Hey, I'm trying to come up with a topic for my yearly research paper (I'm a homeschooled senior in high school). A friend of my family was just elected the Majority Whip in the PA House of Representatives, and my mom suggested that I find a topic where I could possibly go to the Capitol in Harrisburg and interview him and maybe some other political leaders. The problem is, the paper has to be 10 pages/2,500 words long, and I'm at a loss for a good, specific topic that has the potential for that length,and would also make good use of my resources. Thank you for any help!

One option is to find out about this friend and why he is in his position. Here are some potential questions:

Why did you seek political office? What are the duties/responsibilities of the Whip? What advantages/disadvantages are there in holding this political office? How does your family feel about your position in politics?

What other offices did you hold before becoming a representative? What processes did you have to go through to gain these offices?

What goals do you have in your position? How will you proceed to obtain these goals?

Depending on the friend's relationship with your parents, he might feel flattered by these questions. You might get some good insights about the workings of the House. The answers you get are likely to be more frank and comprehensive than from other representatives who do not have a previous relationship with your parents. However, you need to be aware that he might think that some questions are too personal or invasive.

To some extent, his attitude about providing information will depend on how you introduce yourself and your reasons for the interview.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Thank you so much for your time and advice! This really helps!

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. Conducting an interview with a political leader can be a great opportunity for your research paper. Remember to approach the interview professionally and respectfully, and make sure to set up a time and place that is convenient for both you and the person you are interviewing. It's also a good idea to prepare a list of well-thought-out questions in advance.

When writing your paper, you can start by providing an introduction about the importance of political leadership and the role of the Majority Whip in the PA House of Representatives. You can then include information about your friend's background, including their reasons for seeking political office and the processes they went through to gain their current position.

Next, you can delve into the duties and responsibilities of the Majority Whip, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of holding such a political office. Use your interview as a source of valuable insights and perspectives. You can also discuss the goals your friend has in their position and analyze how they plan to achieve those goals.

Throughout your paper, make sure to provide context and cite reliable sources to support your statements and arguments. Additionally, consider including information on the overall legislative process in the PA House of Representatives and how the Majority Whip fits into that process. This can help provide a broader understanding of the topic and add depth to your research.

Remember to proofread your paper thoroughly and submit it on time. Good luck with your research paper and your interview! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.