'Informed Citizen' Software for Analyzing Political Addresses
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'Informed Citizen'™ Software for Analyzing Political Addresses

Features:  In this software application, users will be able to explore the content of political addresses.  Using sets of questions adapted from our "Framework for Analysis and Evaluation," the software will ask users to identify key themes in the address related to individual development, social dynamics, and environmental issues.  If the speaker espouses religious or philosophical views of the cosmos as a whole that shape his or her political views, users may respond to questions on this level as well.  In addition, users will be asked to give their impression of the speaker's moral character, professional competence, and psychological fitness based on the speaker's comments and conduct during the address.

The software would provide scrolling response boxes under each question.  Users would simply respond to each question and, when they are finished, the program would convert the questions and responses into a simple format that lists the questions and responses for each section.  This format could then be saved, printed, or e-mailed to others.

If citizens simply wish to review an analysis of an address, we will use this program to provide an 'Address Profile' that will be posted on our web site.  Users may also, of course, conduct their own analysis of an address using this program.  Since the format for all of our applications is basically the same, this Address Profile will provide valuable information for those using our "'Citizen Choice'™ Software for Evaluating Political Addresses."

CURRICULUM NOTE:  In the 'Dialogue in the Public Square' Curriculum, students may use this application to summarize and analyze addresses given by public officials in the past or present.  They may also use it to analyze mock addresses delivered by their peers as a class exercise.

Part I:  Address Summary

I.  Philosophical Views

A.  Basic Views
Did the speaker discuss general views regarding human nature, society, the environment, and the cosmos as a whole?  If so, summarize them.

B.  Values and Principles
Did the speaker discuss any basic values and principles regarding human development, social progress, and environmental stewardship?

What philosophical values and principles did the speaker discuss regarding domestic affairs?

What philosophical values and principles did the speaker propose for guiding foreign policies regarding international trade and development, security alliances, military deployment and use, environmental stewardship, etc.?

C.  Principles for Weighing Trade-Offs Related to Policies
Did the speaker mention principles for weighing the costs and benefits of domestic and foreign policies?

D.  Historical Trends
What historical trends did the speaker discuss?

E.  Visions for the Future
What visions for the future did the speaker discuss?

F.  The Character of Your Community/Nation as a Whole
What philosophical values and principles did the speaker discuss regarding the overall character of your community or nation?

G.  The Qualities of Public Leaders
What qualities of public leadership did the speaker discuss?

H.  Views on Responsible Citizenship
What principles of responsible citizenship did the speaker discuss?

I.  Sources
From what sources did the speaker draw as he or she set forth their philosophical perspectives?  e.g. political theory, science, historical studies, religious traditions, etc.



II.  Areas of Policy Discussed in the Address 

A.  Domestic Focus

What existing positions and initiatives related to the following areas of domestic policy were discussed by the speaker?  What new positions and initiatives were proposed?

Agricultural Policy

Education Policy (teacher training, vouchers, student performance)

Taxation Policy

Banking and Finance

Energy Policy (sources of energy, conservation)

Industrial/Manufacturing Policy

Transportation Policy

Waste Management

Air and Water Pollution

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

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

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

Poverty Reduction

Entitlements (social security, medicare)

Volunteerism and Service

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

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

Military Budget and Preparedness

Policies Promoting the Arts

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

Business Ethics



II.  Specific Policies:  Focus on Foreign Relations

What specific policies

What specific policies does the speaker advocate regarding trade and development, security alliances, and environmental stewardships in the following regions:

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 II:  Identifying the Influences that Shape
the Initiatives and Policies Set Forth in the Address




Part III: Analyzing Addresses:  Focus on Domestic Initiatives

I.  Analyzing Addresses on the Individual Level of Organization

A.  Analyzing Speakers as Individuals
The "Assumptions" from section I.A of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How did the speaker exhibit moral character -- virtues such as honesty and courage?

How did the speaker demonstrate their professional competence -- a mastery of the skills necessary for executing the duties of their political office?

Did the speaker seem psychologically healthy enough to serve in public office?


B.  Analyzing a Speaker's Philosophies and Policies for Promoting Individual Development
The "Assumptions" from section I.B of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

What were the speaker's general philosophy and specific policies for promoting the following dimensions of personal development?

Physical

Artistic


How did the speaker recognize the developmental nature of liberty and fulfillment?
The "Assumptions" from section I.C "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here.


How did the speaker acknowledge the roles of individual initiative and social support in the process of personal development?
The "Assumptions" from section I.D "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here.


How did the speaker recognize a full range of human rights as well as relationships between different human rights?
The "Assumptions" from section I.E "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here.

II. Analyzing Addresses on the Social Level of Organization
The Assumptions from section II of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here.

A.  Institutions
The Assumptions from section II.A of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

What were the speaker's general philosophy and specific policies for promoting the effective functioning of the following institutions?  I.e.  How does the speaker plan to encourage the following groups to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?  How does the speaker plan to promote transparent decision-making processes within the following organizations?

Families

Churches

Civic organizations

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

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

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

Business Firms

Labor unions

Schools: primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education

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

Institutions that support the arts

Political parties


1)  Special Institutional Focus on Governments
How does the speaker plan to establish more democratic structures of government in your nation?

How will the speaker encourage governments to use decision-making processes that are more transparent -- more open to public input, review, and evaluation?

What measures does the speaker propose for helping local and state governments to resist corruption and thus be more responsive to the needs and interests of citizens?

What measures does the speaker propose for helping your national government to resist corruption and thus be more responsive to the needs and interests of citizens?

How do the speaker's ideas and policies affect the ability of your local and state governments to enact and enforce legislation that is just and environmentally sound?

How do the speaker's ideas and policies affect the ability of your national government to enact and enforce legislation that is just and environmentally sound?

How do the speaker's ideas and policies impact the ability of your national government to efficiently maintain a military force that is capable of defending the nation's interests and values?

How do the speaker's ideas and policies affect the ability of your government to strike a balance between spending on military programs and on those programs that promote human development and environmental protection?


2)  Special Focus on the Institutional Level: The Party to Which the Speaker Belongs
The "Assumptions" from section II.A.1 of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here.  The following questions will help users to gain information that will enable them to identify the influences that shape the domestic platform of the speaker's political party.

What is the basic philosophy of the speaker's political party?  How do the philosophy and proposed policies of the speaker's party promote the well-being of individuals, social groups, and the environment?

Describe any significant differences between the views of the speaker and those espoused by his or her party.

Who belongs to the party of the speaker?  What characteristics do they share: philosophical, ethnic, economic, etc.?

Who provides financial support for this party?

How did the speaker's views and policies reflect the interests of members and financial supporters of his or her party?

Are these interests compatible with the long-term well-being of individuals, social groups, and the environment?  I.e., do supporters influence the party's policies in ways that are damaging to individuals, social groups, and the environment? 


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

What were the speaker's general philosophy and specific policies for promoting constructive relationships

within the market sector?

within the government sector?

within civil society?

between the market and the state?

between the market and civil society?

between civil society and the state?


C.  Different Levels of Social Organization
The Assumptions from section II.C of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

What were the speaker's general philosophy and specific proposals for promoting constructive relationships between different levels of social organization?  Did the speaker adhere to the principle of subsidiarity, which states that all human endeavors (economic ventures, public policies, etc.) should be pursued and administered at a level that is as local as possible but as centralized as necessary?


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

What were the speaker's general philosophy and specific proposals for promoting equal opportunities for persons of different: 

Sexual orientations?




III.  Analyzing Addresses on the Ecological  Level of Organization
The Assumptions from section III of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

What were the speaker's general philosophy and specific proposals for protecting

individual species?

ecosystems?

the biosphere as a whole?

How did the speaker strive to integrate the goals of economic growth and ecological stewardship?




IV.  Analyzing Addresses on the Cosmic Level of Organization

A.  Exploring the Relationship between a Speaker's Cosmic Views and the Main Themes of Their Address
The "Assumptions" from section IV.A of the "General Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

How did the speaker integrate cosmic perspectives into his or her political philosophy and proposed policies?  (Remember that some officials maintain that it is inappropriate to integrate cosmic beliefs into their political views.)

Did the speaker integrate cosmic perspectives into their views in a way that honors the principles enshrined in your nation's Constitution?

Did the speaker's beliefs influence their policies in a way that promotes the welfare of individuals, groups, and the environment?

B.  Understanding the Main Themes of an Address from the Perspective of One's Own Cosmic Views
The "Assumptions" from section IV.B of the "General Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Do you believe that universal principles or laws govern human affairs, such as the principles of yin-yang or the law of karma?  Do you believe in some divine plan for the universe that guides human history (such as the coming of the Kingdom of God)?  Do you believe in some system of divine justice that operates in human affairs?  If so, how do this speaker's ideas and proposals relate to your cosmic views?  If you believe in a divine plan, how do they relate to this divine plan?  Do they further or hinder this plan?  If you believe in a cosmic system of divine justice, how do they relate to this system?  If you espouse universal laws or principles, how do they relate to these laws and principles?




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

Did the speaker recognize the implications of policies on all levels of organization?  Did he or she recognize the impact on individuals, social groups, the environment, and the cosmos as a whole (if a cosmic perspective is held by them)?



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

How did the speaker acknowledge and understand relationships between different levels of organization?



VII.  Analyzing the Speaker's Recognition of the Hierarchy of Values that Exists among the Different Levels of Organization
The Assumptions from section VI of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

How did the speaker acknowledge and understand the hierarchy of values that exists among the different levels of organization?



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

What principles and guidelines does the speaker propose for dealing with trade-offs regarding the effects of policies on

different individuals (i.e. which [if any] principles does the speaker cite to justify burdens placed on some individuals for the benefit of other individuals)?

different social groups (i.e. which [if any] principles does the speaker cite to justify burdens placed on some social groups for the benefit of other social groups)?

entities within different levels of organization (i.e. which [if any] principles does the speaker cite to justify burdens placed on entities within one level of organization for the benefit of entities on other levels of organization)?




IX.  Analyzing the Speaker's Commitment to an 'Experimental Approach' to Policy-Making
The Assumptions from section VII of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

How did the speaker express a commitment to an ‘experimental approach’ to public policy-making?

Analyzing Addresses:
Focus on Foreign Relations

I. The Speaker's Views on Foreign Relations:  Perspectives from the Individual Level of Organization

A.  The Competence and Experience of the Speaker in the Realm of Foreign Relations
How has the speaker gained the knowledge and experience necessary to conduct foreign relations?


B.  The Speaker's Philosophy and Policies for Promoting Individual Development through Foreign Relations
The " Assumptions" from section I.A of the "Foreign Relations" section General Framework will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

In the realm of foreign relations, what were the speaker's general philosophy and specific policies for promoting the following dimensions of individual development?

Physical

Relational

Vocational/Economic

Political

Cultural

Artistic

Moral

Spiritual


B.  The Developmental Nature of Liberty and Fulfillment
The " Assumptions" from section I.B of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

How did the speaker recognize the developmental nature of liberty and fulfillment?
C.  Integrating Individual Initiative and Social Support
The " Assumptions" from section I.C of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

How did the speaker acknowledge the roles of individual initiative and social support in the process of personal development?


D.  A Full Range of Human Rights and the Relationships between Them
The " Assumptions" from section I.D of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the question below.

How did the speaker recognize a full range of human rights as well as relationships between different human rights?





II.  Foreign Relations and the Social Level of Organization
The "Assumptions" from section II of the "Foreign Relations" section of the "General Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

A.  Social Institutions
The "Assumptions" from section II.A of the "Foreign Relations" section of the "General Framework for Understanding and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the questions below.

Institutions within Nations
What were the general philosophy and specific policies of the speaker for promoting the effective and ethical functioning of the following social institutions within nations affected by foreign policies?   I.e.  How does the speaker plan to encourage the following groups to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?  How does the speaker plan to promote transparent decision-making processes within the following organizations?

Families

Churches

Civic organizations

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

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

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

Business Firms

Labor unions

Schools: primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education

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

Institutions that support the arts

Political parties


Special Focus on Local and National Governments
How did the speaker plan to promote the establishment of more democratic structures of government in all nations affected by your nation's foreign policy?  How will he or she help governments to resist corruption and thus be more responsive to the needs and interests of citizens?

How did the speaker propose to encourage more transparent decision-making processes within government bodies?

How did the speaker propose to enhance the ability of governments to enact and enforce legislation that is just and environmentally sound?

How did the speaker propose to enable your nation's government to efficiently maintain adequate military capabilities?

How did the speaker propose to enable other governments to efficiently maintain adequate military capabilities?

How did the speaker propose to enhance the ability of governments to strike a balance between spending on military programs and on those programs that promote human development and environmental protection?

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

How did the speaker advocate 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?

 
The Use of Force for the National Defense:  A Special Issue for National Governments
How did the speaker justify the use of military force in foreign relations?

Did the speaker address long-term strategies for cultivating peace and prosperity, particularly in troubled regions of the world?


International Institutions
In the realm of foreign relations, how did the speaker propose to promote the effective and ethical functioning of the following international social institutions?  I.e.  How did the speaker plan to encourage the following groups to promote the welfare of individuals, social groups, and the environment?  How did the speaker plan to promote transparent decision-making processes within the following organizations?

international governing organizations such as the United Nations

international alliances or blocs (such as NATO)

international religious bodies

international media organizations

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

other institutions that finance international development programs

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

international groups that serve the needy or vulnerable populations -- 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

transnational corporations that maintain operations in more than one nation


2.  Special Focus on the Institutional Level: The Party to Which the Speaker Belongs
The "Assumptions" from section II.A.3 of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" for Foreign Relations will be provided here.  The following questions will help users to gain information that will enable them to identify the influences that shape the foreign policy platform of the speaker's political party.

What is the basic philosophy of the speaker's political party?  In the realm of foreign relations, how do the philosophy and proposed policies of the speaker's party promote the well-being of individuals, social groups, and the environment in all nations affected by their policies?

Describe any significant differences between the views of the speaker on foreign relations and those espoused by his or her party.

Who belongs to the speaker's party?  What characteristics do they share: philosophical, ethnic, economic, etc.?

Who provides financial support for the party?

How did the foreign policies advocated by the speaker reflect the interests of members and financial supporters of his or her party?

Are these interests compatible with the long-term well-being of individuals, social groups, and the environment in all nations affected by these foreign policies?  I.e., is the speaker’s party able to resist efforts by groups to ‘buy influence’ over foreign policies in a way that is damaging to individuals, social groups, and the environment? 


B.  National and International Social Sectors
The "Assumptions" from section II.B of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the following questions:

In the realm of foreign relations, what were the general philosophy and specific policies of the speaker for promoting constructive relationships

within national governments and international governing bodies?

within the dynamics of international trade?

within the national and international levels of civil society?


between governing bodies and markets on the local, national, and international levels?

between governing bodies and civil society on the local, national, and international levels?

between civil society and markets on the local, national, and international levels?


C.  Different Levels of Social Organization
The "Assumptions" from section II.C of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the following questions:

In the realm of foreign relations, what were the general philosophy and specific policies of the speaker for promoting constructive relationships between different levels of social organization (local, state, national, international)?  Did the speaker adhere to the principle of subsidiarity, which states that all human endeavors (economic ventures, public policies, etc.) should be pursued and administered at a level that is as local as possible but as centralized as necessary?


D.  Socio-Cultural Collectivities
The "Assumptions" from section II.D of the "Foreign Relations" section of "The Framework for Analysis and Evaluation" will be provided here, followed by the following questions:

In the realm of foreign relations, what were the speaker's general philosophy and specific proposals for securing equal opportunities for the persons of different: