Define theory. How are theories useful in understanding world politics? What applications can theories have in making international policy? What are the drawbacks of relying on a single theory to inform policy making?
What will be an ideal response?
A theory is a set of conclusions derived from assumptions and evidence about some
phenomenon, including its character, causes, probable consequences, and ethical
implications. Theories provide a map, or frame of reference, that makes the complex,
puzzling world around us intelligible. For policy makers, theory has three important
applications (Jentleson and Ratner, 2011):
Diagnostic value. Helps policy makers assess issues they face by facilitating
their ability to discern patterns and focus on important causal factors.
Prescriptive value. Provides a framework for conceptualizing strategies and
policy responses.
Lesson-drawing value. Facilitates critical assessment so that policy makers
reach accurate conclusions about the successes and failures of a policy.
You might also like to view...
A(n) __________ is an amendment to a bill that is not germane to the bill's purposes
a. rider b. cloture c. filibuster d. unanimous consent agreement
What is the role of a principal investigator?
What will be an ideal response?
Third parties have major impacts in the United States. Discuss the different types of third parties and why they have not had lasting success since the middle of the nineteenth century.
What will be an ideal response?
What do proponents of the partisan theory of committees believe?
A) The party leadership uses its ability to control membership on and jurisdiction of committees so that only loyal and reliable party members control the fate of important legislation. B) Members of Congress defer to their colleagues on policies they care little about in exchange for particular influence on issues that deeply matter to them. C) Committees primarily serve to increase the knowledge of the entire deliberative body. D) Committees have little influence on the members of the House compared to the majority and minority leadership. E) Committees have become less relevant as the political process has become more partisan.