The analytical report will allow you to conduct some research on an aspect of Georgia politics that brings together several themes we have covered this semester, including how American Federalism plays out on the “Double Battleground,” the power of ideology, and the shaping of public opinion.
On pages 71-75 of Chapter 3 of our text, the authors discus the different ways in which state and local governments raise revenue.
One method not discussed is the use of state lotteries, which over the last half century have spread throughout the country.
The different ways in which a particular state uses the lottery reveals something about the political environment unique to that state—and Georgia is no exception.
For the paper, you have five options. The key here is to narrow your focus and delve into a particular aspect of the state lottery, rather than presenting a broad overview.
No matter which option you choose, organize your paper around the argument that, in your view, the state lottery should be maintained as is, reformed, or abolished.
Here are your options. Note that there is some overlap among these options, which is one reason why the Discussion Forum we will hold on this project should be particularly beneficial, since you will interact with an “expert” who is focusing on a different but related aspect of the state lottery.
In addition, a detailed research guide will also be posted in this week’s module.
Option 1: Investigate the track record of programs in Georgia funded by the Georgia lottery.
Option 2: Examine the demographic make-up of those who play the state lottery and those who benefit from the lottery.
Option 3: What sort of official marketing strategies are used to promote the state lottery? Evaluate them in light of debates that have been held over whether or not states should use state lotteries to fund social programs.
Option 4: How does the use of the state lottery in Georgia compare with its operation in another state?
Option 5: How have state lotteries been covered by segments of the mass media? Does it appear as though such coverage has affected public opinion? What can public opinion surveys tell us about citizen attitudes toward the state lottery?
To encourage some collaboration, we will hold a Discussion Forum on state lotteries a month prior to the assignment’s due date.
Assignment Specifications
· Minimum Word Count: 1000 words; no maximum
· Include strong thesis statement in your opening paragraph
· Include four or more well-chosen quotations from four different reliable sources
· Integrate your quotations into your paragraphs and comment extensively on each quotation.
· Establish continuity between and within paragraphs
· Proofread carefully
· Include Works Cited page
· Use either MLA or Chicago Style formatting. The choice is yours; just be consistent.