Research Papers

The New York State Assembly Internship Program has two vital components: the practical educational experience in an Assembly office, and the academic component. We honor the best of the writers in the Internship Program's challenging academic curriculum of 2010. Of the 154 Interns, we nominated 16 papers for consideration. We are proud of these student authors; their research reports make us hopeful for the future of citizen and practitioner understanding of legislative politics and policymaking in New York State.

The Internship Program's academic curriculum has several challenging components: weekly classes and intensive discussions, issue forums, significant required reading every week, frequent reports and written assignments, regular quizzes, and a required 15-20 page research paper.

These research reports display creativity, writing ability, perceptiveness and understanding of the political process, as well as strong academic and legislative research capabilities. Every student was asked to write a substantial paper focusing on the following questions: What is the specific bill that you are analyzing? What conflict or catalyst precipitated the bill? Were there any policy windows and policy entrepreneurs? Does the conflict involve large groups, or is it relevant to only a small group? What does the legislation propose to do to resolve the conflict? Who is in favor of, or opposed to, the bill and why? What role does policy analysis play in this policy story? What are the implications of the legislation for your Member's district? What do you think are the prospects for the legislation? What are the lessons about the intersection of politics and policy around this issue?

There were many good papers this year, but the best eight papers presented were outstanding. The topics are divergent, the office placements were unique and challenging, the understanding of complex and lengthy legislative process issues is excellent. The two of us, as Professors-in-Residence, as well as all those who have read these papers, have been pleased and gratified by the opportunity to teach these students.

Congratulations to all our winning authors!