Political Questions
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Politics is about how to balance human desires. We will leap in the dark unless we think and act. |
Questions about US Congress
- The nineteenth-century presidency operated under a doctrine of presidential restraint. Presidents did not take the lead in government, but instead deferred to Congress. This view of presidential restraint closely followed the intent of the framers of the U.S. Constitution. However, at the opening of this century, idea about the presidency and government changed. A theory of presidential activism replaced that of presidential restraint. Presidents should use their power to act. Woodrow Wilson's commentary on presidential power suggested that only the president could represent the national will. With more power goes to the president, do the characteristics of individual presidents matter? In other words, do leaders matter?
- One of the key questions in minority politics is how to effectively protect minority interests. There have been many strategies designed and examined by both politicians and scholars. These strategies include conventional and unconventional political activities. Particularly, blacks may increase their political influence through protest-like political movements; through mobilization and voting; and through litigation. However, do blacks or other minorities need to control political power in order to protect their interests? If yes, to what extent and at what level?
