Sample Outline
(But feel free to set up this essay as you wish)
I. Introduction / Thesis Statement a brief statement outlining your position or
something that you consider relevant about this issue. Very important: What is the status
quo politically and economically. (1 page).
II. Body the bulk of the paper is here, in data taken from your readings and other
evidence you have found to support your position (8 pages).
a. Textbook DPE on American elections (Heineman).
b. The Political Compass, its meaning and applicability to contemporary politics
c. Traditional interpretations
1. Democrat / liberal
2. Republican / conservative
d. Third party perspectives and candidates
1. Sifry on third party politics
e. Critical interpretations (multiple authors)
III. Conclusion If Trump can get one more term in office (or the Dems can manage to
remove him), Americans can expect America to be great again or will it be in both
cases business as usual? (1 page).
Extras:
1. The paper will be done in APA format. Make sure to include citations every time
you use a statement or an idea from the readings that I have provided, or that you have
found in your own independent research. Using others work without providing proper
citation is plagiarism and grounds for immediate failure on this essay.

2. An A paper will be:
a) fully documented and cited with at least 2 3 books;
b) a minimum of 15 pages (to include a title page, abstract, and
reference page, meaning 12 full pages of text analysis);
c) research beyond the authors I provided; and
d) turned in on time (November 17, 2020).