Should either Puerto Rico or Washington D.C. retain their current political status, or would one or both regions benefit from an entirely new political status?

July 3, 2023July 3, 2023 Discipline: American History

Reference appropriate sources to maximize your
understanding of expert viewpoints regarding the political status of both regions. Explore the history
and major concerns for each region. Be prepared to explain the major viewpoints and highlight
differences in these viewpoints. Your essay must address this debate for both Puerto Rico and
Washington D.C. 

Your sources should be included in a works cited section at the end of your essay. Additionally, footnotes
should exist in appropriate locations within your essay.

Questions guiding your research: 

• Does the nation’s history of granting statehood to pairs of states simultaneously undermine the
possibility of Puerto Rico / Washington D.C. obtaining statehood individually? 
• Have you brought all voices and perspectives into the discussion? Consider a healthy mix of primary
and secondary sources. 
• If statehood is not ideal for one region, what alternative solutions might be available? 
• Is the current arrangement fair? Are rights being violated or undermined if the current status remains? 
• Is the current situation sustainable? If status does not change, can these two regions continue to advance
with the same success and speed available in other regions of the United States? 
• Are you biased? Would you prefer the regions become states or stay the same status? 
• How might your biases influence your understanding of the evidence? 
• How has public perception of this issue changed over the decades? Is the more or less support for
statehood for either region? 
• Does the history of either region require special consideration? For example, do the intentions of
Founding Fathers matter in this debate? Does the succession crisis of the Civil War factor into the
decision to support or reject statehood for D.C.? Does civil disobedience shape our thinking about the
best interest of D.C.? Does imperialist thinking or the activities surrounding the Spanish-American War
matter in the future of Puerto Rico? How much does history factor into this current debate?

I. Introductory paragraph should include the following:
a. Clarification about the issue (statehood debate). You may want to dedicate 1-3 sentences to
help the reader understand why this topic is important. A quote from a participant in the
controversy makes for an interesting opening statement.
b. Clarification about what the essay will conclude. 

II. Paragraphs # 2-5 – Explain appropriate viewpoints and evidence on existing and alternate political
statuses for both regions. Be very clear about each viewpoint and the evidence supporting the
view. 
III. Body Paragraph # 6– Comparing Quality of Expert Viewpoints
a. Identify which expert provided the most effective / persuasive argument.
b. In your opinion, what one aspect made this position most effective?
c. How did your independent research connect to this viewpoint? Did other sources confirm the
validity of this viewpoint?
d. Which argument/viewpoint was least effective and why? 
IV. Body Paragraph # 7 — Clarify the quality and credibility of one of your preferred sources.
a. Why was this particular source useful to your research?
b. Does the evidence presented in these sources make sense? Does the evidence presented in
this source align with evidence located in other sources? Is this a reputable publication
company? What makes the speaker an expert or authority? Did you find the source objective?
c. Clarify the flaws identified in this source. Acknowledging one flaw, even in your favorite source,
is a sign that you recognize where one might improve. Is there a weakness in any of your
sources or their arguments? Did the author overlook a viewpoint? Did some evidence appear
weak or forced? 
V. Body Paragraph # 8 should be written in first person and clarify your personal evolution of
thought.
a. What did you think about statehood/political status for these regions prior to doing this
research?
b. Has your thinking changed, and if so, how? If your thinking has not changed then do you feel
you have better evidence to support your original position? Are you armed with information in
a way that you were not prior to this research? If your viewpoint has evolved, please describe
why you think your thoughts have shifted.
c. Be sure to acknowledge any biases you may have had or continue to hold. 
VI. Conclusion
a. Restate your position on statehood for Washington D.C. and/or Puerto Rico
b. Would you recommend others research this topic or not? 
VII. WORKS CITED
a. Sources should be listed in alphabetical order and formatted in Chicago Style.
Don’t forget footnotes!!!!

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