The U.S. Constitution provides a very clever, innovative, and effective design for a political system based on shared and balanced powers. As such, two of the three major governmental branches created by the Constitution, Congress and the Presidency, often compete for these finite political powers in their efforts to accomplish their core missions. This competition for political power creates tension between these two branches of our government that are expressed in a variety of ways, both within each branch and between each branch of government. In addition, the competition for power usually leads to increased cooperation and conflict that is expressed in a variety of ways and methods. The competition can also lead to a change in power relationships with one branch gaining political power at the expense of the other. Therefore, a critical examination of the political interactions between Congress and the Presidency will expand understanding of this multi-faceted relationship and of the structures, functions, and leadership of these core governmental institutions created by the brilliant U.S. Constitution.
First, select a topic from the list provided below:
The impeachment of President Clinton, 1998.
The passage of the War Powers Resolution, 1973.
Executive Order – The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863
Executive Orders #9066/9102—Internment of Japanese Americans, 1942
Next, complete the following:
Introduction:
Introduce the paper’s main points and present a thesis.
Background information:
Discuss the paper’s main topic and describe how the issue involves one of the following processes:
Congressional process that affected the powers of the President.
Presidential process that affected the powers of Congress.
Describe the political tensions surrounding the issue.
Results of the process:
Explain why and how the process increased cooperation or conflict between Congress and the Presidency.
Changes in political power:
Assess whether Congress or the Presidency gained power as a result of the process.
Conclusion:
Summarize the paper’s main points and thesis.
The paper must be 10 to 12 pages in length (excluding the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style. You must use at least six scholarly resources (at least three from the Ashford University Library) other than the course text to support your claims and subclaims. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
Writing the Final Research Paper
The Final Research Paper:
Must be 10 to 12 double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least six scholarly resources, including a minimum of three from the Ashford University Library.
Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.