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Principles of Democratic Institutions

“Political Issues in the CNMI: Analyzing Interest Groups, Courts, and Political Parties”

For this assignment, you will analyze sources to present a political argument.  Narrative style book reports are unacceptable and will result in a C or less.  Remember to present your thesis at the beginning of your paper, clearly stating point by point what you will be arguing.  The paragraphs that follow should support your argument with a strong introductory sentence.  At the end of your paper, you will return to your thesis, and bring your argument to a successful conclusion. 
Your second paper will be 4-5 pages in length, typed and double spaced in a 12-point font with footnotes and bibliography made according to the Chicago Manual of Style, and presented with standard one-inch margins.  You must write a minimum of four full pages and use a minimum of five sources for your paper.  Possible sources include books, articles, and websites.  Acceptable websites include newspapers such as the Saipan Tribune or Marianas Variety.  If not accessing a newspaper, you may use a website that is either a .org or .edu.  You may not use Wikipedia.  You may use up to three websites.  You may use your textbook, but you may not cite the lecture videos as sources.  The materials presented in lectures are to be treated as general information that you know, so they do not count as sources.  As this assignment involves current events, you are also allowed to use one video from KSPN News as a source.  Finally, title pages and the bibliography do not count towards the minimum page length requirement of the essay.  
For your second paper, you will write an essay on your choice of topic from weeks 8 to 16, ranging from interest groups up through foreign policy, as they relate to issues in the CNMI.  For example, think about how the courts operate in the CNMI or the situation of the political parties.  When analyzing your choice of subject, think about what makes it unique.  What will be your argument?  What will be the three main points that you will make to support your thesis?