Congressional Research Assignment

Description:
Congressional Research Assignment
Part I Assignment Description
As a Democratic Republic, it is important to understand the role that elected leaders play in the policy making process. As students of American National Government, it is essential to study The United States House of Representatives to understand its complexities and formalities. The framers intended for the bulk of the power to reside in the legislative branch. Originally, the House of Representatives was the only chamber to directly represent American citizens. As citizens and students of the American political system, it is crucial for you to understand the role that policymakers play in determining the American political agenda. Therefore, the assignment will be to select one member of The United States House of Representatives to research and later assess the role he or she plays in the United States House of Representatives. It is important that you pay close attention to the notes on the chapter on Chapter Ten: Congress for information on the United States House of Representatives. Please note that this is a course on AMERICAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, therefore, you are expected to write on one member of the UNITED STATES House of Representatives for Part I and continue your research and analysis on the same member in Part II of the Assignment. Failure to write any individual other than a member of the United States House of Representatives will result in an automatic zero.
Research Requirements—The paper must include at least four source types. The use of Ballopedia, Congresspedia or Wikipedia will result in a ten-point deduction. It should include endnotes or footnotes in one of the following: (MLA format), Chicago Style or (APA format) in proper format, with a works cited page. In addition, the paper must be five-pages, double-spaced and include page numbers.
The paper should be no less than five full pages not including the works cited page write a FULL (no half, or ¾ pages)—five-page paper describing the following items listed below. Failure to complete five full pages will result in a fifteen-point deduction. All information contained in the assignment must be in essay form. No lists, charts or bullet points should be used throughout the paper. The Congressional Research Assignment must be uploaded in Blackboard by the syllabus due date.
Please do not skip questions or rearrange the order of the paper. The paper should address all questions and following the order of sections listed below. Failure to follow one or both will result in a -15 point deduction. The use of Ballopedia, Congresspedia or Wikipedia will result in a ten-point deduction. If your paper receives a SafeAssign score of 25% or higher, your paper could face deductions for lack of cited work.
The paper must include the following:
Introduction—a brief introduction of the assignment. Then move onto introducing the member that you are profiling. Be sure to include the member’s name, party identification, district number and the state that they represent. Please preview the sections of the paper. This section should contain an introduction to the topic, and at least one sentence previewing each of the sections of the paper. Be sure to include one or more transitional sentences to the next section the paper will explore. (5 points) See an example of an acceptable introduction paragraph…
Though most are familiar with the U.S. House of Representatives, very few are understand the daily role a member plays in the lower chamber. In order to properly evaluate the model of representation, we must devote attention to the research data that will lay the groundwork for our analysis. This paper will introduce you to Representative Jodi Empol-Schwartz (Independent), from the 13th District of Pennsylvania. The 13th district is interesting in that it has a reputation for being Republican, yet since 1851, it has elected 18 Democrats and 18 Republicans. In order to fully understand and appreciate the 13th district, one must research the district demographics and geography, the electoral process, issues, and constituent services to determine what makes this district favor both political parties equally for over 164 years. We will examine Empol-Schwartz’s legislative agenda, the legislative committees she serves on and the legislation she has introduced in the 114th Congress. Finally, this paper will explore the role of money and interest groups play in the 13th district, and how both impact her governing style. We begin this journey with an introduction to the myth, legend, and the political genius that we all know and love, but that you know as Representative Jodi Empol-Schwartz, Independent from the 13th District of Pennsylvania.
Personal Background, Professional and Political Experience—introduce the member you are profiling. Be sure to include name, education, age, profession, the year the member was originally elected to the House and the year the member assumed office. Did the member have any prior professional work experience, prior political party experience, or held another office prior to the House? Was the member active in any community organizations? Where there any events that led the member to run for the House? Include one transitional sentence to the next paragraph. (9 points) (Hint: search the official webpage of the member)
District Profile, Demographics and Geography—what state is the congressional district located in? What is the total population of the entire congressional district? Is the congressional district rural, urban or suburban? What is the ethnic makeup of the congressional district (please provide the statistical data for each ethnic group)? What is the median income for the congressional district? What percentages of constituents in the congressional district have high school degrees? What percentages of constituents in the congressional district have college degrees? What is the percentage of constituents who are veterans in the congressional district? What is the unemployment rate for the congressional district? What is the percentage of constituents who are below the poverty line in the congressional district? Include one transitional sentence to the next paragraph. (9 points) (Hint: search the website of the U.S. Census)
Voter Registration and Turnout—as of November 9, 2016, what is the total amount of registered voters in the congressional district? What is the total amount of registered voters that registered in the Republican Party, in the Democratic Party, and as Non-Partisan/No Affiliate/Independent/Decline to State in the congressional district? In the 2016 general election, what was the total percentage of voter turnout in the congressional district? What was the total percentage of voter turnout in the Republican Party, in the Democratic Party, and as Non-Partisan/No Affiliate/Independent/Decline to State in the congressional district? Include one transitional sentence to the next paragraph. (9 points) (Hint: search the county or city office of voter services)
The Electoral Process—in the 2016 primary election, did the member face a party challenger in a heated contest, or ran an open seat or in a safe seat? Where there any specific events that led to the member’s victory in the 2016 primary election? In the 2016 general election, did the member face any challengers outside their party? Please provide the name, occupation and political party for any opponents that ran in the 2016 general election? How much money did each candidate raise and spend for their 2016 general election? How many votes did each candidate receive in the 2016 general election? Include one transitional sentence to the next paragraph. (9 points) (Hint: search for news articles about the member in the ’14 and ’16 election information. Check the official campaign website of the member—it is different than their House website.) (Hint: search open secrets for information on campaign finance)
Issues—what are the top four major challenges to the member’s district? What are the top four legislative priorities that please provide a list in its entirety of all of the constituent services the member provides—including the additional services the member provides for the congressional district. What are the services and assistance the member/member’s staff provides for all constituents in the congressional district? Include one tran