This is a letter writing must pick an ethical issue that aligns with their given values or ideology and then find a b

INSTRUCTIONS:

This is a letter writing  

1. must pick an ethical issue that aligns with their given values or ideology and then find a bill that is currently before Congress that deals with that issue. To find a current bills, search https://www.house.gov/ (Links to an external site.) or https://www.senate.gov/.
2. Next, must write a letter to their U.S. Representative, or one of their two U.S. Senators discussing the following elements:
   • Identify and explain your support or opposition to the bill chosen (1 paragraph)
   • Use two credible sources to identify and explain two specific areas that would be affected by this bill. For example, if you are supporting the bill then you might explain two specific areas that would improve should this bill be passed.  However, if you are not in support of this bill, then you might identify two specific areas that will be negatively impacted with the passage of this bill (2 paragraphs)
     • Note: You should use facts, data, and other quantifiable metrics to support your claim.
   • Use one credible source, to explain the long-term impact and consequences likely to result should the bill pass or fail to pass. (1 paragraph)

    

WRITING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The letter needs to meet the minimum length standard set forth in the assignment instructions
2. The letter should be typed. Please use Times New Roman, 12pt font, single-spaced, minimum of 1.25 pages, and normal margins.
3. The letter should be single spaced and arranged in business letter format.
   • A simple Google search for business letter format will give numerous examples of what a business letter looks like. Additionally, a sample letter has been provided at the end of this instruction.
4. Spelling and grammar will be taken into consideration when grading this assignment as well as the rubric provided
5. Be sure to include the recipient’s address in your letter as well as a proper greeting and salutation
6. Be sure to use the correct title for the person you are writing. For example, Ted Cruz should be referred to as Senator Cruz. 
7. If you are not comfortable putting your personal address on the letter, please use the Collin College address for your home campus.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:

• Do not turn in your letter without proofreading it.
• Be sure that you are writing to a federal official and not a state or local official.
• Write to only one person
• Do not double space your letter, including the address section.
• Make sure you are using the correct address for the member of Congress
• Make sure you have complied with all the formatting requirements (i.e., Times New Roman, 12pt font, normal margins, etc.)

SAMPLE BUSINESS LETTER IN BLOCK FORMAT:

John Q. Professor
Professor of Political Science
Collin College – Plano Campus
2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy.
Plano, TX 75074

August 7, 2018

Senator Joshua X. Apple
1234 Congress AVE
Washington, DC 20310-0200

Dear Senator Apple,

In this paragraph, deliver a friendly and clear introduction.  State the main point/s of your letter here.  Keep this section short and to the point.  An example would be: My name is Kirby, and I am a student at Collin College.  I reside in your district.  I am writing to you asking for you to vote in support of HB 1211 “The….”. I firmly believe…

In this paragraph, use 1 credible source to identify and explain the first area that would be impacted by this bill.  If you are supporting the bill then you might explain one specific area that would improve from where it is now should this bill be passed. If you are not in support of this bill, then you might identify one specific area that will be negatively impacted with the passage of this bill. You should use facts, data, and other quantifiable metrics to support your claim.  Remember, you can disagree with the person you are writing to but be sure to remain respectful.

In this paragraph, use a second credible source, identify and explain the second specific area that would be impacted by this bill.  If you are supporting the bill, then you should explain a specific area that would improve from where it is now should this bill be passed. If you are not in support of this bill, then you should identify a specific area that will be negatively impacted with the passage of this bill.  You should use facts, data, and other quantifiable metrics to support this second claim.  Remember, you can disagree with the person you are writing to but be sure to remain respectful.

In this paragraph use one credible source and explain another larger reason why the member of Congress should vote for or against that bill and why.  Remember, while it is permissible in this part of your letter to state your opinion, most Federal and State/Local officials are not easily persuaded with appeals to their emotions.  Instead, consider using a facts-based argument.

Close your letter by thanking the elected official for the work they do and remember to be respectful.

Respectfully,

John Q. Professor

John Q. Professor