Question
Week 1 Sec 5 Theories of Federalism Paper Request
What theory of federalism (or, if using Wright’s
classification system, the IGR model) best represents the American
intergovernmental system? Give at least 3 reasons to support your claim and contrast
your choice with at least 2 other models/theories. Conclude by identifying
which theory/model best informs your research topic and question.
In the field of federalism and intergovernmental relations,
the Christian statesman should reason
and make decisions about policy according to the Bible, Christian morality, and
the founding
constitutional principles of limited government. This is done in the context
where ideas and
practices may or may not align with Christian beliefs.
Toward that end, the Discussion’s purpose
is to introduce those theories and models that are most persuasive in
federalism studies. To aid in
that goal, the Discussion Assignment focuses on taking a position (the
“thesis”) with respect to
the assigned question (the “prompt”) and defending that position.
INSTRUCTIONS
· For
the one thread–Compose a 1000-1250-word essay that cogently addresses and
answers the prompt. Provide at least four citations from the required course
materials and one reference to Scripture.
GUIDELINES
Consider the thread and replies as professional communications by the Christian
statesman. As
such, they should demonstrate
- a mastery of the required course materials.
- substantive and well-reasoned arguments, not merely
opinions. Support claims with
evidence from areas such as logic, the Bible, course materials, personal
experience, and
the framers’ views on federalism.
-care in
the proper citation and referencing of sources according to Turabian
Author-Date
style.
Required Reading:
1. O’Toole, Lawrence, & Christensen: Chapters 1-2
2. Elazar: Preface
3. Elazar; Chapter 1-2
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Grading Rubric
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Criteria
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Ratings
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Pts
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Thread
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40 to
>37.0 pts
Advanced
Thread
is best characterized by the following: • Comprehension: Prompt questions
are fully addressed • Presentation: Concise, clear, and logical •
Competency: Demonstrates a mastery of the required materials with at least
4 citations from those materials in Turabian Author-Date style •
Thoughtful: Skillfully challenges assumptions and conclusions; uses
comparison • Worldview: Bible verse(s) used to evaluate theories and the
claims of authors
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37 to
>34.0 pts
Proficient
Thread
is best characterized by the following: • Comprehension: Prompt questions
are partially addressed • Presentation: Mostly concise, clear, and logical
• Competency: Demonstrates understanding of the required materials with at
least 3 citations from those materials in Turabian Author-Date style •
Thoughtful: Provides adequate challenges to assumptions and conclusions;
uses comparison • Worldview: Bible verse(s) integrated into the essay
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34 to
>0.0 pts
Developing
Thread
is best characterized by the following: • Comprehension: Prompt questions
are unclearly addressed or missing • Presentation: Lacks clarity and is
often confusing • Competency: Little understanding of the required
materials with 1 or 2 citations from those materials in Turabian
Author-Date style • Thoughtful: rarely challenges assumptions and
conclusions; rarely uses comparison • Worldview: Bible verse(s) present, but
not integrated into the discussion.
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0 pts
Not
Present
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40 pts
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Replies
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30 to
>28.0 pts
Advanced
Replies
are best characterized by the following: • Presentation: Concise, clear,
and logical • Competency: Demonstrates a mastery of the required materials
with at least 2 citations from those materials in each reply in Turabian
Author-Date style • Responsive: Focuses on a point other student made about
one of the prompt questions • Contribution: Unique, and advances knowledge
about the prompt question(s) • Argument: Skillfully demonstrates both
agreement and disagreement with other student's position. Uses Bible and/or
course materials to support position • Thoughtful: Skillfully challenges
assumptions and conclusions; uses comparison
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28 to
>25.0 pts
Proficient
Replies
are best characterized by the following: • Presentation: Mostly concise,
clear, and logical • Competency: Demonstrates an understanding of the
required materials with at least 1 citation from those materials in each
reply in Turabian Author-Date style • Responsive: Focuses mostly on a point
other student made about one of the prompt questions • Contribution:
Minimum repetition, and adds to knowledge about the prompt question(s) •
Argument: Demonstrates both agreement and disagreement with other student's
position. Uses Bible and/or course materials to support position •
Thoughtful: Adequately challenges assumptions and conclusions; uses
comparison
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25 to
>0.0 pts
Developing
Replies
are best characterized by the following: • Presentation: Lacks clarity and
is often confusing • Competency: Demonstrates little understanding of the
required materials with 1 citation from those materials in each reply in
Turabian Author-Date style • Responsive: Has little to do with a point the
other student made or the prompt question(s) • Contribution: Often
repetitive and unfocused on the prompt question(s) • Argument: Either fully
agrees or fully disagrees with other student's position. Provides little to
no support for position • Thoughtful: Rarely challenges assumptions and
conclusions; rarely uses comparison
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0 pts
Not
Present
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30 pts
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Grammar/Spelling/Turabian
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15 to
>14.0 pts
Advanced
Between
0-5 errors (spelling, grammar, and Turabian Author-Date style)
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14 to
>13.0 pts
Proficient
Between
6-10 errors (spelling, grammar, and Turabian Author-Date style)
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13 to
>0.0 pts
Developing
Between
11-15 errors (spelling, grammar, and Turabian Author-Date style)
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0 pts
Not
Present
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15 pts
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Thread: Word Count
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15 to
>14.0 pts
Advanced
The
thread is 1,000–1,250 words; each reply is between 350-500 words
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14 to
>13.0 pts
Proficient
The
thread is 750–999 words. OR 1,251–1,500 words; each reply is 300-349 words
OR 501-550 words
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13 to
>0.0 pts
Developing
The
thread is less than 750 words OR more than 1,500 words; each reply is less
than 300 words OR more than 550 words
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0 pts
Not
Present
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15 pts
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Total Points: 100
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