Guidance Draft

1. “In Support of Mandating Public Service”

While some maintain that mandatory public service is a lofty but unreasonable goal, others

disagree with these assumptions. Mandatory public service would foster national unity and bring

the United States together. Former US Representative (D-KS) Dan Glickman, JD, stated that

national conscription would solve our “current dysfunction” because “National service, whether

in the military, Peace Corps, or other governmental or private sector opportunities, breaks down

the borders of race, class, income, geography, and even language. Young adults are given the

opportunity to view their classmates and fellow countrymen as teammates. (“Glickman”)

Approximately 30 nations also have mandatory military service. Switzerland, which has four

official languages and three significant ethnic groupings, has a mandatory national service

program to reconcile its divisions. The European nation is one of the happiest nations in the

world, according to the United Nations. (Statista)

On the other hand, the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution states, “Neither slavery nor

involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly

convicted, shall exist within the United States.” While the government has the power to “create

and support armies,” there is no foundation in the Constitution for mandating individuals to

perform public service. (U.S. Constitution) A scheme mandating community service would be

controlled by the wealthy and unfairly injure others. Opponents of mandatory national service

also argue that the affluent have been able to dominate American institutions by purchasing

admission to premier universities and escaping the draft. A national service program would be

exploited in the same manner. (Johnson,28)

After reading this draft:

1.) Identify the thesis of this essay.

2.) Research one argument and two counter arguments for the claims in this essay. Produce a

response in which you craft your own thesis statement, arguments, counter arguments,

and conclusions.

3.) Provide supporting research to back up your argument and counter arguments. Introduce

your research, and cite it.

4.) Use metacommentary throughout your answer–do not use “I think,” “I believe,” etc.

5.) Attach a work cited page.

6.) To receive full credit, your essay must be a minimum of one page long, with citations and

a work cited page.

 

2. Write the best 1st Degree (Capital) Murder law that gives the best clarity of separation from the lower degree homicides–Mens Rea amd Actus Reus are clearly distinguished. (no more than 150 words)