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Instructions of LSTD 503 Week two discussion
The Constitution
The Constitution is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the States, citizens, and all people within the United States. The Constitution has been amended twenty-seven times, the last occurring in 1992.
To assist in better understanding the Constitution, please answer the following question: Of the Constitutional amendments we are addressing in this class (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth), which one is most important? Why? There is obviously no wrong answer, so your analysis in support of the amendment you choose is key.
Why is this week’s discussion so important? Sadly, a high percentage of Americans do not know basic information about the Constitution.
Here are some examples:
“What is the supreme law of the land?” Seventy-percent of the 1,000 citizens polled by Newsweek could not answer the “Constitution.”
Sixty-one percent didn’t know that the length of a U.S. senator’s term is six years, 63 percent couldn’t name the number of Supreme Court justices on the bench (nine), and 86 percent didn’t know that 435 members fill the U.S. House of Representatives.
And finally, fifty percent could not name an amendment to the Constitution, and twenty percent said the Constitution has never been amended.
Research Paper Topic
Instructions
My Guidance for Your Research Papers
I teach the LSTD Capstone course, which is your final course before you graduate. In the Capstone course, you write a 50 page thesis. I typically see two types of theses, those that are really good, and those that are really bad.
In this class, you are writing a paper for one main reason — to prepare you for the Capstone.
In order to help you prepare for your Capstone, I am going to give you very specific guidance for your paper in this class:
- Your paper will be 10 full pages, including footnotes. Not 9, not 11. Why 10 pages, you ask? It is actually harder to write a 10 page paper than it is to write a 15 or 20 page paper. You must be clear and avoid the filler that is often contained in longer papers. What is filler? Filler is extra “stuff” that just fills pages but adds little or no value to your paper.
- Introduction (10%): Your introduction will not be longer than two pages.
- Thesis Statement: (10%): Immediately after your introduction, you must present a clear thesis statement. In simplistic terms, a thesis statement is the main point of your paper that tells the reader what you intend to argue later in your paper. You must word your thesis statement, as follows: “My thesis statement is . . . .” The thesis statement should not be longer than two sentences, and normally one is sufficient.
- Road Map (5%): Immediately after your thesis statement, you must provide a clear road map to let the reader know where you are going with your paper. Word your road map, as follows: “My paper will first briefly explore . . . , followed by . . . . Finally I will defend my thesis by . . . .” Your road map should be only a few sentences, but it must be clear.
- Background (10%): Next, provide a brief but clear background of your topic. This may only be one page or less.
- Argument/Defending Your Thesis (50%): Now we are at the meat of the paper, defending your thesis statement. This must be at least five full pages, and you must use your research to defend your thesis. This is the hardest part of your paper, and this is where you need to focus your time and energy. Why? This is where students fail in their Capstone theses (I don’t mean literally fail, but they lose a lot of points). Students either present poor arguments or they present no arguments at all. You will present clear arguments, supported by your research, to defend your thesis. Last three points in this area — (1) Conclusory statements must be supported with your research; (2) Do not use provoking language which amounts to merely an opinion, such as: “Those who support capital punishment are idiots.” (This actually came from a student); and (3) You need to fill in glaring gaps. For example, one student’s entire thesis argued that the separation of church and state clause in the Constitution was misinterpreted by the Supreme Court and that religion should be in schools, government, etc. The glaring gap was, given the student’s arguments, what did the separation clause mean? This was not addressed.
- Conclusion (5%): Conclude your paper in one page or less.
Finally, a few other points:
- Grade: The grading criteria for each section of your paper is highlighted above (in yellow). As you can see, 50% of your paper is the argument section, which is why I say it is your main focus.
- References/Proper Use of The Bluebook or APA (10%): You must use a minimum of 15 scholarly references. You may use a reference more than once, but it still only counts as 1 of the 15. Scholarly references are not Wikipedia, blogs, or questionable websites.
- Formatting: Double space your paper and use a 12 point font of your choice. Do notinclude a title page, abstract, endnotes (unless using APA), or bibliography/reference page.
- Topic: Choose a topic of interest to you. If you don’t feel passion for the subject matter, choose another topic.
- If you have any questions, please contact me immediately for help.
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For the research paper topic assignment due this week, answer the following questions in the assignment textbox:
- What is your topic?
- What is your draft thesis statement?
- Why did you choose this topic?
- Provide five references you plan to use in your paper (in APA or Bluebook form).
Step-By-Step Guide LSTD 503 Week two discussion: The Constitution
Introduction to LSTD 503 Week Two Discussion
The LSTD 503 Week Two discussion: The Constitution involves analyzing the significance of critical constitutional amendments and determining which is the most important. You will explore the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, understand their implications, and justify your choice of the most critical amendment. Additionally, you will reflect on the importance of constitutional knowledge among Americans and its impact on civic engagement. Following this How-To LSTD 503 Guide, you will be able to complete the assignment comprehensively and thoughtfully, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of key constitutional amendments and their impact on American society.
Which one of the constitutional amendments we are addressing in this class (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth) is most important? Why?
Understanding the Constitutional Amendments
First, we will understand the USA constitutional amendments to start the LSTD 503 Week two discussion: The Constitution.
- Research the Fourth Amendment and its protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
- Summarize its key provisions and historical context.
- Examine the Fifth Amendment’s provisions on due process, self-incrimination, and double jeopardy.
- Provide a concise summary of its significance.
- Study the Sixth Amendment’s guarantees of a fair trial, including the right to counsel and a speedy trial.
- Summarize its main points and importance.
- Investigate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.
- Highlight its critical aspects.
- Explore the Fourteenth Amendment’s provisions on equal protection and due process under the law.
- Provide a detailed summary of its impact on civil rights.
Example
To address the question of which constitutional amendment is most important, we first need to understand the critical amendments discussed in this course: the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that warrants are issued only upon probable cause. It has historical significance for safeguarding privacy and preventing arbitrary governmental intrusions. This amendment is critical in balancing individual privacy and government authority (LII, 2022).
The Fifth Amendment provides essential protections, such as due process, the right against self-incrimination, and protection from double jeopardy. It ensures fair legal procedures and protects individuals from abusive governmental practices. This amendment’s significance lies in its broad protection of individual liberties and legal fairness, making it a cornerstone of the American legal system.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees a fair trial, including the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel (LII, 2022). It ensures that accused individuals have the necessary tools to defend themselves in court, which is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. This amendment upholds the principle that justice must be done and seen to be done.
The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail, which is critical in preventing inhumane treatment and ensuring humane standards within the justice system (Smith, 2022). This amendment is vital in protecting individuals from excessive governmental power and ensuring that punishments are proportional to the offenses.
The Fourteenth Amendment provides for equal protection under the law and due process. It has been historically pivotal in advancing civil rights and addressing racial inequalities. The impact of the Fourteenth Amendment is profound, as it has reshaped the American legal and social landscapes by guaranteeing equality and justice for all citizens (Smith, 2022).
Determining the Most Important Amendment
Next, we will determine the most essential amendment we discussed above.
- Establish criteria for determining an amendment’s importance (e.g., impact on individual rights, historical significance, contemporary relevance).
- Apply these criteria to each amendment.
- Analyze each amendment based on the established criteria.
- Justify your choice of the most essential amendment with clear arguments and evidence.
Example
Determining the Most Important Amendment
When determining the most essential amendment, we must establish criteria such as the impact on individual rights, historical significance, and contemporary relevance.
Applying these criteria, the Fourth Amendment ensures personal privacy. It limits government power, the Fifth Amendment safeguards fundamental legal protections, the Sixth Amendment upholds fair trial rights, the Eighth Amendment ensures humane treatment in the justice system, and the Fourteenth Amendment comprehensively addresses equality and civil rights.
Upon analysis, the Fourteenth Amendment stands out as the most essential due to its comprehensive impact on civil rights and equality. It has been instrumental in numerous landmark cases that have shaped modern American society. Its broad scope in guaranteeing equal protection and due process makes it fundamental to justice and fairness. The amendment’s role in promoting civil rights and addressing systemic inequalities underscores its importance in the American legal framework.
Why is this week’s discussion so important? Sadly, many Americans lack basic information about the Constitution.
The Importance of Constitutional Knowledge
Here, we will explore the importance of constitutional knowledge.
- Research statistics or studies that illustrate current public knowledge about the Constitution.
- Discuss the findings and their implications.
- Explain why knowledge of the Constitution is crucial for active and informed civic participation.
- Reflect on the consequences of a lack of constitutional awareness in society.
Example
The Importance of Constitutional Knowledge
Understanding the Constitution is crucial for informed civic participation. Unfortunately, many Americans lack basic constitutional knowledge. Research reveals that a significant portion of the population cannot name essential constitutional rights or amendments, highlighting a gap in public understanding.
The implications of this lack of knowledge are profound (Smith, 2022). It undermines citizens’ ability to participate effectively in democratic processes and hold the government accountable. Constitutional knowledge is vital for recognizing and exercising one’s rights, empowering citizens to engage effectively in civic duties, and advocating for justice.
The consequences of this lack of awareness include the erosion of democratic principles, increased susceptibility to governmental overreach, and diminished civic engagement and responsibility. By understanding and appreciating the significance of these amendments, individuals can better protect their rights and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Ensuring widespread constitutional knowledge is essential for the health and vibrancy of democracy.
Closing
The LSTD 503 Week Two discussion: The Constitution is essential for understanding the Constitution’s foundational legal protections and recognizing the importance of constitutional knowledge. By following this How-To Owlisdom Guide, you will gain a deeper appreciation of their significance and be able to articulate why one stands out as the most crucial. Additionally, reflecting on the importance of constitutional knowledge will underscore its role in fostering informed and engaged citizens.
References
LII. (2022). Bill of Rights. LII / Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/billofrights
Smith, C. E. (2022). Key Constitutional Language: 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, & 14th Amendments. https://openbooks.lib.msu.edu/cj275/chapter/chapter-1/
