iRubric: Is it Constitutional? rubric

Student discusses a near exhaustive range of Constitutional issues that might be related to this particular issue, for example States Rights (10th Amendment); Congressional Powers (Article I, Section 8); Free Speech (1st Amendment). Shows an understanding that a single issue could raise a broad range of constitutional questions.

While not an exhaustive discussion of the Constitutional issues that may be raised, the student demonstrates an understanding that the issue might raise more than one question.

Student focuses on only one or two Constitutional issues, but ties them together with the policy or issue effectively.

Student seems to struggle to tie any constitutional issue together with the policy that is being analyzed, but makes an attempt.

Student fails to define the constitutional principle which will be discussed in the context of the analysis, but asserts a position on the constitutionality of the policy, nevertheless.

Missing

Excellent mechanics, grammar, word usage. Language is clear and appropriate. Writing style is effective.

Expresses ideas clearly and well, using appropriate vocabulary and sentence variety. May have errors in mechanics, grammar, or word usage.

Expresses ideas with reasonable clarity. Contains signficant errors in mechanics, grammar, or word usage.

Has problems in language and sentence structure that result in a lack of clarity.Contains occasional major errors or frequent minor errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics.

Has serious problems in the use of language and sentence structure that frequently interfere with meaning. Contains serious errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics obscure meaning

The paper meets the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers are present. The front page of the paper includes a 1-2 paragraph summary of the issue being explored, and the general findings. The student's name is included as a header on the pages. If the paper is not submitted electronically, it is turned in stapled in the top left corner, and is 9-11 pages in length, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper meets the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers are present. The front page includes a 1-2 paragraph summary of the issue being explored, and the general findings. The students name is included in typewritten form. If the paper is not submitted electronically, it is turned in stapled in the top left corner, and is 8-10 pages in length, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper meets the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers are present. The front page summary is minimal. The students name is included. If the paper is not submitted electronically, it is stapled in the top left corner, and is 7-9 pages in length, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper meets most, but not all of the standards assigned for margins, type size, spacing. Page numbers may or may not be present. No front page summary. Paper is 7 pages or less, excluding the summary page and any citations/bibliography.

The paper is missing significant portions of the aforementioned requirements and/or is significantly under 7 pages of analysis in length (excluding summary page and citations/bibliography).

Paper uses at least 8 different relevant sources, showing a depth and breadth of research effort. Sources should be of different types (scholarly journals, primary sources like Court cases, newspaper articles, appropriate web pages)

Paper uses at least 6 different relevant sources, showing some depth of research effort. Sources should be of a variety of types.

Paper uses at least 5 different relevant sources, showing an effort at research. Sources should be of a variety of types.

Paper uses 3 or fewer relevant sources (in addition to the Constitution).

Paper uses 1 or 2 relevant sources, in addition to the Constitution.

Missing