american government research essay topics

332 American Government Essay Topics & Research Ideas

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
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American Government essay topics present a comprehensive spectrum for exploration, each varying in depth and complexity. Some themes may include the functionality of constitutional democracy in the United States (U.S.), the examination of civil liberties and rights, or the intricacies of the federal system. Students may delve into the analysis of influential Supreme Court decisions, the evolving role of the Presidency, or the workings of Congressional lawmaking. Contemporary subjects, like campaign finance reform, immigration policy, or the impact of media on political discourse, are also important. Unraveling the politics of environmental policy or the checks and balances system’s practicality offers bright themes. In turn, investigating the role of lobbyists and interest groups or dissecting the dynamics of public opinion and voting behavior can give intriguing insights. Thus, American government essay topics not only foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s political landscape but also stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills.

Top Government Essay Topics

• Privatization of Public Services: Merits and Criticisms
• Freedom of Information Laws: Transparency and Accountability in Government
• Understanding E-Governance: Potential and Pitfalls
• Interrogating Federalism: Power Dynamics in Multi-Tier Governments
• Political Polarization and Governance: A Detailed Analysis
• Digital Surveillance: Privacy Concerns and State Interests
• Immigration Policies: Comparative Analysis of Different Governments
• Climate Change Policies: Effectiveness and Implementation Challenges
• Political Accountability in the Age of Social Media
• Public Health and Governance: Lessons From Pandemics
• Decentralization in Government: A Thorough Examination
• State Autonomy vs. Federal Overreach: Tensions and Resolutions
• Analyzing the Concept of Sovereignty in the 21st Century
• Justice System Reforms: Understanding the Need and Potential Approaches
• Social Welfare Programs: Effectiveness and Public Reception
• Education Policy and Governance: Ensuring Equal Opportunities
• Tensions Between Civil Liberties and National Security
• Emergency Powers: Necessary Tool or Slippery Slope to Authoritarianism
• Campaign Finance Reforms: Balancing Transparency and Political Freedom
• Understanding the Separation of Powers: Checks and Balances in Action

Easy Government Essay Topics

• Understanding Democracy: Basic Concepts and Principles
• Different Types of Government: A Comparative Study
• Voting Systems: Pros and Cons of First-Past-the-Post
• Government’s Part in Economic Development: An Overview
• Public Health: Government’s Responsibilities and Duties
• Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens: A Closer Look
• Elections: Understanding the Electoral College System
• Why Do We Need a Constitution? An Elementary Explanation
• Importance of Civic Education in a Democracy
• Federal vs. State Powers: An Introduction
• Social Security: Functions and Challenges
• Government Regulation of Media: Freedom vs. Responsibility
• Public Transportation and Government’s Involvement: An Overview
• Differences Between Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government
• Local Governments: Responsibilities and Functions
• Citizen Participation in Government: Why Does It Matter?
• Understanding Public Policy: A Basic Analysis
• Freedom of Speech: Government and Constitutional Protection
• National Security and Individual Privacy: Striking a Balance

Interesting Government Essay Topics

• Privatization vs. Public Ownership: Theoretical Considerations
• Decentralization of Power: Unraveling Its Implications
• State Surveillance: Dilemma of Privacy vs. Security
• National Debts: Examining Their Economic and Political Effects
• Monarchies in the 21st Century: An Analytical Perspective
• Cryptocurrency Regulation: Assessing Different Government Approaches
• Digital Governance: Opportunities and Pitfalls
• Constitutional Interpretation: Originalism vs. Living Constitution Theory
• Understanding Federalism: A Comparative Analysis
• Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Governance
• Climate Change Policy: National vs. International Responsibilities
• Democracy and Technology: Influence of Social Media on Governance
• Public Administration Reforms: Lessons From Around the World
• Immigration Policy: Factors Influencing Government Decisions
• Separation of Powers: An Inquiry Into Its Real-World Implications
• Fiscal Policy during Recessions: Strategies and Outcomes
• Authoritarian Regimes in a Digital Age: Unpacking the Complexities
• Intelligence Agencies: Examining Oversight and Control Mechanisms
• Social Equity and Government Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
• Political Dynasties: Assessing Their Influence on Democratic Governance

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for College

• Gun Control Policies: Analyzing the Effectiveness in the U.S.
• Unraveling the Complexity of U.S. Immigration Reform
• Affordable Care Act: A Comprehensive Analysis Post Implementation
• Effects of Social Media on the U.S. Electoral Process
• Campaign Finance Laws in the United States: A Closer Look
• Government Shutdowns: Causes and Consequences in the U.S.
• Federalism in the United States: Changing Dynamics
• Dissecting the Patriot Act: Implications for Civil Liberties
• Constitutional Rights and Digital Privacy: An American Perspective
• Polarization in American Politics: Causes and Effects
• U.S. Tax Reform: An Analysis of Recent Changes
• Influence of Lobbying on Law-Making in the United States
• Supreme Court Appointments: Politics and Consequences
• Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy: A Comprehensive Review
• Investigating the Role of Super PACs in U.S. Elections
• American Infrastructure Spending: Assessing Need and Impact
• Analyzing the U.S. Response to Climate Change
• Understanding the U.S. Electoral College: Pros and Cons
• U.S. Drug Policy: Lessons Learned From the War on Drugs

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for University

• Native American Treaties and U.S. Government: A Detailed Study
• Rise of Partisanship: An Exploration Into U.S. Politics
• Education Policy in the United States: A Critical Assessment
• American Antitrust Legislation: A Review and Analysis
• U.S. Military Strategy in the Post-Cold War Era: A Comprehensive Study
• Housing Policy and Inequality in the United States: A Detailed Examination
• U.S. Trade Agreements: Analyzing Their Success and Failures
• Unfolding American Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific Region: An In-Depth Review
• Citizens United Decision: An Analysis of Its Implications on U.S. Elections
• Racial Profiling and Law Enforcement in the U.S.: A Study on Systemic Bias
• Space Exploration Policies of the U.S.: A Comprehensive Overview
• Gerrymandering in the United States: Analyzing Its Impacts on Representation
• Public Health Policy in the U.S.: Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic
• Women in U.S. Politics: A Study on Representation and Influence
• Privatization in the U.S.: A Critical Analysis of Its Effects on Public Services
• U.S. Welfare Policy: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy and Inclusivity
• Privacy Rights in the U.S.: Analyzing the Balance Between Security and Liberty
• Minimum Wage Policies in the United States: A Comparative Study
• U.S. Energy Policy: A Study of Transition towards Renewable Resources
• Cybersecurity in the U.S.: Analyzing Government’s Role in Protecting National Infrastructure

American Government and Foreign Policy Essay Topics

• Middle East Policies: A Review of U.S. Strategy and Diplomacy
• Democratization and American Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination
• China-U.S. Relations: A Study of Economic and Security Dilemmas
• American Strategy in Containing North Korea’s Nuclear Ambition
• Shifts in U.S.-Russia Relations: Post-Cold War Analysis
• Climate Change and American Foreign Policy: An In-Depth Study
• Human Rights in American Foreign Policy: Case Studies From the 21st Century
• Evaluating U.S. Intervention in Afghanistan: A Retrospective Study
• Cyber Warfare and U.S. Foreign Policy: Exploring Strategies and Consequences
• U.S. and NATO: Analyzing the Changing Dynamics of Transatlantic Alliance
• Latin America in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Historical Analysis
• American Policy in the Indo-Pacific: Security, Diplomacy, and Economics
• U.S. Foreign Aid: Analysis of Trends and Effectiveness
• Arms Control and American Foreign Policy: A Review of Key Agreements
• U.S.-EU Relations: Trade, Security, and Diplomatic Perspectives
• American Policy Towards Israel and Palestine: A Critical Evaluation
• The Iran Nuclear Deal and U.S. Foreign Policy: A Comprehensive Study
• Global Health and American Foreign Policy: Priorities and Challenges
• Climate Diplomacy in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Study of the Paris Agreement

American Government and Media Essay Topics

• Media Influence on Presidential Elections: A Case Study
• Influence of Media in Shaping Public Policy: An Analysis
• The First Amendment: Press Freedom and Its Limits
• Media Portrayal of U.S. Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination
• Partisan Media and Polarization in American Politics: An Exploratory Study
• Fake News and Its Influence on American Political Discourse
• Public Broadcasting in America: A Historical Analysis
• Digital Media and American Politics: Understanding the Shift
• Social Media’s Influence on Political Mobilization: Case Studies From the U.S.
• Media Bias in Coverage of Gun Control: A Comparative Study
• Media Framing of Immigration Policies in the U.S.: A Discourse Analysis
• Network News and Its Influence on Public Perception of the Presidency
• The Power of Political Cartoons in Shaping Public Opinion
• Censorship and Self-Censorship in American Media: A Comprehensive Study
• Media Coverage of the Supreme Court: A Critical Review
• Cable News and Polarization in U.S. Politics: A Longitudinal Study
• The Role of Satirical News in American Political Discourse
• Media and Public Perception of Climate Change Policies in America
• Traditional Media vs. Social Media in U.S. Political Campaigns: A Comparative Analysis

American Political Parties and Elections Topics

• Campaign Strategies in Modern American Elections: An Analysis
• Transformative Elections in American History: Case Studies
• Minor Political Parties in U.S. Electoral Politics: A Comparative Study
• Influence of Lobbying on Election Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
• How Gerrymandering Shapes American Politics: A Comprehensive Review
• American Presidential Primaries: A Historical Examination
• The Electoral College: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy in Modern U.S. Politics
• American Politics and the Issue of Voter Suppression: A Critical Study
• Dynamics of Swing States in U.S. Presidential Elections: An In-Depth Analysis
• Candidate Image Crafting in American Elections: A Semiotic Analysis
• Polarization and Its Effect on American Elections: An Empirical Investigation
• Public Financing in American Elections: A Comparative Study
• Third-Party Candidates and Their Influence on U.S. Elections: An Exploratory Study
• American Midterm Elections and Their Effect on Presidential Governance: An Analysis
• Effects of Negative Campaigning in U.S. Elections: A Quantitative Study
• Dynamics of Coalition Building in American Political Parties: A Case Study
• Presidential Debates and Their Influence on Election Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
• Changes in Electoral Behavior in the American South: A Longitudinal Study
• The Effect of Voter Turnout on Election Results: A Statistical Analysis
• The Future of American Elections: Predicting Trends in the Digital Age

Government Research Paper Topics About the Executive Arm

• Presidential Decision-Making in Times of Crisis: A Comparative Analysis
• Foreign Policy Execution and the American President: A Critical Study
• Cabinet Appointments and Policy Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
• Transformations in the Executive Office: A Historical Review
• Executive Orders: A Quantitative Analysis of Their Use and Effectiveness
• Exercise of Veto Power: A Comparative Study Across Presidential Administrations
• War Powers and the U.S. Presidency: A Constitutional Analysis
• American Presidency and the Pardon Power: A Legal Examination
• Executive Privilege: Its Use and Misuse in American Politics
• Presidential Succession and Continuity of Government: A Policy Analysis
• Dynamics of Executive-Legislative Relations: An Interdisciplinary Study
• The Vice Presidency: Evolution and Influence in Modern American Politics
• Presidential Campaigns: Financing and Its Influence on Policy Outcomes
• National Emergency Declarations and Presidential Power: A Constitutional Study
• The Power of Persuasion: Rhetoric and the American Presidency
• The Cabinet’s Influence on Presidential Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study
• Presidential Nominations and the Confirmation Process: A Policy Analysis
• Environmental Policy-Making in the Executive Branch: A Historical Review
• Immigration Policy Execution and Presidential Discretion: A Comparative Analysis
• National Security and the Use of Executive Power: A Critical Investigation

Legislative Branch of Government Essay Topics in American Politics

• Committee Power in the U.S. Congress: A Quantitative Study
• Bicameralism and Its Influence on Legislation: A Comparative Analysis
• Parliamentary Procedure and Democratic Governance: A Policy Review
• Policy-Making Dynamics in the Senate: A Historical Review
• Congressional Oversight and Its Effect on Executive Power: A Qualitative Study
• Gridlock in Congress: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• House Rules Committee and Its Influence on Legislation: An Empirical Investigation
• Legislative Agendas: Partisanship and Its Effects on Lawmaking
• Lobbying and Influence in the Lawmaking Process: A Critical Analysis
• Congressional Elections: Campaign Financing and Electoral Outcomes
• Redistricting and Its Effect on the Balance of Power in Congress: A Quantitative Analysis
• Filibuster and Its Impact on Legislative Efficiency: A Policy Analysis
• Political Polarization in the House of Representatives: A Comparative Study
• Congressional Ethics and Conduct: A Legal Examination
• Minority Representation in the U.S. Congress: A Quantitative Analysis
• Leadership Dynamics in Congress: A Historical Review
• Term Limits and Legislative Productivity: An Empirical Investigation
• Congressional Budgeting Process: A Critical Examination
• Lawmaking and the Influence of Interest Groups: A Comparative Analysis
• Checks and Balances: The Role of Congress in National Security Policy-Making

Political Behavior and American Government Essay Topics

• Identity Politics and Policy Preferences in American Government
• Shifts in American Political Behavior: Historical Analysis
• Public Opinion, Ideology, and Policy Change in U.S. Politics
• Media Consumption and Its Influence on Political Preferences
• Digital Democracy: How the Internet Has Transformed Political Participation
• Voting Behavior and Electoral Outcomes: An Empirical Examination
• Effects of Civic Education on Political Engagement: A Comparative Study
• Partisan Realignment and Its Consequences for American Politics
• Dynamics of Political Polarization in Contemporary America
• Political Trust and Its Relationship With Government Performance
• Cultural Factors and Their Influence on Political Attitudes
• Citizen Engagement and Its Relationship With Political Accountability
• Exploring the Nexus Between Socioeconomic Status and Political Behavior
• Environmental Concerns and Their Influence on Voting Behavior
• Political Socialization and Its Impact on Political Affiliation
• Understanding Populism in the Context of American Politics
• Racial Politics and Its Effect on the American Government
• Religious Beliefs and Their Influence on Political Behavior
• Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: A Historical Analysis

Political Theory and American Government Essay Topics

• Applying Rawlsian Justice to American Policy Making
• Hobbes and the Foundation of American Political Structure
• Lockean Ideals in the American Declaration of Independence
• Exploring the Influence of Machiavellian Theory on U.S. Politics
• Marxist Interpretations of American Economic Policies
• Application of Communitarianism in U.S. Social Welfare Policies
• Classical Republicanism and Its Echoes in American Government
• Neo-Conservatism and Its Theoretical Foundations in U.S. Politics
• Postmodern Perspectives on American Democracy
• Utilitarianism and Its Reflection on American Economic Policies
• Feminist Political Theory and Its Relevance in U.S. Politics
• Concepts of Liberty in American Political Discourse: A Theoretical Analysis
• Civil Disobedience: From Thoreau to Modern American Protests
• Pluralism and Interest Group Politics in America
• Exploring Libertarianism in the Context of U.S. Government Policies
• Populism as a Political Theory: Reflections in American Politics
• Deliberative Democracy in Practice: U.S. Town Hall Meetings
• Contractualism and the American Constitution: A Theoretical Analysis
• Understanding Identity Politics through the Lens of Queer Theory in the U.S.
• Anarchist Theories and Their Relevance to American Political Movements

Public Policy and Administration Topics

• Understanding Policy Feedback and Its Implications on Program Sustainability
• Public Administration Reforms: Comparative Analysis of Best Practices
• Fiscal Federalism and Public Policy Making in Decentralized Systems
• Emergent Public Policy Challenges in Cybersecurity
• Public Administration and Crisis Management: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Public Policy Responses to Technological Disruption
• Transparency, Accountability, and Ethics in Public Administration
• Policy Diffusion in Intergovernmental Relations: Patterns and Challenges
• Incorporating Behavioral Insights Into Public Policy Design
• Interrogating the Influence of Lobbying on Public Policy
• Urban Planning Policies and Sustainable Development Goals
• Gender Mainstreaming Strategies in Public Policy and Administration
• Public Administration’s Adaptation to Digital Transformation
• Healthcare Policy Reforms: Balancing Efficiency and Equity
• Exploring the Nexus of Public Policy and Social Justice
• Multiculturalism in Public Policy: Incorporating Diversity in Service Delivery
• Trade Policy Negotiations and National Interests: A Diplomatic Tightrope
• Fostering Innovation and Creativity through Education Policies
• Public Policy Making in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges

Questions About the American Government

• American Government System: Why Does It Operate on a Two-Party Structure?
• Supreme Court Appointments: How Do They Influence the Balance of Power?
• Understanding the Bill of Rights: Which Amendments Have Provoked the Most Controversy?
• Federalism in America: How Does It Affect State Policies?
• Impeachment Process in the United States: What Are the Criteria and Consequences?
• Why Does the United States Employ an Electoral College in Presidential Elections?
• American Government and Lobbying: Is There a Need for Stricter Regulations?
• Deciphering the Role of Super PACs in American Politics: Are They a Necessity?
• How Does Gerrymandering Influence Political Representation in America?
• Citizens United Decision: What Are Its Implications on American Democracy?
• Understanding the Powers and Limitations of the American Presidency: Is It Truly a Democratic Office?
• How Does the American Constitution Protect Individual Rights?
• Campaign Finance in American Elections: How Does It Affect Political Outcomes?
• Functioning of the American Legislative Branch: What Makes It Efficient?
• Why Do Executive Orders Play a Vital Part in the Functioning of the American Government?
• Effect of Gridlock in Congress on American Policy Making: Is It Detrimental?
• How Does Public Opinion Influence Government Decision-Making in the United States?
• Influence of Interest Groups on American Government: Boon or Bane?
• Bicameral Legislature in America: What Are Its Rationale and Significance?

State and Local Government Essay Topics in the American System

• Decentralization Dynamics: A Study of Power Shifts in State and Local Governments
• Strategizing Municipal Finance: Effective Revenue Generation Models
• State Sovereignty vs. Federal Guidelines: An Examination of Conflict and Cooperation
• Examining the Efficacy of Participatory Budgeting in Local Government
• Local Governments and Environmental Sustainability: Policy Design and Implementation
• Diversity in Local Government Leadership: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Education Policy Formulation at the State Level: A Comparative Study
• Municipal Bond Market: Understanding Its Function in Infrastructure Development
• Public Health Management at the State Level: Lessons From Pandemic Response
• Understanding Land Use Policy: A Perspective From Local Governments
• Fiscal Decentralization: Its Effect on State and Local Economic Development
• Urban Planning and Local Governments: A Critical Analysis of Current Practices
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of State Governments in Disaster Management
• State Government Pension Systems: An Analytical Review of Their Sustainability
• Public Transportation Policy: A Case Study of State-Level Initiatives
• Revenue Sharing Between States and Localities: An Assessment of Current Mechanisms
• Local Government and Community Engagement: Strategies for Effective Citizen Participation
• Accountability Measures in State Government: An Investigation of Transparency Practices
• Public-Private Partnerships in Local Government: A Review of Best Practices
• Challenges and Solutions in State-Level Cybersecurity Policy Implementation

The Constitution and Bill of Rights Topics

• Interpreting Freedom: First Amendment Controversies in the Digital Age
• Second Amendment Debates: Understanding the Constitution and Gun Control
• Protection vs. Privacy: The Fourth Amendment in an Era of Technology
• The Eighth Amendment: Contemporary Challenges in the Context of Criminal Justice
• Dilemmas of Due Process: A Critical Examination of the Fifth Amendment
• Origins and Applications: A Deep Dive Into the Tenth Amendment
• Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments: Understanding Their Significance
• Cultural Shifts and Constitutional Interpretation: Exploring the Changing Landscape
• Examining the Thirteenth Amendment: The Legacy of Abolition and Modern-Day Implications
• Constitutional Equality: The Unratified Equal Rights Amendment
• The Nineteenth Amendment and Beyond: Women’s Suffrage and Contemporary Gender Politics
• Voting Rights: The Twenty-Sixth Amendment and Current Debates on Age and Citizenship
• The Jurisprudence of the Supreme Court: Notable Cases Interpreting the Bill of Rights
• Constitutional Debates and Democracy: Analyzing the Balance of Powers
• Influence of International Law on Constitutional Interpretation
• How the Bill of Rights Influences Modern Social Movements
• The Constitution and Indigenous Rights: Historical Context and Present Implications
• Reevaluating the Commerce Clause: A Critical Exploration in the Context of Globalization
• Constitutional Perspectives on Data Privacy and Protection

The Judicial Branch of Government Essay Topics in American Politics

• Deciphering Judicial Independence: Origins, Challenges, and Prospects
• Understanding the Supreme Court: Composition, Function, and Influence
• Appointment Controversies: Analyzing the Supreme Court Nominations
• Federal Courts and Politics: An Examination of Judicial Decision-Making
• Checks and Balances: The Judiciary and the Executive Power
• Courts as Policy Makers: Exploring Activism Within the Judicial Branch
• The Art of Interpretation: Statutory Construction in the Supreme Court
• From Marbury to Modernity: The Evolution of Judicial Review
• Exploring Sentencing Disparities: An Examination of Federal Courts
• Diversity in the Judiciary: Assessing Representation in Federal Courts
• Law, Order, and Ethics: A Critical Analysis of Judicial Conduct
• Public Perception and Confidence in the Judicial Branch
• Case Precedent and Legal Stability: The Doctrine of Stare Decisis
• Securing Justice: The Role of Federal Public Defenders
• Judicial Power in the Context of Constitutional Crises
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Specialized Courts: A Comparative Study
• Judicial Restraint and Activism: Ideology in Supreme Court Rulings
• The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties: Trends and Implications
• Administrative Law and Federal Courts: A Study in Regulatory Litigation
• International Law in U.S. Courts: Application and Controversy

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122 american government research paper topics for you.

American government research paper topics lie under the political science category in schools, universities, and colleges. Many educators ask learners to write about these topics when pursuing political studies.

But, writing about these ideas is not an easy task due to the dynamic nature of politics. Ideally, political tides keep shifting every day. However, students should write about fresh and original ideas to impress their educators and earn top grades.

American Government Research Paper Outline

After picking a topic and researching it, a learner should write a paper with the following sections.

• Introduction: This section should introduce your topic to the readers and briefly tell the readers what you’ll be discussing in the paper. It should also have your thesis statement or problem statement.
• Literature review: Here, your paper should highlight relevant studies relating to your topics. Include information about past studies that you have used to research your title.
• Methodology: This section should tell readers about your research methods and how you analyzed information about your topic.
• Findings: Tell readers about your research findings in this section. You can describe and evaluate the results.
• Conclusion: Summarize everything and tell the audience how your findings support your thesis statement. Also, recommend or suggest further studies on the topic if necessary.

Selecting interesting American government paper topics is perhaps, the essential thing when working on this assignment. That’s because you will spend a lot of time gathering and analyzing information. If you pick a dull topic, you won’t enjoy working on your paper. Here are exciting issues to consider when writing a piece about the American government.

Exciting American Government Topics

If the educator didn’t assign you topics for your American government essays, pick titles that you will find exciting to work with from the beginning to the end. Here are exciting ideas to consider for your papers.

• Does the federal government have too much, enough, or the right power amount?
• Effects of the 14th Amendment on the United States’ civil liberties
• Why the Equal Rights Amendment failed
• Direct democracy vs. representative democracy
• Should the law extend democratic decision-making to the government, workplace, and school?
• How New Jersey and Virginia plans led to the Great Compromise
• What should the U.S. constitution change about the government?
• States versus the federal government- Which deserve more power?
• Which programs can compel more people to participate in local and presidential elections?
• Is gerrymandering dangerous to presidential elections and voting?
• A comparison of the United States’ political parties- What are their election policies?
• Should the government require schools to secure a warrant for searching students’ properties?
• Does the First Amendment provide the fundamental right?
• Which branch in the federal government wields the most power?
• How presidents have used the executive orders in the U.S. history
• How many executive orders has the current President issued?
• Should congress members vote by following the people’s will or their conscience?
• Should the congress members have term limits?
• A comparison of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate
• Why do some people call the media the 4th branch of government?
• How social media has strengthened political parties in the U.S.
• What are the primary sources of funds for political campaigns in the U.S?

These are compelling topics that will captivate your professor or teacher to read your paper. Nevertheless, research your idea extensively to develop a winning essay.

Legislative Branch of Government Topics

Perhaps, you’re interested in a topic about the legislature. In that case, this category comprises topics you’ll find fascinating to work on from the beginning to the end.

• The role of advocates, opponents, and experts in the rejection or passage of a bill
• Why does the number of subcommittees and committees matter?
• Describe the legislative process that the Senate follows
• Why does the decisive vote by the Vice President matter to the Senate?
• The 17th Amendment ratification in 1913
• Why representatives should elect their house speaker
• The essence of the 25th Amendment to the legislature and the house
• How effective is the Senate in committee hearings and inquiries
• Why the Congress should have powers to remove a seating President
• Passing a bill- What is the origin of the two-third majority rule?
• The importance of the Senate in approving presidential appointments
• Why does the 25-year age limit matter when vying?
• Why house representatives should sever for over two terms
• The essence of the census in determining the representatives’ number
• A critical evaluation of the Senate and House of Representatives
• Is the American legislature an accurate reflection of women’s representation?
• Is the United States Congress adequately constituted?

Consider these ideas and then explore them through research to develop informative papers. Aim to provide relevant and valuable information through your essay to impress the educator.

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for College & University Students

Perhaps, you’re in college or university, and you need a topic for your research paper. In that case, consider the following titles for your essays.

• How reliable are presidential election polls?
• American government’s public relations and their essence in its success
• Clinton and Bush war doctrines
• What is the U.S. government’s stance on immigration?
• Why the 2008 U.S. Presidential election was a biased female politician’s depiction in the mass media
• How the constitution balances power between the government branches
• How the U.S. government influence the American democracy
• How the government’s bureaucratic processes influence modern America
• How the U.S. government’s foreign policies affect the European politics
• The government’s role in fighting against terrorism
• How political scandals affect the U.S. government
• How divisions in the U.S. government affect its functioning
• Foreign policy by the U.S. government- Guns or words?
• The U.S. government and church interconnections- How do they influence society morals?
• The U.S. government policy on speech freedom in modern society
• Should direct voting replace the Electoral College system?
• The pros and cons of the U.S. government policy on marijuana legalization
• The U.S. government censorship- Should citizens watch whatever they want?
• An empiric study of money distribution by the U.S. government
• What is the U.S. government’s policy on outsourcing?
• Describe the U.S. government’s policies about the web
• Does the U.S. government have a religious aspect?
• What are the issues facing the Federal government in the U.S.?
• How the U.S. government policies affect social inequality
• The U.S. government’s main principles and their implementation during the XXI century

Some of the topics in this category require high-level research to produce quality papers. Nevertheless, you can write a good essay if you take the time to research your preferred idea.

Government Research Paper Topics about the Executive Arm

Maybe you’re interested in the executive arm of the U.S. government. In that case, explore these topics about this branch of the U.S. government.

• Why the Department of Defense is the most significant arm of the U.S. government
• Does the committee have the correct number of departments to meet the U.S. people’s needs?
• Why is the cabinet comprised of the closest confidants of the President?
• Is it right for the U.S. president to select the cabinet members alone?
• Why the White House Chief of Staff has to be the closest adviser of the President?
• Why do Vice Presidents have a unique approach to their role?
• What is the national relevance of the President’s Oval Office?
• Is it necessary for the First Family and the President to live in the White House?
• Is the congressional delegation during the electoral vote a representation of the people’s will?
• What is the meaning of the State of the Union Address for a President?
• What are the President’s powers?
• Explain how the federal government administers and enforces federal laws
• Does the President have the ability to appoint independent national commissions heads?
• How the Congress affects overwriting a President’s veto
• Should the constitution allow the President unlimited powers to extend amnesties and pardons for federal crimes?
• Advantages and disadvantages of the Affordable Care Act by President Obama

Most research paper topics in this category revolve around the cabinet, vice president, and President. Nevertheless, they can be the basis of good academic papers.

Politics Topics to Write about in High School

If looking for political topics for high school, this section has the best ideas for you.

• Is it right or wrong for the U.S government to monitor the public?
• Government incentives and globalization
• Government aid and U.S. airways
• What is the difference between a parliamentary government and a presidential government?
• Should the U.S. government regulate the internet?
• How religion affects the U.S. government
• Business and government relations
• Does the government control equality?
• Influence of government policies on wealth and income distribution
• Local and state government accounting
• What is the role of government in the market economy?
• Does the constitution give citizens obligations and duties to the U.S. government?
• What are the principles of the United States government?
• Does the U.S. government control the media?
• Issues facing the U.S. federal government

These are exciting topics in American politics and the government for high school students. Nevertheless, learners should research their topics extensively to write quality papers.

Questions about American Government

Perhaps, you’re looking for questions you can answer in your paper about the American government. In that case, here are brilliant ideas to consider.

• Between representative and direct democracy, which is the best option for Americans?
• What can convince more people to participate in the U.S. election?
• Between the federal and the state government, which is the most powerful and why?
• Who funds political campaigns in the U.S.?
• Is the media the fourth U.S. government branch?
• Do Congress members follow their voters’ will?
• How do the U.S. presidents use their executive privileges?
• Why are presidential election polls unreliable?
• Does the U.S. federal government have excess power?
• What led to the failure of the Equal Rightnecessarynt in the Senate?
• Why is the U.S First Amendment so important to Americans’ human rights?
• Is reducing the federal budget deficit important?
• Has the U.S. government contributed to citizens’ inequality?
• How does religion affect the U.S. government and citizens?
• What are the effects of the ruling party on the U.S. government?
• What is the U.S. government’s role in the American economy?

These questions can be the basis of excellent American government research topics. Nevertheless, research your preferred idea to develop a winning paper.

Public Policy Research Paper Topics

Perhaps, you want to write about a topic that touches on the public interest. In that case, consider the ideas in this category.

• Should the U.S. government legalize marijuana?
• Should the U.S. government change the public healthcare policy?
• Should the government ban alcohol commercials from television?
• Should state governments tackle the high divorce rate?
• Ways for the U.S. government to address the gun ownership issue?
• Does the U.S. government infringe on the citizens’ privacy through public surveillance?
• Should the U.S. government regulate university and college education fees?
• How does the U.S. government benefit from the high number of people completing higher education?
• Should the U.S. government require immigrants to learn the national language?
• Should the U.S. government make vaccines compulsory?

Writing an American research paper can be fun if you pick the right topic. Therefore, take your time to identify the best issues to write about, and you will earn the top grades in your class.

Get Professional Paper Writing Help

If unable to write a paper on any of these topics, seek professional assistance from the best writers online. Our crew comprises skilled and experienced writers with a proven track record of providing fast and reliable services to students. Regardless of your topic’s complexity or the professor’s requirements, we can write a winning paper for you. Contact us now for a cheap but quality paper writing service!

25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes

Writing Ideas That Will Make Students Think

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If you are a teacher searching for essay topics to assign to your U.S. government or civics class or looking for ideas, do not fret. It is easy to integrate debates and discussions into the classroom environment. These topic suggestions provide a wealth of ideas for written assignments such as  position papers , compare-and-contrast essays , and  argumentative essays . Scan the following 25 question topics and ideas to find just the right one. You'll soon be reading interesting papers from your students after they grapple with these challenging and important issues.

• Compare and contrast what is a direct democracy versus representative democracy. 
• React to the following statement: Democratic decision-making should be extended to all areas of life including schools, the workplace, and the government. 
• Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans. Explain how these led to the Great Compromise .
• Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be changed. What modifications would you make? Explain your reasons for making this change.
• What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants?" Do you think that this statement still applies to today's world? 
• Compare and contrast mandates and conditions of aid regarding the federal government's relationship with states. For example, how has the Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered support to states and commonwealths that have experienced natural disasters?
• Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with topics such as the legalization of marijuana  and abortion ? 
• Outline a program that would get more people to vote in presidential elections or local elections.
• What are the dangers of gerrymandering when it comes to voting and presidential elections?
• Compare and contrast the major political parties in the United States. What policies are they preparing for upcoming elections?
• Why would voters choose to vote for a third party, even though they know that their candidate has virtually no chance of winning? 
• Describe the major sources of money that are donated to political campaigns. Check out the Federal Election Regulatory Commission's website for information.
• Should corporations be treated as individuals regarding being allowed to donate to political campaigns?  Look at the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling on the issue. Defend your answer. 
• Explain the role of social media in connecting interest groups that have grown stronger as the major political parties have grown weaker. 
• Explain why the media has been called the fourth branch of government. Include your opinion on whether this is an accurate portrayal.
• Compare and contrast the campaigns of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives candidates.
• Should term limits be instituted for members of Congress? Explain your answer.
• Should members of Congress vote their conscience or follow the will of the people who elected them into office? Explain your answer.
• Explain how executive orders have been used by presidents throughout the history of the U.S. What is the number of executive orders issued by the current president?
• In your opinion, which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power? Defend your answer.
• Which of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment do you consider the most important? Explain your answer. 
• Should a school be required to get a warrant before searching a student's property? Defend your answer. 
• Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail? What kind of campaign could be run to see it passed?
• Explain how the 14th Amendment has affected civil liberties in the United States from the time of its passage at the end of the Civil War.
• Do you think that the federal government has enough, too much or just the right amount of power? Defend your answer.
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Lesson Plan: AP Government: Argumentative Essay Practice

The Federalist Papers

Boston College professor Mary Sarah Bilder gives a brief overview backgrounding the Federalist Papers

Description

This is intended as an end-of-course review activity for practice with the argumentative essay format included on the AP United States Government and Politics exam since the 2018 redesign. Eleven practice prompts are provided, reflecting content from Units 1-3.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY PROMPT ANALYSIS

• Review the provided Argumentative Essay Prompts in either an individual or jigsaw format.
• Write a thesis statement for your selected prompt(s) and identify the selection you would make from the provided list and the second piece of evidence you would choose.
• If there are prompts for which you struggle to develop a thesis, or items on the bulleted lists with which you are not conversant, use the hyperlinked C-SPAN Classroom resources to extend your understanding of the required founding documents and SCOTUS cases that you found challenging.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

• Chose one or more of the provided Argumentative Essay Prompts , as assigned, and use the planning and exploration you did above to write a full essay in response to your designated prompt(s) in 25 or fewer minutes , since that's the time limit you'll face on the AP Exam!
• Exchange essays with a classmate and evaluate each others' work.
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Political Science & Law Research Guide: American Government Research Paper (101-75)

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A three-part assignment

Examine some aspect of the Federal Government and explain how its function and mission has changed due to the events of 9/11.

Evaluate the success of this agency in its new mission.

Assignment 1a (Part One)

• Choose a topic
• Start to gather information from reputable sources
• Post the topic in Blackboard

Assignment 1b (Part Two)

• Create a topic outline
• Create a Works Cited list in MLA format
• Submit these in Blackboard

Assignment 1c (Part Three)

• Create a draft of the body of the report
• Proofread & correct
• Submit through Turnitin in Blackboard

U.S. Government Sites

Websites that end in .gov are federal government websites and are considered credible sources.

• USA.gov (List of government agencies)
• U.S. Department of State
• National Security Agency (NSA)
• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Department of Homeland Security

Opposing Viewpoints Database

The primary focus of this database is to provide information from various sources on major issues of the day. 

Articles on many of the topics for this assignment can be found in this product plus reference sources, video, audio, etc.

It is a great tool for choosing a topic.

• Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window Pro/con database of social issues.

Suggested terms for searching

The official subject heading for 9/11 is: September 11 terrorist attacks, 2001

• A search on 9/11 will bring up items with that information in the title or description ONLY
• To find EVERYTHING, use the subject heading language
• Do not search with acronyms or abbreviations--spell out the words

Other useful subject headings:

Use combinations of these words when searching the catalog or research databases--subject headings are always good search terms

Construct your searches using the word AND between terms--this narrows your search to include both concepts.

Example:  terrorism and privacy

Use the Advanced Search option which includes more opportunities for limiting the search plus several search windows with AND between the the windows

• War on Terrorism
• terrorism--United States--prevention
• terrorism--prevention
• United States--foreign relations--Middle East
• Middle East--foreign relations--United States
• international relations
• intelligence service
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (NOT FBI)
• Central Intelligence Agency (NOT CIA)
• National Security Agency (NOT NSA)
• military intelligence
• United States. Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001
• freedom of religion
• Islamic fundamentalism
• terrorism--religious aspects
• unlawful combatants
• counterinsurgency
• airports--security measures
• airline passenger security screening
• hijacking of aircraft --prevention
• commercial aeronautics--security measures
• aeronautics--safety measures
• airplane cockpits
• sky marshals (NOT air marshals)
• civil rights
• human rights
• electronic surveillance
• wiretapping
• national security
• emergency management
• immigration

For additional subject headings, see also the Homeland Security page on the Criminal Justice Research Guide .

Finding Books

Use the Find Books tab above to search the catalog for books.

Use the suggested search terms in the middle column to construct searches.

Broaden the search to All Formats to find books on listed topics in other local libraries, including the Hoover Library at McDaniel College. 

Use the Request button to get those books delivered to the local library of your choice.

Finding Articles

Use the Find Articles tab above to find articles in research databases.

The best databases for these topics are:

• Academic Search Premier
• Use the search tips under Help in the database to learn how to search efficiently in EBSCOhost databases
• Military & Government Collection (another EBSCOhost database)
• Current Issues databases
• Newspaper databases

Organizations

Use the Encyclopedia of Associations to find organizations by subject.

To use Google to find organizations, enter a search term and site:org.

• American Civil Liberties Union
• Brookings Institute (Defense & Security)
• Brookings Institute (U.S. Foreign Policy)
• Council on Foreign Relations (Defense/Homeland Security)
• Pew Research Center: Immigration Publications on immigration

Suggested Reference Books

Use Reference Books to get background information on a topic, identify good search terms, and find other resources.

• Encyclopedia of terrorism Call Number: REF HV6431 K883 2003
• Encyclopedia of world terrorism Call Number: REF HV6431 E53 2003
• Encyclopedia of terrorism Call Number: REF HV6431 C65 2007
• Terrorism : a documentary and reference guide Call Number: REF HV6432 B87 2005
• Terrorism : a documentary history Call Number: REF HV6431 T4594 2003
• Homeland security : a documentary history Call Number: REF UA927 H657 2004
• Global perspectives on the United States : a nation by nation survey Call Number: REF E895 G56 2007
• World at risk : a global issues sourcebook. Call Number: REF HN28 W67 2010
• Encyclopedia of American civil liberties Call Number: REF KF4747.5 E53 2006
• The encyclopedia of civil liberties in America Call Number: REF JC599 U5 E53 2005
• Encyclopedia of privacy Call Number: REF JC596.2 U5 E53 2007
• U.S. presidents and foreign policy : from 1789 to the present Call Number: REF E176.1 U16 2007
• Encyclopedia of American immigration Call Number: REF JV 6465 E53 2010
• Encyclopedia of law enforcement Call Number: REF HV7921 E53 2004
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• Next: Citing Sources >>
• Last Updated: Jul 3, 2024 10:27 AM
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American Government Essay Topics

Students who want to enjoy civics need to develop an interest in American government essay topics. Students who believe that essays about the American government are not interesting are yet to write thought-provoking ideas on the American government. We believe that American government topics should be the first thing students must carefully choose whenever they have an  American government essay to write. We are aware of the fact that students get confused about the US government essay topics to choose.

But we’ve decided to help students out of confusion by mentioning the best topic ideas they can write things about. By using the American government essay ideas that we’ve mentioned below, students will no longer have to struggle on what to write about. We took our time to select the best and popular American government research topics that students will find quite easy to write things about. We assure every student that the topic below will inspire them for beneficial research work, which is the essence of education.

Most Interesting American Government Essay Topics

So don’t hesitate and take a look at this list of American Government essay topics. It is sometimes a hard choice to make when writing an essay what you want to write about, and there are many American government topics to write about. Most importantly make sure that the theme of it is of interest to you because you don’t want your American government essay to be boring.

• American Constitutional Law
• The Roots and Reform of American Government
• The History of the American Federal Government
• Federalist versus Antifederalists
• Foundations of the US Government
• Electoral College Reform
• Ideologies Of The American Government
• Foreign-Born American Can Become the President
• Problems with American Democracy
• Roosevelt as an American Leader
• American Diets: Why Government Should Not Control It
• The Reaction of American Government to September 11
• Tension In California Politics
• Changes in the American Government
• How World War II Transformed American Government and Society
• Making of the New Government
• President Trump and His Policies
• Privacy: The American People vs. the Government
• Contributors to our Successful Government
• Social Security: Impacts of Its Disappearance
• Corruption in the US Government
• An Accurate Assessment of the American Political System
• Development of the American Constitution
• Classical Conservatism vs. Classical Liberalism
• Illustration of the Founding Principles of America
• Foundations of American Government
• Electing Supreme Court Justices
• Major Accomplishments of President Barack Obama
• Historical Ideas That Influenced The American Government
• Bill and Bill: The Government and the American People
• The Need for Diversity in American Government
• Gay Marriage and the Government
• The 3 Branches of the American Government
• The First American President
• United States Government Welfare
• Three Branches of American Government
• The Articles of Confederation
• The Woman in the American Government
• American Federalism and the New Deal
• The Current Relationship between the American Citizens and the United States Government
• The Function of the Articles of Confederation
• Direct Popular Vote vs. Electoral College
• The US government and Native American
• Racial Segregation Of the US
• Checks and Balances System in America
• Privacy and the American Government
• Communist Ideas in American Government
• The American Republic Government vs. Aristotelian Government
• The Involvement of Government with the Daily Life of Americans
• Current Top Issues of the United States National Government
• Problems with the American constitution
• What the US citizens think about the government
• Why a female president is ideal for the US
• Problems with the electoral college
• The top priorities of the US government
• How did the fourteenth amendment affect civil liberties in the US after it was passed at the end of civil war?
• How politics originated in America
• The link between politics and religion
• What political decision has changed America the most
• The pros and cons of democracy
• How is terrorism affecting the US government?
• How international relations have impacted the US in the last ten years
• The philosophy of politics
• How to reduce corruption in the US government
• What impact do social movements have on the American government?
• What is the connection between the American government and media
• Why the American government should regulate internet safety
• Do Americans enjoy enough civil rights?
• The concept of power balance in the US government
• American government: are they cruel or merciful?
• Is it the role of government to prevent gambling addictions, and should they ban lotteries?
• Should American democracy grant more power to the people
• Contentions between the American government and the citizens
• The United state presidents that Pleased the people most
• Why presidents deserve the privilege to serve for more than two terms if the citizens want him or her
• How is the threat of terrorism affecting the American government?

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American Government Research Paper

View sample American Government Research Paper. Browse other research paper examples and check the list of political science  research paper topics for more inspiration. If you need a research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers for help. This is how your paper can get an A! Also, chech our custom research proposal writing service for professional assistance. We offer high-quality assignments for reasonable rates.

I. Introduction

Academic writing, editing, proofreading, and problem solving services, get 10% off with 24start discount code, ii. states in the federal system, iii. variety and inequality, iv. state political structures, a. state constitutions, b. governors, c. state legislatures, d. state judicial systems, e. bureaucracy, v. local governments, a. county government, b. municipal government, vi. conclusion.

The study of state and local government is essentially the study of all that is not national government in the United States—the 50 states and the more than 88,000 other subnational units of government from counties to small towns, fire districts, school districts, and water districts. Typically, the study of cities—communities of larger than 50,000 people—is considered a separate realm of inquiry. The distinction among these layers of government has been confounded in recent years with the emergence of the metropolis—such as the so-called BosWash region that encompasses the Northeast corridor from Boston to the nation’s capital and includes all the cities, suburbs, and rural areas in between.

This research paper examines where state and local government sit in the American national political system and then focuses on the internal workings of each level, looking at executives, legislatures, judicial systems, political participation, and policy making.

State governments, and the municipalities within them, preceded the creation of the national government. A drive through the northeastern United States will reveal cities and towns founded in the 1600s and 1700s, long before the 1787 writing of the founding document of the nation in which they sit. Thirteen states were viable political entities at the time of the American Revolution. The states had their own constitutions, forms of government, political processes, political cultures, and political identities. Virginians, New Yorkers, and Pennsylvanians existed long before Americans.

The preexistence of states had a profound impact on the design of the Constitution and continues to shape the operation of American politics today. The president is elected by electoral votes, which are allocated to states. This unique electoral institution determines presidential campaign strategy and, some argue, has an impact on presidential policy making as the president responds to the states that are vote rich. Both chambers of Congress are organized geographically, with Senators originally chosen by state legislators (until the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, which ushered in direct election) and House members elected from districts within states. The shape of these districts is determined by state legislatures, creating one of the most politically charged elements of American politics, as state legislatures use their line-drawing powers to the benefit of the party that controls that legislature. The Constitution itself can be amended only with the approval of three fifths of the state legislatures, making constitutional change by this method rare indeed.

Clearly, state governments matter a great deal in American politics. The impact of structural elements outlined is enhanced by the constitutional allocation of power between the state and federal governments. Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution allocate certain powers to the national level of government. Many powers and many areas of authority are not mentioned in the provisions and have been, over the course of 220 years of constitutional history, contested terrain between state power and national power. The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, often called the states-rights amendment, asserts that all powers not granted to the national government or denied to the states “are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people” (U.S. Constitution, 1787, Amendment Ten). This reserved-powers clause has been used by state governments with considerable success to fend off national incursion into state sovereignty. In 1997, for example, in Printz v. U.S., the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a provision of the Brady Bill gun control bill that required local police to conduct background checks for handgun purchases. The Court saw this provision as a violation of the federal division of powers. Also in 1997, a federal district court affirmed the right of the voters of California when they passed Proposition 209 banning affirmative action by public institutions in the state. The proposition is in direct contraction to federal policy but was allowed to stand by the Court. Not all attempts to assert state sovereignty succeed. In 1985, in Garcia v. San Antonio MTA, the Court added to a long line of decisions, beginning with the New Deal, that permitted federal regulation of the conditions of labor for state and local employees, including minimum wage, maximum hours, and the right to unionize.

In the early 21st century, the boundaries between state and federal authority remain unclear. In the area of medical marijuana, for example, at least 14 states have laws that permit the cultivation, distribution, and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and several have decriminalized marijuana altogether. However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and there have been numerous incidents, notably in California, where medical marijuana dispensaries, operating in a manner consistent with state law, have been shut down by federal authorities. In the 2005 Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court asserted the federal government’s power to prohibit the use of marijuana even for medicinal purposes. This particular federal–state dispute remains active as more states indicate the likelihood of relaxing marijuana laws at the state level.

States remain vibrant, vital sovereign actors in American politics. Constitutional provisions, centuries-old practice, and Supreme Court decision making will ensure that state–federal tension remains a significant dynamic in the system.

One of the frequently cited benefits of an American-style federal system is the variety offered by the existence of 50 sovereign states. From the physical differences between the Alaska tundra and the Hawaiian tropics, to the cultural differences between Utah and Florida, to the economic differences between Mississippi (median household income of $37,700) and Connecticut (median household income of $70,500) and the political differences between Rhode Island (63% voted for Obama) and Wyoming (33% voted for Obama), diversity is an undeniable fact of American life. This diversity provides a number of benefits. It provides an array of opportunities and options for American citizens in terms of economic opportunity and lifestyle choices. Political scientist Daniel Elazar (1984) observed three distinct political cultures in the United States. His successor in the field, Joel Lieske, identified 10 regional subcultures (Bowman & Kearney, 2008). These allow for the prediction of quality of life, business climate, expansiveness of government programming, and other features.

Anyone traveling around the United States can observe differences in speed limits, motorcycle helmet laws, hours of operation of bars, and severity of punishment for crimes (three-strikes laws and the presence of a death penalty). These obvious differences among states are the surface manifestations of the considerable leeway that states have to determine policy agendas.

Many observers note that some of the most significant policy innovations in contemporary American history have begun as experiments at the state level. Welfare-to-work programs, universal health insurance, charter schools, and family leave policies are in this category.

As noted, however, the presence of state autonomy with regard to public policy can produce inequities among Americans that derive from the state in which they live. Federal laws such as the No Child Left Behind Act attempt to mandate a national standard for education. Federal programs such as Food Stamps and Medicaid ensure a base level of benefits to the poor regardless of geography. Even with these programs, there is considerable variation in the funding levels and quality of services from state to state.

Article IV of the U.S. Constitution lays out several rules that must be followed by all states if they are to be members of the union: Each state shall give full faith and credit to the records and documents of every other state, citizens of every state shall have all the privileges and immunities granted to citizens of each state, and every state shall have a republican form of government. Article I, Section 10 prohibits states from doing certain things: coining money, entering into treaties, passing ex post facto laws, among others. Beyond these relatively few requirements, states are free to design their own forms of government.

Although there is some variety from one state to the next in constitutional structures and processes, most states mimic the national level of government, with three branches, checks and balances, regularly scheduled elections, substate units of government with some degree of autonomy, and some set of civil rights and liberties guaranteed to the citizens.

Beyond those basic structural similarities lie significant differences among state constitutions. Massachusetts has the oldest constitution, adopted in 1780. Georgia, on the other hand, adopted a new constitution in 1983 (Saffell & Basehart, 2001). Some constitutions are very long, like Alabama’s with over 340,000 words, some are rather short, like New Hampshire’s with 9,200 words, although none as short as the U.S. Constitution with 8,700 words (Bowman & Kearney, 2008). Most state constitutions are relatively easy to amend, including by popular initiative. In 17 states, the constitution can be amended by majority vote of the legislature. In 18 states, the constitution can be amended by majority vote of the electorate. California’s Proposition 209, noted previously, is one example of this. Thirty-one states have constitutional amendments restricting the definition of marriage to a union between one man and one woman. The result is a proliferation of provisions attached to many state constitutions. In 2002, a provision was added to the Florida constitution that prohibits “cruel and unusual confinement of pigs during pregnancy” (Bowman & Kearney, 2008, p. 59). Seven constitutions have bills of rights that make mention of dueling (Saffell & Basehart, 2001).

One of the most controversial recent uses of the state constitution amendment process has been in the area of gay marriage. In the United States, demands for equal treatment for all citizens regardless of race, gender, religion, age, and disability have been made and resolved, for the most part, at both the state and national levels. Such demands for equality in the matter of sexual orientation are still contested terrain in U.S. politics. Family law is typically the province of state governments, and so the battle about the legality of same-sex marriages is being fought in that arena. Since state courts, state attorneys general, and local town clerks have frequently found no basis in law for denying a marriage license to same-sex couples, many states have responded by defining marriage as between one man and one woman either by statute (in 12 states) or by an amendment to the state constitution (in 29 states). Virtually all of these amendments have been adopted since 2000. Most notably, in California, in November 2008, voters approved Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. This vote came only months after a California court had ruled same-sex marriage as constitutional in that state. So the voters changed the constitution, redefining the rights of gay Californians (Archibold & Goodnough, 2008). The ease with which many state constitutions can be amended by both legislatures and voters have resulted in some constitutions with hundreds of amendments: South Carolina with 484, California with 848, and Alabama with 1,028. The result is constitutions that are weighed down with anachronistic policy mandates; confusing, overlapping, and conflicting prohibitions; and special protections for groups that have been savvy enough to take advantage of the amendment process.

Starting in the 1960s and continuing to this day, most states have been undertaking a process of constitutional reform to address some of the flaws of these wordy, policy-laden documents. Bowman and Kearney (2008) reveal that between 1960 and 1980, every state altered its constitution to some degree, and 10 states replaced their constitutions completely. The process of reform, which is connected to similar trends in other areas of state government to be discussed in subsequent sections, continues.

The governor is the chief executive of the state, charged with the day-to-day operation of the state. Yet the aversion to executive power that suffuses the national government is present at the state level as well. In early state constitutions, governors were often limited to single terms, or even one-year terms, and had no veto power, no budgeting power, and no appointment power. In some states, the governors themselves were appointed by the legislature. As with the national government, as the states grew more complex, the need for effective executive power became clear. And throughout the 19th century, state legislatures revealed themselves to be prone to corruption, and their oversight of the budget and administration of state government became problematic. The reform movement of the Progressive Era led to some changes in the allocation of power at the state level as governors’ terms were lengthened and many were given the veto power. The first half of the 20th century was a period of little change in state government as the federal government grew rapidly and, with the New Deal, gathered much tax, spending, and programmatic power to Washington, D.C.

Throughout this period, right through the mid-1960s, the mal-apportionment of state legislatures rendered most governors powerless in the face of their legislatures. Virtually all state legislative lines were relics of earlier times, drawn before populations of immigrants and farm workers swelled the size of American cities. So by the early 1960s, state legislatures were dominated by representatives from tiny rural districts. Governors, on the other hand, were elected statewide in response to the needs of the population centers. But without legislative approval, governors were unable to push their policy agendas. In Tennessee, one Charles Baker of Memphis pointed out to the Supreme Court that his district, with its one representative, had 10 times as many people in it as neighboring rural districts. This underrepresentation of urban districts in both state legislatures and the U.S. House of Representatives was ruled a violation of the equal-protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The 1962 Baker v. Carr decision was crucial in the reallocation of power within state legislatures from the rural areas to the population centers and removal of legislative barriers to the governors’ ability to make policy (Weber & Brace, 1999). At the same time, changes at the federal level were pushing more decision-making authority and some money down to the state level.

Starting in the 1970s with President Nixon’s New Federalism and continuing on through Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, the so-called devolution revolution redesigned federal programs by loosening up guidelines on how federal grant money could be spent at the state level. Categorical grants in which Congress determined the shape of programs were redesigned as block grants in which governors could choose how to spend the federal dollars within loose national guidelines. Governors became important policy actors with dramatically enhanced responsibility for program design and implementation.

Again, the formal powers of a governor vary from state to state, but it is the case that the overall status and importance of the governorship has been dramatically enhanced since the founding of the American republic. The significance of the office can be seen by the number of governors who have gone on to become presidents in recent years—Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush—and the number of governors (four) who have been tapped to serve in the Obama administration—Vilsack of Iowa at the Department of Agriculture, Locke of Washington at the Department of Commerce, Sebelius of Kansas at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Napolitano of Arizona at the Department of Homeland Security.

Because governors are both politicians and administrators, with a wide range of policy areas as their responsibility, and are on duty in their states around the clock, they are seen by many experts as more likely to be better prepared for the presidency than are members of Congress. Most scholars agree that today’s governors are the following:

better educated, more experienced in state government and more competent than their predecessors. Never before has the strength and policy influence of the governors been surpassed. . . . The governors have displayed greater capability and vigor than ever before. (Bowman & Kearney, 2008, p. 195)

As with governors, its is difficult to generalize about state legislatures except to say that most are part-time, all but one are bicameral, and all serve the functions of representation, legislation, and oversight of the executive branch (Bowman & Kearney, 2008). The National Council of State Legislatures has divided states into categories based on length of session. Red states have legislatures that are in session for at least 80% of the work year. Those serving in these bodies earn a salary that allows them to be full-time legislators. It is clear that larger states, with complex policy needs, fall into this category. In 2006, a California legislator earned $110,000, while a legislator serving in New Hampshire earned $200.

In terms of processes, state legislatures work much the same way that the U.S. Congress does. Members are elected from districts and must attend to the needs of their constituents. Yet they must also participate in the making of state policy by serving on committees, writing and voting on legislation, and interacting with the governor and the state bureaucracy. As with the governor, as demands put on states have increased since the 1960s, many state legislatures have become increasingly professionalized by adding staff, lengthening sessions, and raising salaries. In some states, this had led to the same kind of incumbency effects that exist at the national level as some legislators hold on to their seats for decades. In reaction to this, throughout the 1990s, voters in 15 states adopted initiatives that limited state legislatures’ terms in some ways. Term limits in the state legislatures were expected to bring in new blood, eliminate entrenched interests, and make the body more representative of minority groups in the population that had been locked out by incumbents. According to several studies, however, term limits in state legislatures have produced a slower-working institution, a stronger governor, more influential interest groups, and term-limited legislators who are less, not more, responsive to constituents. Further, there has been no measurable increase in the representation of underrepresented groups in state houses.

What is clear is that important policy decisions are made in state capitals. Political scientists must attend to the analytical and decision-making capacity of both governors and state legislatures. The challenges facing state governments are enormous since many face large deficits, job losses, crumbling infrastructure, flawed education systems, and other major policy problems. Is the capacity to address these problems present in the states? The answer to that question will be revealed in the early decades of the 21st century.

State courts process 100 million cases a year, which is 99% of all the cases heard in American courts (cited in Weber & Brace, 1999). Clearly it is state courts that are the heart of the U.S. judicial system. As with governors and state legislatures, state courts have changed significantly over the past 40 years, professionalizing and reforming to enhance their efficiency and legitimacy. State courts deal with a wide range of issues that affect the daily lives of all Americans: family law, traffic law, property disputes, debt collection, and criminal law. State courts are also usually the first to look at cases that can have monumental constitutional import, from whether to allow prayer in public schools to the appropriateness of race-based admissions in state law schools to whether local governments can seize private property for economic development purposes.

As with legislatures and executives, there is considerable variability among the structures and processes of state judicial systems. Some states have multiple types of courts, some have elected judges, some have mandatory sentencing, others have three-strikes laws, and still others have considerable judicial discretion regarding the disposition of cases.

One of the major structural features that distinguish one state court system from the next is the method for selecting judges. For many years, starting with Mississippi in 1832 and continuing throughout the 19th century as new states entered the union, the judicial selection process of choice was election by the state legislature or by election of the voters. Both of these methods came under criticism during the Progressive Era as reformers voiced concern about the ability of elected judges in particular to have the qualifications, objectivity, and accountability to make sound judicial findings. In 1937, the American Bar Association introduced and endorsed the Missouri Plan, which involved a judicial nominating commission recommending judicial nominees to the governor. The governor would then appoint those recommended (should he choose to); the appointees would take office and then be ratified by the voters in a so-called retention vote at the next regularly scheduled election. Twenty-three states use some form of this method (not always including the retention vote), 22 continue to use elections, and 5 use pure gubernatorial appointment. As with the trends in constitutional, executive, and legislative reform, state judiciaries have followed a pattern of increasing professionalism and modernization (Bowman & Kearney, 2008).

One of the characteristics of state government that does not mimic federal government is the so-called long ballot, which provides for the election of numerous statewide officials, who, at the federal level, would be appointed by the executive. This feature is a reflection of the early suspicion of executive power, and despite numerous attempts at reform, it has remained an element of most state governments. So the heads of major state departments—the attorney general, the state treasurer, and the commissioner of education—are often elected by the voters and immune to gubernatorial control. Although this allows for greater responsiveness to the public, it does create opportunities for gridlock or redundancy in policy making.

State bureaucracies and their counterparts at the local level are the agencies that delivery virtually all public goods and services, from education to transportation to policing, parks, waste management, and water supplies. The precise form of this service-delivery mechanism varies significantly from state to state, with some states relying on strong county government structures to deliver most services and others relying on local governments at the point where the rubber meets the road. Some states are complex systems of elected or appointed boards and commissions to advise on or make policies, while others are not. In 2008, state governments employ about 3.8 million (down from 4.6 million people in 1992). Of these, 1.2 million work in higher education, 477,000 in corrections, and 377,000 in corrections (U.S. Census, 2009). In the last half of the 20th century, the functions of government have become more complex, and the devolution revolution has shifted responsibility for delivering services from the federal government to the states. Along with these developments has come increased attention to the need for efficiency and transparency in the delivery of state services. As with governors and legislatures, state bureaucracies have, over the course of the past several decades, undergone a wave of reform and professionalization. One of the elements of reform has been consolidation. In 1993, for example, South Carolina reduced the number of state agencies from 79 to 17 and eliminated many boards and commissions (Saffell & Basehart, 2001). Many states have adopted some form of performance budgeting, in which agencies’ budgets are tied to the quality of services delivered. Some states have looked to privatization of some services as a means of improving service delivery and saving money. And virtually all state governments have moved in significant ways into so-called e-government, eliminating much of the paperwork and waiting lines that had been the source of public frustration at such agencies as motor vehicle registries and public assistance agencies.

Each year, Governing magazine, in collaboration with the Pew Center on the States, grades the 50 states on their performance in four areas of public management: budgeting, personnel management, infrastructure, and management of information. Detailed reports on the management strengths and weaknesses of each state reveal dramatic differences in administrative efficiency, modernization, citizen satisfaction, and quality of services delivered. The three states receiving the highest overall grade (A−) in 2008 are Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The two states at the bottom are Rhode Island (C−) and New Hampshire (D+). Students of state politics and public management can find a wealth of information and much fodder for future research in these reports (Pew Center on the States, 2008).

There are 88,000 units of local government in the United States. Of these, 3,033 are county governments. The size and functions of counties vary dramatically from state to state. Counties employ 2 million employees nationwide and range in size from 6 square miles (Arlington County, Virginia) to 87,000 square miles (North Slope Borough, Alaska) and population from 67 residents in Loving County, Texas, to 9.5 million residents in Los Angeles County, California. In Rhode Island and Connecticut, counties exist as lines on a map but nothing else. Virginia relies on counties to deliver most educational services in the state, while New Hampshire uses county governments to deliver most public welfare services. Counties are particularly important units of government in rural areas where residents may live in areas that have not been incorporated into a city or town. For these citizens, county government is their primary contact point for all public goods and services. In keeping with the movement to reform government at the state and local levels, many states are examining their county governments with an eye to consolidation and streamlining. In California, for example, the legislature considered a proposal to consolidate the state’s 58 counties into seven regional supergovernments. The bill did not pass, but it is an indication of current thinking about the place of county governments in the United States (Bowman & Kearney, 2008).

According to the U.S. Census (2009), in 2008, there were 19,492 municipal governments in the United States, 16,519 town governments, 13,051 school districts, and 37,381 special district governments. Combined employment in this sector was 14.2 million people. Again, the primary characteristic of municipal government is diversity. The United States Constitution was silent on the question of local governments, leaving to the states to determine how citizens would be represented and services delivered in their states. Virtually all states have some version of home rule, in which cities and towns are granted some degree of autonomy over their own affairs. There is, however, a long tradition of state interference with local affairs that has been enshrined in Dillon’s rule, expounded by Iowa judge John Dillon is 1868, which states that local governments have only those powers explicitly granted to them by the state government. Although this is contrary to the Jeffersonian principle that the most desirable form of government is that which is closest to the people, it is the guiding tenet of state–local relations to this day (Bowman & Kearney, 2008).

Municipal governments can take several forms. Larger cities in the Northeast and Midwest tend to organize according to the strong mayor–council form of government, which mimics the state and federal models. Mayors are elected citywide and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city. City councils are typically part-time and responsible for enacting legislation, including the budget, connecting with the residents (since the council is usually elected from wards, or districts, in the city), and exercising oversight of mayoral activities. Smaller communities often use the council–manager form of government in which the town council is elected, either at large or from districts, and is very part-time with limited powers. The council appoints the town manager, or administrator, who is a professionally trained (in the best case) public manager. He or she has authority over all town departments and is responsible for the daily operation of the town.

Most local governments also have a number of special-purpose districts or authorities. These bodies are usually governed by an elected board that oversees an appointed professional executive. Education, sewers, bridges and tunnels, fire service, ports, airports, libraries, and many other service areas can be operated by these commissions. The commissions are often formed to extract the policy area from the control of the town government for reasons of efficiency or to deliver a service that involves multiple jurisdictions. These districts have been criticized in recent years for lack of transparency and accountability and redundancy of services.

The proper way to organize municipal government and deliver local services is not a settled matter. Students of political science and public administration can find many intriguing questions in this area of inquiry. The local level is the place where citizens have the most frequent and most direct contact with their government. It is also the level where political scientists have the best access for research and where those who wish to combine theory and practice can most easily do so. Much can be learned about the dynamics of elections, the operations of bureaucracy, the nature of executive power, best and worst practices in public policy from observation, and analysis of those units of government close to where we live.

Because of the extraordinary diversity in political structures, processes, and policies from state to state and municipality to municipality, comparative analysis is easy to do and bears significant fruit for the student of government.

Although there is only one national government in the United States and that receives the lion’s share of attention from political scientists and the media, there are 50 state and approximately 88,000 local units of government. The existence of these state and local governments is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and in American political culture. Their existence provides an impediment to effective national policy making and an opportunity for diversity and experimentation at the state and local levels. Their existence provides a multitude of arenas for public participation in politics and close-up observation of the processes and politics of governance. Students of political science can learn much about executive power from studying governors, much about legislative power from studying city councils, and much about grassroots activism from studying campaigns for mayor or the multitude of local policy initiatives that appear on ballots at election time. Recent commitments to transparency, the recent trends in e-government, and the physical proximity of the units of government provide ready access to the researcher. These so-called laboratories of democracy are also laboratories for the discipline.

Bibliography :

• Archibold, R. C., & Goodnough, A. (2008, November 5). California voters ban gay marriage. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/world/americas/06iht-06ballot.17571248.html
• Bowman, A., & Kearney, R. (2008). State and local government (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Council of State Governments: http://www.csg.org/
• Elazar, D. (1984). American federalism: A view from the states. New York: HarperCollins.
• Engel, M. (1999). State and local government. New York: Peter Lang.
• Governing: https://www.governing.com/
• National Association of Counties: https://www.naco.org/
• National Council of State Legislatures. (2009). Full and part time legislators. https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/full-and-part-time-legislatures.aspx
• National Governors Association: https://www.nga.org/
• Olshfski, D., & Cunningham, R. (2008). Agendas and decisions. Albany: SUNY Press.
• Pew Center on the States. (2008). Grading the states. h ttps://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2008/03/03/grading-the-states-2008-report
• Saffell, D. C., & Basehart, H. (2001). State and local government. Boston: McGraw Hill.
• Stateline: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline
• U.S. Census. (2009). State government employment data: March 2008. https://www2.census.gov/govs/apes/08stca.txt
• U.S. Conference of Mayors: https://www.usmayors.org/
• U.S. Constitution. (1787). Available at https://www.usconstitution.net/const.html
• Weber, R., & Brace, P. (Eds.). (1999). American state and local politics. New York: Chatham House.

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Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits  – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

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DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

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DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

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Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

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Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

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Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

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Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Single-use Plastics Ban – Should single-use plastics be banned?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

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ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

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Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

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U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

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Political Science Essay Topics

Get Inspired by 200 Political Science Essay Topic Ideas

15 min read

Published on: May 8, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Political science is a fascinating and ever-evolving field that seeks to understand the complex workings of politics. As a student of political science, writing essays on political science topics can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge.

But finding an excellent topic for your essay is often the most difficult part. Don’t worry if you’re stuck at choosing a topic - delve into our list of topics to find inspiration!

In this blog, we've compiled a list of almost 200 political science essay topics. This list covers a wide range of topics and subfields within political science. These thought-provoking essay topics will inspire you to explore new ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. 

So let’s delve into it!

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Public Policy and Administration Essay Topics

• The role of public policy in promoting sustainable development.
• An analysis of the impact of social media on public policy decision-making.
• The challenges of implementing public policy in diverse cultural contexts.
• A comparative study of public healthcare policies in different countries.
• The role of public-private partnerships in promoting economic development.
• An evaluation of the effectiveness of public policy in addressing climate change.
• The impact of globalization on public policy and administration.
• The challenges of balancing individual rights and public safety in policy-making.
• An analysis of the role of bureaucracy in public policy administration.
• The ethical challenges facing public policy decision-makers and administrators.

Political Theory and Political Philosophy Essay Topics

• The concept of justice in political philosophy
• The views on power in political philosophy
• The relationship between democracy and capitalism in political theory.
• The role of civil disobedience in democratic societies: a philosophical perspective.
• The relationship between individual freedom and social responsibility in political theory.
• The role of the state in ensuring social justice in modern democracies.
• A critical analysis of the concept of sovereignty.
• The relationship between ethics and politics in the work of Aristotle.
• A comparative study of the political thought of Plato and Machiavelli.
• Feminist political theory and its role in promoting gender equality in democratic societies.

Comparative Politics Essay Topics 

• What are the different electoral systems used in democratic countries?
• The role of political parties in democratic governance: a comparative analysis.
• The impact of religion on politics in different countries: a comparative study.
• The challenges of democratic consolidation in transitional societies: a comparative perspective.
• A comparative analysis of the welfare state in different countries.
• The role of civil society in democratic governance: a comparative study.
• A comparative study of the political systems of federal and unitary states.
• The impact of historical legacies on contemporary political systems: a comparative analysis.
• A comparative analysis of the parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
• The impact of globalization on political systems: a comparative study.

Political Economy Essay Topics

• The impact of globalization on economic inequality: a critical analysis.
• The role of the state in economic development: a comparative study.
• A comparative study of capitalist and socialist economic systems.
• The relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• The impact of technological innovation on economic development.
• The role of multinational corporations in shaping global economic governance.
• A comparative study of the economic policies of different political regimes.
• The impact of financialization on the global economy.
• The relationship between trade liberalization and economic growth: a critical analysis.
• The role of international organizations in shaping global economic governance.

American Politics and Government Essay Topics

• The impact of political polarization on American democracy.
• Government influence in the economics of the US.
• Culture wars as the most important political issue in contemporary United States
• The challenges of federalism in a diverse and complex society.
• A critical analysis of the role of interest groups in American politics.
• The impact of media on American politics and public opinion.
• A comparative study of the voting systems used in different American states.
• The role of the Electoral College in American presidential elections.
• The impact of money on American politics: a case study of a recent election.
• A critical analysis of the role of the Constitution in shaping American politics and society.

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International Relations and Diplomacy Essay Topics

• The impact of globalization on international relations.
• A comparative study of the foreign policies of major powers.
• The role of diplomacy in conflict resolution: a case study of a recent conflict.
• The impact of economic interdependence on international relations.
• The role of international law and diplomacy in global governance.
• The role of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security.
• The role of soft power in shaping international relations
• The impact of nationalism on international relations. 
• The relationship between technology and diplomacy in the 21st century.
• The threat of nuclear weapons and nuclear war

Essay Topics About Regional Politics

• How has the European Union navigated the challenges posed by Brexit and the rise of right-wing populism?
• What role does the African Union play in promoting regional integration and economic development on the continent?
• How successful has ECOWAS been in promoting peace and security in West Africa?
• What challenges does ASEAN face in promoting economic integration and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia?
• How has SAARC contributed to regional stability and economic development in South Asia?
• What impact has the BRICS group had on global economic governance and geopolitics?
• What are the implications of China's increasing influence in the Asia-Pacific region for regional stability and security?
• How have the member states of Caricom worked together to promote economic integration and development in the Caribbean?
• The evolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its role in the Middle East?
• How have regional organizations and powers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what lessons can be learned from their experiences?

Political Science Education and Career Essay Topics

• The benefits of studying political science for a career in public service.
• The job prospects for political science graduates.
• The impact of technology on the future of political science careers.
• A comparative analysis of political science programs offered by different universities.
• The role of internships in preparing political science students for a career in public service.
• Diversity and inclusion in political science education and careers.
• The salaries and benefits of political science professionals.
• The role of professional associations in supporting political science education and careers.
• The skills required for a successful career in political science.
• The impact of globalization on political science education and careers.

Essay Topics About Political Parties and Elections 

• The impact of financial influence in politics on democratic elections.
• The role of political parties in shaping democratic elections.
• The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections.
• A critical analysis of voter suppression in recent elections.
• The role of interest groups in shaping election outcomes.
• A comparative study of primary election systems used in different states.
• The impact of political advertising on voter behavior.
• A critical analysis of the role of political action committees in shaping election outcomes.
• The impact of gerrymandering on democratic representation.
• The role of charismatic leadership in elections

Essay Topics About Political Ideologies

• An analysis of the major political ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism.
• The role of ideology in shaping public policy.
• A critical analysis of the relationship between democracy and different political ideologies.
• The impact of globalization on the spread of political ideologies.
• A comparative analysis of feminist and gender-based political ideologies.
• The role of religion in shaping political ideologies.
• A critical analysis of the intersection of race and political ideologies.
• A study of the political ideologies behind different social movements.
• The role of political ideologies in shaping political parties and elections.
• The impact of political ideologies on political violence and terrorism.

Essay Topics About Human Rights and Justice

• A critical analysis of the role of international law in promoting human rights and justice.
• The impact of globalization on human rights and justice.
• A comparative study of the human rights and justice systems in different countries.
• The role of the United Nations in promoting human rights and justice.
• A critical analysis of the intersection of human rights and social justice movements.
• The impact of human rights abuses on democratic governance.
• The role of civil society organizations in promoting human rights and justice.
• A comparative study of restorative and retributive justice systems.
• The impact of technology on the promotion and protection of human rights.
• The role of the media in promoting human rights and justice.

Essay Topics About Gender and Politics

• Representation of women in politics in different countries.
• The impact of gender on voting behavior and political participation.
• A critical analysis of the intersection of race and gender in politics.
• The role of gender in shaping public policy.
• A comparative analysis of the political representation of women in different regions.
• The impact of social media on the gendered nature of political discourse.
• A critical analysis of the gendered dimensions of political violence and conflict.
• The role of gender in shaping political leadership styles.
• A comparative study of the impact of gender quotas on political representation.
• The role of feminist movements in shaping political agendas.

Essay Topics About Environmental Politics

• The impact of climate change on global politics.
• The role of international organizations in shaping environmental policies.
• A comparative study of the environmental policies of different countries.
• The impact of environmental policies on economic development.
• The relationship between environmental justice and social justice.
• The role of civil society organizations in shaping environmental policies.
• Market-based vs command-and-control environmental policies.
• The impact of the media on shaping public opinion on environmental issues.
• A critical analysis of the relationship between environmental politics and global governance.
• The role of science in shaping environmental policies.

Essay Topics About Media and Politics 

• The role of media in shaping political discourse.
• The impact of social media on political communication and participation.
• A comparative analysis of media systems and their impact on political outcomes.
• The role of media in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.
• An analysis of the relationship between media ownership and political bias.
• The impact of fake news and disinformation on political processes and outcomes.
• A comparative study of media regulation in different countries.
• The role of investigative journalism in holding political leaders accountable.
• The impact of media consolidation on political diversity and representation.
• The relationship between media and democracy.

Essay Topics About Political Culture and Identity

• The relationship of political culture on democratic governance.
• The role of cultural identities in shaping political behavior.
• The impact of cultural diversity on political processes and outcomes.
• A critical analysis of the role of nationalism in shaping political identities.
• The impact of populism on political culture and identity.
• The role of gender and sexuality in shaping political identities.
• A critical analysis of the relationship between religion and politics.
• The impact of migration on cultural identities and political participation.
• The role of art and culture in shaping political identity and activism.
• The relationship between language and political identity.

Essay Topics About Political Geography and Geopolitics

• A study of the impact of geography on political boundaries and territorial disputes.
• A comparative analysis of political systems in different regions of the world.
• The impact of natural resources on geopolitical relations and conflicts.
• A critical analysis of the role of global institutions in shaping geopolitical outcomes.
• The impact of infrastructure development on geopolitical relations.
• A comparative study of the influence of colonialism on modern political geography.
• The role of geography in shaping economic development policies.
• The impact of migration on political geography and geopolitics.
• The impact of climate change on political geography and geopolitics.
• The role of technological innovation in shaping political geography and geopolitics.

Essay About Political Leadership and Decision-making

• A critical analysis of the qualities and characteristics of effective political leaders.
• The impact of leadership styles on decision-making in politics.
• A comparative analysis of leadership styles and their impact on political outcomes.
• The role of emotions and intuition in political decision-making.
• The relationship between power and leadership in politics.
• The impact of charismatic leadership on political influence.
• The decision-making process in crisis situations in politics.
• The role of communication skills in effective political leadership and decision-making.
• A comparative analysis of the decision-making process in democratic and authoritarian systems.
• The rise of global populist leadership.

Essay Topics About War and Peace

• The causes and consequences of war in the modern era.
• The effectiveness of different conflict resolution mechanisms.
• The role of international law in regulating armed conflicts and promoting peace.
• The role of peacekeeping operations in managing conflicts.
• The impact of new technologies on the dynamics of modern warfare.
• A comparative study of different approaches to peacebuilding and their effectiveness.
• The role of diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflicts.
• A study of the relationship between economic interdependence and peace.
• The role of media in shaping public perceptions of war and peace.
• The impact of environmental factors on the risk of conflict and the prospects for peace.

Political Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the United Nations have the authority to intervene in sovereign nations to prevent human rights abuses?
• Is democracy the best form of government, or are there other viable alternatives?
• Should the government have the right to regulate free speech in order to protect against hate speech and incitement to violence?
• To what extent should the government be involved in regulating the economy?
• Should the electoral college be abolished in favor of a popular vote for presidential elections?
• Is democracy the ideal political system for every country in the world?
• Should political candidates be required to release their tax returns in order to run for office?
• Is political correctness a threat to free speech and academic freedom?
• Should the government be responsible for ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all citizens?
• Should the right to bear arms be protected, or should gun ownership be more strictly regulated for public safety?

Political Science Persuasive Essay Topics

• The government should provide universal healthcare to all citizens.
• Elected officials should be required to disclose their financial interests and conflicts of interest.
• Renewable energy sources should be prioritized over fossil fuels to combat climate change.
• The electoral college should be abolished in favor of a popular vote for presidential elections.
• Voter ID laws should be eliminated to ensure fair and equal access to the ballot box.
• The United States should increase its investment in education and reduce its military spending.
• The minimum wage should be raised to a living wage in order to combat poverty.
• The United States should adopt a policy of open borders and allow for more immigration.
• The government should regulate social media platforms to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
• The United States should take a more active role in combating human rights abuses and promoting democracy around the world.

How to Choose a Political Science Topic for Your Essay

Now that you have read some good political science essay topic ideas, you must be wondering which one to choose. This is because with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right topic.

Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:

• Choose a Topic that Interests you: 

It is essential to choose a topic that you are passionate about. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging. 

• Do Your Research: 

Conduct preliminary research on each of your potential topics to see if there is enough literature and data available. You can use academic databases, books, and reputable websites to gather information.

• Consider your Audience: 

Think about your audience and what they might find interesting and relevant. Choose a topic that is not only relevant to your course but also to the broader political context.

• Narrow Down your Focus: 

Once you have a list of potential topics, narrow them down to a few that are more specific and manageable. You can do this by asking yourself questions such as, "What is the purpose of my essay?" and "What is my main argument?"

• Keep it Relevant: 

Choose a topic that is current and relevant to the present political landscape or the course you are studying. This will help keep your essay engaging and informative.

• Consult with your Instructor: 

Finally, if you are unsure about your topic or have questions about the assignment, don't hesitate to consult with your instructor. They can offer valuable insights and advice on how to approach your topic and structure your essay.

To Wrap it Up,

Political science is a fascinating field that offers a lot of topics for students to study. It's important to choose a topic that is both interesting to you and relevant to the course material. 

With the list of 200 essay topics provided above, you can get an inspiration for your own essay. Moreover, by following the tips for choosing a topic, you can narrow down your options to find a manageable and engaging topic.

Struggling with your political science essay? Our expert essay helpers are here to assist you every step of the way. Trust our political science essay writing service to deliver top-notch papers tailored to your needs.

And for an even smoother writing experience, don't forget to explore our AI essay writer tool .

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Top 100 American Government Essay Topics for Students

Sep 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Sep 3, 2021 | Topics | 0 comments

Students who want to enjoy civics need to develop an interest in American government essay topics. Students can find it hard at first, but they might grow more interested and write thought-provoking ideas about the American government later on. This is because of their careful choice when writing essays with titles that are intriguing for them personally. If you need help writing a paper about American history, look no further than this list of essay ideas! You won’t be able to choose just one – these topics are sure to excite your interest and spark creativity in the best way possible. With any luck, by using them as inspiration for research work, students will not have much trouble coming up with quality essays that their teachers will take notice of.

Table of Contents

American government essay topics

• Problems with American Democracy
• Foreign-Born American Can Become the President
• The Current Relationship between the American Citizens and the United States Government
• The Function of the Articles of Confederation
• How politics originated in America
• The 3 Branches of the American Government
• Making of the New Government
• American government: are they cruel or merciful?
• Racial Segregation Of the US
• An Accurate Assessment of the American Political System
• Contributors to our Successful Government
• The concept of power balance in the US government
• Changes in the American Government
• Three Branches of American Government
• The United States presidents that Pleased the people most
• Problems with the electoral college
• President Trump and His Policies
• What is the connection between the American government and the media
• United States Government Welfare
• Contentions between the American government and the citizens
• Tension In California Politics
• The Roots and Reform of American Government
• Gay Marriage and the Government
• Corruption in the US Government
• How to reduce corruption in the US government
• The Woman in the American Government
• Electoral College Reform
• Major Accomplishments of President Barack Obama
• Federalist versus Antifederalists
• What impact do social movements have on the American government?
• The philosophy of politics
• The Involvement of Government with the Daily Life of Americans
• The Articles of Confederation
• The First American President
• Problems with the American constitution
• How World War II Transformed American Government and Society
• American Constitutional Law
• Classical Conservatism vs Classical Liberalism
• Historical Ideas That Influenced The American Government
• The link between politics and religion
• Direct Popular Vote vs Electoral College
• How is terrorism affecting the US government?
• How international relations have impacted the US in the last ten years
• Should American democracy grant more power to the people
• The American Republic Government vs Aristotelian Government
• Why the American government should regulate internet safety
• Privacy and the American Government
• American Federalism and the New Deal
• Foundations of American Government
• How did the fourteenth amendment affect civil liberties in the US after it was passed at the end of the civil war?
• Communist Ideas in American Government
• What the US citizens think about the government
• The Need for Diversity in American Government
• Privacy: The American People vs the Government
• Development of the American Constitution
• Electing Supreme Court Justices
• The pros and cons of democracy
• The top priorities of the US government
• Foundations of the US Government
• Current Top Issues of the United States National Government
• The Reaction of American Government to September 11
• Bill and Bill: The Government and the American People
• Do Americans enjoy enough civil rights?
• Ideologies Of The American Government
• Social Security: Impacts of Its Disappearance
• The History of the American Federal Government
• Is it the role of the government to prevent gambling addictions, and should they ban lotteries?
• Why presidents deserve the privilege to serve for more than two terms if the citizens want them
• The US government and Native American
• What political decision has changed America the most
• American Diets: Why Government Should Not Control It
• Illustration of the Founding Principles of America
• Checks and Balances System in America
• How is the threat of terrorism affecting the American government?
• Roosevelt as an American Leader
• Why a female president is ideal for the US

Get Help from the Experts with your American Government Essay Topics Paper

There are a lot of interesting topics to consider when writing an essay on the American Government. Is there one that interests you the most? The list we’ve provided has some suggestions for where to start your research, but if none of them sounds like they would be suitable for what you want in your paper, don’t worry! You can also contact us and get help from professional writers with your paper today. Place your order now and see how great it feels not having homework at home tonight!  

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Ease your college life with our american government research paper topics.

August 13, 2020

Stay with me now.

Thinking up the best topic to write on government isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Which is why we’ve come up with this great list of items. How? You may ask. We pride in our native English-speaking writers, to deliver top American government topics for your academic assignments, including essays and research papers.

When you have exciting government topics to write about, the rest of the process becomes easy-peasy. Nevertheless, this is a skill that only a few possess. Lucky for you today, you will learn them firsthand from the gurus.

Let us explore various categories of top-notch US government research paper topics:

American Government Research Paper Topics: Legislative Branch

Here, we explore some of the good government paper topics in the legislative arm of the American government.

• A critical analysis of the House of Representatives and the senate
• Why the census is essential in determining the number of representatives
• Should house representatives serve for more than two terms?
• Is the 25-years age limit a necessity to vie?
• Why the senate is crucial in approving necessary presidential appointments
• What is the origin of the two-thirds majority rule in passing a bill?
• Should Congress have the powers to remove the President?
• Is the senate effective in Committee inquiries and hearings?
• Why is the 25th Amendment necessary for the House and the legislature?
• Should the Representatives elect the speaker of the House?
• The ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913
• Is the Vice President’s decisive vote crucial for the senate?
• Discuss the senate legislation process
• Does the number of committees and subcommittees matter and why?
• The role of experts, advocates, and opponents in the passage or rejection of a bill

You can derive more government paper topics on the legislative branch from the government’s website, senate proceedings or related news bulletin.

Government Research Paper Topics on the Executive Arm

You can consider this niche for your American government research paper with the following topics:

• Discuss the powers of the President and their implications
• How does the Federal government enforce and administer federal laws?
• Should the President appoint heads of independent national commissions?
• What is the effect of Congress overwriting a veto to the President?
• Should the President have unlimited power to extend pardons and clemencies for federal crimes?
• What does the State of the Union Address mean for the President?
• Does the congressional delegation in the electoral vote represent the will of the people?
• The significance of the President and the First family living in White House
• Does the President’s Oval Office have any national relevance?
• Why do Vice Presidents approach their role differently?
• Why should the White House Chief of Staff be the President’s closest adviser?
• Should the President decide on the number of cabinet members by himself?
• The cabinet is often the President’s closest confidants. Why?
• Do the departments in the committee meet the full needs of the US people?
• Why is the Department of Defense, the largest government agency?

A majority of government research topics in this sector revolve around the President, VP, and the cabinet.

College Government Thesis Paper Topics

Writing a college essay in this field can be complicated, especially if you are beginning your first year. Here are some good topics for a research paper in college:

• Compare and contrast direct and representative democracy.
• What changes would you like to make in the US Constitution?
• Individual states versus the federal government. Which is powerful?
• What will make more people vote during elections?
• An analysis of the two main parties in the US government
• Why should you vote for a candidate who probably won’t win?
• Where do political campaigns get their funding, and why?
• Is media the fourth branch of the US government?
• Evaluation of the Senate and House of Representatives candidate campaigns
• Do the members of Congress follow the will of the voters who elected them?
• How have different US Presidents used executive privilege?
• Is the executive branch of the US government the most powerful?
• Why is the First Amendment important to human rights in America?
• Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail in the senate?
• Does the federal government possess excess power as compared to others?
• Why are polls during presidential elections not reliable?

And there you have your list of government topics for high school, college, and university. Using these easy American government essay topics, you can write a winning research paper worth the commendation of the POTUS.

Are you still wondering, “What are good topics for a research paper?” Well, you have them all systematically arranged for you in the discussion above. However, students in need of professional writing help can get it at affordable rates.

Get yourself a government research paper done by an expert and feel like a pro today!

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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — American Government — US Government And Politics

Us Government and Politics

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Published: Aug 16, 2019

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149 American Revolution Essay Topics & Examples

If you’re looking for American Revolution topics for research paper or essay, you’re in the right place. This article contains everything you might need to write an essay on Revolutionary war

🗽 Top 7 American Revolution Research Topics

✍ american revolution essay: how to write, 🏆 american revolution essay examples, 📌 best american revolution essay topics, 💡 most interesting american revolution topics to write about, ⭐ interesting revolutionary war topics, 📃 american revolution topics for research paper, ❓ american revolution essay questions.

American Revolution, also known as Revolutionary War, occurred in the second half of the 18th century. Among its causes was a series of acts established by the Crown. These acts placed taxes on paint, tea, glass, and paper imported to the colonies. As a result of the war, the thirteen American colonies gained independence from the British Crown, thereby creating the United States of America. Whether you need to write an argumentative, persuasive, or discussion paper on the Revolutionary War, this article will be helpful. It contains American Revolution essay examples, titles, and questions for discussion. Boost your critical thinking with us!

• Townshend Acts and the Tea Act as the causes of the American Revolution
• Ideological roots of the American Revolution
• English government and the American colonies before the Revolutionary war
• Revolutionary War: the main participants
• The American Revolution: creating the new constitutions
• Causes and effects of the American Revolution
• Revolutionary War: the key battles

Signifying a cornerstone moment for British colonial politics and the creation of a new, fully sovereign nation, the events from 1765 to 1783 were unusual for the 18th century. Thus, reflecting all the crucial moments within a single American Revolution Essay becomes troublesome to achieve. However, if you keep in mind certain historical events, then you may affect the quality of your paper for the better.

All American Revolution essay topics confine themselves to the situation and its effects. Make sure that you understand the chronology by searching for a timeline, or even create one yourself! Doing so should help you easily trace what date is relevant to which event and, thus, allow you to stay in touch with historical occurrences. Furthermore, understand the continuity of the topic, from the creation of the American colony until the Declaration of Independence. Creating a smooth flowing narrative that takes into consideration both the road to revolution and its aftereffects will demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the issue.

When writing about the pre-history of the Revolution, pay special attention to ongoing background mechanisms of the time. The surge of patriotism, a strong desire for self-governed democracy, and “Identity American” all did not come into existence at the Boston Tea Party but merely demonstrated themselves most clearly at that time. Linking events together will become more manageable if you can understand the central motivation behind them.

Your structure is another essential aspect of essay writing, with a traditional outline following the events in chronological order, appropriately overviewing them when necessary. Thus, an excellent structure requires that your introduction should include:

• An American Revolution essay hook, which will pique your readers’ interest and make them want to read your work further. Writing in unexpected facts or giving a quote from a contemporary actor of the events, such as one of the founding fathers, are good hook examples because they grab your readers’ attention.
• A brief overview of the circumstances. It should be both in-depth enough to get your readers on the same level of knowledge as you, the writer, and short enough to engage them in your presented ideas.
• An American Revolution essay thesis that will guide your paper from introduction to conclusion. Between overviewing historical information and interest-piquing hooks, your thesis statement should be on-point and summarize the goal of your essay. When writing, you should often return to it, assessing whether the topics you are addressing are reflective of your paper’s goals.

Whatever issues you raise in your introduction and develop in your main body, you should bring them all together in your conclusion. Summarize your findings and compare them against your thesis statement. Doing so will help you carry out a proper verdict regarding the problem and its implications.

The research you have carried out and the resulting compiled bibliography titles will help you build your essay’s credibility. However, apart from reading up on the problem you are addressing, you should think about reading other sample essays. These may not only help you get inspired but also give excellent American Revolution essay titles and structure lessons. Nevertheless, remember that plagiarizing from these papers, or anywhere else, is not advisable! Avoid committing academic crimes and let your own ideas be representative of your academism.

Want to sample some essays to get your essay started? Kick-start your writing process with IvyPanda and its ideas!

• The American Revolution and Its Effects It is an acknowledgeable fact that the American Revolution was not a social revolution like the ones that were experienced in France, Russia or China, but it was a social revolution that was aimed at […]
• Sex During the American Revolution American Revolution is one of the most prominent and groundbreaking events in the history of the United States of America. One of the most interesting facts from the video was the usage of clothing and […]
• The Shoemaker and the Tea Party: Memory and the American Revolution: Book Analysis Even these facts from the author’s biography make “The Shoemaker and the Tea Party” a reliable source of the knowledge on the American past.”The Shoemaker and the Tea Party” is based on the story of […]
• Summary of “Abraham Lincoln” and “The Second American Revolution” by James M. McPherson According to McPherson, the war, that is, the Civil War, was aimed at bringing about liberty and ensuring the extension of protection to the citizenry which he had a clue of the fact that the […]
• The American Revolution and Independence Day Celebration This article will help us understand the American Revolution and determine whether Americans have a reason to celebrate Independency Day every Fourth of July or not, whether all American supported the war, and whether the […]
• American Revolution: Principles and Consequences One expanded the number of lands of the young country due to the confiscation of territories that were under the possession of the English government and loyalists, that is, people supporting the crown.
• The American Revolution’s Goals and Achievements The Patriots’ goals in the War, as well as the achievements of the revolution and the first Constitution in relation to different groups of population will be discussed in this essay.
• Haudenosaunee’s Role in the American Revolution They also signed treaties in relation to the support needed by the Americans and the Indians to avoid the conflicts that arose between the nations.
• Causes and Foundations of the American Revolution Speaking about what led to the revolution in the United States – the Boston Massacre, the Tea Party, or the Stamp Act – the most rational reason seems to be the result of all these […]
• The American Revolution: Role of the French The revolutionary war became the fundamental event in the history of the USA. For this reason, the rebellion in America became a chance to undermine the power of the British Empire and restore the balance […]
• The Unknown American Revolution In his book, Gary unveiled that the American Revolution’s chaos was through the power of Native Americans, enslaved people, and African Americans, not the people in power. The book boldly explains the origins of the […]
• Causes of the American Revolution: Proclamation & Declaration Acts The Proclamation was initially well-received among the American colonists because of the emancipation of the land and the cessation of hostilities.
• The American Revolution and Its Leading Causes Two acts passed by the British Parliament on British North America include the Stamp Act and the Townshend Act, which caused the Boston Massacre.
• A Woman’s Role During the American Revolution Doing so, in the opinion of the author, is a form of retribution to the people long gone, the ones who sacrificed their lives in honor of the ideals that, in their lifetime, promised a […]
• The Battles of the American Revolution The initial cause of the battle is the desire of the British to take over the harbors in Massachusetts. The battle of Bunker Hill marked the end of the peaceful rebellions and protests and became […]
• American Revolution’s Domestic and Worldwide Effects The American Revolution was a world war against one of the world’s most powerful empires, Great Britain, and a civil war between the American Patriots and the pro-British Loyalists. The main domestic effects of the […]
• The Heroes of the American Revolution However, their role was forgotten by the emergence of heroes such as Washington and Adams, white men who reformed the country.
• Changes Leading to the Colonies to Work Together During the American Revolution Ideally, the two settlements formed the basis of the significant social, political, and economic differences between the northern and southern colonies in British North America.
• American Revolution: Seven Years War in 1763 As a result of the passing the Tea Act in 1773 British East India company was allowed to sell tea directly to the colonist, by passing the colonists middlemen.
• The History of American Revolution and Slavery At the same time, the elites became wary of indentured servants’ claim to the land. The American colonies were dissatisfied with the Royal Proclamation of 1763 it limited their ability to invade new territories and […]
• The Experience of the American Revolution One of such events was the American Revolution, which lasted from 1775 to 1783; it created the independent country of the United States, changed the lives of thousands of people, and gave them the real […]
• Causes of the American Revolution Whereas we cannot point to one particular action as the real cause of the American Revolution, the war was ignited by the way Great Britain treated the thirteen united colonies in comparison to the treatment […]
• Impact of American Revolution on the French One After the success of the American Revolution, there was a lot of literature both in praise and criticism of the war which found its way to the French people.
• The Leadership in Book ‘Towards an American Revolution’ by J. Fresia It’s an indication of the misuse of the people by the leaders in a bid to bar them from enlightenment and also keep them in manipulative positions.
• American Revolution Information People in the colonies were enslaved in tyranny of churches as well as monarchies, and Benjamin, believed that with proper undertaking of education, the colonies would arise to their freedom and Independence.
• American Revolution: An Impact on the Nation The American Revolution can be characterized as one of the milestone events in American history which led to the formation of the state and the nation.
• Benjamin Franklin and the American Revolution Radical interpretations of the Revolution were refracted through a unique understanding of American society and its location in the imperial community.
• Figures of the American Revolution in «The Shoemaker and the Tea Party» The book The Shoemaker and the Tea Party by Alfred Young is a biographical essay describing events of the 18th century and life one of the most prominent figures of the American Revolution, George Robert […]
• The American Revolution Causes: English and American Views The American Revolution was brought about by the transformations in the American government and society. The taxes were not welcome at all since they brought about a lot of losses to the colonies.
• American Revolution and Its Historical Stages The following paragraphs are devoted to the description of the stages that contributed to a rise of the revolution against British rule.
• The American Revolution and Political Legitimacy Evolution At the beginning of the article, the Anderson highlights Forbes magazine comments where they stated that the businesses that would continue to feature in the future Forbes directory are the ones that head the activists’ […]
• American Revolution: Perspective of a Soldier Revolution became the event that radically changed the American society of that period and, at the same time, contributed to its unification.
• American Revolution and the Current Issues: Course The understanding of the critical issues in the history of the American Revolution will make the students intellectually understand the subsequent wars in American History and the events that may occur later.
• American Revolution in the United States’ History Americans had a very strong desire to be free and form their own government that would offer the kind of governance they wanted.
• Vietnam War and American Revolution Comparison Consequently, the presence of these matters explains the linkage of the United States’ war in Vietnam and the American Revolution to Mao’s stages of the insurgency.
• American Revolution in Historical Misrepresentation Narrating the good side of history at the expense of the bad side passes the wrong information to the students of history.
• The American Revolution as a People’s Revolution An idealized conception of a revolution leads to the conclusion that the American Revolution was not a representation of a “people’s revolution”.
• Battle of Brandywine in the American Revolution The Squad’s mission is to reconnoiter the location of the enemy during the night before the battle and prevent the possible unexpected attack of the enemy by enhancing the Principles of War.
• African Americans in the American Revolution Both the slave masters and the British colonizers sought the help of the African Americans during the American Revolution. The revolutionary nature of the American Revolution did not resonate with both the free and enslaved […]
• American Revolution: Reclaiming Rights and Powers As a result, British Government Pursued policies of the kind embodied in the proclamation of the 1763 and the Quebec act that gave Quebec the right to many Indian lands claimed by the American colonists […]
• Women Status after the American Revolution This revolution enabled women to show men that females could participate in the social life of the society. Clearly, in the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth century women were given only […]
• Impact of Rebellion on the American Revolution The rebellion was retrogressive to the cause of the American Revolution because it facilitated the spread of the ruling class and further hardened the position of the ruling class regarding the hierarchical arrangement of slavery.
• Was the American Revolution Really Revolutionary? The nature of the American Revolution is considered to be better understandable relying on the ideas offered by Wood because one of the main purposes which should be achieved are connected with an idea of […]
• The American Struggle for Rights and Equal Treatment To begin with, the Americans had been under the rule of the British for a very long time. On the same note, the British concentrated on taxing various establishments and forgot to read the mood […]
• African American Soldier in American Revolution It was revealed that the blacks were behind the American’s liberation from the British colonial rule, and this was witnessed with Ned Hector’s brevity to salvage his army at the battle of Brandywine.
• The Revolutionary War Changes in American Society The Revolution was started by the breakaway of the 13 American Colonies from the British Crown. A significant consequence of the American Revolution is that it led to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence […]
• American Revolutionary War: Causes and Outcomes The colonists vehemently objected to all the taxes, and claimed that Parliament had no right to impose taxes on the colonies since the colonists were not represented in the House of Commons.
• The Ideas of Freedom and Slavery in Relation to the American Revolution Although many Founders discussed the phenomenon of slavery as violating the appeals for freedom and liberty for the Americans, the concepts of slavery and freedom could develop side by side because the Founders did not […]
• French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812 In the course of the war, a peace treaty was signed in 1763 where the Britons acquired most of the territory that belonged to the French.
• American Women and the American Revolution Women’s standing, as much as they, in point of fact, turned out to be narrower and inflexibly defined subsequent to the war, was enhanced.
• Abigail Adams in American Revolution The presidency is a highly celebrated position and in her husband’s capacity, she was elevated to the eyes of the whole nation.
• The American War of Independence The American Revolution denotes the social, political and intellectual developments in the American states, which were characterized by political upheaval and war. The move by the colonizers seemed unpopular to the colonists and a violation […]
• Domestic and Foreign Effects of the American Revolution
• Reasons for English Colonization and American Revolution
• Native Americans During the American Revolution
• The American Revolution: The Most Important Event in Canadian History
• Women’s Rights After the American Revolution
• Philosophical, Economic, Political and Social Causes of the American Revolution
• American Revolution: The Result of Taxation, Military Occupation in the Colonies and the Negligence of the British
• The American Revolution and Women’s Freedom
• Reasons for the American Revolution – Tax, Military Presence, Merca
• Colonial Independence and the American Revolution
• The History, Transformative Quality, and Morality of the American Revolution
• Political and Economic Cause of the American Revolution
• American Revolution and Mexican Independence
• American Revolution: The Result of the French and Indian War
• Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution
• Battles That Changed the Outcome of the American Revolution
• After the American Revolution: Conflicts Between the North and South
• The Reasons Why People Chose to Be Loyalist During the American Revolution
• Identity: American Revolution and Colonies
• The Expansion and Sectionalism of the American Revolution
• The Relationship Between Nova Scotia and the American Revolution
• World Events That Coincided With the American Revolution
• The American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence
• The Republican Ideology and the American Revolution
• The Men Who Started the American Revolution
• Slavery and the American Revolution
• Economic and Political Causes for the American Revolution
• Ideas, Movements, and Leaders in the American Revolution
• American Revolution and the American Civil War
• Cultural Differences, the Ineffectiveness of England’s Colonial Policy, and the Effects of the French and Indian War as the Causes of the American Revolution
• American Democracy, Freedom, and the American Revolution
• Benjamin and William Franklin and the American Revolution
• The Major Factors That Led to the American Revolution
• Labor During the American Revolution
• Finding Stability After the American Revolution
• Autonomy, Responsibility and the American Revolution
• George Washington and the American Revolution
• African Americans and the American Revolution
• British and American Strengths in the American Revolution
• American Revolution and How the Colonists Achieved Victory
• What Was The Catalyst Of The American Revolution?
• Was the American Revolution a Conservative Movement?
• How Inevitable Was the American Revolution?
• Was the American Revolution Inevitable?
• Was the American Civil War and Reconstruction a Second American Revolution?
• How did the French and Indian War shape the American Revolution?
• What Were the Origins of the American Revolution?
• Why Did Tensions Between Great Britain and their North American Colonies Escalate so Quickly in the Wake of the French and Indian War?
• How the American Revolution Changed American Society?
• Was the American Revolution About Freedom and Political Liberty, or Just About Paying Fewer Taxes?
• Why Was American Revolution Unjust?
• How America and Great Britain Benefited from the American Revolution?
• Was The American Revolution A British Loss or An American Victory?
• How Did the American Revolution Impact Concordians, and Americans, not just Physically but Emotionally and Politically?
• Was the American Revolution Moderate or Radical?
• How Radical Was the American Revolution?
• Did the American Revolution Follow the Broad Pattern of Revolutions?
• How Did The American Revolution Affect Slaves And Women?
• How Did the American Revolution Get Started?
• How England Instigated the American Revolution?
• Who Benefited Most from the American Revolution?
• How Did People Contribute to the Political and Grassroots Areas to Gain Support of the American Revolution?
• Was the American Revolution the Fault of the United States or England?
• Was the American Revolution a Genuine Revolution?
• How Did Labor Change After The American Revolution?
• Did The American Revolution Help Spur The French Revolution?
• How Freemasonry Steered the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War?
• How Outrageous Taxation Lead to the American Revolution?
• How American Revolution Affect Natives?
• Is British Oppression: The Cause of the American Revolution?
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100+ Most Popular Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics in 2024

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can feel like stepping into a world where words are weapons, and arguments are battles to be won. Whether you’re in high school or college, finding the right rhetorical analysis essay topic can set the stage for a compelling and insightful piece. In 2024, with the ever-evolving landscape of media, literature, and public discourse, there’s no shortage of fascinating topics to choose from. So, let’s dive into some of the most popular and intriguing rhetorical analysis essay topics that can help you craft an essay that not only meets your academic requirements but also captivates your audience.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Rhetorical analysis is the process of examining how an author or speaker uses language to persuade or influence their audience. It goes beyond simply understanding the message; it involves analyzing the techniques and strategies used to convey that message effectively. This includes looking at the use of ethos, or credibility; pathos, or emotional appeal; and logos, or logical reasoning. By breaking down these elements, a rhetorical analysis seeks to understand the effectiveness of the communication and how it achieves its intended purpose.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial. A well-chosen topic not only makes your writing process smoother but also engages your readers from the get-go. You want something that has enough depth for analysis, but not so obscure that you can’t find sources or examples. The following list of rhetorical analysis essay topics in 2024 offers a wide range of options, ensuring that you can find a topic that interests you and meets your assignment’s requirements.

Literary Works: Classic and Contemporary

• The Use of Rhetoric in George Orwell’s “1984”
• Persuasive Techniques in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Rhetorical Strategies in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Analyzing the Use of Irony in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
• The Role of Pathos in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
• How Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” Employs Rhetoric to Influence the Audience
• The Use of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Rhetorical Analysis of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists”

Literary works often provide a rich ground for rhetorical analysis because of the intricate ways in which authors weave their arguments. Whether it’s classic literature or contemporary works, analyzing these texts helps you understand how authors have historically used rhetoric to influence societal perspectives.

Political Speeches: Power of Persuasion

• The Rhetoric of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
• Barack Obama’s 2008 Victory Speech: A Rhetorical Analysis
• The Persuasive Techniques in Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” Speech
• Analyzing the Use of Ethos in John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address
• The Role of Logos in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
• How Rhetoric Shaped Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign Speeches
• Rhetorical Strategies in Greta Thunberg’s Climate Change Speeches
• The Impact of Pathos in Nelson Mandela’s “I Am Prepared to Die” Speech

Political speeches are gold mines for rhetorical analysis. These speeches are crafted to influence, motivate, and sometimes manipulate public opinion. Analyzing these can provide deep insights into how leaders shape narratives and rally support.

Advertising Campaigns: Selling Through Words

• Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign: A Rhetorical Analysis
• The Use of Pathos in Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign
• Analyzing Ethos in Apple’s “Think Different” Ads
• The Rhetorical Strategies Behind Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign
• How Fear Appeals are Used in Anti-Smoking Ads
• Persuasion in Political Campaign Advertisements
• The Role of Humor in Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” Campaign
• The Use of Rhetoric in Social Awareness Campaigns like “Stop the Spread”

Advertising is all about persuasion. Companies spend millions to craft messages that resonate with their audience, and rhetorical analysis can peel back the layers to reveal how these campaigns influence consumer behavior.

Analyzing Modern Media: Films, TV Shows, and Music

Film and television.

• The Rhetoric of Heroism in Marvel’s “The Avengers”
• Analyzing the Use of Rhetoric in “Breaking Bad”
• How “The Handmaid’s Tale” TV Series Uses Rhetoric to Highlight Gender Inequality
• The Persuasive Techniques in Netflix’s “13th”
• Rhetorical Analysis of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”
• The Use of Pathos in Pixar’s “Up”
• Analyzing Rhetorical Devices in HBO’s “Game of Thrones”
• The Role of Ethos in “Schindler’s List”

Music and Lyrics

• The Rhetoric of Protest in Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
• Analyzing Pathos in Adele’s “Someone Like You”
• The Use of Logos in Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”
• How Beyoncé’s “Formation” Employs Ethos to Empower
• The Persuasive Power of Lyrics in John Lennon’s “Imagine”
• Rhetorical Analysis of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”
• The Role of Repetition in Queen’s “We Will Rock You”
• The Use of Symbolism in Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”

Modern media, whether films, TV shows, or music, is a reflection of the society we live in. Analyzing the rhetoric in these mediums not only deepens your understanding of the content but also helps you appreciate the subtle ways in which messages are conveyed.

Rhetoric in Social Media: The Digital Influence

• The Rhetorical Power of Memes in Political Campaigns
• How Influencers Use Rhetoric to Build Their Brand on Instagram
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Cancel Culture on Twitter
• The Persuasive Techniques in Viral TikTok Trends
• The Role of Pathos in Mental Health Advocacy on Social Media
• Rhetorical Strategies in Facebook’s Data Privacy Communications
• The Use of Ethos in LinkedIn Professional Branding
• How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Online Debates

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, and with it, the way rhetoric is used. Whether it’s a viral tweet or a YouTube video, rhetorical analysis can uncover the persuasive tactics that define the digital age.

Public Discourse: Shaping Society

• The Rhetoric of Fear in Post-9/11 Political Speeches
• Analyzing Ethos in the Me Too Movement’s Public Statements
• The Role of Logos in the Gun Control Debate in America
• Rhetorical Strategies in the Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Argument
• The Persuasive Techniques in Environmental Activism Speeches
• How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Immigration Reform Debates
• Analyzing the Use of Pathos in Campaigns Against Human Trafficking
• The Rhetoric of Anti-Vaccination Movements on Social Media
• Persuasive Strategies in the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
• The Impact of Rhetoric in the Black Lives Matter Movement’s Messaging

Public discourse plays a significant role in shaping societal beliefs and actions. Analyzing the rhetoric used in these discussions reveals how language can mobilize, polarize, and inspire change. By examining these topics, students can gain insight into the power of words in public arenas and their role in societal transformations.

Business and Corporate Communications: The Language of Commerce

• Analyzing the Rhetoric in Amazon’s Corporate Social Responsibility Reports
• The Use of Ethos in Apple’s Product Launch Presentations
• Persuasive Techniques in Nike’s Social Justice Advertising
• How Rhetoric is Used in Tesla’s Earnings Calls
• The Role of Logos in Corporate Apologies after Scandals
• Rhetorical Strategies in Coca-Cola’s Global Advertising Campaigns
• Analyzing Pathos in Charity Appeals by Large Corporations
• The Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Fortune 500 Companies’ Diversity Statements
• The Impact of Rhetoric in Anti-Smoking Campaigns by Big Tobacco
• Persuasive Techniques in Pharmaceutical Industry Advertising

Corporate communications are carefully crafted to influence public perception, consumer behavior, and shareholder confidence. By analyzing the rhetoric in business contexts, students can understand how companies use language to build brand loyalty, manage crises, and navigate the competitive market.

Cultural Movements: The Power of Collective Voice

• Analyzing the Rhetoric in the Feminist Movement’s Key Texts
• The Use of Ethos in the Civil Rights Movement’s Leadership Speeches
• Rhetorical Strategies in the Gay Rights Movement’s Historic Campaigns
• The Role of Pathos in the Anti-Apartheid Movement
• Persuasive Techniques in the Native American Rights Movement
• Analyzing Logos in the Disability Rights Movement’s Advocacy
• The Rhetoric of Solidarity in the Labor Union Movement
• The Impact of Rhetoric in the Anti-War Movement during the Vietnam Era
• Persuasive Strategies in the Global Human Rights Movement
• The Role of Social Media Rhetoric in the Arab Spring

Cultural movements are often driven by powerful rhetoric that rallies support and fosters a sense of unity. Analyzing these movements offers valuable insights into how language can drive social change and empower marginalized communities to voice their demands.

Education and Academia: Rhetoric in Learning

• The Use of Rhetoric in Educational Policy Debates
• Analyzing Ethos in University Commencement Speeches
• Persuasive Techniques in the Debate Over Standardized Testing
• How Rhetoric Shapes Public Opinion on Charter Schools
• The Role of Pathos in Advocating for Higher Education Funding
• Rhetorical Strategies in the Fight for Free College Tuition
• Analyzing the Use of Logos in Academic Research Presentations
• The Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Diversity and Inclusion Statements
• Persuasive Techniques in Promoting STEM Education
• The Impact of Rhetoric in the Debate Over Student Loan Forgiveness

Education and academia are fertile grounds for rhetorical analysis, as debates over policy, funding, and access to education often hinge on the effective use of language. By examining these topics, students can explore how rhetoric is used to advocate for educational reforms and shape public discourse around learning.

Health and Medicine: Persuasion in Public Health

• The Rhetoric of Fear in Anti-Smoking Campaigns
• Analyzing Pathos in Public Health Campaigns Against Obesity
• The Role of Ethos in Vaccine Promotion Efforts
• Persuasive Strategies in Anti-Drug Campaigns
• How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception of Mental Health Issues
• The Use of Logos in Debates Over Universal Healthcare
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life in Reproductive Health
• The Impact of Rhetoric in Anti-AIDS Campaigns in the 1980s
• Persuasive Techniques in Government Health Warnings on Tobacco Products
• The Rhetoric of Wellness in Alternative Medicine Promotions

Tips for Writing Your Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About: If you’re interested in the topic, it’ll be easier to write and more engaging for your readers.
• Identify the Rhetorical Strategies Used: Look for examples of ethos, pathos, and logos, and analyze how effective they are.
• Support Your Analysis with Examples: Always back up your points with evidence from the text, speech, or media you’re analyzing.
• Keep Your Audience in Mind: Consider who will be reading your essay and tailor your analysis to their interests and knowledge level.
• Revise and Edit: Always leave time to go back and refine your essay. A polished essay will make a stronger impression.

Finding the right rhetorical analysis essay topic is the first step towards crafting a compelling essay. Whether you’re analyzing a classic novel, a modern film, or a political speech, the key is to dig deep and uncover the persuasive techniques at play. With the topics listed above, you’re well on your way to writing an essay that not only meets your academic requirements but also engages and enlightens your readers. Happy writing!

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• Hersh Goldberg-Polin

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At the Jerusalem synagogue where Hersh Goldberg-Polin danced in life, grief and anger reign after his death

JERUSALEM — Three hundred and thirty-two days after Hersh Goldberg-Polin danced in the courtyard next to his Jerusalem synagogue on the holiday of Simchat Torah, more than a thousand people gathered there in grief and prayer to mourn his murder by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

During the Sunday night vigil, the courtyard railings were lined with oversized yellow ribbons to symbolize advocacy for the hostages, Hapoel Jerusalem soccer flags — the 23-year-old’s favorite team — and posters that read, “We love you, stay strong, survive,” a mantra coined by his mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin.

Just hours earlier, one of the posters had been hanging over the balcony of the home of Shira Ben-Sasson, a leader of Hakhel, the Goldberg-Polins’ egalitarian congregation in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem.

“We were sure we would take it down when he came home,” Ben-Sasson said.

The community wanted to unite while respecting the Goldberg-Polins’ desire for privacy, she said, prompting them to organize the prayer gathering.

“But it’s like a Band-Aid or giving first aid, it’s what you do in an emergency. I don’t know how we go on after this,” she said.

A covered courtyard at the Hakhel congregation was filled with mourners the day after Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose family are prominent members, was found to have been killed in Gaza. Hundreds of other people crowded outside the gates, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

She added that the community, which has a large contingent of English-speaking immigrants, was not prepared for the High Holidays, which begin in about a month. She said, “Seeing his empty seat is hard.”

For Ben-Sasson, who wore a T-shirt bearing the Talmudic dictum “There is no greater mitzvah than the redeeming of captives,” the tragedy is especially painful because, she said, it could have been avoided with a ceasefire agreement that freed hostages.

“Hersh was alive 48 hours ago. We think a deal could have saved him. There is no military solution to this,” she said.

That feeling of bereavement, often mixed with betrayal, pervaded gatherings across Israel on Sunday, as the country struggled with the news that six hostages who may have been freed in an agreement were now dead as negotiations continue to stall. Speakers at protests in Tel Aviv blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who himself apologized for not getting the hostages out alive but blamed Hamas for obstructing a deal. The country’s labor union, the Histadrut, has called a national strike on Monday to demand a deal.

A rare early September rain lashed parts of Israel on Sunday, leading to a widespread interpretation: God, too, was weeping.

Some at the Jerusalem gathering, including the relative of another former hostage, said Netanyahu had chosen defeating Hamas over freeing the captives.

Josef Avi Yair Engel’s grandson Ofir was released from Hamas captivity in November. He paid tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, murdered in captivity, in Jerusalem, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

Josef Avi Yair Engel, whose grandson Ofir, 18, was released from Hamas captivity in November during that month’s ceasefire deal, expressed shock over Hersh’s murder but said he was not surprised, given the wartime policies of Netanyahu’s government.

“We knew months ago this was going to happen. Bibi’s formula, to dismantle Hamas and return the hostages, wasn’t logical. It’s an either/or situation,” Engel said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. “He’s tearing the country apart. I’m afraid that in the coming months there won’t be a state at all.”

Engel said he felt a close bond with Hersh’s father Jon Polin, not only because of their joint activism in the hostage families’ tent outside the Prime Minister’s Residence, but also because of their shared identity as Jerusalemites.

“There aren’t many of us in the hostage circle,” he said. “We’re like family.”

Sarah Mann, who did not know the family personally, said the weekend’s tragedy reminded her of Oct. 7.

“This day has sparks of the seventh, which created numbness and an inability to talk. Just complete shock,” she said.

Mourners left notes at a gathering at Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s family synagogue in Jerusalem. Many of the messages used the Hebrew word for “sorry.” (Deborah Danan)

Part of the reason for that, Mann said, was Rachel, who she described as a “force of faith.” Goldberg-Polin’s mother emerged as the most prominent advocate for the hostages globally and became a symbol in her own right as she crisscrossed the world calling for her son’s freedom.

“Millions of people around the world held onto her. Once that was cut, people’s ability to hold onto faith was knocked out today. But even though this has shattered us, we need to keep holding onto God,” Mann said.

For Susi Döring Preston, the day called to mind was not Oct. 7 but Yom Kippur, and its communal solemnity.

She said she usually steers clear of similar war-related events because they are too overwhelming for her.

“Before I avoided stuff like this because I guess I still had hope. But now is the time to just give in to needing to be around people because you can’t hold your own self up any more,” she said, tears rolling down her face. “You need to feel the humanity and hang onto that.”

Like so many others, Döring Preston paid tribute to the Goldberg-Polins’ tireless activism. “They needed everyone else’s strength but we drew so much strength from them and their efforts, “she said. “You felt it could change the outcome. But war is more evil than good. I think that’s the crushing thing. You can do everything right, but the outcome is still devastating.”

Guy Gordon, with his daughter Maya, added a broken heart to the piece of tape he has worn daily to mark the number of days since the hostage crisis began, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

Guy Gordon, a member of Hakhel who moved to Israel from Dublin, Ireland, in the mid-1990s, said the efforts towards ensuring Hersh’s safe return have been an anchor for the community during the war. The community knew him as the family described him in its announcement of his funeral on Tuesday, as “a child of light, love and peace” who enjoyed exploring the world and coming home to his family, including his parents and younger sisters, Leebie and Orly.

“It gave us something to hope for, and pray for and to demonstrate for,” he said. “We had no choice but to be unreasonably optimistic. Tragically it transpired that he survived until the very end.”

Gordon, like many others in the crowd, wore a piece of duct tape marked with the number of days since Oct. 7 — a gesture initiated by Goldberg-Polin’s mother. Unlike on previous days, though, his tape also featured a broken red heart beside the number.

Nadia Levene, a family friend, also reflected on the improbability of Hersh’s survival.

“He did exactly what his parents begged him to do. He was strong. He did survive. And look what happened,” Levene said.

She hailed Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s “unwavering strength and belief in God,” adding, “There were times I lost faith. I suppose I was angry with God. But she just kept inspiring us all to pray, pray, pray.”

Leah Silver of Jerusalem examined stickers showing Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s mantra for her son Hersh, who was murdered in captivity in Gaza, at a gathering after Hersh’s death, Sept. 1, 2024. (Deborah Danan)

Jerusalem resident Leah Silver rejected politicizing the hostages’ deaths.

“Everything turns political so quickly. I came here because I felt that before all the protests, we need to just mourn for a moment and to pray. And show respect for each other,” she said. “We’ve become confused about who the enemy is. It’s very sad.”

But not everyone at the gathering joined in to sing Israel’s national anthem at the closing of the prayer gathering.

“I’m sorry, I can’t sing ‘Hatikvah,'” Reza Green, a Baka resident who did not know the Goldberg-Polins personally, said. “I’m too angry. We shouldn’t be here.”

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