Paper Prompts for Texas Tough: The Rise of America’s Prison Empire
Due: Tuesday, December 9th
You are to write a 5-8 page, double-spaced paper in 12 pt., Times New Roman font with 1”
margins all around in response to one of the following questions or prompts. Strive to be as
clear and specific as possible, as you are responsible for answering all elements of each question.

1. According to Perkinson, the “Texas tough” style of justice is not only deeply embedded in the
state’s budget, but also in its political, cultural, and social fabric. While many states in the
Northeast constructed prison systems with the goal of repairing and redeeming criminals, Texas
sought to “warehouse, avenge, and permanently differentiate convicted criminals from lawabiding
citizens.” Having been defeated in the Civil War, Texas and its Southern confederates
were desperate to retain as much dominion as possible over their former slaves, and they found a
way through law enforcement. What evidence does Perkinson provide for this thesis? Are you
convinced by his controversial claim that the mass incarceration of African-Americans in Texas
and across the United States constitutes the “the new Jim Crow”? Why or why not? Explain
your answer.
2. A growing number of American prisons are now contracted out as for-profit businesses to forprofit
companies. These companies are paid by the state, and their profit depends on spending as
little as possible on the prisoners and the prisons. How, then, according to Perkinson, do forprofit
prisons contribute to the epidemic of imprisonment we see in Texas? What kinds of
problems are typically associated with for-profit prisons, and why is Perkinson so leery of them?
Given these concerns, do you think that for-profit prisons can promote public safety and save tax

dollars while simultaneously focusing on making a profit? Why or why not? Explain your
answer.
3. Among the causes of the incarceration epidemic in the United States are the growth of postRockefeller
drug laws, which punish minor drug offenses with major prison time; “zero
tolerance” policing; and mandatory sentencing laws. What evidence does Perkinson provide for
his claims that such policies are unjust, and particularly unfair toward African-Americans? Do
you think the public interest is ultimately served by such policies, or not? Why? Explain your
answer.
Papers are due in class on the assigned day and will only be accepted via e-mail with my
explicit permission. Late papers will be accepted at the penalty of one letter grade for every
day after the due date.Paper Guidelines and Criteria for Evaluation
Your papers should be five to eight pages in length with 1” margins all around and doublespaced
in 12 pt., Times New Roman font. The first page of your paper (and only the first page)
should include the following heading:
Your Name
GOVT 2306
Class Time and Days of Week
Give your paper an appropriate title and center it.
With the exception of the first page, number each page at the top right.
Pick a citation style (e.g., MLA or Chicago) and adhere to it consistently throughout your paper.
When you quote, paraphrase, or summarize someone else’s work, you need to tell the reader the
source you are using. Two common methods are in-text citations/parenthetical citations and
footnotes/endnotes. Give the complete citation at the end of your paper in the bibliography or
works cited page.
As a general guide to form, the “five paragraph essay” is perhaps the most direct way to present
an argument. You need not adhere rigidly to this form, but its elements should appear in your
paper:
• Introduction with main thesis, general point or conclusion
• Specific point supporting thesis and explanation of how exactly it does so
• Specific point supporting thesis and explanation of how exactly it does so
• Specific point supporting thesis and explanation of how exactly it does so
• Counter arguments, weak points, inconvenient facts and what trouble they cause
• Rejoinders, modification of original position
• Summary/conclusion
Needless to say, you can have any number of specific points, and you can have points within
points, as with any outline. I will evaluate your argument according to the following criteria:
üIs the thesis stated clearly, directly, and unequivocally?
üIs sufficient evidence presented to support the claim(s) put forth in the thesis?

üAre the passages cited in the paper consistent with, and relevant to the argument being
made?
ü Have alternative points of view or interpretations of the materials you have used been
taken into account?
ü Is there evidence of an attempt to respond to possible counter-arguments and clarify
potentially weak points in your own argument?
ü Has the paper been edited carefully for errors in organization, grammar, spelling, and
punctuation, and for precision in choice of words and expression of ideas?Grades
A 94 and above C 74-76
A- 90-93 C- 70-73
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 84-86 D 64-66
B- 80-83 D- 60-63
C+ 77-79 F 59 and below
‘A’ papers
Excellent work, usually characterized by analytically rich and/or subtle, well-developed,
thoughtful, engaging argument. Typically this level of work demonstrates a high level of
familiarity with, and reflection upon the course readings, an effort to incorporate insights from
the readings in the argument, and in many cases provides provocative and challenging ideas
about the topic. Contributions at this level are also very well written; they are coherently
organized and carefully composed, contain few spelling and grammatical errors, and embody a
clarity and precision of expression appropriate for an analytically compelling argument.
‘B’ papers
Good work. Shows some evidence of having seriously considered the topic themes, and some
effort to try to engage the topic in an analytically rigorous way. ‘B’ papers may be less
analytically developed than an ‘A’ paper, demonstrating less comprehension and familiarity with
the text. They may also be somewhat problematic structurally. Nevertheless a good effort has
been made.
‘C’ papers
Average work. Typically, this level of work does not show evidence of striving for
excellence. It meets minimal standards: arguments stated without adequate development,
insufficient use of supporting texts and evidence, inflated or structurally problematic prose, poor
spelling, and weak organization.
‘D’ papers
Poor work. Very minimal work beyond the submission of your paper by the deadline. Oneliners,
non-sequiturs, assertions without arguments, little or no evidence of having done or
considered the readings, often off-topic, badly disjointed, structurally defective, and inadequate
citations. Does not meet minimal average standards.
‘F’ papers
No effort beyond handing in a paper has been made. Shows no evidence of even the slightest
familiarity with the texts, no citations, often handed in past the deadline, and fails to address the
paper topic in any way.

Paper Prompts for Texas Tough: The Rise of America’s Prison Empire
Due: Tuesday, December 9th
You are to write a 5-8 page, double-spaced paper in 12 pt., Times New Roman font with 1”
margins all around in response to one of the following questions or prompts. Strive to be as
clear and specific as possible, as you are responsible for answering all elements of each question.
1. According to Perkinson, the “Texas tough” style of justice is not only deeply embedded in the
state’s budget, but also in its political, cultural, and social fabric. While many states in the
Northeast constructed prison systems with the goal of repairing and redeeming criminals, Texas
sought to “warehouse, avenge, and permanently differentiate convicted criminals from lawabiding
citizens.” Having been defeated in the Civil War, Texas and its Southern confederates
were desperate to retain as much dominion as possible over their former slaves, and they found a
way through law enforcement. What evidence does Perkinson provide for this thesis? Are you
convinced by his controversial claim that the mass incarceration of African-Americans in Texas
and across the United States constitutes the “the new Jim Crow”? Why or why not? Explain
your answer.
2. A growing number of American prisons are now contracted out as for-profit businesses to forprofit
companies. These companies are paid by the state, and their profit depends on spending as
little as possible on the prisoners and the prisons. How, then, according to Perkinson, do forprofit
prisons contribute to the epidemic of imprisonment we see in Texas? What kinds of
problems are typically associated with for-profit prisons, and why is Perkinson so leery of them?
Given these concerns, do you think that for-profit prisons can promote public safety and save tax
dollars while simultaneously focusing on making a profit? Why or why not? Explain your
answer.
3. Among the causes of the incarceration epidemic in the United States are the growth of postRockefeller
drug laws, which punish minor drug offenses with major prison time; “zero
tolerance” policing; and mandatory sentencing laws. What evidence does Perkinson provide for
his claims that such policies are unjust, and particularly unfair toward African-Americans? Do
you think the public interest is ultimately served by such policies, or not? Why? Explain your
answer.
Papers are due in class on the assigned day and will only be accepted via e-mail with my
explicit permission. Late papers will be accepted at the penalty of one letter grade for every
day after the due date.Paper Guidelines and Criteria for Evaluation
Your papers should be five to eight pages in length with 1” margins all around and doublespaced
in 12 pt., Times New Roman font. The first page of your paper (and only the first page)
should include the following heading:
Your Name
GOVT 2306
Class Time and Days of Week
Give your paper an appropriate title and center it.
With the exception of the first page, number each page at the top right.
Pick a citation style (e.g., MLA or Chicago) and adhere to it consistently throughout your paper.
When you quote, paraphrase, or summarize someone else’s work, you need to tell the reader the
source you are using. Two common methods are in-text citations/parenthetical citations and
footnotes/endnotes. Give the complete citation at the end of your paper in the bibliography or
works cited page.
As a general guide to form, the “five paragraph essay” is perhaps the most direct way to present
an argument. You need not adhere rigidly to this form, but its elements should appear in your
paper:
• Introduction with main thesis, general point or conclusion
• Specific point supporting thesis and explanation of how exactly it does so
• Specific point supporting thesis and explanation of how exactly it does so
• Specific point supporting thesis and explanation of how exactly it does so
• Counter arguments, weak points, inconvenient facts and what trouble they cause
• Rejoinders, modification of original position
• Summary/conclusion
Needless to say, you can have any number of specific points, and you can have points within
points, as with any outline. I will evaluate your argument according to the following criteria:
üIs the thesis stated clearly, directly, and unequivocally?
üIs sufficient evidence presented to support the claim(s) put forth in the thesis?
üAre the passages cited in the paper consistent with, and relevant to the argument being
made?
ü Have alternative points of view or interpretations of the materials you have used been
taken into account?
ü Is there evidence of an attempt to respond to possible counter-arguments and clarify
potentially weak points in your own argument?
ü Has the paper been edited carefully for errors in organization, grammar, spelling, and
punctuation, and for precision in choice of words and expression of ideas?Grades
A 94 and above C 74-76
A- 90-93 C- 70-73
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 84-86 D 64-66
B- 80-83 D- 60-63
C+ 77-79 F 59 and below
‘A’ papers
Excellent work, usually characterized by analytically rich and/or subtle, well-developed,
thoughtful, engaging argument. Typically this level of work demonstrates a high level of
familiarity with, and reflection upon the course readings, an effort to incorporate insights from
the readings in the argument, and in many cases provides provocative and challenging ideas
about the topic. Contributions at this level are also very well written; they are coherently
organized and carefully composed, contain few spelling and grammatical errors, and embody a
clarity and precision of expression appropriate for an analytically compelling argument.
‘B’ papers
Good work. Shows some evidence of having seriously considered the topic themes, and some
effort to try to engage the topic in an analytically rigorous way. ‘B’ papers may be less
analytically developed than an ‘A’ paper, demonstrating less comprehension and familiarity with
the text. They may also be somewhat problematic structurally. Nevertheless a good effort has
been made.
‘C’ papers
Average work. Typically, this level of work does not show evidence of striving for
excellence. It meets minimal standards: arguments stated without adequate development,
insufficient use of supporting texts and evidence, inflated or structurally problematic prose, poor
spelling, and weak organization.
‘D’ papers
Poor work. Very minimal work beyond the submission of your paper by the deadline. Oneliners,
non-sequiturs, assertions without arguments, little or no evidence of having done or
considered the readings, often off-topic, badly disjointed, structurally defective, and inadequate
citations. Does not meet minimal average standards.
‘F’ papers
No effort beyond handing in a paper has been made. Shows no evidence of even the slightest
familiarity with the texts, no citations, often handed in past the deadline, and fails to address the
paper topic in any way.

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