Federalism in Action                                                                                       The essay should not be shorter than 800 words nor longer than 1000 words.

To this point, the course has focused on the development on the Texas government within historical context and the legislative process in Texas. As such, several considerations of federalism have been presented throughout each unit.

For this essay, select a federal program from the list below and analyze how that program reflects federalism in action. Specifically, in what way is federalism being used or interpreted within the context of a specific program (Your thesis should directly respond to this question)? In other words, you will need to detail the various federal and state components of the program at hand as well as the relationship that exist between the federal and state government regarding the program. 

Guiding Considerations:

What is the federal role/responsibility regarding the program?

What is Texas’ role/responsibility regarding the program?

In what way to the two entities need to work together to successfully execute the program?

What are the points of friction or frustration between the state and federal government?

Is the program working as it was designed? Has the program increased or decreased friction between the state and federal government?

While these questions should not be answered directly, your information presented and analysis should address these considerations.

The policies for considerations are:

-TANF

-CHIP 

-Food Stamps 

-Medicaid 

-No Child Left Behind

-Race to the Top 

General Requirements

Essays should be clear, concise, substantive, and error free.

 At least two credible sources are required and may be formatted in any formal citation method (Note: the textbook may be used but does not count towards the two required sources). Additionally, it is important that all stats, figures, and specific information be cited properly. 

 The essay should not be shorter than 800 words nor longer than 1000 words.

 The essay should be typed offline in a word processor program (MS Word & the like) and exported as a PDF file. Each essay submitted should be uploaded in a PDF attachment.

Please review the course writing expectations for further grading considerations on the course essays.

Specific Grading Criteria

Please review the assessment rubric before submitting the required essay. The following general definitions may be applied to the stated grading categories. 

Introduction/Thesis: The introduction should provided a clear context for the intent of the essay. Moreover, the introduction should include a clear, well developed thesis which sets forth a clear direction and purpose for the essay. 

Organization/Structure: Essay should be clearly planned out and follow a logical/seamless progression through the required academic elements. 

Editing/Proofreading: Essay should be proofread and error free. 

Depth and Scope of Analysis: Respective analysis and assertions provided should clearly address the critical questions posed and provided credible argument or outside sources to affirm respective points. 

Credibility/Strength of Sources: Credible, academic sources should be used correctly throughout the essay to affirm respective points of analysis.