Parties & Democracy

The 1876 Democratic National Chart, depicting presidential candidate Samuel Tilden and VP candidate Thomas Hendricks. Library of Congress.

FRQ #4, Argument Essay.

 

Develop an argument as to whether or not political parties enhance democracy in the United States. 

Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:

  • Federalist 10
  • Federalist 51
  • Brutus I

In your essay, you must:

Articulate a defensible claim or thesis that responds to the prompt and establishes a line of reasoning.

Support your claim or thesis with at least TWO pieces of accurate and relevant evidence:

  • ONE piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above.
  • A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence, or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts.

Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis.

Respond to an opposing or alternative perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.