Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
- Textbook: Chapter 11, 12
- Lesson
- Minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.
Instructions
Research the proportion of women, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and openly gay or lesbian members of Congress.
- Reflect on what these patterns say about the nature of representation.
- Why do some groups tend to be underrepresented in Congress?
- Why do you see a trend in which more women and minorities are being represented?
- Do you think the underrepresentation of women and minorities affect Congress’s business?
- How might we as a people address this situation and strive towards equal representation? Make sure to cite sources used.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
- Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
- 1-inch margins
- Double spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Title page
- References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to textbook if cited)
Grading
This activity will be graded based on the Written Assignment Grading Rubric.
Course Outcomes (CO): 5, 6
Due Date: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
Rubric
Week 5 – Representation in Congress
| Week 5 – Representation in Congress |
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength | | 10 pts The assignment is at least 1½- 2 pages long | 8 pts The assignment is at least 1½ pages long | 7 pts Assignment is 1 page in length | 6 pts Assignment is ½ page in length | 0 pts No effort |
| 10 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDiscusses Equality of Representation | | 20 pts Provides a thorough discussion of the underrepresentation or equality of representation of women and minorities in Congress in comparison to Congressional demographic make up | 17 pts Provides an overview of potential underrepresentation or equality of representation in comparison to Congressional demographics. | 15 pts Focuses on some aspect of underrepresentation or does not provide the demographic makeup of Congress | 13 pts Incomplete and describes some aspect of either underrepresentation or on demographic make up of Congress. | 0 pts No effort |
| 20 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeImpact of Underrepresentation by Congress | | 20 pts Provides a realistic hypothesis of potential issues caused by different social groups nots being equally represented in Congress | 17 pts Discusses inequities faced by most underrepresented social groups | 15 pts Emphasizes inequities of only 1 or 2 social groups | 13 pts Emphasizes inequities of only 1 social group | 0 pts No effort |
| 20 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProposes Strategies to Ensure Equal Representation | | 20 pts Proposes at least three relevant strategies the general populace could follow to ensure equality of congressional representation. | 17 pts Proposes at least two relevant strategies the general populace could follow to ensure equality of congressional representation. | 15 pts Proposes one relevant strategy the general populace could follow to ensure equality of congressional representation. | 13 pts Proposes somewhat relevant but unclear strategy the general populace could follow to ensure equality of congressional representation. | 0 pts No effort |
| 20 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting: Mechanics and Usage | | 20 pts The writing is concise, free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. | 17 pts The writing is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. | 15 pts The writing contains some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. | 13 pts The writing is not clear, logical, professional or organized to the point that the reader has difficulty understanding the message | 0 pts No effort |
| 20 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitations | | 10 pts The references are provided in accurate APA format. | 8 pts The references contain 1 error in APA format. | 7 pts The references contain 2 errors in APA format. | 6 pts The references contain 3 or more errors in APA format | 0 pts No effort |
| 10 pts |
| Total Points: 100 |
