The assignment requires students to write a critical essay on one of four major political theories: liberalism, conservatism, marxism, or libertarianism, emphasizing both strengths and weaknesses of the chosen theory. Marxism, based on Karl Marx's ideas, advocates for equality and the communal ownership of production to liberate the working class from bourgeois exploitation, although historically it has led to unproductive citizens and stifled innovation. Students must consult at least three secondary sources and comply with specified formatting requirements for the essay.