RJA #3a: Exploring Research Topic

All of the research I am finding is being added to my delicious account; weather that be specific articles or larger search results that help me narrow my research down.

From this I am finding more controversial points that I did not originally think of when I initially picked my topic. Possibly the most interesting question I can talk about in my paper is weather the electoral college system favors the current two powerful political party system that dominant. The largest discussion is if it takes away the democratic aspect away from the vote.

Also I have found a little bit on the issue of redrawing county lines. This is not affect the presidential vote but the vote at the state level. This is a way that demographics can be used to milk a certain vote from county to county.

RJA #3c: Developing Research Question

Why do the majority of United States citizens not understand the system?

How does it change the vote?

Why was it put into place?

Does the system take away the democratic aspect of the vote?

Do we get better representation form this system?

Could it be better?

What does it accomplish?

Should it be in place?

JA #3b: Narrowing Research Topic

When the assignment was first given to us and we were told that we had to pick a topic that was controversial and one that was in our field of study, I was not worried. Basically every thing in the realm political science is quite controversial, so I had a lot to choose from. I was initially thinking of taking our political system, pointing out one or more aspects, and then comparing it to others. But there are so many areas from which I could choose. The Electoral College System is very important but not may understand it, or even know what it is by name. After narrowing it down to this I feel I can write a more pointed paper.

Research Journal Assignment #1: Areas of Academic Interest

• Past Government Systems
• The Electoral College
• The Electric Car
• Alternative Energy
• Fabian Socialism
• Immigration
• Health Care
• Judicial Corruption
• Today's Leaders Compared to Past