'Informed Citizen' Software for Understanding Political Parties
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'Informed Citizen'™ Software for
Understanding Political Party Platforms


EDIT:  SUMMARY OF REVISIONS TO APPS (AS OF 3/03):

new phrasing of all questions in part IV to ask about impact of platforms

several new questions in environmental section

INFO: levels of soc org, party intros (foreign relns only), order of priority governing resp to issues on diff levels
EVAL:  transparency, trade-offs, levels of soc org,
order of priority governing resp to issues on diff levels

ALL: references to analytical framework - individual level (section I), letters switched (A&B) in domestic framework and moved in both (ind init and soc support moved to end of section); question on globalization

questions about 'hybrid instits in section on 'social sectors'

materials on parts II and IV of application need to be adapted to other applications; add cost-benefit analyses, timing of elections, and risk and uncertainty to influences that shape plats and policies, add national interests of your nation; interests of other nations

new stuff on public philosophy (see politics.htm)
What basic views and principles does the party espouse regarding individual development, social progress, and environmental stewardship?  Does the party/cand/spon identify one principle that is 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.  What basic views and principles does the party espouse regarding foreign relations?  are domestic and foreign policies guided by the same overarching principle?  if not, what is the overarching principle that guides foreign relations?  how is it related to the principle that guides domestic policy?  does the party or candidate highlight key areas of competence and personal qualities that public leaders should possess?

EVAL:  sources of pub phil, breadth: includes discussion of all entities that are relevant for public life? for parties/cands: does pub phil provide key principles for a broad spectrum of issues in domestic and foreign affairs: global human rights, inatl orgs, inatl conflict, gap bet rich and poor, envi issues, etc.?  coherence/connections between different parts; consistency: are goals of platform, policy consistent with views and values set forth in public philosophy of party/candidate/policy sponsor?  overarching principle:  is the overall goal for political life (i.e. the public good, common good, public interest, etc.) or the highest political value(s) clearly defined?  is this goal/value consistently ranked above all other values and interests?

transfer changes from infopol to infotreaty

area of residence, nationality -- 
new category in socio-cultural collectivities

Part V: new material on scope of platforms, different emphasis on different areas of policies, and on broader strategies and initiatives that include diff policies

INFLUENCES EVAL BOX:
How do you rate the influence of the following factors on the platform/policy?  A positive rating indicates that the factor influences the p/p in ways that promote the public good.  In other words, the factor influences the p/p in ways that promote the overall welfare of individual persons, social groups, and the environment.

A negative rating indicates that the factor influences the p/p in ways that do not serve the public good.  In other words, the factor influences the p/p in ways that may harm individuals, social groups, and the environment.  

 

Ratings: Very positive, positive, negative, very negative 

ecol level: integrate sustainability into ecosystem and biosphere question; separate species into separate question, add wilderness
ECOL INFO QUESTIONS:
What effect will this p/p have on pollution of air, land, and water? on ecosystems affected by it and the biosphere as a whole?  Does it promote the careful stewardship of limited natural resources?  On the basis of these answers, does this p/p promote sustainable or unsustainable practices in such areas as waste management, manufacturing, transportation, building construction, energy generation, and food production (fishing, animal husbandry, and farming)? Does it help individuals to live more sustainable lifestyles through their use of energy and transportation, their consumption of food and household goods, and through the management of waste in their household?

Does it protect endangered species and the habitats in which they live?

Does it preserve and promote biodiversity -- the survival of a broad range of species within ecosystems affected by it?

What effect does it have on existing wilderness areas?  Does it preserve existing wilderness areas?  Does it establish new ones?

new stuff on special interests:  plat: clarify area of policy, spec interest, policy goals, means of influence, etc.

-----------------------------


Application 5:  "Informed Citizen"™ Software for Understanding Political Parties
This application will enable citizens to conduct an analysis of many different aspects of a political party, including its political philosophy, policy platform, and its character and leadership in the public square.  As with all of these applications, it is structured according to our "Method for Analysis and Evaluation," though the parts are presented in a different order.  In Part I, citizens will summarize the main elements of the party's public philosophy.  In Part II, they will summarize the various areas of policy within the party's platform. 

Part III will help them to predict how the party's platform is likely to affect the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment.  If the party or the user espouses beliefs regarding the cosmos as a whole, and if these beliefs shape their political views, users may also analyze the impact of the platform on this most inclusive level of organization.  In Part IV, users will analyze relationships between different policies within the party's platform.  They may, for example, describe how the party weaves different policies into wider strategies that address some social issue or problem.  This section is placed after the impact analysis because some relationships between policies may not be apparent until after the impact of policies is more clearly understood.  In the impact analysis, citizens may even discover policy strategies that a party is pursuing without openly acknowledging them.  This is another compelling reason to search for connections after examining the impact of policies within a platform.  

In Part V, users will identify the various influences that shape the platform.  Some of these influences may include the party's public philosophy, the views of party members, public opinion in general, as well as the interests of donors that provide financial support to the party.  It is unlikely that a party will openly acknowledge the influence of some factors, such as the interests of party donors or controversial views that are held by some party members.  Citizens may thus have to do some research in order to recognize the full range of ideas and interests that shape a party's platform.  This research may be guided in part by the impact analysis in section III.  In this analysis, citizens may be able to identify the individuals and groups that will benefit from one or more policies within the platform.  They may then determine whether and how these individuals and groups may have influenced the policy(ies) through such means as donations or the promise of votes for members of the party who are running for office.  

In Part VI, users will analyze the ways in which the party demonstrates key qualities of leadership and character in the public square.  This is the final section because a full and accurate analysis of a party's leadership and character can be conducted only after citizens have analyzed its public philosophy, its platform, and the ways in which it has managed the various influences that shape its platform.  For example, a party's leadership and character may be called into question if the party has allowed special interests to influence its platform in ways that are harmful to the welfare of society as a whole.

As with the above applications, each part of this program contains sections of our framework followed by sets of questions.  For example, in Part III of the application, we provide the sections of our framework that explore the impact of a party's 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 user to describe the impact that the platform is likely to have on the effective and ethical functioning of various types of institutions.  Users will enter responses to these questions into scrolling response boxes. 

After they have completed all six parts of the application, users will have compiled a comprehensive 'Party Web' with five key 'circles' of information.  The first is the party's public philosophy, the second focuses on the character and leadership of the party, the third examines the influences that shape the party's platform, the fourth summarizes the platform and its likely impact on individuals, social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole; and the fifth explores relationships between the different areas of policy in the platform.

If a 'Party Profile' for a specific party is posted on our web site (see Application 1 above), then users may consult the profile as they use this application to create a 'Party Web' for that party.  Also, since all of our software is organized according to the analytical method, it will be very easy for users to refer to their 'Party Web' as they use the "'Citizen Choice'™ Software for Evaluating Political Parties."  Hopefully, as they evaluate different parties, users will eventually be able to decide which party to join and/or support.

CURRICULUM NOTE:  In the 'Dialogue in the Public Square' Curriculum, students may use this application to propose and defend their own mock party platforms.  Ideally, this exercise could be completed as a group project in which different students work on different policy areas in the platform.  If students do not have access to computers, they may complete this exercise using worksheets that we will include in our printed resources.

The format for this software is provided on the page entitled "'Informed Citizen'™ Software for Analyzing Political Parties."

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.

I.  Composition of the Party's Public Philosophy

A.  Basic World View: Understanding of Human Nature, Society, the Environment, and the Cosmos

1.  Understanding of Human Nature
What is the party's understanding of human nature? 

2.  Understanding of Society
What is the party's understanding of society?  

Understanding of International Relations
In the international sphere, what is the party's understanding of relationships between nations? on relationships between nations and international institutions?

3.  Understanding of the Environment
What is the party's understanding of the environment and ecology?  

4.  Understanding of the Cosmos as a Whole
Does the party espouse any philosophical or religious views about the cosmos as a whole?  If so, are these views relevant to its views on political life?  If so, how?  

5.  Understanding of Relationships between the Different Levels of Organization
What is the party's understanding of relationships between individuals, social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole?     


B.  Values and Principles for Promoting Individual Development, Social Progress, Environmental Stewardship, and Cosmic Patterns of Change and Development

1.  Values and Principles for Promoting Individual Development
What values and principles does the party espouse for promoting individual development? 

2.  Values and Principles for Promoting Social Progress
What values and principles does the party espouse for promoting social progress?  

International Relations
What principles does the party espouse for guiding relationships between nations?  Does the party espouse some concept of an international order that should guide relationships between nations?  If so, what are the shared values, interests, and principles that govern this order?  According to the party, what is the role of your nation within this order?  What are the roles of other nations?  Does the party set forth principles for preventing international conflicts and for dealing with conflicts that do arise?  If so, what are they?  What principles does the party espouse for guiding relationships between nations and international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization?  If the party sets forth some notion of an international order, what is the role of international institutions within this order?

3.  Values and Principles for Promoting Environmental Stewardship
What values and principles does the party espouse for promoting effective environmental stewardship?  

4.  Values and Principles for Promoting Cosmic Patterns of Change and Development
Does the party espouse principles for promoting patterns of change and development on the cosmic level?  If so, what are they?  

5.  Values and Principles for Promoting Constructive Relationships between the Different Levels of Organization
Does the party espouse values and principles for promoting constructive relationships between entities on the three (or four) different levels of organization?  If so, what are they?

6.  Overarching Values and Principles Regarding the Goals of Political Life
Does the party identify one (or more) value, image, or principle that represents the overall goal of political life or the highest value in political life?  If so, what is it?

Does the party espouse one (or more) overarching goal, image, or principle for domestic policy and another for foreign relations?  If so, compare and contrast them.


C.  More Specific Values and Principles that Apply to Particular Areas of Public Policy
Does the party identify more specific values and principles that apply to particular areas of domestic policy?

Does the party identify more specific values and principles that apply to particular areas of foreign policy?

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

E.  Principles for Reviewing and Revising Policies
Does the party espouse any principles and methods for reviewing and revising public policies?  If so, what are they?

F.  Historical Perspectives:  Reading 'The Signs of the Times'

1.  The Party's Interpretation of Historical Trends
Does the party identify key trends that are particularly relevant for contemporary public life?  If so, what are they?  

2.  The Party's Visions for the Future
Does the party set forth visions for the future development of various aspects of social life -- i.e. economics, politics, education, technology, etc.?  If so, what are they?

Does the party articulate an overall vision for the future of society?  If so, describe it.

3.  The Party's Understanding of their Personal Mission as Public Servants
How does the party's understanding of their organizational mission relate to these visions?  That is, how does the party plan to contribute toward the realization of their vision of the future?

G.  Ideals for Participation in Public Life

1.  Ideals for Public Leaders
Does the party highlight key areas of competence and personal qualities that public leaders should possess?  If so, what are they?

2.  Ideals for Groups and Individual Citizens

a)  Ideals for Responsible Citizenship
Does the party describe key values and principles for responsible citizenship?  If so, what are they?

Does it set forth strategies for encouraging citizen participation in public life?  If so, describe them.

b)  Ideals for Dialogue in the Public Square
Does it offer standards for effective and ethical communication in the public square?  If so, what are they?

c)  Ideals for Influencing Public Policy
Does it articulate principles for influencing policies in an ethical way?  If so, describe them.

H.  Ideals Related to the Character of Your Community or Nation as a Whole
Does the party identify traits and virtues that should represent the character of your nation or community as a whole?  If so, what are they?


II.  Sources of the Party's Public Philosophy
From what sources does the party draw the views, values, and principles that comprise their public philosophy?  Possible sources may include political theory, the human sciences (like psychology and sociology), the natural sciences (like biology or ecology), historical studies, ethical theory, 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

Fisheries regulation (size of harvests, protection of 'nursery' areas for breeding marine life, ethics of various fishing techniques [long line, nets, etc.])

Education Policy (administration, teacher training, student performance, discipline, attendance and attrition [dropouts], career development, educational choice [vouchers, charter schools], etc.)

Taxation Policy

Energy Policy (sources of energy, conservation)

Industrial/Manufacturing Policy (government support for research and development, regulations regarding the use of raw materials, 'recyclability' of products, regulation of toxic waste products of manufacturing processes)

Banking and Finance 

Labor Policy (career training, wages, working conditions, collective bargaining, benefits, diversity in the workplace)

Business Ethics

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

Transportation Policy (mass transit construction, highway/bridge construction and maintenance, safety regulations for all forms of transportation, airline/airport regulation)

Waste Management (recycling, toxic waste disposal and clean-up, wastewater treatment)

Air and Water Pollution

Health Care (administration, costs, accessibility, malpractice, standards of care) 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.  Understanding the Impact of a Party's Domestic Policy Platform on Individuals
The text from the introduction to this section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here.

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

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.  Analyzing the Party's Recognition of the Developmental Nature of the Human Person
The text from section I.B-C of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

In general, does the party's domestic platform recognize the developmental nature of the human person?  More specifically, does it recognize the developmental nature of personal liberty and fulfillment?  If so, how do specific domestic policies within the party's platform reflect a developmental view of human nature?  If not, which policies do not reflect a developmental view of human nature?

C.  Analyzing the Impact of the Party's Domestic Platform on the Exercise of Human Rights
The text from section I.D of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

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.  Analyzing the Party's Recognition of Relationships between Rights
Does the domestic platform reflect an understanding of relationships between human rights within the dynamics of human development?  If so, how?  If not, how?

E.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Rights and Responsibilities
The text from section I.E of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Does the domestic platform empower individuals to assume their responsibilities as well as exercise their rights?  If so, how?  If not, how?

F.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Personal Initiative and Social Support
The text from section I.F of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Does the domestic platform acknowledge the roles played by both personal initiative and social support in personal development?  If so, how?  If not, how?

II.  Understanding 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 of the Party's Domestic Policy Platform 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 will the party's domestic platform affect the effective and ethical functioning of the following institutions?  I.e., how does it encourage

• a clear and consistent sense of mission within institutions,
• standards of excellence in the development of skills that are essential to institutions' missions,
• the establishment of codes of ethics that are relevant to institutions' missions, 
• the cultivation of constructive relationships within each group and between each group and other groups,
• inclusiveness in membership, decision-making, and mission;  
• transparency in decision-making processes; and
• institutional accountability in general?

Overall, how does the platform affect the capacity of the following groups to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?

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


1a)  Special Institutional Focus on Governments

1)  The Rule of Law
Does the party's domestic platform help governments to establish and maintain the rule of law?  If so, how?  If not, how does it undermine the rule of law (issues related to the rule of law, such as corruption, are also addressed in the section below on 'Accountability')?

2)  Clarity of Mission
Does the platform help all government institutions to maintain a clear and consistent understanding of their missions?  If so, how?  If not, does it create confusion or ambiguity in these institutions' missions?  If so, how?

3)  Standards of Excellence
Does it promote standards of excellence in policymaking and citizenship on all levels of government (i.e. local, state, and national)?  If so, how?  If not, does it seem to erode such standards?  How?

4)  Constructive Relationships
How does it affect the quality of relationships between government officials, between political parties, between government organizations of all types, between citizens, and between citizens and their leaders?  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 it does, how does it do this?  Is there a legitimate reason why it might promote division and dissent in public life?

5)  Inclusive Membership
How does the platform encourage or discourage inclusiveness or diversity within government bodies?

6)  Inclusive Decision-Making
How does it encourage or discourage governments to use decision-making processes that are more inclusive or open to public input?

7)  Inclusive Outreach
How does it affect the ability of governments to enact and enforce policies that are more inclusive; i.e. that avoid discrimination?  Does it discourage or encourage governments to enact such policies?

8)  Accountability
How does it encourage or discourage adherence to codes of ethics within government institutions?  

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

9)  Military Preparedness and National Security
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?

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?

10)  Overall Promotion of the Common Good
In what other ways does the party's domestic platform affect the ability of governments to enact and enforce legislation that promotes individual development, social progress, and ecological stability?


B. The Impact of the Party's Domestic Policy Platform 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 will the party's platform affect relationships

within the market sector?

within the state sector?

within civil society?


between the state and the market sectors?

between the state sector and civil society?

between the market sector and civil society?


How does it affect relationships between the media and the three sectors?

How does it affect relationships between political parties and the state?

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


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

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 platform reflect a preference for addressing most issues on some levels of administration rather than others (i.e. on the local or state rather than the federal level)?

Does it apply the principle of subsidiarity to issues relating to family life?  If so, how?  If not, how does it undercut this principle in family matters?

Does it apply the principles to the market sector and civil society?  If so, how?  If not, how does it undercut this principle in these two sectors?

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 of the Party's Domestic Policy Platform 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 promote or diminish equal opportunities for self-development* among persons of different:

Classes?

Races?

Ethnic Groups?

Nationalities?

Religions and sects?

Genders?

Age Groups?

Sexual orientations?

Areas of residence (rural and urban)?

* This includes providing equal opportunities for development as well as discouraging discrimination against members in these groups.

eval:  promotes equal opportunities and minimizes discrimination among persons of different



III.  Understanding the Impact of the 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 does the party's domestic platform impact

endangered species?

biodiversity?

wilderness areas?


B.  Sustainable Technologies and Lifestyles

Does the party's domestic platform promote

1.  Sustainable Extraction of Raw Materials
ecologically sound practices of mining for metals, minerals, and coal? of drilling for oil and gas?  If so, how?  If not, does it discourage these practices?  If so, how?

2.  Sustainable Growth and Harvesting of Food and Forestry Products
ecologically sound methods of farming, fishing, and forestry?  If so, how?  If not, does it discourage these methods?  If so, how?

3.  Conservation of Natural Resources
the conservation of natural resources such as water, forest products, petroleum, metals, and minerals?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

4.  Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies
the development of less polluting technologies for manufacturing goods?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

5.  Sustainable Energy Generation
the development of less polluting technologies for generating energy?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

6.  Sustainable Design and Construction
the implementation of designs for construction and renovation that increase the energy-efficiency of all types of buildings?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

7.  Energy-Efficiency of Electronic Devices
the development of appliances and other electronic devices that are more energy-efficient?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

8.  Sustainable Transportation Technology
the development of less polluting technologies for transportation?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

9.  Population Control
Does the party's domestic platform encourage families to have fewer children so that population growth may be reduced?

10.  'Smart Growth' in Residential and Urban Development
Does the party's domestic platform promote 'smart growth' -- planning communities in ways that minimize traffic congestion and pollution?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?  

11.  Waste Management
Does the party's domestic platform promote less polluting and more efficient methods of waste management (strategies for recycling, toxic waste disposal)?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine this goal?  If so, how?

12.  Integration of Economic and Environmental Values
Does the party strive to integrate the goals of economic growth and ecological stewardship in its domestic platform?  If so, how?  If not, how does the platform pursue economic growth in ways that damage the environment, or how does the platform strive to protect the environment in ways that stifle economic growth? 

13.  Addressing Global Environmental Issues on the Local, State, and National Levels
Does the party's domestic platform address global environmental issues, such as climate change and acid rain, through initiatives on the local, state, and/or national level?  If so, how?  If not, does it undermine initiatives that do address these issues?  If so, how?



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

A.  Analyzing the Party's Domestic Platform 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 you espouse any of these views, how does this party's domestic 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 the likely effects of the various policies 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 so, are these beliefs relevant to the goals of its domestic policies?  (Keep in mind that the party may maintain that it is inappropriate to integrate cosmic beliefs into its political views.)

If it espouses views on the cosmos, and these views are relevant to its domestic policy goals, how does the party expect its domestic platform to impact the cosmos as a whole?

If it espouses views about the cosmos as a whole, and if these views influence the goals of its domestic platform, do these beliefs seem to influence the platform in ways that promote or diminish the common good?  (Since these beliefs are part of a party's public philosophy, see also the question in Part V that asks how a party's public philosophy influences its platform.)

If the party espouses religious beliefs about the cosmos as a whole, and the party uses these beliefs to defend its domestic platform, is the influence of these beliefs on the platform consistent with the principle of the separation of church and state?  In other words, does the platform commit the government to cosmic religious goals that are not appropriate to its mission?  If so, how?  Or does the platform pursue cosmic religious goals that can be 'translated' into more concrete secular goals that the government should pursue as it promotes the common good?



V.  Analyzing the Party's Recognition of the Impact of Its Domestic Platform on 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 effects of its domestic policies on all levels of organization -- on individuals, social groups, the environment, and the cosmos as a whole (if it espouses cosmic views that are relevant to its policy goals)?  If so, how?  If not, how does it fail to recognize the effects of specific policies on one or more levels?



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

Does the party recognize the impact of its domestic policies on relationships between different levels of organization?  (For example, does it recognize the impact of its economic policies on relationships between society and the environment?)  If so, how?  If not, how does it fail to understand the impact of its domestic policies on relationships between the different levels of organization?  



VII.  Analyzing the 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.

Does the party recognize a hierarchy of value and order of priority as it sets forth its domestic policies and describes their likely impact on individuals, social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole?  Does it, for example, consider that a policy's impact on some levels of organization is more important in the long run than its impact on other levels or organization?  In a similar way, does it consider that issues on some levels of organization should be addressed with greater urgency than issues on other levels?  If the party does recognize some sort of hierarchy of value and order of priority, describe it.  If not, should the party, in your view, recognize a hierarchy of value or order of priority?  If you believe that it should, describe how it might do so.



VIII.  Analyzing How the Party Weighs Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Its Domestic Policies
The text from section VII of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

A.  Trade-Offs between Short-Term Costs and Long-Term Benefits of Domestic Policies
As it explains and defends its domestic platform, does the party acknowledge trade-offs between the short- and long-term costs and benefits of policies?  If so, identify those policies that acknowledge such trade-offs and describe how the party deals with them.  If not, identify specific policies that illustrate how the party seems to ignore such trade-offs.

B.  Recognizing that Those Who Bear the Short-Term Costs of Sound Policies Often Realize Benefits in the Long-Term
Does the party explain how those who bear the short-term costs of sound policies often enjoy benefits from these policies in the long term because sound policies promote social progress and environmental stewardship?

C.  Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Policies for Different Individuals
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)?

D.  Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Policies for Different Social Groups
How does the party's domestic platform deal with trade-offs regarding the costs and benefits of policies for 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)?

E.  Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Policies for Different Levels of Organization
How does the party's domestic platform deal with trade-offs regarding the costs and benefits of policies for 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?

F.  Failures to Recognize the Trade-Offs Associated with Policies
Does the party fail to recognize the trade-offs associated with the costs and benefits of some or all of the policies that comprise its domestic platform?  If so, describe how the party has failed to recognize the costs and benefits of specific policies.



IX.  Analyzing the Party's Commitment to an 'Experimental Approach' to Domestic 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 and demonstrate 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?

Understanding the Impact of a Party's Foreign Policy Platform
(as well as the Impact of Its 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.  Understanding the Impact of a Party's Foreign Policy Platform on Individuals
The text from Introduction to this section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here.

A.  Understanding the Impact of a Party's Foreign Policy Platform on the Different Dimensions of the Human Person
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.

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

Physical

Relational

Intellectual

Vocational/Economic

Political

Cultural

Artistic

Moral

Spiritual


B.  Analyzing the Party's Recognition of the Developmental Nature of the Human Person
The text from section I.B-C of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

In general, does the party's foreign policy platform recognize the developmental nature of the human person?  More specifically, does it recognize the developmental nature of personal liberty and fulfillment?  If so, how do specific foreign policies within the party's platform reflect a developmental view of human nature?  If not, which policies do not reflect a developmental view of human nature?

C.  Analyzing the Impact of Foreign Policies on the Exercise of Human Rights
The text from section I.D of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

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 within the dynamics of human development?  If so, how?  If not, how?

E.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Rights and Responsibilities
The text from section I.E 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 them, do the party's foreign policies empower individuals to assume their responsibilities as well as exercise their rights?  If so, how? If not, how?

F.  Analyzing the Platform's Integration of Personal Initiative and Social Support
The text from section I.F of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

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.  Understanding 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.

1.  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 help these institutions to maintain a clear and consistent understanding of their missions?  How does it 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

Trade associations that represent the interests of business firms that produce similar goods and services

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


a)  Special Focus on Local and National Governments

1)  The Rule of Law
Does the party's foreign policy platform help governments to establish and maintain the rule of law in all nations affected by it?  If so, how?  If not, how does it undermine the rule of law (issues related to the rule of law, such as corruption, are also addressed in the section below on 'Accountability')?

2)  Clarity of Mission
In all nations affected by it, does the platform help all government institutions to maintain a clear and consistent understanding of their missions?  If so, how?  If not, does it create confusion or ambiguity in these institutions' missions?  If so, how?

3)  Standards of Excellence
Does it promote standards of excellence in policymaking and citizenship on all levels of government (i.e. local, state, and national) in all nations affected by it?  If so, how?  If not, does it seem to erode such standards?  How?

4)  Constructive Relationships
How does it affect the quality of relationships between government officials, between political parties, between government organizations of all types, between citizens, and between citizens and their leaders?

How does it affect relationships between different national governments?

5)  Inclusive Membership
How does the platform encourage or discourage inclusiveness or diversity within government bodies?

6)  Inclusive Decision-Making
How does it encourage or discourage governments to use decision-making processes that are more inclusive or open to public input?

7)  Inclusive Mission
How does it affect the ability of governments to enact and enforce policies that are more inclusive; i.e. that avoid discrimination?  Does it discourage or encourage governments to enact such policies?

8)  Accountability
How does it encourage or discourage adherence to codes of ethics within government institutions?  

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

9)  National Sovereignty or Self-Determination
How does it promote or threaten the sovereignty of nations, that is, their ability to govern without undue interference from other nations?

10)  Foreign Aid
If the party advocates the distribution of foreign aid, how will this aid be distributed?  Does the party set forth principles that govern this distribution?

What are the goals of the aid?  In your view, will it empower recipients to promote the common good of their nation?  If so, how?  If not, how will it damage the common good in recipient nations?

11)  Military Preparedness and National Security
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?

How does the platform reinforce or undermine 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?

12)  Overall Promotion of the Common Good
In what other ways does the party's foreign policy platform affect the ability of governments to enact and enforce legislation that promotes individual development, social progress, and ecological stability?

 
b)  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 principles regarding the use of military force in international conflicts?  How are these principles reflected in the party's plans for addressing contemporary international conflicts?

Does the party set forth long-term strategies for cultivating peace and prosperity, particularly in troubled regions of the world?  If so, what are they?


2.  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 platform help these institutions to maintain a clear and consistent understanding of their missions?  How does it encourage international organizations to uphold standards of excellence regarding the skills and values that are essential to their missions?  How does it promote inclusiveness in membership, decision-making, and outreach?  How does it promote accountability within these groups?  How does it help these institutions to resist corruption?  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 the party's foreign policy platform affect relationships between political parties and government 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 give priority to issues that affect higher levels of social organization -- issues that impact large numbers of individuals and groups?  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?

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 foreign policy platform apply the principle of subsidiarity to issues related to family life in all nations affected by it?  If so, how?

Does it apply the principle of subsidiarity to the market sector and civil society in all nations affected by it?  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's foreign policy platform preserve or compromise 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 promote or diminish equal opportunities for self-development* among persons of different: