Study Practice Argumentative Essays

​Open the Quotes for Argumentative Practice on Canvas

Answer the following questions based on those quotes.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary argument in Federalist 51 regarding the separation of powers?

• The executive branch should have the most power

• Dividing power among branches prevents tyranny

• The government should be controlled by the elite

• States should have the authority to overrule federal laws

Multiple Choice

According to Federalist 70, why is a strong executive necessary?

• To quickly and efficiently enforce laws

• To overpower the legislative branch

• To allow the president to make laws independently

• To ensure states follow federal mandates

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best summarizes the Anti-Federalist argument in Federal Farmer 10?

• The Constitution gives too much power to the federal government at the expense of state authority

• The federal government should control all aspects of governance

• The Constitution does not provide enough executive power

• Congress should be allowed to make laws without interference from other branches

Multiple Choice

What was the main concern expressed in Brutus 1?

• The president would not have enough power

• The judiciary should be more powerful than Congress

• A strong central government would threaten individual and state liberties

• The states should eliminate their governments altogether

Multiple Choice

How does the concept of “ambition counteracting ambition” from Federalist 51 support the separation of powers?

• It argues that ambition should not be allowed in government

• It states that Congress should hold more power than other branches

• It supports the idea that the judiciary should be eliminated

• It suggests that each branch will naturally compete to limit the power of the others

Argumentative Essay Practice: The Separation of Powers as a Safeguard

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?

• To provide a summary of all evidence

• To state the writer’s stance and main arguments

• To list quotes from historical sources

• To restate the essay prompt

Open Ended

Your thesis should clearly state your position and briefly outline your supporting points.

Sentence Starter: "The separation of powers is/is not the best safeguard against tyranny because ________________ and ________________."

Open Ended

Example of a Weak Thesis (Revise to Strengthen):
"Separation of powers is important because it helps the government work properly."

Your Revised Thesis:

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to use embedded evidence in a body paragraph?

• To support claims with direct textual evidence

• To avoid having to explain the argument

• To focus only on quoting the text rather than analyzing it

• To make the essay longer

Open Ended

Turn the following quote into embedded evidence:

“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external controls on government nor controls on the governed would be necessary.” Federalist 51 (James Madison)

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best example of a strong topic sentence?

• “Federalist 51 talks about separation of powers.”

• “Madison discusses how different branches should check each other.”

• “The separation of powers is essential because it ensures no single branch can dominate the government.”

• “There are many opinions about government.”

Open Ended

Step 2: Writing Two Supporting Paragraphs

Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, provide evidence, and include analysis. Choose one of your reasons in your thesis statement to turn into a supporting paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1: First Supporting Argument

Sentence Starter:
"One reason the separation of powers is/is not the best safeguard against tyranny is _______________."

Open Ended

Weak Version:
"The Federalists thought dividing power was a good idea. Madison said people in government should check each other. This makes sure nobody gets too much power."

Revision Questions:

How can you make the topic sentence clearer?

Can you add a specific quote from Federalist 51 or 70?

How does this evidence support your argument?

Your Revision:

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best way to integrate a counterclaim in an argumentative essay?

• Mention the opposing view but do not respond to it

• Acknowledge the opposing view and refute it with evidence

• Ignore the counterclaim to focus only on supporting arguments

• Present both sides equally without taking a stance

Open Ended

Step 3: Addressing a Counterclaim

Your counterclaim paragraph should acknowledge an opposing argument and refute it with evidence.

Sentence Starter:
"Opponents of separation of powers argue that _______________, but this is flawed because _______________."

Open Ended

Weak Version:
"Some people don’t like separation of powers. They think it makes things slow. But the government needs rules."

Revision Questions:

What specific argument do Anti-Federalists make against separation of powers?

How can you refute this argument with evidence?

How does your refutation strengthen your overall argument?

Your Revision:

Multiple Choice

What should the conclusion of an argumentative essay do?

• Introduce a new argument

• Only restate quotes from the essay

• Leave the reader without a clear stance

• Restate the thesis and summarize key points

Open Ended

Step 4: Writing a Strong Conclusion

A strong conclusion restates your thesis and summarizes your main points. Include mention of your counterclaim and refutation. End with a final thought that emphasizes the importance of this topic today.

Sentence Starter:
"In conclusion, separation of powers _______________ because _______________."

Open Ended

Weak Version:
"In the end, separation of powers is a thing that helps the government. It has good and bad parts. People should think about it."

Your Revised Conclusion: