I. Introduction a. Attention-getter: An apt quotation, a striking example, or a brief anecdote may serve to capture your reader’s interest and focus it on the point you plan to make. b. Background information: Historical* background of the problem and its development. Most of the problems we will be researching did not occur overnight. There will be a history* of events that led to the current situation. When and how did it start? Who is suffering? How many? *ONLY include HISTORY directly linking or the problem or issue. For example, if you want to do away with the electoral college, we do not need a detailed history of how the Electoral College came about. Focus on the problem or area of concern. c. Policy Thesis: This should clearly state the controlling idea(s) of your paper which is based upon explaining a problem and discussing the possible solutions. Focus on WHO (specifically) should do WHAT (specifically) and WHY (specifically). For example, the Federal government should dismantle the Electoral College and focus only on the popular vote in United States presidential elections to reflect the will of the American population. II. Causes of the problem: a. Discussion of contributing and significant causes of this problem. Your research should provide DATA which may include case histories, examples, statistical evidence or authoritative quotations. Who is causing the suffering? Why? b. Who is benefiting from the situation? c. What national or international policies contribute to the problem? Who is contributing indirectly to the problem by not taking steps to stop it?