Topic:
The candidacy of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election has sparked a heated
debate over whether he should be allowed to run for office or be removed from the ballot under
Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, also known as the Insurrection Clause, which states that:
“No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of
President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the
United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a
member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any
State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the
Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion
against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof”.
This issue encompasses constitutional, legal, and political dimensions that warrant a
comprehensive examination to understand its implications for U.S. democracy, as well as the
potential for political violence if Trump were to be disqualified.
1. Constitutional Scrutiny: Begin by delving into the constitutional basis for considering
the disqualification of Donald Trump under the 14th Amendment. Analyze the relevant
section of the amendment that addresses insurrection and rebellion, exploring its
historical context and how it aligns with contemporary circumstances, specifically, does
the President count as an “officer” sworn to uphold the Constitution, or does the 14th
amendment not apply here, and the language used by Trump on the day of the
insurrection, as argued by the lawyers, is actually protected as free speech?
2. Implications for U.S. Democracy: Evaluate the broader implications for U.S.
democracy if Donald Trump were to be disqualified from running for president. Consider
how such an action might be perceived in terms of democratic norms, principles of
political representation, and the overall health of the democratic process. Analyze the
potential consequences for public trust in democratic institutions.
3. Potential for Political Violence: Address the sensitive issue of the potential for political
violence in the event that Donald Trump is disqualified via the 14th Amendment.
Examine historical instances of political violence in the U.S. and assess whether the
current political climate could escalate tensions. Also, while the focus has been on the
potential for violence in wake of an exclusion of Trump from the ballot, what about the
potential for violence if he is allowed to run and becomes president once again given his
highly polarizing nature? Consider the role of rhetoric, misinformation, and the
polarization of society in shaping this potential outcome.
4. Pathways to Mitigate Conflict: Conclude by exploring potential pathways to mitigate
political tensions and the risk of violence in the aftermath of a decision to disqualify
Trump. Consider strategies for fostering national unity, encouraging constructive
dialogue, and reaffirming commitment to democratic values.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President Trump could not be removed from the ballot by
individual states, as it would create a potential patchwork of elections rules which vary from
state to state and throw the system into chaos as a result, and that the people should be allowed to
speak on this through their vote as opposed to the court’s ruling on the validity/fitness of one
candidate or another. The court also claimed concern for what this could mean for any future
presidential candidates who might be disliked by some should this option be “weaponized”. This
comprehensive examination of the issue provides a foundation for understanding the
complexities surrounding Donald Trump’s potential candidacy, the constitutional and legal
aspects, and the potential implications for U.S. democracy now and in the future, including the
sensitive issue of political violence.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/08/opinions/donald-trump-disqualified-14th-amendment-wrong-
orentlicher/index.html
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/26/trump-ballot-eligibility-challengers-00138118?
cid=apn
https://www.vox.com/politics/23880607/trump-14th-amendment-lawsuits-federalist-society
Other Excellent Searchable Databases for Source Material:
Heritage Foundation
https://www.heritage.org/
Cato Institute
https://www.cato.org/
Brookings Institute
Paper Criteria
Title Page: Please include a title page for your research paper. Include:
o Your name
o The title of your paper
o The course you are in (ex. GOVT 2306)
Content:
Using at least 4 sources (Internet, and/or library resources), with a minimum of 1
source being an academic journal/article relating to the topic, address the various sides (or
positions) of the assigned issue, come up with your own personal conclusions based on your
analysis of the issue, and demonstrate an understanding of its complexities. Wikipedia and other
online encyclopedias are NOT valid sources!!
Sources must be verifiable and
journalistically/academically sound. Excellent databases where you can often find a wealth of
information on the subject matter include https://www.cato.org/ and https://www.heritage.org/,
https://www.brookings.edu/.
All of these websites are clearinghouses containing keyword
searchable databases and should be able to provide you with all the scholarly articles you will
need to craft an excellent paper.
o Include a brief history of the assigned issue.
o Compare and contrast at least (2) different political perspectives (viewpoints)
o Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each position you include
o Present an informed evaluation of the evidence and different viewpoint surrounding
the topic
o What do you conclude? Which position do you agree with most and why?
Paper length: In a Word document, write a research paper with a minimum (no maximum)
of 1,500 words on the topic of choice, (not counting headings), double-spaced with 12-point
font. The paper should be created in Word, typewritten and double-spaced, and based on
information from a minimum of four (4) primary sources (no maximum). Your title and
works cited pages DO NOT count towards the 1,500-word minimum.
The 1500 word minimum is non-negotiable and is a basic expectation/requirement, not
merely a suggestion. When a minimum word limit is set, it MUST be met fully and
completely. Failure to meet the minimum requirements for word count will result in 10
points being deducted automatically for each 100 words that the paper is short of the
minimum requirement by.
Writing Style: APA format. DO NOT include an abstract in your paper. You may include
one if you wish, but it will not count towards your requirements. Proofread your paper to
eliminate spelling and grammatical errors. Please use spell check and grammar check. Use
proper paragraphing and improve your writing style by revising the paper as many times as
necessary. You may also take your paper to the writing center for additional assistance!
Citations: Any time you borrow someone’s ideas, paraphrase or quote them, (see plagiarism
section in syllabus) cite all sources using the APA citation style. Be sure to cite specific
information you found in your research to support your claims. Use the same citation format
throughout your paper. Analyze and question your sources assumptions. Remember to use
at least 4 sources and that Wikipedia and other online encyclopedias are not valid sources!
A bibliography or “work cited” page also using your above citation style
