GCU ADM634 All Weeks Discussions

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 Review the graphs on page 533 of The New American Democracy. Do you believe that test scores would improve if the United States spent more on education? Why or why not? What other ways do you feel education policy could be improved?

DQ2 How do you feel social policy affects politics in the United States? Use examples to support your positions.

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 There has been much debate in recent years about the role of the Federal Reserve System. Explain in detail how the Federal Reserve functions an influences policy decisions.

DQ2 The New American Democracy discusses many different tax policies that have been made over the years. Choose one of these policies and explain why that policy is good or bad. Support your argument with examples from the textbooks or outside sources.

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 How much government intrusion into daily life is acceptable? Is the reduction in personal freedom worth the benefits that the policy provides to society? What kinds of policies are acceptable and unacceptable in the United States? Is this the same in other nations?

DQ2The federal government inserted itself directly and massively into the economy during the economic crisis of 2008 and 2009, largely by trying to bail out or rescue corporations at risk of failure, including many banks, other financial institutions, and the U.S auto industry. Discuss the economic, political, and moral reasons behind the government’s decision to do this.

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 Provide a current policy example, use the theories of politics (such as elite, group, or rational choice) to help explain why the policy was selected. How do the assumptions associated with these theories help to explain the outcome?

DQ2Under what circumstances might U.S. public policy be made in accordance with the wishes of the American people? What kinds of policy decisions reflect the public’s preferences? What kinds do not?

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 Why do you think most citizens do not take more interest in politics and public policy?

DQ2What might increase citizens’ level of interest and participation? What would motivate you to become more active?

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 Which of the many evaluative criteria are the most important? Economic costs or efficiency? Policy effectiveness? Equity? Why do you think so? Are some criteria more important for certain kinds of policy questions than for others?

DQ2 In relation to the public policy of No Child Left Behind, what do you think the impact of this policy is? Would you make any changes? What are you basing your opinion on? Please provide two references for your information.

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 Discuss ways the Oregon Lottery and the Oregon Department of Education could have avoided the negative editorial written by the Oregon Center for Public Policy. Were there techniques used by these two departments that you disagree with?

DQ2 What are the positive aspects of public relations being used by government? What role can public relations play in national emergencies and furthering public policy?

 

ADM634 Policy Studies

Week 8 Discussion

DQ1 Identify at least one role that each of the following departments/agencies have played in foreign or defense policy: the State Department, the Defense Department, the CIA, and the NSC. Explain if you feel that the role you identified is a proper role for that department/agency. Explain why you feel the way you do by clarifying what roles you feel each of the departments should be involved with.

DQ2 After reading the Articles of the Constitution that pertain to war powers, and the commentary over the debate; do you feel the executive branch should have as much power as it seems to have regarding war decisions? Do you feel the Supreme Court has taken an active enough roll in the war power debate? Justify your reasons.