it?  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

4)  What from your problem do you have control over and what do you have no control over?  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

5)  What information do you need to solve the problem? Explain.  How can you actively seek the information you need to solve the problem?  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

6)  What theory or theories can you formulate concerning this problem? Carefully analyze and interpret your theories and draw reasonable inferences.  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

7)  Determine your options for action. What can you do in the short term? In the long term? Recognize your limitations in terms of money, time, and power.  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

8)  Evaluate your options, determining their advantages and disadvantages.  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

9)  Adopt a strategy. Follow through on it.  This may involve direct action or a carefully thought-through wait-and-see approach.  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

10)  Evaluate and assess the implications of your action/strategy.  Explain your analysis/answer in seven (7) or more sentences.

(source: The Thinker’s Guide to The Art of Asking Essential Questions by 2010 by Dr. Linda Elder and Dr. Richard Paul)