Policy Making In America

Policy Making In AmericaCan It Work Better?We have spent the semester examining the policy-making process at the national level.

One lesson is obvious: it is extremely difficult to craft public policies to deal with major national problems.

Major policy needs are often not addressed or they are inadequately addressed only after protracted delays. Problems with Policy MakingIn a democracy, debate and give and take are healthy components of the policy process. However, the basic design of the American political system makes it unduly hard to pass legislation, especially major policies or major policy changes. Separation of powers and checks and balances are designed to moderate government, but in recent history they have often paralyzed our political system. It has long been difficult and sometimes impossible to deal with many of the most serious challenges facing America. A Complicated EnvironmentPresidents often have to function with one or both branches of the Congress in the hands of the opposition party. The party winning control of the House can be the party that received fewer votes than the losing party (this happened in 2012). This is very different than the parliamentary systems of Europe which generally can rule, but if they are coalition governments can have their own problems. Authoritarian governments often point to the paralysis of the American political system as a justification of their rejection of democracy. Design and Ideology IssuesOf course, with authoritarian governments, any excuse will do.

China often says it is making rapid progress because the leadership can effectively make and implement policy. In China major policy is made by the central party leadership (now 7 people) and implemented by the communist party network across the nation.

Singapore (a city nation) often brags about its ability to make science-driven policy and easily implement it to create one of the most modern nations on the planet.

The Singapore elite increasingly dismiss America as a dysfunctional, nation that cannot make policy.

The Authoritarian Advantage?Currently it is questionable if our President and Congress can effectively address the challenges that face Americadeficits, immigration, global warming, education, unemployment, etc. It is difficult to carry out reasonable economic policies if you cannot have rational debates on taxes and spending, and if small groups within Congress can block legislation. Cutting spending is also difficult because most members of Congress (regardless of party) focus on protecting their turf, pleasing major donors, and attracting large campaign funds.

Designed Paralysis?Can we make the Political System Work Better?Improved Veto power

Insulation from pressure

A workable Congress

The Presidency Needs Three ChangesUnder our constitution the president does not have item or line-item veto powers. Congress tried to give this power to Clinton by legislation and the Supreme Court overturned the law.The court said the only way to give the president this power would be by amending the constitution. This seems be advisable. The Veto PowerAt the same time, the president might need protection by being given one six year term rather than the opportunity to win two four-year terms. InsulationOne reason for paralysis in Congress is that most members have been elected from safe districts. This creates a polarized Congress, even though the public is not polarized.

This means that the district is apportioned in such a way that only a Democrat or Republican could win it.

California recently passed a law which turns the drawing of congressional districts over to a non-partisan staff with no elected officials. Their job is to draw district lines to make as many of the House seats as possible competitive (they could be won by either a Democrat or a Republican). Competitive House DistrictsThis new California law is designed to reduce the number of House members who are rigid ideologues unwilling to engage in give and take and compromise.

It is also meant to create a Congress that represents the public, not just narrow (often well funded) groups.

Competitive districts would lead to a Congress focused on solving problems rather than deadlocking government. Competitive House DistrictsThe public thinks it needs a lot of fixing.What Else would it take to Fix Congress?Approval of Congress

A lot of ideas out there about how to fix Congress. One group of ex-members of Congress and a few allies have founded a group they call No-Label.No-Label means they are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents of various political persuasions. There are a lot of ideas but No-Label has some recommendations that might focus a debate.

The No-Label AgendaMake Congress WorkNo Label Suggestions

Make Congress Work

Make Congress Work

Make Congress Work

Currently it costs far too much to be elected to Congress. Most citizens cannot afford the costs and could not raise the money. Money has become a barrier to public office and an easy way for well-funded groups to influence the votes of member of Congress. Everyone in D.C. knows that if you have money, you can buy influence. Publically financing elections would solve this problem. Last, we might want to term limit members of Congress. Too many members of Congress make decisions based on getting re-elected rather than the good of the country. Reducing the Impact of MoneyUnless we had a constitutional convention to write a new constitution, the only group that can fix the problems discuss here is Congress.

How do we get Congress to fix itself?

It could be done, but it would take a massive public outcry and real pressure.

Can that happen? The Problem with Change