China in Western Africa is a generally good area to explore. However, what you will have to do is connect this topic to the literature we are discussing in class, especially from Sections 2 and 3.  The final paper is not meant to be a research paper – rather it is another opportunity for you to use the concepts from class to understand the contemporary world in new and interesting ways.  So I would need to know which theorists/concepts you will use for your final paper and how will they be used to illuminate your topic.

Write an 8-10 page paper addressing the following: Analyze the campaign of a congressional candidate from the 2020 congressional elections. These questions are suggestions to get you started. You dont have to answer every one of them, and you may address others not listed here, but these should give you an idea of the kinds of things to think about: 1) Analysis of the campaign itself e.g. how did the candidate decide to run? Did the campaign use mostly positive campaigning, negative campaigning, or a mixture of both? Air war or ground war? Which issues did the candidate prioritize and why do you think the candidate did so? How was the campaign financed? 2) What was the electoral outcome e.g. did the candidate win or lose? What are some of the reasons for the outcome? Did the candidate outperform or underperform expectations? etc. 3) Informed speculation about next steps for the candidate e.g. if the candidate won, what committee assignments might the candidate try to secure and why? What will likely be the candidates legislative focus? If the candidate lost, will the candidate likely run for office again? How might the candidate alter campaign strategy for a future run? 4) The most important thing is to use what you have learned in this course to inform your analysis. I want to see the course all throughout your paper (think of the main themes of the course, especially the Two Congresses theme, but also Fennos three goals for members of Congress, the effects of partisanship, etc.). 

Rules for writing the paper
1) The paper must have a thesis statement. The paper must have an introduction (no more than a paragraph, this tells the reader what you are going to discuss; the thesis usually comes at the end of the introduction), a body (which contains the information that advances your thesis), and a conclusion (which summarizes what the reader has learned).

2) Each paper must be at least eight full pages and no longer than ten full pages. You must include a works cited page, which does not count as part of the 8-10 pages. You must use at least eight sources; you are encouraged to use more. At least two of the sources must come from the required class readings. Outside sources, meaning non-class material, must be legitimate, verifiable sources in other words, not something you found on a random Reddit thread. At least one of the non-class sources must be a scholarly source, and more than one is recommended.
3) The paper must follow the citing rules listed in the APSA Style Manual, which is linked in the Information section of the course Blackboard page. This means parenthetical citation for everything except Internet sources without attributed authors, which may be footnoted.

4) Papers must be typewritten, double-spaced, using the Times New Roman font and a font size of 12. Margins should be one inch all around. Please include a title page (again this does not count toward the 8-10 page requirement) with your name, the course, and the date.

5) All material taken from the work of others must be cited, whether you are quoting or paraphrasing/summarizing anothers argument. Not citing the work of others is plagiarism. See the course syllabus for further information. If unsure, it is always better to err on the side of caution and cite. See the APSA Style Manual or the professor if you have any questions.

This is a 1 part, 5 essays paper. There are 5 questions to be answered each in a 11/2 to 2 paper essay per question. (This does not include the Cited sources/ Listed References page). Font is to be in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced,  and either MLA or APA style guide line.
*Once a writer is assigned I will provide the 5 questions to be answered.*

Compare and contrast the selection of judges in California with the system used by the federal government. How do California voters participate in judicial selection? Describe the role of the governor in judicial selection. Discuss the way a list of possible judicial appointees is developed. Which system do you think is better – the federal system or California’s? Explain your answer.

Describe the effects of term limits on the California state legislature. In 2012 voters approved Prop 28, a modification to the term limits law for state legislators. What are some of the issues or concerns that Prop 28 is supposed to address that were raised by Prop 140, the original term limits law? Do you think Prop 28 made California’s state legislature operate better or worse? Explain your answer.