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Application 6: 'Informed Citizen'™ Software
for Understanding Candidates
Description and Features: This application will enable citizens to conduct a
comprehensive analysis of a political candidate. It will enable citizens
to explore a candidate's personal qualifications, public philosophy, and policy
platform. It has the same basic
structure as 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 candidate's public
philosophy. As mentioned in the description of Application 2,
candidates very often espouse the same public philosophy as their political
party. However, the views of some candidates may differ slightly from the
views of their party. Or some candidates may place more stress on some
views and values than others. This application will help citizens to
detect and describe these variations in the philosophies of public
figures.
In Part II, they will summarize the various areas of policy within the
candidate's platform. In Part III, they will analyze how the candidate's
platform is likely to affect the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the
environment. If the candidate 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 candidate's platform. They may, for example,
describe how the candidate 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 candidate
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, they will identify the
various influences that shape the platform. Some of these influences may
include the candidate's public philosophy, the views of their constituents,
public opinion in general, as well as the interests of donors that provide
financial support to the candidate. It is unlikely
that a candidate will openly acknowledge the influence of some factors, such as
the interests of financial supporters or controversial views that are held by some
members of their party. Citizens may thus have to do some research in
order to recognize the full range of ideas and interests that shape a
candidate'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 the candidate.
In Part VI, users will analyze the ways in which the candidate
demonstrates key dimensions of competence as well as key qualities of leadership
and character. This is the final section because a full and accurate
analysis of a candidate's leadership and character can be conducted only after
citizens have analyzed their public philosophy, their platform, and the ways in
which they have managed the various influences that shape their platform.
For example, a candidate's leadership and character may be called into question
if they have allowed special interests to influence their platform in ways that
are harmful to the welfare of society as a whole. Because candidates must
work closely with members of their own party as they pursue their policy
agendas, we have also included in this section some questions that explore the
leadership and character of their party as well.
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 describe how candidates' platforms
should promote the well-being of individuals,
social groups, and the environment. One section explores the impact of
platforms on the effective and ethical functioning of 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
proper functioning of various types of institutions. Users
will enter responses to these questions into scrolling response boxes.
After they have completed all six sections of the application, users will have compiled a
comprehensive 'Candidate Web' with five key 'circles' of
information. The first is the candidate's public philosophy, the second
focuses on the candidate's competence, character, and leadership skills; the
third examines the influences that shape the candidate'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.
Since all of our software is organized according to our analytical method, it
will be very easy for users to refer to this 'Candidate Web' as they use the "'Citizen
Choice'™ Software for Evaluating Candidates." Hopefully, as they evaluate different
candidates in an election, users will
eventually be able to decide which one they should support.
CURRICULUM NOTE: In the 'Dialogue in the Public Square' Curriculum,
students may use this application to propose and defend their mock candidacy for
some office. Ideally, this exercise could be completed as a group project in
which a student candidate and his or her 'campaign team' 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.
Part I: The Candidate's 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 Candidate'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 candidate's understanding of human nature?
2. Understanding of Society
What is the candidate's understanding of society?
Understanding of International Relations
In the international sphere, what is the candidate's understanding of relationships between nations? on relationships between nations and
international institutions?
3. Understanding of the Environment
What is the candidate's understanding of the environment and ecology?
4. Understanding of the Cosmos as a Whole
Does the candidate espouse any philosophical or religious views about the cosmos as a whole?
If so, are these views relevant to their views on political life? If so,
how?
5. Understanding of Relationships between the Different Levels of
Organization
What is the candidate'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
candidate espouse for promoting individual development?
2. Values and Principles for Promoting Social Progress
What values and principles does the
candidate espouse for promoting
social progress?
International Relations
What principles does the candidate espouse for guiding relationships between
nations? Does the candidate 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 candidate, what is the role of your nation within this order? What
are the roles of other nations? Does the candidate set forth principles
for preventing international conflicts and for dealing with conflicts that do
arise? If so, what are they? What principles does the candidate espouse
for guiding relationships between nations and international institutions such as
the United Nations and the World Trade Organization? If the candidate 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
candidate espouse for promoting
effective environmental stewardship?
4. Values and Principles for Promoting Cosmic Patterns of Change and
Development
Does the candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate identify more specific values and principles that apply to
particular areas of domestic policy?
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Area of Policy |
Values and Principles |
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Does the candidate identify more specific values and principles that apply to
particular areas of foreign policy?
|
Area of Policy |
Values and Principles |
| |
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D. Principles for Dealing with Trade-Offs Between the Costs and
Benefits of Public Policies
What principles does the candidate espouse for evaluating trade-offs between
the costs and benefits of policies?
E. Principles for Reviewing and
Revising Policies
Does the candidate 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 Candidate's Interpretation of Historical Trends
Does the candidate identify key trends that are particularly relevant for
contemporary public life? If so, what are they?
2. The Candidate's Visions for the Future
Does the candidate 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 candidate articulate an overall vision for the future of society? If
so, describe it.
3. The Candidate's Understanding of their Personal Mission as Public
Servants
How does the candidate's understanding of their personal mission as a public
servant relate to these visions? That is, how does the candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate describe key values and principles for responsible
citizenship? If so, what are they?
Do they set forth strategies for encouraging citizen participation in public life?
If so, describe them.
b) Ideals for Dialogue in the Public Square
Do they offer standards for
effective and ethical communication in the public square? If so, what are
they?
c) Ideals for Influencing Public Policy
Do they
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 candidate 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 Candidate's Public Philosophy
From what sources does the candidate 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 Candidate's Platform
(by Area of
Policy)
Domestic Focus
What are the candidate'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 candidate'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 (strategies for holding businesses accountable to ethical
business practices)
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
Social Security
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
(for congressional and presidential candidates only)
What policies does the candidate 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 candidate'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 Candidate's Platform
Domestic Focus
I. Understanding the Impact of a Candidate'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 Candidate's Domestic Platform on the Different Dimensions
of an Individual's Personality and Lifestyle
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 candidate's 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 Candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate'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 Candidate'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 candidate'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 Candidate'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 a Candidate'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 Candidate's Domestic 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 candidate's 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 candidate's domestic platform affect the capacity of the following groups to promote the welfare of individuals, social
groups, and the environment?
Families
Schools: primary, secondary, vocational, higher education
Business Firms
Trade associations that represent the interests of business firms that
produce similar goods and services
Labor unions
Churches
Civic Organizations
Nonprofit charitable organizations that serve those in need
such as the poor, the elderly, at-risk youth
Institutions that support the arts
Nonprofit social justice groups that promote economic justice, political
justice, ecological stewardship, and human rights
Advocacy Groups that represent the interests of groups such as the elderly, gun
rights supporters, minority groups, consumers, etc.
Media organizations (TV networks, radio stations; newspaper and
magazine publishers)
1) Special Institutional Focus on Governments*
1) The Rule of Law
Does the candidate'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 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) 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 candidate's domestic platform affect the ability of governments to
enact and enforce legislation that promotes individual development, social
progress, and ecological stability?
* If a candidate is running for local or state office, the focus is on
these levels of government. If the election is for a national office (i.e.
the U.S. Congress or the Presidency), then the focus includes all levels of
government, since all levels are affected by national policies.
B. The Impact of the Candidate's Domestic 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 candidate's domestic 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 Candidate's Domestic 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 candidate'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 it 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 Candidate's Domestic
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 candidate's domestic platform
promote or diminish equal opportunities for self-development* among persons of different:
Classes
Races
Ethnic Groups
Nationalities
Religions
Genders
Age Groups
Sexual orientations
Areas of residence (i.e. rural and urban)
* This includes providing equal opportunities for
development as well as discouraging discrimination against members in these
groups.
III. Understanding the Impact of
the Candidate'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 candidate's domestic platform impact
endangered species?
biodiversity?
wilderness areas?
B. Sustainable Technologies and Lifestyles
Does the candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate strive to integrate the goals of economic growth and
ecological stewardship in their 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 candidate'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 a Candidate's Domestic Policy Platform on
the Cosmic Level of Organization
A.
Analyzing the Candidate'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 candidate'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 Candidates
The text from section IV.B
of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be
provided here, followed by the questions below.
Does the candidate espouse beliefs regarding the cosmic
level of organization? If so, are these beliefs relevant to the goals of
their domestic policies? (Keep in mind that the candidate
may maintain
that it is inappropriate to integrate cosmic beliefs into its political
views.)
If they espouse views on the cosmos, and these views are relevant to their
domestic policy
goals, how does the candidate expect their domestic platform to
impact the cosmos as a whole?
If they espouse views about the cosmos as a whole, and
if these views influence the goals of their 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 candidate's public philosophy,
see also the question in Part V that asks how a candidate's public philosophy
influences their platform.)
If the candidate espouses religious beliefs about the cosmos as a whole, and the
candidate uses these beliefs to defend their 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 Candidate'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 candidate 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 they espouse cosmic views that are relevant to their policy
goals)? If so, how? If not, how do they fail to recognize the
effects of specific policies on one or more levels?
VI. Analyzing the Candidate's Recognition of Relationships between Different
Levels of Organization
Does the candidate recognize the impact of their domestic
policies on relationships between different levels of organization? (For
example, do they recognize the impact of their economic policies on
relationships between society and the environment?) If so,
how? If not, how do they fail to understand the impact of their domestic
policies on relationships between the different levels of organization?
VII. Analyzing the Candidate'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 candidate recognize a hierarchy of value and order of priority as
they set forth their domestic policies and describe their likely impact on
individuals, social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a
whole? Do they, 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, do they consider that
issues on some levels of organization should be addressed with greater urgency than issues on
other levels? If the candidate does recognize some sort of hierarchy of value and order of priority,
describe it. If not, should the candidate, in your view, recognize a hierarchy
of value or order of priority? If you believe that they should, describe how
they might do so.
VIII. Analyzing How a Candidate Weighs Trade-Offs between the Costs and
Benefits of Their 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 they explain and defends their domestic platform, does the candidate
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 candidate deals with them. If not, identify specific
policies that illustrate how the candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate's domestic platform deal with trade-offs
regarding the costs and benefits of policies for different individuals (i.e.
Does the candidate describe whether and how they 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 candidate's domestic platform deal with trade-offs
regarding the costs and benefits of policies for different social groups (i.e. Does
the candidate describe whether and how they 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 candidate's domestic platform deal with trade-offs
regarding the costs and benefits of policies for
entities on different levels of organization (i.e. Does the candidate describe whether and how
they will
justify burdens placed on entities on one level of organization for the benefit
of entities on other levels of organization? For example, do they 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, do they describe how they 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 candidate fail to recognize the trade-offs associated with the costs and
benefits of some or all of the policies that comprise their domestic
platform? If so, describe how the candidate has failed to recognize the costs
and benefits of specific policies.
IX. Analyzing the Candidate'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 candidate express and demonstrate a
commitment to an ‘experimental approach’ to domestic policy-making? If
so, how? If not, how do they demonstrate a lack
of commitment to this approach?
Understanding
the Impact of a Candidate's
Foreign Policy Platform
(as well as the Impact of a Candidate's 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 Candidate'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 Candidate'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 candidate'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 Candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate'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 Candidate's Recognition of Relationships between Rights
Do the candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate'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 Candidate'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 candidate'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
candidate'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 them to resist corruption? How does it encourage them 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 institutions' 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 candidate'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 candidate advocates the distribution of foreign aid, how will this aid be
distributed? Does the candidate 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 candidate'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 candidate
advocate for resolving international conflicts in general, and, more
specifically, for addressing current conflicts around the globe?
What are the candidate's principles regarding the use of military force to
resolve international conflicts? How are these principles reflected in the
candidate's plans for addressing contemporary international conflicts?
Does the candidate 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 candidate's foreign policy platform impact the effective and ethical functioning of the following international social
institutions? I.e. How does the
candidate's foreign policy 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 candidate'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 candidate's foreign policy platform
affect relationships between the media and the three sectors in all nations
affected by it?
How does the candidate's foreign policy platform affect relationships between
political parties and governments 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 candidate'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 candidate's foreign policy platform
affect relationships between the international media and the three international
sectors?
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 candidate'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 candidate's foreign policy platform affect relationships between government institutions and policymakers on different levels of social organization (local, state,
national, international)?
Does the candidate'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 candidate 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 candidate'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 candidate'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 candidate 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 candidate's foreign policy 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 or urban)?
* This includes providing equal opportunities
for development as well as discouraging discrimination against members in these
groups.
III. Understanding the Impact of the Candidate's Foreign Policy Platform on the Ecological Level of
Organization
The text from section III
of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the questions below.
A. Conservation
In all nations affected by it, how will the candidate's foreign policy platform
endangered species?
biodiversity?
wilderness areas?
B. Sustainable Technologies and Lifestyles
In all nations affected by it, does the candidate's foreign policy 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 candidate's foreign policy platform encourage families to have fewer
children so that human populations will not place excessive demands on the
Earth's limited resources?
10. 'Smart Growth' in Residential and Urban Development
Does the candidate's foreign policy platform promote 'smart growth' in the
international community? If so, how? If not, does it undermine this
goal? If so, how?
11. Waste Management
Does it promote less polluting and more efficient methods of
waste management (strategies for recycling, toxic waste disposal) in the
international community? If so, how? If not, does it undermine this
goal? If so, how?
12. Integration of Economic and Environmental Values
Does the candidate strive to
integrate the goals of economic growth and ecological stewardship in their foreign
policy platform? If so, how? If not, how does the candidate's foreign
policy 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. Global Environmental Challenges
Does the candidate's foreign policy platform address global environmental issues, such
as climate change and acid rain? If not, does it
undermine initiatives that do address these issues? If so, how?
IV. Understanding the Impact of the Candidate's Foreign Policy Platform on the Cosmic Level of Organization
A. Understanding a
Candidate's Foreign
Policy Platform from the Perspective of
One's Own Cosmic
Views
The text from section IV.A
of the "Foreign Policy" section 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 the candidate's
foreign policy 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 candidate's foreign policies consistent with or in conflict
with these laws or principles?
B. Exploring the Cosmic Views of Candidates
The text from section IV.B
of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the questions below.
Does the candidate espouse beliefs regarding the cosmic level of organization?
If so, are these beliefs relevant to the goals of their foreign policy platform?
(Keep in mind that the candidate may maintain
that it is inappropriate to integrate cosmic beliefs into their political
views.)
If they espouse views on the cosmos, and these views are relevant to their
foreign policy
goals, how does the candidate expect their foreign policies to impact the cosmos as a
whole?
If the candidate espouses views about the cosmos as a whole, and if these views
influence the goals of their foreign policy 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 candidate's public philosophy, see also the
question in Part V that asks how a candidate's public philosophy influences
their platform.)
If the candidate espouses religious beliefs about the cosmos as a whole, and the
candidate uses these beliefs to defend their foreign policy 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 candidate's
foreign policy 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 a Candidate's Recognition of
the Impact of Their Foreign Policies on All Levels of Organization
The text from section V
of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the questions in sections V and VI below.
Does the candidate recognize the effects of their foreign policies on all levels of organization
-- on individuals, social groups, the environment, and the
cosmos as a whole (if they espouse cosmic views that are relevant to its policy
goals)? If so, how? If not, how do they fail to recognize the
effects of specific foreign policies on one or more levels?
(App 1 version): How does the candidate recognize the impact of their foreign policies on all levels of
organization?
VI. Analyzing a Candidate's Recognition of the Impact of Their Foreign Policies
on Relationships between Different Levels of Organization
The text from section V of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the question below.
Does the candidate recognize the
impact of their foreign policies on relationships between different levels of
organization? (For example, do they recognize
the impact of their international trade policies on relationships between
societies and the ecosystems that sustain them? on relationships between
business firms and the individuals whom they employ?) If so, how?
If not, how do they fail to understand the impact of their foreign policies on relationships
between the different levels of organization?
(App 1 version): How does the candidate's foreign policy platform impact relationships
between the different levels of organization?
VII. Analyzing a Candidate's Recognition of the Hierarchy of Value and Order
of Priority among the Different Levels of Organization
The text from section VI of the
"Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the question below.
Does the candidate recognize a hierarchy of value and order of priority as they
set
forth their foreign policies and describe their likely impact on individuals,
social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole?
Do they, for example, consider that a foreign policy's impact on some levels of
organization is more important in the long run than its impact on other levels
of organization? In a similar way, do they consider that issues on some
levels of organization should be addressed with greater urgency than issues on other
levels? If the candidate does recognize some sort of hierarchy of value and order of priority,
describe it. If not, should the candidate, in your view, recognize a hierarchy
of value or order of priority? If you believe that they should, describe how
they might do so.
VIII. Analyzing How a Candidate Weighs Trade-Offs between the Costs and
Benefits of Their Foreign Policies
The text from section VII of the
"Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the question below.
A. Trade-Offs between Short-Term Costs and Long-Term Benefits of
Foreign Policies
As they explain and defends their foreign policy platform, does the
candidate 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 candidate deals with them. If not,
identify specific policies that illustrate how the candidate seems to ignore
such trade-offs.
B. Recognizing that Those Who Bear the
Short-Term Costs of Sound Foreign Policies Often Realize Benefits in the
Long-Term
Does the candidate explain how those who bear the short-term costs of sound foreign
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 Foreign Policies for
Different Individuals
What principles and guidelines does the candidate propose for dealing with trade-offs
regarding the costs and benefits of foreign policies for different individuals (i.e.
Do they describe whether and how they will justify burdens placed on
some individuals for the benefit of other individuals)?
C. Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Foreign Policies for
Different Social Groups
What principles and guidelines does the candidate propose for dealing with trade-offs
regarding the costs and benefits of foreign policies for different social groups (i.e.
Do they describe whether and how they will justify
burdens placed on
some social groups for the benefit of other social groups)?
E. Trade-Offs between the Costs and Benefits of Foreign Policies for
Different Levels of Organization
What principles and guidelines does the candidate propose for dealing with trade-offs
regarding the costs and benefits of foreign policies for entities on different levels of organization (i.e.
Do they describe whether and how they will
justify burdens placed on entities on one level of organization for the benefit
of entities on other levels of organization? For example, do they 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, do they describe how they will deal with trade-offs between special interests promoted by foreign policies
and the needs and
interests of the common good?)
F. Failures to Recognize the Trade-Offs Associated with Foreign
Policies
Does the candidate fail to recognize the trade-offs associated with the costs and
benefits of some or all of the policies that comprise their foreign policy
platform? If so, describe how the candidate has failed to recognize the costs
and benefits of specific policies.
IX. Analyzing the Candidate's Commitment to an 'Experimental Approach' to
Foreign Policy-Making
The text from section VIII
of the "Foreign Policy" section of "The Framework for Understanding and Evaluation"
will be
provided here, followed by the question below.
Does the candidate express and demonstrate a commitment to an 'experimental approach' to
foreign policy-making? If so, how? If not, how do they demonstrate a
lack of commitment to this approach?
Part IV:
Understanding
Relationships between
Different
Areas of Policy within the Candidate's Platform
Part V of our "Method for Political
Analysis" will be presented here, followed by the questions
below.
I. The Scope of the Party's Platform
Regarding the scope of the platform, does it contain all of the areas of policy
that, in your view, should be addressed by the candidate? If you believe that
the platform is not comprehensive enough, which areas of policy are
lacking? In your view, does the platform include some areas of policy that
extend beyond the legitimate concern of government?
II. Emphasis on Different Areas of Policy within the Platform
Does the candidate place a different degree of emphasis or priority on different areas of policy
within their platform? Does this order of emphasis or priority seem to be
related to views, values, and principles within the candidate's public
philosophy? Does it simply represent a practical response to the most
urgent issues of the day? Does it reflect the candidate's desire to gain
donations and/or votes from different groups (see Part V below)? Does some
combination of these criteria seem to dictate the
candidate's policy priorities?
III. The Compatibility of Policies within the Platform
How do the policies within the domestic platform complement one another? Can you
identify domestic policies which seem to pursue incompatible goals?
How do the policies within the foreign policy platform complement one another? Can you
identify foreign policies which seem to pursue incompatible goals?
Compatibility of Domestic and Foreign Policy Platforms
Do domestic and foreign policies pursue compatible goals? Do some foreign
policies pursue goals that undermine the goals of domestic policies? Do
some domestic policies pursue goals that undermine the goals of foreign
policies?
IV. Integration of Different Areas of Policy into Broader Strategies
Does the candidate integrate different areas of policy into broader strategies that address complex and challenging
public issues? If so, how? (For example, policies related to health
care and immigration may be integrated into broader anti-terrorism strategies.)
eval: ask about scope of platform: does it address
all of the domestic issues with which the government should be concerned?
Does it address domestic issues that are, in your view, beyond the proper scope
and functions of governments? ditto with foreign policy
policies:
info: How is the policy related to other policies that address the same
issue? Does the sponsor describe how this policy is related to other
policies within a broader strategy that addresses an issue or concern? If
so, how?
eval: the sponsor does/does not see relationships; the policy is
effectively integrated into broader strategies that address an issue or concern
Part V:
Recognizing the Influences
that Shape the Candidate's Platform
Part III of our "Method for Political Analysis" will be presented
here. It will be followed by the questions below:
I. The Influence of Ideas
How does the platform reflect the influence of the following sources of
ideas? If the platform does not seem to rely on one or more of the sources
below, just leave the response box beneath the source(s) blank.
the candidate's public philosophy (including their historical perspectives)
the public philosophy of the candidate's political party
scientific research
analytical studies
news and commentary in the media
II. The Influence of Special Interests
How does the platform reflect the influence of special interest groups? You
may wish to determine this for each area of policy within the platform. For each
special interest that you can identify, describe their policy goals and the
means of influence that they employ. (The user will be able to create more
blank rows under each type of special interest.)
|
Special Interest
|
Policy Goal(s) |
Means of Influence |
| members of the candidate's party |
|
|
|
demographic groups
|
|
|
| constituents |
|
|
groups that contribute money
to the candidate and/or their party |
|
|
groups with large numbers of
registered voters
|
|
|
|
wealthy and/or popular individuals
|
|
|
| the national interests of your nation |
|
|
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the interests of foreign nations
|
|
|
eval? How do these interests and influences relate to the common good? In your
estimation, do they influence the platform in ways that promote or hinder
individual development, social progress, environmental stability? If you
or the candidate espouse beliefs about the cosmos as a whole, and these beliefs
are relevant to political life, how do these influences affect this level of
organization?
III. The Influence of Public Opinion
Does the candidate's platform seem to be shaped by public opinion? If so, how?
What is the amount of influence wielded by public opinion relative to other
influences? (i.e. Does it seem to have more or less influence than
the other factors in this section?)
Does the platform include policies that may not be popular with the general
public? If so, what are these policies? Why might they not be
popular with the public? (i.e. Do they try to achieve long-term benefits
that may require short-term sacrifices that are resisted by voters? Does
the public perceive that the policies are somehow irresponsible or
ineffective? Does the public believe that the policies promote special
interests at the expense of the common good?
eval somehow: How well informed is public opinion regarding the issues in the
candidate's
platform?
IV. Trade-Offs: Cost-Benefit Analyses
Does the candidate cite cost-benefit analyses as they defend the policies set
forth in their platform? If so, how? (They may cite cost-benefit
analyses of their own policies in order to explain the merits of their
proposals. They may also cite cost-benefit analyses of the policies of
competing candidates in order to explain how their policies are superior to
alternative proposals. You should mention both in your response to this
question.)
V. Risk and Uncertainty
Is the platform influenced by the candidate's concerns about political
risks associated with the various policies within the platform? If so, how?
Is it influenced by concerns about the risks and uncertainties associated
with the outcome of specific policies? If so, how?
VI. The Timing of Elections
Is the candidate's platform influenced by the timing of elections? If so,
how? Has
the candidate made any changes to their platform in light of this factor?
VII. Political Deal-Making
Is the platform influenced by deal-making among different factions
within the candidate's party? If so, how? Is it influenced by any
other deals that the candidate may have made with other candidates or public
leaders such as congresspersons?
eval:
cost-benefit analyses of policies in the candidate's platform
the candidate's management of political risks
the candidate's management of risks regarding the outcome of policies
the candidate's concerns about the timing of elections
deal-making between the candidate and other public leaders
Part VI: Focus on Leadership: Analyzing
a Candidate's Competence and Character
The text from Part I of our "
Method for Political Analysis" will be
provided here, followed by the questions below.
I. Analyzing a Candidate's Competence, Character, and Leadership
Psychological Health
Has the candidate exhibited any signs of psychological disorders that may
hinder his or her ability to serve the public?
Character and Leadership
Courage
Has the candidate demonstrated
a willingness to raise public awareness of issues that are vital
to the public welfare, even if they are not sure how the public will respond to
them? If so, how? If not, how has the candidate failed to do so?
Does the candidate seem willing to support sound policies whose outcome is
uncertain?
Has the candidate demonstrated courage by taking positions on issues that may be
criticized by fellow party members and supporters? If so, how? If
not, how has the candidate failed to do so?
Humility and Prudence
Does the candidate seem willing to revise his or her views in light of new
knowledge related to public issues and/or a new sensitivity to values that are
relevant to important issues?
Honesty and Consistency
Has the candidate been faithful to the views and values that he or she espouses
in his or her public philosophy? If so, how? If not, how
has the candidate failed to do so?
If the candidate has held an elected office before, have they followed through on
promises made during previous campaigns?
Overall, has the candidate demonstrated other key virtues that public officials should
possess, such as self-control, compassion, and perseverance? If so,
how? If not, how has the candidate failed to do so?
Knowledge Base
Does the candidate seem to have a grasp of key facts related to different
areas of domestic and foreign policy (such as health care policy, education
policy, national security policy, etc.)
Does the candidate possess in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of human
development, social progress, and ecological cycles of growth and renewal?
Does the candidate possess sufficient knowledge of the laws and customs that
govern the policymaking process?
Political Skills
Has the candidate demonstrated an ability
to collaborate with a variety of groups and individuals in order to craft
compromises and achieve a consensus regarding challenging public issues? If
so, how? If not, how has the candidate failed to do so?
Has the candidate promoted a civil, open, objective, and rigorous discussion
of public issues? If so, how? If not, how has the candidate
failed to do so?
Has the candidate made a commitment to an experimental approach to
policymaking? If they have held public office before, has the candidate
demonstrated a commitment to an experimental approach? If so, how?
If not, how has the candidate failed to do so?
II. Analyzing the Character and Leadership of a Candidate's Political
Party
The text from Part II, section II of our
"Method for Political Analysis" will be provided
here. The following questions will help users to gain useful
information about the candidate's party and analyze its character and
leadership.
A. The Party's Membership
Who belongs to the party? Do members share
economic, cultural, moral, spiritual, and/or ethnic characteristics? What are
they? What are their most significant economic, cultural, moral,
spiritual, and ethnic interests and values? That is, what sorts of values
and provisions do they want the party to support in the policies that it
proposes?
B. The Party's Financial Supporters
Who supports the party financially? What are the expectations that come
along with this support – i.e., do contributors expect something in return for
their financial support? Try to get specific, concrete information about these
expectations. Which specific policies do contributors wish the candidate to
endorse? Which policies would contributors want the candidate to reject?
Do
the interests of donors and members seem to be compatible with the long-term well-being of individuals,
social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole?
Is the candidate’s party able to resist efforts by groups to ‘buy
influence’ over policies in a way that is damaging to individuals,
social groups, and the environment?
C. Key Institutional Criteria for Analyzing the Party's Character and
Leadership
1. Clarity of Mission
Does the party express a clear understanding of its mission in public
life? If so, what is it? If not, in what ways is its sense of
mission unclear or ambiguous?
2. Standards of Excellence
a) Standards of Excellence in the Formation of Its Political Philosophy
and Platform
The user may wish to use our software programs for understanding and evaluating this
candidate's political party before you respond to the questions in this section.
1) The Party's Public Philosophy
What is the public philosophy of the candidate's political party? How does
it claim to promote the well-being of individuals, social groups, the
environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos as a whole?
Describe any significant differences between the views of the candidate and the
philosophy of his or her party.
Identify the various sources from which the candidate's party draws as it
sets forth its public philosophy.
Does the party express its public philosophy in terms that all citizens can
understand, regardless of their religion or personal philosophy?
Does the party demonstrate a willingness to revise its views, values, and principles in light of new insights into
important problems and issues?
2) The Party's Platform
What is the party's platform? How is it designed to promote the well-being
of individuals, social groups, the environment, and, if applicable, the cosmos
as a whole?
Does the party's platform include all of the areas of policy that, in your view,
should be included in the platform? If not, which areas are missing
(See Part IV above)?
Does the party emphasize those policies within its platform that address the
most urgent public needs (See Part IV, Section VII above.).
Do the policies within the party's platform pursue compatible goals? (See Part
IV above).
Does the party's platform effectively integrate different areas of policy into
broader strategies that address especially complex and challenging public
issues? (See Part IV above.)
Does the party espouse an 'experimental approach' to policy-making ? (See
Part III, section IX) If so, how? If not, how does it fail to honor
this approach?
Do the policies in the platform consistently
reflect the views, values, and principles that comprise the party's public
philosophy? If not, which policies do not seem to be consistent with the
party's philosophy?
Does the party demonstrate a willingness to take bold stands on public issues that are consistent with its philosophy
but that may not be popular with the general public?
b) Standards of Excellence in Political Organizing, Dialogue, Analysis,
and Advocacy
1) Organizing
Does the party help its members to connect with each other and engage in political
dialogue, analysis, and advocacy? If so, how?
2) Dialogue and Analysis
Does the party help its members to gain skills that are essential for constructive
dialogue on political topics? If so, how?
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?
In light of your analysis of its rhetorical style, does the party promote and contribute to a civil and rational atmosphere for public
discourse? If so, how? If not, how does it undermine these
values?
Does the party help its members to gain a comprehensive
understanding of important public issues and the policy options that address
them?
3) Advocacy
How does the party leadership promote the party's views to lawmakers and the general
public?
Does the party mobilize its members in order to urge
policymakers and the general public to support its core policies? If so,
how?
Does the party help its members to promote their personal views
in an ethical and effective manner?
Does the party demonstrate a willingness to take bold stands on public issues that are consistent with its philosophy
but that may not be popular with the general public? If so, how?
Does the party demonstrate a willingness to persuade its members and supporters to advocate sound policies even if
these policies do not further their personal or group interests?
3. Constructive Relationships Between the Party and Other Parties
How are the relationships between this
party and other parties? cooperative? often tense? always adversarial? What
effect does the quality of these relationships have on the quality of public
dialogue?
Does the party set forth any concrete plans for collaborating with
other parties toward common goals of great importance to the common good?
4. Inclusiveness
a) Inclusive Membership
Does the party display a commitment to inclusiveness in its membership?
If so, how? If not, how does it seem to be exclusive in its membership
policies?
b) Inclusive Decision-Making Processes
Does the party support inclusiveness in its decision-making processes?
That is, does it encourage input from all leaders and members as it makes
important decisions regarding its platform and strategies for building support
in the general public?
c) Inclusive Mission
Do the party's policies seek to benefit all persons, regardless of their
economic class, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual
orientation, creed, and area of residence?
5. Accountability
Does the party espouse a code of ethics regarding political organizing,
dialogue, analysis, and advocacy? If so, what is it?
What is the party's attitude toward transparency? Does it
consistently allow its
members and the general public to review and evaluate its decision-making processes?
As asked in section D above, does the party follow through on promises that it makes to
members and
voters?
D. The Party's Fidelity to Key Qualities of Political Leadership
With the exception of the last question, this section repeats several questions
taken from the sections above. The user's responses to these questions
will be automatically transferred into this section. Thus, users will only
have to respond to the final question. This section is thus placed here
only to highlight questions that are especially relevant to the leadership and
integrity of the candidate's party.
Does the party demonstrate leadership and
integrity
by contributing to a civil and rational atmosphere for public discourse?
by ensuring that its positions on public issues are consistent with its public
philosophy?
by taking bold stands on public issues that are consistent with its philosophy
but that may not be popular with the general public?
by revising its views, values, and principles in light of new insights into
important problems and issues?
by advocating an 'experimental approach' to policymaking?
by persuading its members and supporters to advocate sound policies even if
these policies do not further their personal or group interests?
by following through on promises that it makes to members and voters?
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