Compare and Argumentative Essay Topics Assignment

Overview

In this assignment, you will write an essay in response to a question of your choice from the list provided. Each essay question relates to a core theme of the topic, connecting with one or a small group of closely related themes, concepts, or phenomena. The assignment takes the form of what is sometimes called an argumentative essay - that is, you need to advance an evidence- based argument in response to your selected question. The purpose of this assignment is to develop and showcase your ability to articulate a clear and compelling argument on a chosen topic, based on thorough research and analysis of existing scholarly literature.

Your task

For this task, you need to:

1. Choose a question. Select one essay question from the provided list (see Appendix A below).

2. Think of a preliminary thesis statement. A thesis statement is essentially a brief but direct answer to the essay question. It should be a clear, concise, and arguable statement that you'll support with evidence and reasoning in your essay. Thinking of a thesis statement early can help guide your research.

Essay questions

Select one of the following essay questions for your Research Essay.

1. 'In a liberal democracy, it is better to prioritise liberal values over democratic values.' Do you agree, or disagree? Justify and explain your position and its implications for Australia's political system.

2. Trust in politics and some democratic institutions in Australia is low and in further decline. Why is this occurring, is it a problem, and what should be done (if anything) to restore trust?

3. How effective are current mechanisms in place for the representation of Indigenous populations in Australian politics? Discuss any potential reforms, drawing on international comparisons, and providing evidence.

4. Is the Australian Senate an important restraint on executive power, or an unnecessary obstruction to effective governing? Why?

5. The Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens both claim to represent 'social democratic' ideological traditions. Which of the two parties has the most persuasive claim on social democracy, and why?

6. Peter Dutton has claimed that the Liberal Party is now the 'party of the working class' in Australia. Do you agree? Consider factors such as ideology, class voting patterns, and party policies in your answer.

7. Scholars often assign certain 'democratic linkage' roles to political parties. What are these roles, and are political parties in Australia still capable of fulfilling them?

8. Critically evaluate the election campaigning performance of the Labor and Liberal parties in one or more recent elections. To what extent does their campaign performance explain recent election results?

9. Make a case for or against Australia's preferential voting system (also known as the 'alternative vote' system) compared to other electoral systems. Discuss implications for representation and party systems.

10. Assess the impact of social and digital media on Australian liberal democracy. Do they threaten or enhance democratic processes?

11. Critically analyse the role of traditional media (print, TV, radio) in shaping political discourse in Australia.

12. There is a global democratic recession, with many countries' democracy weakening (e.g. USA) or 'backsliding' to different forms (e.g. Hungary). How susceptible is Australia's democracy to this trend - is it resilient or vulnerable?