Question details:

Week 4 Assignment

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper, describing how politically powerful factions compete in policy decisions and debate issues. You could examine environmentalists versus big business or alternate energy sources versus more oil drilling.

· Select a contemporary issue that has polarizing viewpoints, such as environmental policy, taxation and income redistribution, same-sex marriage, worker’s rights, immigration, and so forth.

· Are either or both leaving the national interest aside in favor of their own? o What is your conclusion about the best answer to the issue?

· Provide your assessment of whether or not the opposition you described has contributed to a healthy debate. Consider the following questions: o Has the opposition moved toward consensus or polarization in public opinion?

· Evaluate theoretical perspectives, such as pluralism, state autonomy, or elitism, and explain factionalism in support of and opposition to your issue.

Format your paper according to APA standards.