In writing your research paper you will select a topic of interest and analyze the role of state and local government. Approval is required before starting your research paper, to change your topic, or if you decide to pursue a different topic not listed. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Topics for Research Paper
Option 1: Visit the National League of Cities website and click on “Topics”. Select a topic of interest that you would like to research more deeply in relation to state and local government.
Option 2: Visit the “Points of View Reference Center” or “Issues and Controversies” using the Valencia Library Databases. Select a topic of interest that you would like to research more deeply in relation to state and local government.
Once reviewing the information on the websites/databases, research the issue within Florida using the Valencia Library Databases.
Deadlines: March 18 @ 11:59 pm – Submit topic in Canvas for approval
April 6 @ 8:30 am – Research Paper submitted in Canvas for grading
The paper will be a 8 to 10-page paper in APA format. It should be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) with 1″ margins on all sides using 12 pt. Times New Roman font. The APA formatting and citations can be found at Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab (OWL).
Your paper should include four major sections: The Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.
Title Page – The title page should contain the title of the paper and should also have the author’s name, class title, Valencia College and student VID number.
Abstract – write a concise summary of the key points of your research. Your abstract should contain at least your research topic, research questions, participants, methods, results, data analysis, and conclusions. You may also include possible implications of your research and future work you see connected with your findings. Your abstract should be a single paragraph double-spaced. Your abstract should be between 150 and 250 words.
Main Body- The main body should have six or more paragraphs with each paragraph containing five or more sentences. It should introduce the topic of analysis, describe the issue or event, present your evidence, analysis the evidence, discuss any possible outcome and summarize your findings.
References – you should include cite at least three sources for your research. Ensure your sources are from scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, reports, or other scholarly publications. Information from blogs, questionable websites or Wikipedia is not acceptable. APA citing of references is an in-text reference method and does not require footnotes. For in text citation, the citations come at the end of the borrowed ideas, words, or sentences. For example:
- When citing a source document use APA 7 (Purdue, 2019)
- When summarizing or paraphrasing use APA 7 (Purdue, 2019)
When do you have to cite your sources?
1) When you quote something, you must give credit by citing your source.
2) When you copy something word-for-word, you must give credit by citing your source.
3) When you paraphrase someone’s ideas, you must give them credit by citing your source
4) When you summarize someone’s ideas, you must give them credit by citing your source
In order to avoid the charge of plagiarism please refrain from the following actions;
1) Copying or paraphrasing another’s words without documenting (or citing) your source.
2) Stating or summarizing another’s ideas or opinions without documenting your source.
3) Downloading something from the Internet, including a graphic, and then using it in your paper without documenting your source.
4) Making a copy of someone else’s paper and then handing it in as your own.
5) Paying for or otherwise obtaining a paper or presentation, and then handing it in as your own (this includes, of course, papers written by friends and fellow students).
All works cited should be in an alphabetical list of all sources quoted, paraphrased or summarized. It should be at the end of the paper and begin on a separate sheet of paper. Please follow the examples provided by the Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab (OWL) guidelines.
Check List
Correct title page with author’s name, Political Science, Valencia College, POS 2112: State and Local Government, Professor Ramsier, and VID number.
Paper has correct running header on top of the page.
Paper has 8-10 pages.
Paper has reference page with 3 or more references in correct APA format.
Paper has references from journal articles or other scholarly sources.
Paper has an abstract with 150 to 250 words.
Paper is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
Paper has the correct in-text references.
Paper has correct historical background of the subject.
Paper explains the connection between state and local government to the chosen topic.
Paper incorporates the correct analysis of the selected topic.
Paper is free from personal political bias and opinion.
Paper is logically written with no syntax, half-sentences, or words and ideas out of context
Paper is free from plagiarism.
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