your choice from the questions listed

/in /by

Final Essay Questions

(Chose only one of the topics listed below)

Your final essay should be at least 5 full-length pages and no longer than 7 full-length pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, and the standard 1.25-inch margins on each side and 1-inch margins on top and bottom in Microsoft Word using MLA format for citations. In answering your final exam essay, you must use your textbook for at least two citations in addition any outside material. Make sure you cite when necessary, but your essay should not consist completely of citations. Your own reasoning should be apparent in your essay; citations should only be used to support the point you are making. Your essay will be evaluated on through understanding of the question, a well-reasoned and logical argument, clear and concise writing, impeccable grammar and spelling.

Make sure that you type your name, date, course number, section number AND the question number you are answering on the top of the first page, do not type out the question (single-spaced). Your essay must be emailed to me as a Microsoft Word attachment to your email through your Moraine Valley email account before the due date (not as a PDF or any other format). DO NOT POST YOUR ESSAY IN CANVAS. Out of respect for your fellow students, late essays will not be accepted, and you will receive a “0” for your essay. After you submit your essay, double check that you actually send it and with the proper attached essay. Computer or Internet issues are not valid excuses to submit your essay late, nor is “I forgot to attach the essay.” Always double check that you attached the essay you wish to be graded to the email you sent.

Rewrites are not allowed, so be sure that the essay you submit is your final draft and the one you intended to submit for grading with accurate, proper citations.

Your final essay will be graded on the following.

  • Meeting the basic requirements above.
  • Grammar, word choice, punctuation and overall structure.
  • Logical consistency using critical thinking skills supported by citations that relate directly and in depth with the textbook. Detailed and concise writing is expected rather than broad generalizations.
  • Do people who are living in poverty or fleeing civil war in their countries, as in the case of the Syrian refugees, have a moral right to seek a better life for their families by immigrating (if necessary, illegally) to a country where they and their families can enjoy a safe and decent life? Referring to the discussion of moral rights and duties in Chapter 9, create an argument addressing these questions.
  • In The Republic, the ancient Greek philosopher Plato argued that philosophers, because they are both wise and reasonable and are not concerned with amassing worldly wealth, would make the best leaders. Do you agree? Describe the qualities of an ideal president or political leader. Analyze whether our current system of representative democracy is the best way for ensuring that the best people become our leaders. If it is not, discuss what system might be the best.
  • Benjamin Franklin once said, “Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither.” What do you think Franklin meant by this? Discuss, as if you were an adviser to the president, what criteria you would use in coming up with balance between the need for security and citizens’ liberty rights in the current “war on terrorism.”
  • Billions of dollars are spent every year on lobbying. In 2015, for example, close to $1.8 billion was spent by oil and gas lobbyists. Should the amount of money an organization or business can spend on lobbying and donations to candidates’ campaigns be limited? On the other hand, does placing limits on lobbying violate the First Amendment? Support your answers.
  • In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that states must educate undocumented immigrants through the twelfth grade, arguing that children of undocumented immigrants need an education to be able to participate economically in society. However, the court said nothing about education at the college level. Should undocumented immigrants who are residents of a state and have been educated in the public schools be eligible for in-state tuition at the state colleges? Support your argument.