Argumentation Essay on Congressional Decision-Making

This assignment requires students to write an essay on whether members of Congress should rely on public opinion when making policy decisions. Students must articulate a claim or thesis, support it with evidence from foundational documents, and address opposing perspectives.

Should members of Congress rely on public opinion as an important factor in making policies? In your essay, articulate a claim or thesis that responds to the prompt, and use a line of reasoning to defend it. Use at least TWO pieces of relevant and accurate evidence to support your claim. At least ONE piece of evidence must be from one of the listed foundational documents: United States Constitution, Federalist No. 10, Federalist No. 51. Use a second piece of evidence from another foundational document from the list or from your study of public opinion or Congress. Use reasoning to explain why the evidence you provided supports your claim or thesis. Use refutation, concession, or rebuttal to respond to an opposing or alternative perspective.