Provide an explanation of the issue:  

• What is the issue?  Why is it important? Why is it of interest to you? (If it’s not of interest, choose a different topic!) 
• What has been proposed or attempted to address the problem, and by whom? 
• Focus on the issue. (If you identify a specific bill addressing the issue, you can cite and discuss it, but don’t focus only on the bill—focus on the issue). 
• Include at least three sources. These do not need to be peer-reviewed journal articles, but they should come from an authoritative source. (Please do not cite Wikipedia, a personal blog or a social media post). 
• Don’t worry if you don’t know yet about the policy process—i.e., about the workings of legislation, regulation, or court decisions. That will come later. For now, focus on the issue.