The Forgotten Policy Maker
Choose a lesser-known political figure who had a profound impact on governance or policy. Write a biographical account of their life, focusing on the challenges they faced and the legacy they left behind.
Suggested length: An essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- Write for a curious friend, not an expert.
- End with something the reader can do or think about today.
- State your main point in one sentence before you start.
Writing essays
A mind at work, one subject at a time.
An essay collection gathers short nonfiction pieces: personal, critical, funny or all three. What ties them together is the writer's voice and way of seeing.
What readers expect
- A distinctive voice
- Personal stakes
- Surprising connections
- Pieces that stand alone
A tip before you start
Follow a question, not a thesis. The pleasure of an essay is watching someone think.
More Politics and Political Science prompts
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- An Ideology Through the DecadesExplore the evolution of a particular political ideology over the decades. Trace its origins, major turning points, influential figures, and how it…
- Recovering From Political BurnoutExplore the concept of "political burnout" in a reflective piece. Discuss ways individuals involved in politics can maintain their mental health while…
- A World Under New PoliticsImagine a future where a groundbreaking political theory has been implemented globally. Describe this theory and write a critical analysis based on…
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