'Informed Citizen' Software for Political Parties
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'Informed Citizen' Software for Political Parties

This application is designed to enable political parties to set forth and defend their public philosophy, the principles of leadership that they espouse, as well as the platform of policies that they support.  Each part of the application corresponds to a part of our "Method for Analysis and Evaluation."  In Part I, parties will describe the basic outline of their public philosophy.  In Part II, they will summarize their policy platform.  As they do so, they should describe how they strive to express their public philosophy consistently in all areas of policy within their platform.  In Part III, they will systematically describe how their platform enhances the well-being of individuals, social groups, and the environment.  (If the party espouses religious or philosophical views about the cosmos as a whole, and these beliefs somehow shape their political views, then the program will help them to communicate these views as well.)  In Part IV, they will describe relationships between different policies within their platform.  For example, they may explain how different policies within their platform are woven into broader strategies that address some social issues.  In Part V, parties will describe how their organization demonstrates character and leadership as it participates in the public life of your nation. 

In each part of the application, we first provide sections of our method that are relevant to that part.  After each section, we provide a set of questions relevant to that section.  For example, in Part III of the application, we provide the sections of our framework that explore the impact of of the party platform on individuals, social groups, and the environment.  One section addresses the impact of the platform on social institutions.  After that section, we list questions that ask the party to describe how their platform affects the effective and ethical functioning of various types of institutions.  

Users respond to these questions using scrolling response boxes.  When users have completed all of the sets of questions, they will submit their responses to our web site using a special password.  The software will then convert the questions and responses into a clear and readable format -- a 'Party Profile' -- that we will post on our web site for the public to view.  This profile will be helpful for citizens using our "'Informed Citizen' Software for Analyzing Parties" as well as our "'Citizen Choice'™ Software for Evaluating Parties," both of which are described below.  A sample format for this application may be found on the page in this web site entitled "'Informed Citizen' Software for Political Parties."

If a party does not wish to use our software to articulate its platform, one of our staff members will carefully and objectively review whatever published platform summaries the party may provide.  They will then complete the questions in the software application and publish their analysis on our web site.

CURRICULUM NOTE:  In the 'Dialogue in the Public Square' Curriculum, students may use this application to propose and advocate mock political parties that they establish in class exercises.  If students do not have access to computers, they may complete this exercise using worksheets that we will include in our printed resources.

Part I:  Summary of Public Philosophy

The text from Part I of our "Method for Political Analysis" will be presented here.  It will be followed by the questions below.

A.  Basic World View
What are the party's views on human nature, society, and the environment?  What basic views, values, and principles does the party espouse regarding individual development, social progress, and environmental stewardship?  Does it espouse any philosophical or religious views about the cosmos as a whole?  If so, how are these views relevant to their views on political life?  What are the party's views regarding relationships between individuals, social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole?

B.  Key Views and Values Regarding Foreign Relations
What are the party's views on the ways in which nations should relate to each other?  Does the party espouse some notion of an 'international order' that should govern relationships between nations?  What principles guide this order?  How should it be achieved?  According to the party, what is the role of your nation in this order?  What are the roles of other nations? of international organizations such as the United Nations and World Trade Organization?

C.  Overarching Values and Principles Regarding the Goals of Political Life
Does the party identify one or more principle(s) that represent the goal of political life or the highest value in political life?  Various political philosophies may define this principle as individual liberty, a free society, the public good, the common good, or the public interest.

Are foreign policies guided by an overarching goal, value, or principle?  Is it the same goal or principle that guides policies in general?  If not, what is the overarching goal or principle that guides foreign relations?  Is it related to the principle that guides domestic policy?  If so, how?

D.  Principles for Dealing with Trade-Offs Between the Costs and Benefits of Public Policies
What principles does the party employ to evaluate trade-offs between the costs and benefits of policies?

E.  Visions for Responsible Citizenship
Does the party describe key values and principles for responsible citizenship?  Does it set forth strategies for encouraging the participation of citizens in public life?

F.  Personal Qualities of Public Leaders
Does the party highlight key areas of competence and personal qualities that public leaders should possess?

G.  Sources
From what sources does the party draw the views, values, and principles that comprise its public philosophy?  Possible sources may include political theory, the human sciences (like psychology and sociology), the natural sciences (like biology or ecology), philosophy, and religious views.

Part II:  Summary of the Party's Platform
(by Area of Policy)

Domestic Focus

What are the party's positions and priorities regarding each of the following areas of domestic policy?  Clarify whether various initiatives and positions apply to the local, state, or national level.  Also, briefly describe how the initiatives under each area reflect the views and values espoused in the party's political philosophy.

Agricultural Policy

Education Policy (teacher training, vouchers, student performance)

Taxation Policy

Energy Policy (sources of energy, conservation)

Industrial/Manufacturing Policy

Banking and Finance

Labor Policy

Business Ethics

Government Ethics (campaign finance, conflicts of interest, size and scope of government)

Transportation Policy

Waste Management

Air and Water Pollution

Health Care (costs and accessibility) and Public Health (general fitness, nutrition, public health and the environment)

Environmental Issues not covered in other policy areas above (wilderness areas, endangered species)

Bioethics (issues such as abortion, stem cell research, and genetic engineering)

Poverty Reduction

Entitlements (social security, medicare)

Volunteerism and Service

Criminal Justice (crime prevention, firearm regulation, sentencing, recidivism, rehabilitation, issues surrounding the death penalty, etc.)

Issues Related to Discrimination (on the basis of race, creed, gender, sexual preference, age, disability)

Military Budget and Preparedness

Policies Promoting the Arts

Focus on Foreign Relations

What policies does the party advocate regarding such foreign policy issues as human rights, immigration, international trade agreements, international development, participation in security alliances (such as NATO), participation in international organizations (such as the United Nations and The World Trade Organization), environmental stewardship, military aid, weapons sales, weapons of mass destruction, anti-terrorism strategies, conflict prevention, peacekeeping, nation building, punitive measures that penalize other states for some reason (such as embargoes), the use of military force, and nonviolent strategies for dealing with international conflicts?  Briefly describe how the initiatives under each area are derived from the party's political philosophy.

Are any specific regional policies proposed for the following areas?

Africa
South Asia (India, Pakistan, etc.)
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, etc.)
Southeast Asia (includes Australia)
Eastern Europe
Western Europe
The Middle East
North America
Central and South America

Part III:  Understanding the Impact of the Party's Platform

Domestic Focus

I.  The Impact of a Party's Domestic Policy Platform on Individuals
The text from section I.A of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

A.  Describing the Impact of a Party's Domestic Platform on the Different Dimensions of an Individual's Personality and Lifestyle

What impact will the party's domestic platform have on the following dimensions of individual development and well-being? 

Physical

Relational

Intellectual

Vocational/Economic

Political

Cultural

Artistic

Moral

Spiritual


B.  The Developmental Nature of Personal Liberty and Fulfillment
Does the party's domestic platform recognize the developmental nature of personal liberty and fulfillment?  If so, how?  If not, why is this insight not reflected in the platform?

C.  The Platform's Impact on the Exercise of Human Rights
How does the party's domestic platform impact the exercise of the following types of human rights?  

economic and physical rights 
(rights to bodily safety and fitness, to clean water, to affordable food, housing, and medical care; to adequate vocational education and training; to a just wage for one's labor; to start a business; and to own property; also include rights to food, shelter, and health care if one is unable to work due to personal disability  

civil rights 
(freedom from discrimination on the basis of one's creed, race, ethnicity, or gender)  

political rights 
(rights to civic education,* to peaceful public assembly, to form and participate in political associations, to vote, and to petition the government)  

juridical rights 
(rights to fair and just treatment from law enforcement agencies and courts; examples include the rights to due process of law, to trial by a jury of one's peers, to representation in court, to protection from illegal search and seizure, and to protection cruel and unusual punishment)  

broader social rights 
(the freedom marry and establish a family and the right to form and participate in religious and civic institutions of all kinds)  

cultural rights 
(the freedom to express the customs and values of one's culture; also include the right to learn about the historical and philosophical foundations of one's culture as well as its modes of artistic expression)  

expressive rights 
(the ability of citizens to share their views in the public square; include the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and the right to artistic expression)

rights to education 
(right to a level of education that enables individuals to form a coherent world view; also include the educational dimension of the economic, political, and cultural rights described above)

D.  The Party's Recognition of Relationships between Rights
How does the domestic platform reflect an understanding of relationships between human rights?

E.  The Platform's Integration of Rights and Responsibilities
How does the domestic platform focus on the responsibilities of individuals as well their rights?

F.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Personal Initiative and Social Support
How does the domestic platform acknowledge the roles played by both personal initiative and social support in personal development?

II.  The Impact of the Party's Domestic Policy Platform on the Social Level of Organization
The text from the introduction to section II of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here.

A. The Impact on Social Institutions
The text from section II.A of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How does the party's domestic platform affect the effective and ethical functioning of the following institutions?  I.e., how does the platform affect the capacity of the following groups to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?  How does it encourage standards of excellence in the development of skills that are essential to the institutions' missions, the establishment of codes of ethics relevant to the institutions' missions, the cultivation of constructive relationships both within the groups and between each group and other groups, inclusiveness in membership, decision-making, and mission; transparency in decision-making processes; institutional accountability in general?

Media organizations (TV networks, radio stations; newspaper and magazine publishers)


1a)  Special Institutional Focus on Governments

How does the party's domestic platform promote standards of excellence in policymaking and citizenship?

How does it affect the quality of relationships between government officials, between political parties, between government organizations of all types, and between citizens?  Does it promote a spirit of civility and collaboration in public life?  If so, how?  If not, does it contribute to a more divisive, hostile atmosphere in public life?  If so, how does it do this?  Is there a legitimate reason for creating divisions within the government and the general public?

How does it encourage local, state, and national governments to use decision-making processes that are more inclusive, or open to public input; and transparent, or open to public review and evaluation?  In other words, how does it promote decision-making processes that are democratic, accountable, less prone to corruption, and more responsive to the needs, views, and interests of citizens?  

How does it help governments to enact and enforce policies that are more inclusive; i.e. that avoid discrimination?

How does it impact the ability of your national government to efficiently maintain a military force that is capable of defending the nation's security, interests, and values?

How does it affect the ability of your government to strike a balance between spending on military programs and on those programs that promote personal development, social progress, and environmental protection?

Are there any other ways in which the domestic platform enhances the ability of governments to enact policies that promote the common good?


B. The Impact on Social Sectors
The text from section II.B of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How does the party's platform promote constructive relationships

within the market sector?

within the state sector?

within civil society?


between the state and the market?

between the state and civil society?

between the market and civil society?


How does the party's platform promote constructive relationships between the media and the three sectors?

How does it promote constructive relationships between government enterprises and the three sectors?


C. The Impact on Different Levels of Social Organization
The text from section II.D of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How does the party's domestic platform recognize the impact of public issues on all relevant levels of social organization (i.e. local, state, national, international)? 

Does it give priority to issues that affect higher levels of social organization -- issues that impact many individuals and groups on lower levels?  If so, how?  If not, how?  

Does it give priority to the impact of local issues on higher levels of social organization?  If so, how?  If not, how?

How does it encourage or discourage local initiative and responsibility in responses to important social issues?

How does it encourage or discourage coordination on higher levels of administration when this is necessary?
  
Does it reflect a preference for a primary locus of decision-making (local, state, national, international level of administration)?  That is, does the party prefer to address most issues on some levels of administration rather than others (i.e. on the local or state rather than the federal level)?

How does the platform compromise or preserve the integrity of higher level social processes such as the market system and the democratic process?  That is, how does it allow or prevent abuses of these processes by individuals and institutions on lower levels of organization?


D. The Impact on Socio-Cultural Collectivities
The text from section II.D of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How does the party's domestic platform affect opportunities for self-development that are enjoyed by persons of different:

Classes?

Races?

Ethnic Groups?

Nationalities?

Religions and sects?

Genders?

Age Groups?

Sexual orientations?

Areas of residence (rural and urban)?

eval:  equal opportunity, minimize discrimination among persons of different



III.  Analyzing the Impact of a Party's Domestic Platform on the Ecological  Level of Organization
The text from section III of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

A.  Conservation

How will the party's domestic platform impact

endangered species?

biodiversity?

wilderness areas?


B.  Sustainable Technologies and Lifestyles

How will the party's domestic platform promote

the conservation of natural resources?

the development of less polluting technologies for manufacturing goods?

the development of less polluting technologies for generating energy?

the implementation of designs for construction and renovation that increase the energy-efficiency of all types of buildings?

the development of appliances and other electronic devices that are more energy-efficient?

the development of less polluting technologies for transportation?

ecologically sound methods of farming?

Does the party plan to promote 'smart growth' -- planning communities in ways that minimize traffic congestion and pollution? 

Does the party plan to promote less polluting and more efficient methods of waste management (strategies for recycling, toxic waste disposal)?

How does the party strive to integrate the goals of economic growth and ecological stewardship?

How does the party address global environmental issues, such as climate change and the depletion of the ozone layer, through policies on the local, state, and/or national level?



IV.  Analyzing the Impact of a Party's Domestic Platform on the Cosmic Level of Organization

A.  Understanding Party Platforms from the Perspective of One's Own Cosmic Views
The text from section IV.A of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Do you believe that universal principles or laws govern human affairs, such as the principles of yin-yang or the law of karma?  Do you believe in some divine plan for the universe that guides human history (such as the coming of the Kingdom of God)?  Do you believe in some system of divine justice that operates in human affairs?  If so, how does this party's platform relate to your cosmic views?  If you believe in a divine plan, how does it relate to this divine plan?  Does it further or hinder this plan?  If you believe in a cosmic system of divine justice, how does it relate to this system?  If you espouse universal laws or principles, how does it relate to these laws and principles?  Are its possible effects consistent with or in conflict with these laws or principles?

B.  Exploring the Cosmic Views of Political Parties
The text from section IV.B of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Does the party espouse beliefs regarding the cosmic level of organization?

If it espouses views on the cosmos, how does the party expect its platform to impact the cosmos as a whole?

If the party espouses religious beliefs about the cosmos as a whole, and the party uses these beliefs to defend its platform, is the influence of these beliefs on the platform consistent with the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state?



V.  Analyzing a Party's Recognition of the Implications of Policies for All Levels of Organization
The text from section V of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Does the party recognize the implications of policies on all levels of organization -- does it recognize the impact on individuals, social groups, the environment, and the cosmos as a whole (if a cosmic perspective is held by them)?



VI.  Analyzing a Party's Recognition of Relationships between Different Levels of Organization

ustanding only:  Does the party recognize the impact of its domestic policies on relationships between different levels of organization?

How does the party's domestic policy platform impact relationships between different levels of organization (individual, social, ecological, cosmic)?



VII.  Analyzing a Party's Recognition of the Hierarchy of Value and Order of Priority among the Different Levels of Organization
The text from section VI of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

In its domestic platform, does the party recognize a hierarchy of value and order of priority that governs its response to issues on different levels of organization?  If so, what sort of hierarchy of value and order of priority does it recognize?



VIII.  Analyzing a Party's Understanding of Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Different Policy Options
The text from section VII of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How does the party's domestic platform deal with trade-offs regarding the costs and benefits of policies for

different individuals (i.e. Does it describe whether and how it will justify burdens placed on some individuals for the benefit of other individuals)?

different social groups (i.e. Does it describe whether and how it will justify burdens placed on some social groups for the benefit of other social groups)?

entities on different levels of organization (i.e. Does it describe whether and how it will justify burdens placed on entities on one level of organization for the benefit of entities on other levels of organization? For example, does it provide justifications for policies that place burdens on individuals for the sake of social groups?  on social groups for the sake of the environment?  More generally, does it describe how it will deal with trade-offs between special interests promoted by policies and the needs and interests of the common good?)



IX.  Analyzing a Party's Commitment to an 'Experimental Approach' to Policy-Making
The text from section VIII of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

Does the party express a commitment to an ‘experimental approach’ to domestic policy-making?  If so, how?  If not, how does it demonstrate a lack of commitment to this approach?

Analyzing the Impact of a Party's Foreign Policy Platform
(as well as the Impact of Domestic Policies on Foreign Relations)

The text from Introduction to the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here.


I.  The Impact of a Party's Foreign Policy Platform on Individuals
The text from section I.A of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.


A.  Analyzing the Impact of a Party's Foreign Policies on the Different Dimensions of an Individual's Personality and Lifestyle

In all nations affected by them, what impact will the party's foreign policies have on the following dimensions of individual development and well-being? 

Physical

Relational

Intellectual

Vocational/Economic

Political

Cultural

Artistic

Moral

Spiritual


B.  Analyzing the Party's Recognition of the Developmental Nature of Personal Liberty and Fulfillment
Do the party's foreign policies recognize the developmental nature of personal liberty and fulfillment?  If so, how?  If not, how?

C.  Analyzing the Impact of Foreign Policies on the Exercise of Human Rights
How do the party's foreign policies impact the exercise of the following types of human rights in all nations affected by them?  

economic and physical rights 
(rights to bodily safety and fitness, to clean water, to affordable food, housing, and medical care; to adequate vocational education and training; to a just wage for one's labor; to start a business; and to own property; also include rights to food, shelter, and health care if one is unable to work due to personal disability  

civil rights 
(freedom from discrimination on the basis of one's creed, race, ethnicity, or gender)  

political rights 
(rights to civic education,* to peaceful public assembly, to form and participate in political associations, to vote, and to petition the government)  

juridical rights 
(rights to fair and just treatment from law enforcement agencies and courts; examples include the rights to due process of law, to trial by a jury of one's peers, to representation in court, to protection from illegal search and seizure, and to protection cruel and unusual punishment)  

broader social rights 
(the freedom marry and establish a family and the right to form and participate in religious and civic institutions of all kinds)  

cultural rights 
(the freedom to express the customs and values of one's culture; also include the right to learn about the historical and philosophical foundations of one's culture as well as its modes of artistic expression)  

expressive rights 
(the ability of citizens to share their views in the public square; include the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and the right to artistic expression)

rights to education 
(right to a level of education that enables individuals to form a coherent world view; also include the educational dimension of the economic, political, and cultural rights described above)

D.  Analyzing the Party's Recognition of Relationships between Rights
Do the party's foreign policies reflect an understanding of relationships between human rights?  If so, how?  If not, how?

E.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Rights and Responsibilities
In all nations affected by them, do the party's foreign policies focus on the responsibilities of individuals as well their rights?  If so, how? If not, how?

F.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Personal Initiative and Social Support
Do the party's foreign policies acknowledge the roles played by both personal initiative and social support in personal development?  If so, how?  If not, how?



II.  The Impact of a Party's Foreign Policy Platform on the Social Level of Organization
The text from section II of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

A.  The Impact on National and International Institutions
The text from section II.A of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Institutions within Nations
What is the likely impact of the party's foreign policy platform on the effective and ethical functioning of the following social institutions within nations affected by foreign policies?  I.e. How does the party's foreign policy platform encourage these groups to uphold standards of excellence regarding the skills and values that are essential to their missions?  How does it promote transparent and inclusive decision-making processes within these groups?  How does it help these groups to resist corruption?  How does it encourage these groups to adopt non-discriminatory policies and programs?  How does it help these groups to promote constructive relationships among their members and with other groups?  Overall, how does it affect the following groups' ability to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?

Families

Churches

Civic organizations

Advocacy groups that represent the interests of specific populations: the elderly, supporters of gun rights, consumers, etc.

Nongovernmental organizations  that promote political justice, economic justice, human rights, and/or ecological stewardship

Media organizations: TV networks, radio stations; newspaper and magazine publishers

Business Firms

Labor unions

Schools: primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education

Charitable organizations that serve the needs of especially vulnerable populations: the poor, elderly, etc.

Institutions that support the arts

Political parties


Special Focus on Local and National Governments
In all nations affected by it, how does the party's foreign policy platform promote standards of excellence in policymaking and citizenship?  

How does it promote political decision-making processes that are more inclusive and transparent?  In other words, how does it encourage decision-making processes that are democratic, accountable to the public interest, and less prone to corruption?

How does it help governments to enact and enforce policies that are more inclusive; i.e. that avoid discrimination?

How does it affect the quality of relationships between government officials, between political parties, between government organizations of all types, and between citizens?

How does it affect relationships between different national governments?

How does it impact the ability of national governments to efficiently maintain adequate military capabilities?

How does it affect the ability of governments to strike a balance between spending on military programs and on those programs that promote human development and environmental protection?

If your nation distributes foreign aid, what principles does the party advocate for determining how this aid will be distributed to other nations?

How does the platform reflect a broader, more enlightened view of national security that focuses on environmental protection and improving of the lives of citizens both within and beyond the borders of your nation?

In what other ways does it affect the ability of governments to enact and enforce legislation that promotes individual development, social progress, and ecological stability?

 
The Use of Force for the National Defense:  A Special Issue for National Governments
Which nonviolent strategies does the party advocate for resolving international conflicts in general, and, more specifically, for addressing current conflicts around the globe?

What are the party's policies regarding the use of military force in current international conflicts?

Does the party address long-term strategies for cultivating peace and prosperity, particularly in troubled regions of the world?  If so, how?


International Institutions
How will the party's foreign policy platform impact the effective and ethical functioning of the following international social institutions?  I.e. How does the foreign policy platform encourage international organizations to uphold standards of excellence regarding the skills and values that are essential to their missions?  How does it promote transparent and inclusive decision-making processes within these groups?  How does it help these institutions to resist corruption?  How does it encourage them to adopt non-discriminatory policies and programs?  How does it help them to promote constructive relationships among their members and with other institutions?  Overall, how does it affect the following institutions' ability to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?

international governing organizations such as the United Nations

international alliances or blocs (such as NATO)

international religious bodies

international media organizations (TV and radio networks, magazine and newspaper publishers, etc.)

international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank

other organizations that finance international development programs

institutions that regulate international trade (such as the World Trade Organization)

international groups that serve the needy or vulnerable -- the poor, the sick, the elderly, victims of disasters, etc.

international nongovernmental organizations that advocate economic justice, political justice, and environmental stewardship

international labor unions

international organizations that coordinate cultural projects, including sporting events

corporations in your nation that export goods to different nations

transnational corporations that maintain operations in more than one nation


B.  The Impact on National and International Social Sectors
The text from section II.B of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

1.  Impact on Social Sectors within Nations

How does the party's foreign policy platform impact relationships

within the government sectors of all nations affected by it?

within the market sectors of all nations affected by it?

within the civil sector of all nations affected by it?

between the government and market sectors of all nations affected by it?

between the government and civil sectors of all nations affected by it?

between the market and civil sectors of all nations affected by it?


How does the party's foreign policy platform affect relationships between the media and the three sectors in all nations affected by it?

How does it affect relationships between government enterprises and the three sectors in all nations affected by it?


2.  Impact on International Social Sectors

How does the party's foreign policy platform impact relationships

within the international government sector?

within the international market sector?

within international civil society?


between international governing bodies and international markets?

between international governing bodies and international civil society?

between international civil society and international markets?


How does the party's foreign policy platform affect relationships between the international media and the three international sectors?


eval format?  The party's foreign policy platform helps three sectors to hold media accountable to the public good; enables media to operate without undue interference from other sectors;  enables sectors to hold government enterprises accountable to common good


C.  The Impact on Different Levels of Social Organization
The text from section II.C of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Does the party's foreign policy platform recognize the impact of social issues on all relevant levels of social organization (i.e. local, regional, national, international)?  If so, how?  If not, how?

Does it recognize an order of priority that governs its response to issues on higher levels of organization -- issues that impact large numbers of individuals and groups?  If so, how?  If not, how?

How does the party's foreign policy platform affect relationships between government institutions and policymakers on different levels of social organization (local, state, national, international)?

Does the party prefer to address international issues on a certain level of social organization?  That is, does it prefer to address international issues through a coordinated response of the entire global community, through regional initiatives involving nations in the same geographic area, or through responses from national governments acting independently of one another?  Does this preference vary from issue to issue?  If so, how?

Does the party's platform address the trend toward the globalization of the world economy?  If so, how does it propose to maximize the benefits of globalization while minimizing risks and abuses?

How does the party plan to preserve the integrity of higher level processes such as the international market system?  How does it propose to prevent abuses of this system by individuals and institutions on lower levels of organization?

Does the party favor the use of multi-lateral international decision-making processes?  If so, how does it plan to maximize the effectiveness of these processes?  If not, why does it believe that these processes do not serve the interests of your nation and the international community?


D.  The Impact on Socio-Cultural Collectivities
The text from section II.D of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

In all nations affected by it, how does the party's foreign policy platform affect opportunities for self-development that are enjoyed by persons of different:

The text from Part I, section II of our "Method for Political Analysis" will be presented here.  They will be followed by the questions below:

You have already described different sources of a party's public philosophy in Part I above.

You have already described how the party's public philosophy is reflected in the different areas of policy that comprise its platform?  (eval: how consistently)

eval:  The party's public philosophy is consistently reflected in the different areas of policies that comprise its platform.

What is the rhetorical style of the party?  Does it promote its platform and policies by appealing to reason and respected moral principles, to emotions such as fear and anger, and/or to vices such greed and avarice?

eval:  The party promotes its platform by appealing to reason and respected moral principles rather than emotions such as fear and anger and/or vices such as greed and avarice.

How does the party display a commitment to inclusiveness in its mission?

in its membership?

in its decision-making processes?

How does the party promote constructive relationships within its members?

eval:  The party displays a commitment to inclusiveness in its mission.
The party is inclusive in its membership.
The decision-making policies of the party are inclusive.

How are the relationships between this party and other parties? cooperative? often tense? always adversarial?  What type of effect do these relationships have on the tone of public discourse?  I.e. do they make the public debate civil, open, and constructive or hostile, narrow, and destructive?

Does the party actively promote or discourage positive relationships between itself and other parties?

eval: The party has constructive relationships with other parties.
The party promotes civil and open public discourse.
 
How does the party promote standards of excellence in the skills necessary for effective political organizing, dialogue, and advocacy?

eval:  The party promotes standards of excellence in the skills necessary for effective political organizing, dialogue, and advocacy.

How does the party hold its members accountable to a code of ethics for political organizing, dialogue, and advocacy?

eval:  The party holds its members accountable to a code of ethics for political organizing, dialogue, and advocacy.

What is the party's attitude toward transparency?  Does it allow its members and the general public to review its decision-making processes?

eval:  The decision-making processes of the party are transparent.

In the past, how has the party followed through on promises that it makes to voters?

eval:  The party follows through on promises made to voters.

eval:  The party has demonstrated the courage to take stands on public issues even if they are not sure how the public will react to these positions.

eval:  The party has demonstrated a willingness to revise its views, values, and principles in light of new insights into important public issues.

eval:  The party has demonstrated a willingness to persuade its members and supporters to advocate sound policies even if these policies do not further their personal or group interests.