CBA Components

Directions: Check off each component as you complete each task.

Issue Position: 3-5 paragraphs including your introductory paragraph (which should contain a hook for the reader) and your thesis statement (claim) about the issue. You also want to give the reader a little taste of your overall position in this section by summarizing a few of your arguments here

Principles and Democratic Ideals: Convince the reader that it is in their INDIVIDUAL BEST INTEREST to agree with your position, by citing the principles of the United States government and democratic ideals. 3-5 paragraphs in length with reference to an American Historical Document. Use statistics or quotes from your secondary sources to add to your argument.

Common Good: Convince the reader that it is in AMERICA’S BEST INTEREST to agree with your position, citing the common good. 3-5 paragraphs in length with reference to at least one American Historical Document and at least one American Ideal and/or Principle. Use statistics or quotes from your secondary sources to add to your argument.

What is the Issue?: at least 5 paragraphs in length. Clearly describe what your issue is and explain what the other side says about the issue, and also explain why the other side is wrong by refuting their opinion. Clearly describe the history of your issue using secondary sources when possible (who, what, when, where, why and how). Clearly describe why the issue is important today.

Who is Involved?: 3-5 paragraphs in length. Describe the groups who are involved in your issue and agree with your position. Describe the groups who are involved that disagree with your position. Describe any groups who are affected by your issue but do not have a stated position (innocent bystanders).

How Does the Constitution & Amendments Support My Position: 3-5 paragraphs in length. Must have at least one reference to the Preamble. Must have at least one reference to the Constitution or a specific Amendment that supports a citizens individual rights and how that amendment supports a citizens individual rights. Students must also have a connection to a court case that relates to this issue. Use statistics or quote from your secondary sources to add to your argument.

Call to Action: 3-5 paragraphs in length. Describe at least five ways that any average American that believes the same as you, can do to get involved and further your issue or cause. Be specific in the details.

Bibliography: Should have a minimum four secondary sources that were used in the writing portion of the pamphlet. Should also put at least one primary source (historical American document) that were used in the pamphlet in the bibliography as well. Any photos or images that were used must be put into the bibliography.

Images: At least 3 statistical images are used to support your position (charts, graphs, etc.) and are listed in the bibliography. One picture per final draft section is required.

Highlighting: Text is appropriately highlighted (see below).

  • Blue – Key Democratic Ideal (Just the term, not the entire sentence)
  • Light Purple - Connection to the Principles of the U.S. Government (Just the term, not the entire sentence)
  • Green – Constitutional Connection (Just the term, phrase and/or amendment number)
  • Pink - Parenthetical Citations (Just the citation, not the sentence)
  • Yellow– The (at least two) additional pieces of credible information (data, survey, testimonial, etc.) that supports your position. (Highlight the entire sentences that contain the information.)
  • Gray– Why the issue is important today? - (in your “What is the Issue?” section)

Parenthetical Citations: All citations should be done correctly within the writing. You may use a citation building website to create your bibliography and citations. See

Spelling/Grammar: All spelling and grammar mistakes are required to be fixed before the final draft is completed It is recommended that all sections should be proofread by an adult to check for mistakes.