Research a federal issue or concern and address that matter in a letter to a member of the United States Congress.

This is a semester long research project which involves researching a federal issue or concern and addressing that matter in a letter to a member of the United States Congress.
Part 1: Define the issue (50 points)
This is the first step in completing this assignment and actively engaging as a citizen. It requires the clear articulation of a concern that is important to you and to the larger community, which for the purposes of this assignment is the United States. The issue must also be an issue that is within the powers of the United States Congress. (approximately 200 words)
The powers of Congress are identified in Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. The first 17 clauses of the Article 1, Section 8 are known as the enumerated powers. The 18th clause, known as the Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to expand it powers to areas not originally foreseen, if it furthers the purposes of the first 17 clauses. Conversely, the 10th Amendment designates the powers reserved to the states. This generally covers actions within a state. (See also police powers). Many students studying government for the first time, struggle with the difference between federal and state authority. To be successful with this first part of the assignment you will need to be able to make this distinction. This challenge can expand when you consider the allocation of federal grants. That is where the federal government gives the states money to carry out an action. If you choose a piece of legislation currently pending before Congress you will be on the right track, but you will still need to identify the federal authority.