In Your Essay, You Will Take A Position On A Controversial T

In Your Essay You Will Take A Position On A Controversial

In your essay, you will take a POSITION on a controversial issue, provide ARGUMENTS that support your position, consider possible COUNTER-ARGUMENTS or OBJECTIONS to your arguments, and REPLY to the objections. Please write 3-4 pages, and be sure to include at least two supporting arguments and two counter-arguments. For your topic, please choose from the list of questions below (or email me for approval of an alternative question or issue). You may use minimal sources for evidence, such as statistics or quotations, but include correct citations in MLA or APA format. Potential topics include:

  • Should high school students be required to study a foreign language?
  • Should elementary schools continue to teach cursive writing, or is cursive writing obsolete in today’s world?
  • Should our country reinstate the draft to make service mandatory for all citizens?
  • Should the Washington Redskins change their name?
  • Should voting be mandatory in the United States, as it is in some other countries?
  • Should the United States consider stricter gun control laws?

Follow this outline for your essay:

  1. Your introduction should clarify the issue or question your paper addresses. An anecdote or example can effectively highlight the controversy.
  2. State your position on the issue.
  3. Present at least two supporting arguments for your position, considering possible objections to each. Respond respectfully to objections, acknowledging valid points when appropriate, and explain why your arguments remain compelling despite them.
  4. Conclude with a statement that goes beyond summarizing. Make an emotional appeal, revisit your position or the problem, or call for action, avoiding new points or repetition.

Incorporate at least one correct use of a semi-colon or colon, and proofread your work carefully to ensure it is error-free. Think of this essay as a final exam to demonstrate your rhetorical and writing skills developed this semester. The deadline is Thursday, May 10th at midnight; submit through the assignment link.

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary society, many controversial issues spark vigorous debates, reflecting diverse perspectives and values. One such issue is whether voting should be mandatory in the United States, akin to practices in some other democracies. Advocates argue that compulsory voting increases political participation and legitimacy, while opponents contend it infringes on individual freedom. This essay examines the justification for mandatory voting, considers objections, and responds to counterpoints.

My position is that voting should indeed be mandatory in the United States to strengthen democracy, ensure political engagement, and promote equitable representation. The following arguments support this stance. First, mandatory voting encourages higher voter turnout, which enhances democratic legitimacy. Studies from countries like Australia demonstrate that compulsory voting results in voter participation rates exceeding 90%, as opposed to the United States' typical turnout below 65% (Gibson, 2014). Greater participation ensures that elected officials represent a broader spectrum of citizens, leading to more legitimate and effective governance. Secondly, mandatory voting fosters civic responsibility; it cultivates a culture where voting is seen as a duty rather than a privilege. When voting is obligatory, citizens are more likely to stay informed about political issues, strengthening the democratic process overall (Blais & Carty, 1990).

However, opponents argue that mandatory voting infringes on individual liberty—the right to abstain from voting is fundamental in a free society. They contend that compelling individuals to vote violates personal freedoms and may result in uninformed or random votes, which could distort electoral outcomes. While these objections merit consideration, they overlook the societal benefits of increased civic participation. Respecting individual choice does not negate the importance of civic duty; rather, it places responsibility on citizens to contribute to the collective decision-making process. Moreover, evidence from countries with compulsory voting shows minimal instances of voter coercion or unrest related to enforcement, indicating that such policies can coexist with respect for individual rights (Williams & McLeod, 2017).

Additionally, some critics argue that mandatory voting could lead to uninformed voting, potentially undermining electoral quality. However, I acknowledge that voters have varying levels of political knowledge, but this challenge can be mitigated through improved civic education. Ensuring that citizens are well-informed promotes meaningful participation. If voting is made obligatory, public institutions should invest in comprehensive civic education programs, fostering an informed electorate capable of making educated choices, thus strengthening rather than weakening democratic legitimacy (Delli Carpini & Keeter, 1996).

In conclusion, making voting mandatory in the United States aligns with the ideals of democracy by increasing participation, fostering civic responsibility, and enhancing the legitimacy of elected institutions. While respecting individual freedoms is essential, the societal benefits of higher voter turnout and informed citizenry outweigh concerns about personal choice. Embracing compulsory voting can help renew America's commitment to representative democracy, ensuring that government reflects the will of a broader populace. As citizens, we have a collective obligation to uphold democratic principles, and making voting mandatory is a vital step toward that goal.

References

  • Blais, A., & Carty, R. K. (1990). Does Proportional Representation Foster Voter Turnout? Comparative Political Studies, 23(4), 479–494.
  • Delli Carpini, M. X., & Keeter, S. (1996). What Americans Know About Politics and Why It Matters. Yale University Press.
  • Gibson, R. (2014). Voting and Democracy: The Australian Experience. Journal of Democracy, 25(2), 50-62.
  • Williams, M., & McLeod, J. (2017). Civic Engagement and Democratic Institutions: The Case for Mandatory Voting. Political Studies Review, 15(4), 468–479.

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