Competencies Addressed in This Assignment
- Competency 2: Correlate the role of each branch of government with Bill of Rights interpretation.
- Competency 5: Communicate effectively in writing.
Throughout the course, we will be looking at historical connections to understand current and future criminal justice system implications. In this unit, you learned about the history of the U.S. Constitution, the structure of the legal system, and implementation in the context of our government. These areas are the foundation for understanding the criminal justice practitioner connection. As the law changes, professionals working in the criminal justice system need to remain aware of what is current. Failure to do so can cause legitimate cases to be dismissed, allow persons who are guilty of crimes to get away, and open up liability at different levels. Likewise, the individual rights of innocent citizens can be affected in our U.S. legal system.
Prepare a 3-page paper, citing a minimum of two academically verified references, describing the structure of government, including the three branches, power allocated to each branch, the source of power, and the separation of powers. Explain how each branch has obligations and roles associated with the interpretation of the Bill of Rights. Address why this understanding of the branches of government and the Bill of Rights application is important in a career context.
Be sure to review the Connecting the Past and Present and Looking Ahead Scoring Guide to ensure that you understand the criteria for this assignment.
Requirements
- Written communication: Must be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- Resources and citations: Format according to APA guidelines.
- Required page count: Three, not including the title page or the references page.
- Required number of references: A minimum of two.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Scoring guide below.
Due Date: End of Unit 1.
Percentage of Course Grade: 10%.
Note: Your instructor may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide feedback on your writing. In the tool, click on the linked resources for helpful writing information.
| Criteria | Non-performance | Basic | Proficient | Distinguished |
| Describe the structure of government (three branches, power allocation, separation of powers). 30% | Does not describe the structure of government (three branches, power allocation, separation of powers). | Describes the structure of government but does not fully address power allocation or separation of powers. | Describes the structure of government (three branches, power allocation, separation of powers). | Describes the structure of government as three branches, and analyzes how power is allocated and why there is the separation of powers, supported by appropriate resources. |
| Explain the application of the Bill of Rights to each branch of government. 30% | Does not explain the application of the Bill of Rights to each branch of government. | Provides a partial explanation of the application of the Bill of Rights to each branch of government. | Explains the application of the Bill of Rights to each branch of government. | Analyzes the application of the Bill of Rights to each branch of government. |
| Articulate the connection between learning about the branches of government and the Bill of Rights and using that knowledge in a career in the field of criminal justice. 30% | Does not articulate the connection between learning about the branches of government and Bill of Rights and use of that knowledge in a career in the field of criminal justice. | Partially explains the connection between learning about the branches of government and the Bill of Rights application and use of that knowledge in a career in the field of criminal justice. | Articulates the connection between learning about the branches of government and the Bill of Rights and use of that knowledge in a career in the field of criminal justice. | Analyzes the connection between learning about the branches of government and Bill of Rights and use of that knowledge in a career in the field of criminal justice, supported by appropriate examples. |
| Communicate effectively in writing. 10% | Does not communicate effectively in writing. | Communicates in writing in a manner that is not fully articulate in form, format, or content. | Communicates effectively in writing. | Communicates effectively in writing in form, format, and content throughout the entire submission. |