Define pragmatism and discuss the history of pragmatism in American public policymaking.
What will be an ideal response?
Pragmatism is the belief that one should do whatever works rather than follow a basic ideological or philosophical system. Students should discuss the past centrist nature of the political parties; discussions of political philosophy tended to ensure election defeat. The election of Ronald Reagan seemed to open the door to greater discussion of philosophy. While Bill Clinton seemed to indicate a return to pragmatism, the elections of George W. Bush and Barack Obama led to periods of great partisan and ideological debate. Governments of compromise seem to be in the past and the United States is in an error of ideological opposition and policy gridlock. The public has expressed dismay and disgust with the inability of the political system to make effective decisions to address the problems of the nation.
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When Congress is unable to pass a complete budget by the beginning of the fiscal year, it usually passes _____, which enable the executive agencies to keep on doing whatever they were doing the previous year with the same amount of funding.
A. continuing resolutions B. referendums C. tax increase bills D. nuclear option resolutions E. outlays and obligations bills
If the office of governor is vacated in Texas, the order of succession is
A. president pro tempore, land commissioner, attorney general. B. attorney general, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house. C. lieutenant governor, land commissioner, president pro tempore. D. lieutenant governor, president pro tempore, speaker of the house.
According to William G. Mayer, one of the major criticisms of the modern presidential nominating process is that it gives too much influence to
a. larger states that select a greater number of convention delegates. b. states like Iowa and New Hampshire, which hold their primaries or caucuses early in the nominating process. c. states like New Jersey and Oregon, which hold their primaries shortly before the national party conventions. d. local and state party officials, who control a great amount of political patronage positions.
Which of the following is not one of the unilateral "power tools" used by the American president?
a. Signing statements b. Executive agreements c. Judicial appointments d. Recess appointments e. Executive orders