AP Government Spring Research Project
Objectives



Explain several ways people and institutions create public policy and how federalism allows for various methods
of influencing the policy making system.
Analyze how various formal and informal institutions interact to implement and achieve policy goals.
Evaluate the impact of policy in the U.S. political system in a selected public arena.
Assignment
Students will research a specific federal law or government program reflecting particular policy areas. Students may
choose from the list below, or provide a law/program of their own to be approved by the instructor. The assignment
will have two parts: a typed research paper 3-5 pages in length, and a class presentation with an accompanying
PowerPoint. The expectations for both are below.
1. Paper
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Typed, 3-5 pages, MLA format
Cover page and Works Cites; not included in page total.
Minimum 4 reputable sources
Paper will be double-spaced using Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman 12 pt. font.
No personal information anywhere other than cover page
Paper covers required information (on rubric)
2. Presentation
a. PowerPoint covers required information (on rubric)
i. Minimum 4 slides (not including title slide)
b. 8 to 10 minute presentation
c. Student must maintain professional demeanor during presentation
i. Lack of professionalism will result in loss of points
Topics
Environmental policy: National Environment Policy Act, Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Endangered
Species Act, California Desert Protection Act
Social/health care policy: Social Security Act of 1935, Medicare Act of 1965, Medicaid Act, Aid to Families With
Dependent Children, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Affordable Care Act
Foreign/Defense policy: War Powers Resolution, Strategic Defense Initiative, North American Free Trade Agreement,
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
Economic Policy: Sherman Act of 1890, National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act), Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, Home
Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA), Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
(HMDA), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Stimulus Law”)
Students may choose acts/programs other than those listed, but must have them approved by the instructor.
Deadlines
Monday, February 10: Research topic due (10 pts)
Tuesday, February 18: Annotated bibliography due (40 pts)
Monday, March 3: Paper and all presentation materials due
Name:_______________________
AP Government Spring Research Project Rubric
Paper (150 pts)
I.
II.
_____
Formatting/Citation (40 pts)
_____
a. Format (MLA/Font/Layout) (10)
_____
b. Cover page (10)
_____
c. Works Cited (10)
_____
d. Four source minimum (10)
_____
Content (110 pts)
_____
a. Policy description
_____
i. Formal institutions involved in creation of policy (15)
_____
ii. Informal institutions involved in creation of policy (15)
_____
iii. Cited sources (10)
_____
b. Implementation and Impact
i. Bureaucracies involved with policy (15)
_____
ii. People/places positively affected by policy (15)
_____
iii. People/places negatively affected by policy (15)
_____
iv. Formal challenges to policy (civil action) & court reaction (15)
_____
v. Cited sources (10)
_____
Presentation (100 pts)
I.
_____
_____
PowerPoint (50 pts)
_____
a. Minimum four slides (not including title slide) (20)
_____
b. Covers all content areas (20)
_____
c. Overall appearance (10)
_____
II.
Demeanor (25 pts)
_____
III.
Time (25 pts)
_____