What is a position paper?
A position paper is a brief one to one-and-a-half page essay describing a representative/senator's stance on a debate topic. A position paper includes general background information and political perspectives on the topic, describes the existing policies on the issue, and proposes a plan of action. A well-written and thoroughly researched position paper can serve as the foundation of an opening speech, which can guide the flow of early debate. At CHSMC 2016, the best two position papers in each committee will be recognized with awards at the closing ceremony.
Format
Header - Left Justified – Representative/Senator's Name
Party–State
Committee
Topic
School
Essay
Submission
Deadline
Senate Foreign Relations:
Amy Guo - [email protected]
Flora Jeon - [email protected]
House Homeland Security:
Brittney Murugesan - [email protected]
Emma Pomeranz - [email protected]
Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation
Kaitlyn Won - [email protected]
Heer Patel - [email protected]
A position paper is a brief one to one-and-a-half page essay describing a representative/senator's stance on a debate topic. A position paper includes general background information and political perspectives on the topic, describes the existing policies on the issue, and proposes a plan of action. A well-written and thoroughly researched position paper can serve as the foundation of an opening speech, which can guide the flow of early debate. At CHSMC 2016, the best two position papers in each committee will be recognized with awards at the closing ceremony.
Format
Header - Left Justified – Representative/Senator's Name
Party–State
Committee
Topic
School
Essay
- Paragraph 1: Summary of the issue – How does it affect your constituents and citizens of the United States as a whole?
- Paragraph 2: Where do various political perspectives and parties align with the topic? What policies/bills are already in place in order to combat the issue?
- Paragraph 3: How do you intend to tackle the issue in committee? What are your specific plans?
- This is your opportunity to be creative and demonstrate your mastery of the topic and your understanding of your representative's position. Whatever solution you propose, be sure to connect it the past actions and background information you presented in the previous paragraphs.
- Citations: Citations in any format are encouraged but not required. Citations provide your paper with legitimacy and increase your chances of winning an award.
- Spacing: Indented paragraphs; single spaced; no lines between paragraphs.
Submission
Deadline
- Date: 11:59 PM MARCH 27TH to your chairs' email addresses (See below).
- Importance: You must meet the deadline to be considered for an award of any kind.
Senate Foreign Relations:
Amy Guo - [email protected]
Flora Jeon - [email protected]
House Homeland Security:
Brittney Murugesan - [email protected]
Emma Pomeranz - [email protected]
Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation
Kaitlyn Won - [email protected]
Heer Patel - [email protected]