Mechanics (10 Points) 10 points Student does not make any errors in grammar or spelling, especially those that distract the reader from the content. 8 points Student makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. 5 points Student makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. 2 points Student makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Format - APA Format, Citations, Organization, Transitions (15 Points) 15 points The paper is written in proper APA and organizational format. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Excellent organization, including a variety of thoughtful transitions. 12 points The paper is written in proper format with only 1-2 errors. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible, and most are cited correctly. Adequate organization includes a variety of appropriate transitions. 8 points The paper is written in proper format with only 3-5 errors. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly.

The three branches of government and how the plan would impact each (20 Points) 20 points Student provides a clear, logical description of the three branches of government, including each branch's authority and responsibility, and how the plan would impact each. 15 points Student provides a mostly clear, logical description of the three branches of government, including each branch's authority and responsibility, and how the plan would impact each. 10 points Student provides a partially clear, logical description of the three branches of government, including each branch's authority and responsibility, and how the plan would impact each. 5 points Student provides a weak or unclear description of the three branches of government, including each branch's authority and responsibility, and how the plan would impact each.

Paths (20 Points) 20 points Student provides a clear, logical description of 2 primary paths he or she would pursue to amend the Constitution, citing the applicable section(s) of the Constitution. 15 points Student provides a mostly clear, logical description of 2 primary paths he or she would pursue to amend the Constitution, citing the applicable section(s) of the Constitution. 10 points Student provides a partially clear, logical description of at least 1 primary path he or she would pursue to amend the Constitution, citing the applicable section(s) of the Constitution. 5 points Student provides a weak or unclear description of at least 1 primary path he or she would pursue to amend the Constitution, citing the applicable section(s) of the Constitution.

Draft language (20 Points) 20 points Student provides a clear explanation of 3 necessary elements to consider in any proposed draft language to amend the U.S. Constitution. 15 points Student provides a mostly clear explanation of 3 necessary elements to consider in any proposed draft language to amend the U.S. Constitution. 10 points Student provides a partially clear explanation of at least 2 necessary elements to consider in any proposed draft language to amend the U.S. Constitution. 5 points Student provides a weak or unclear explanation of at least 1 necessary element to consider in any proposed draft language to amend the U.S. Constitution.

CATEGORY Exemplary Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Unacceptable Reasons (15 Points) 15 points Student provides a clear, logical description of 2 reasons why amending the U.S. Constitution would be necessary rather than passing a law. 12 points Student provides a mostly clear and logical description of 2 reasons why amending the U.S. Constitution would be necessary rather than passing a law. 8 points Student provides a partially clear and logical description of 1 reason why amending the U.S. Constitution would be necessary rather than passing a law. 5 points Student provides a weak or unclear description of at least 1 reason why amending the U.S. Constitution would be necessary rather than passing a law.