The Politics of Public Spending — Fall 2016

This paper will be a comparative public spending by providing an analysis of two countries; (United States vs. Germany) to explain similarities and differences In public spending on education.

Note/ I will email instructions with more detail. Thank you

Paper #1 Guidelines
This first paper will focus on the comparative public spending and provide an analysis of two countries, states/provinces, or regions to explain similarities or differences in topics, such as taxation, budgeting, and debt. You may also choose to look at the same case at two different points in time to identify how public spending choices changed and identify the reasons why. The goal is to identify the political choices made by different cases and link the goals of these decisions to revenue and expenditure policies. Since this is an expedited course you should choose your cases and begin work on this paper as early as possible. Some class time will be dedicated to discussing topics and ideas. I will also be available to provide feedback or suggestions on paper proposals.
Your paper should include:
1. Case selection justification: [~1 paragraph]
• Why you chose these two cases to compare?
• What aspect of public spending you will compare?
• Any historical/background information should not be more than [1 page]

2. A clear statement of your research question, explain why it is important to study your chosen topic [~2-3 paragraphs]

3. A brief literature review [~2-3 pages]
• What do other scholars say about your topic? Minimum of 7 sources (scholarly and news)

4. Your main argument should identify: Why you think (and other scholars support your opinion) that the public spending outcome in your cases occurred? State your explanation first, then use real-world evidence from news sources (required) and scholarly works (as needed). This should be the main section of your paper. [~3 pages]

5. Lastly, give a brief overview of your findings. Reiterate the importance of your two cases and identify whether your findings can be applied to other cases.

Papers average around 5 pages.
The paper is due in hard copy paper form in class and on Turn-it-in by the end of the day on. Late submissions, if they are accepted at all, will be severely penalized. Your paper should have the following format:
• 12 pt. Times New Roman font; justified alignment; 1 inch margins; double spaced; page #s.

• Citations should use Chicago Author-Date system. MUST include a bibliography, internal citations, and website links.
Note: Chicago referencing system contains both footnotes and reference sections