I am not partial to any one of t

I am not partial to any one of these topics, so you choose. Writing Assignment You are to write one 5-7 page, double spaced paper. Select one of the following questions for your paper: 1. Do you think the Madisonian system with its separation of powers and checks and balances can continue to work in contemporary American society, or do you believe that major structural reforms are needed? Can the system address the policy needs of its citizens today? 2. Political participation is essential in a democracy. How do citizens participate? What factors lead to political participation? Why is voter turnout lower in the U.S. than in other democracies around the world? What has been the trend in voter turnout among 18-24 year olds in America? Is it a problem? 3. The US spends nearly as much on national defense as the rest of the world combined. Explain how defense policy is formulated. Can the US continue to sustain huge defense budgets in the face of gigantic budget deficits? What can the US do to confront the threats it faces in the international arena. Format Academic. Introduction, body, conclusion. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, with reasonable font (12 point) and margins (1 inch). Important: No cover or title pages, and pages must be numbered. Papers will be considered late if handed in after the class period on the due date. Penalty for a late paper is a 5 point deduction for each day it is late. This will be strictly enforced. Do not rely solely on Internet sources. IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE!!! Sources must be indicated in the body of the paper, and listed in a bibliography at the end. Failure to cite authors, articles, books or Internet sites that you borrow information from is considered plagiarism and is against the honor code. The bottom line is this: be intellectually honest when you use someone else’s material to help develop your position in your paper. Papers that do not contain citations will be considered plagiarized and will receive a score of zero (0).