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Policy Topics Resources

Policy topics frequently have something to do with a societal, social, or political issue. The issue itself may be a medical topic, but the problem to be solved has to do with the problem's effect on society. Because of this approach to the subjects, the sources listed below should contain the information you will need for your topic. However, if your topic requires additional sources, don't hesitate to ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.

Trying to choose a topic? CQ Researcher is an excellent resource (also listed under Washington D.C. & . . . below) with factual background information on current issues. CSU has an online version (for affiliates only), with PDF full text which can reached via SAGE or directly via the Databases page (or here). Topic coverage includes a bibliography. CQ Researcher may be browsed or searched by date or topic.

Books--Encyclopedias, Other Reference, Books to Check Out (Available in Morgan Library)

Articles--Journals, Magazines, Newspapers

See How to Find Articles in Journals and Magazines for an outline of the five steps needed to find an article.

  • Indexes Useful for Policy Topics.
    These indexes identify (by subject) individual articles found in journals. In some cases the articles are available online in full text (complete article). Note: sometimes photographs and/or tables are not included with full text articles.
  • Newspapers.
    These provide useful contemporary information. Printed daily, the information in them is very current.

Governmental Sources, Policies, Opinions, News

  • Government Sources. State, Local, National. Sources for the way things are. These are also good places to identify issues.
  • Speakout.com: Issues. Opinion pieces on various topics: budget & taxes; business & regulations; crime, justice & law; defense & international affairs; education; energy; environment; food & farming; government & politics; health & medicine; jobs & economy; poverty & welfare; science & technology; society, culture & values; and transportation.
  • Open Secrets. Full text reports on campaign and candidate contributions. Find out who PACs (Political Action Committees) are supporting.
  • Project Vote Smart. Information on candidates and issues. Search by issue, candidate/official, zip code, or specific bill. Information on senators and representatives includes: Biographical, Issue Positions(NPAT)--if they participated, Campaign Finances, Interest Group Ratings, Voting Record, Speeches and Public Statements.
  • Public Agenda Online. A source for public opinion and policy analysis. "Find out about the policy options and public opinion behind critical public concerns with our nonpartisan issue guides." Full reports require registration with the site, but summaries are detailed.
  • Editorials/Opinions and News Briefs. Get opinions, different points of view, and factual information (different sources!).
  • Late Breaking News (Web Sites). Links to news (TV, radio, Web) sites.

Starting Out (Bon Mots)

Once your speech is almost ready, you might want to find an appropriate quotation with which to begin and/or end it.

Example Speeches

Read or listen to speeches. These are good sources for content as well as format.

Point-of-View or Perspective Words

Drennan, William. Advocacy Words: A Thesaurus. USA: American Bar Association, 2005. K 50 .D74 2005 REF
This is a wonderful resource for selecting words to use in order to slant the meaning of what you are trying to say vis-à-vis a particular policy.

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Select from below for sources pertaining to these topics:

SPCC200 ||| How to do Research

Content: Naomi Lederer