The Debate Paper Your debate paper should be a critical exploration of the question of the pros and cons of modern democratic government. It should draw on each of the three debates to examine how well modern democracies protect, provide, and produce for their citizensthe basic tenets we assigned to government during the first week of class. You should make an argument that answers the following questions: How well do modern democracies work? Is democracy an effective form of government?

A Summary of the Details of the Assignment: Length: At least 750 words 10 points will be deducted for each 100 words under limits 10 points will be deducted if a word count does not appear in the header of your paper,

below your name Font: 12 point standard font (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial) Spacing: Double Margins: One inch on top, bottom, and sides. Citations: At least five reputable outside sources Three points will be deducted for each missing citation Citations should be done in proper APA or APSA style

Debate #1 It is resolved that democracy is the best form of government, measured by the

governments ability to protect the citizens of the state.

Debate #2 It is resolved that democracy is the best form of government, measured by the

governments ability to provide for societys needs.

Debate #3 It is resolved that democracy is the best form of government, measured by the

governments ability to ensure a productive economy.

PSC-1011 Spring 2015

Paper Grading Rubric

A Paper B Paper C Paper D Paper Content (30 percent)

Shows mastery of course materials Fully supports argument with evidence and examples

Shows understanding of course materials Draws on some evidence and examples

Shows inconsistent understanding Arguments are underdeveloped Uses insufficient examples

Inaccurately represents facts Uses poor or no examples Does not address the prompt

Analysis (20 percent)

Makes original arguments Goes beyond classroom discussion

Shows little originality Solidly based in fact, but has little interpretation or analysis

Reproduces arguments made in class Shows no evidence of contemplation by author

Fails to accurately explain concepts, ideas, and arguments Ideas are not the students own

Organization (20 percent)

Makes a coherent argument Uses effective topic sentences Has a clear focus throughout paper

Makes an argument Occasionally deviates from the central thesis Has minor structural issues

Wanders from main argument Weakly organized Lacks a strong thesis statement

Pays no attention to developing an argument Lacks a thesis statement and topic sentences

Clarity (15 percent)

Writing is smooth and clear Presents information elegantly Uses transitions carefully Fully integrates evidence and quoted material

Writing is comprehensible but not elegant Shows mild carelessness in transitions and syntax

Writing appears rushed Uses poor transitions and syntax

Writing is difficult to penetrate Numerous errors in syntax and style Falls far short of expectations in college writing assignment

Grammar (15 percent)

Consistently uses correct capitalization and punctuation Has been thoroughly proofread Uses correct citation style

Generally uses correct capitalization and punctuation Has been casually proofread Makes small errors in citation

Sometimes uses correct capitalization and punctuation Needs careful proofreading Inconsistently cites material

Little regard for correct capitalization and punctuation Has not been proofread Does not cite material