What does this action say about the power of the branch? How does it affect the power of the branch, as given by the Constitution? How does this action affect the relationship between the acting branch and the other branches?

Research Paper Essay

Each student will submit a research paper on either a piece of legislation, an executive order, or a Supreme Court case, enacted or decided since 2000, by the United States federal government.

The tool of policy that you choose must be active, meaning that it is a law that has been passed and is currently enforced, it is an executive order that has not been rescinded, or it is a Supreme Court case that has been decided and not overturned.

Students will use this paper to analyze the example of governmental power/action of their choice by explaining the action to the best of their understanding and then putting the issue in the context of the broader scope of government.

Ask a few questions:

• What does this action say about the power of the branch?
• How does it affect the power of the branch, as given by the Constitution?
• How does this action affect the relationship between the acting branch and the other branches?
• How did this affect citizens and residents of the United States?