The following 9 Anchor Papers represent a range of score points and are used in conjunction with the rubrics to assess student responses.

Score for Anchor Paper #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Fragments of basic ideas are presented (state have control and a small government, strong government and states have less power), but the ideas are incomplete.

Score for Anchor Paper #2: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Basic ideas are attempted (most power given to states, thrive on being one nation), but the ideas are fragmented and incomplete.

Score for Anchor Paper #3: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of confederate and unitary governments. In describing and contrasting the two forms of government, key ideas are provided (one powerhouse of government, power divided among the states). Although an unclear idea is attempted (less remorse between states), the response is acceptable for a score of "2."

Score for Anchor Paper #4: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of confederate and unitary governments. Acceptable key ideas (one national government, sovereign states combined by a pact, centralized works better together) are provided.

Score for Anchor Paper #5: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of confederate and unitary governments. A little support is provided for key ideas (strong central government and weak state and local government, strong state government and weak central government, rule based on local needs).

Score for Anchor Paper #6: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of confederate and unitary governments. Concepts (individual states have all the power, all the power in one national government, unitary brings the country together) are accurate and supported, and some evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated by use of cause-and-effect reasoning (if states had all the power they would break away from each other), analysis (no reason to communicate with each other), and relevant example (like having 50 little separate countries).

Score for Anchor Paper #7: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of confederate and unitary governments. Support is provided for accurate concepts (government split up with all power in the state governments, central powers in a national government), and some evidence of higher order thinking skills is shown by the use of analysis and extended comparison in formulating a preference for the unitary system.

Score for Anchor Paper #8: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of confederate and unitary governments. Accurate concepts (loose union of independent states, all power in the hands of a national government) are well supported, and the ideas are integrated. The response demonstrates higher order thinking skills by application of analysis, reasoning, and evaluation of key ideas. In comparing and contrasting the two forms of government, the response insightfully analyzes their strengths and weaknesses, uses relevant examples, and reaches logical conclusions based upon key ideas.

Score for Anchor Paper #9: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of confederate and unitary governments. Accurate and well-supported concepts are integrated, focusing on comparing and contrasting the two forms' extreme characteristics and formulating a compromise as the best form of government. Powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills is provided by application of analysis (absolute embodiment of states' rights, inter-area disputes and currency problems, regional interests would be ignored), relevant example (Confederate States of America, not far from a totalitarian system), and evaluation (best form is when powers are shared, cooperation and balance).

Additional Scored Student Responses