¶ … U.S. Constitution is the highest law of the land. As such, is has a significant effect on public policy not only in what is possible and what is not but also through the processes it establishes for addressing issues of public interest. For this assignment, you will participate in a discussion about the U.S. And Texas constitutions and their effects on public policy. When responding to the discussion questions, be sure to reference course materials to support your conclusions and opinions. You should do the same whenever you respond to another person's discussion post. By doing so, you not only make a stronger case, but better support your own learning. Instructions

Answer the following questions:

• Both the U.S. And Texas constitutions were written when American society was mainly agrarian, rural, and governed by values relevant to the19th century. American society has changed significantly since then. This modernization has led to an increase in public policy. In light of the changes in American society that have occurred since those constitutions were written, what modifications would you propose to the U.S. Constitution to enable the nation to deal better with important public policy issues?

There are several things that should be added or changed. First, as noted by the question, there should be a change to reflect that the United States economy is no longer agrarian-dominant and is now dominated by the service/knowledge sectors. Second, the advancement of technology including the Internet and other technology should be factored into the basic documents (at least through amendments) so that the Constitutionality of a law can be gauged based on current topics and conditions. Lastly, privacy rights should be firmly defined rather than be interpretation only.

• What modifications would you propose to the Texas Constitution to enable the state to deal better with important public policy issues?

As partially suggested by the Texas Observer, there should be a few changes. First, there has to be a restructuring of school funding and the strings attached to use and wield such money. Funds should be readily available for even the poorest areas rather than relying on fat property tax checks for wealthy areas but there should be consequences if money is wasted or squandered on things that do not help kids (or at least don't help as much as they should). If this means a state income tax (there is not currently one), then so be it…but it should be reasonable and efficient rather than a power-grab or a vendetta against the rich (Del Bosque, DePrang, Michels & Wilder, 2013). There also needs to be an upheaval of the jail system and non-violent offenders as well as those that have not hurt anyone negligently (except those that easily could have such as repeat DUI offenders and such) should not be in jail. Fines and probation/parole is the better option and it would lower the prison population.

• Explain how the changes you are proposing would address the issues.

Improving school conditions and reforming the jail system would have a huge effect on the lives of many but those that continue to offend and be deviant should still be punished until/unless they get the message. Also, it should be drilled into the heads of children that their lives will be pretty rough if they don't keep their nose clean and get educated…regardless of color.

Discussion Board II

For this assignment, you will participate in a discussion about the effect of international forces on U.S. domestic policy. When responding to the discussion questions, be sure to reference course materials to support your conclusions and opinions. You should do the same whenever you respond to another person's discussion post. By doing so, you not only make a stronger case, but better support your own learning.

Instructions

Chapter 3 of the Cochran text discusses international economic agreements such as NAFTA and GATT. Consider the main principles of those agreements. Click the assignment title above to go to the discussion board and answer the following questions:

1) How do international agreements such as NAFTA and GATT affect domestic policy making? List at least three ways in which such agreements affect U.S. domestic policy and briefly explain each.

Free trade would increase competition because there are more parties at...

It would be stacked in many ways in favor of poorer nations or those with lesser labor laws. For example, Mexico has lower wages and such so they would produce more with the same money than the United States in many to most cases. Third, the demand and supply curves would be affected in many ways based on barriers to entry and so forth.
2) What specific actions should the United States government take to respond to international pressures? Make sure to explain why you think those actions would be effective and beneficial.

The United States should not be arrogant or protectionist nor should they lower the standard of life and wages in the United States since those standards should never flex. Rather than try to beat poorer countries when it comes to more menial tasks and such, the United States should focus on being a knowledge-based economy (and even services can be lucrative for many) and focus on creating jobs around that center so that more people can make higher wages…but they have to choose to do so. Also, technology should not be forsaken just to save jobs. It only hurts the economy in the long-term (Lange, 2013).

(can't answer the questions about classmates…nothing to read or reply to)

Discussion Board III

For this assignment, you will participate in a discussion about American energy policy. When responding to the discussion questions, be sure to reference course materials to support your conclusions and opinions. You should do the same whenever you respond to another person's discussion post. By doing so, you make a stronger case and better support your own learning.

Situation

As the U.S. population and economy grow, energy consumption rises as well. Most of the country's energy comes from burning fossil fuels. Transportation and the production of electricity account for most of the country's fossil fuel consumption. The United States produces a lot of coal, but, as we have seen, at considerable environmental cost. Meanwhile, the country depends on foreign sources for about two-thirds of its oil supplies. Oil consumption is expected to rise by about 2 million barrels per day by 2030, while U.S. production of crude oil will fall, leaving the country even more dependent on foreign oil. Alternative energies could become feasible as their cost relative to fossil fuels declines. Yet transitioning to renewable energy sources will probably require significant change in Americans' living patterns and lifestyles.

Instructions

Consider the Situation above. Click the assignment title above to go to the discussion board and answer the following questions:

1) What options does the United States have for addressing the energy issue? Think comprehensively about the direct and indirect costs and benefits of our current energy policy as compared to alternatives. Consider such factors as national security, economic impact, and environmental implications of current and alternative energy policies.

The first thing is already in process, and that is becoming energy independent. Yes, a lot of that progress is based on fracking and that energy should be harvested in a reasonable and practical way. However, petroleum and coal are not going away anytime soon and the United States needs to secure its future until alternative energy sources can take hold…and that will take time due to the cost efficiency issues mentioned already. It is sort of like water. If desalinization of water was cost-effective (it is not, but we're heading that way), we would never run out of water again as we could get all we need from the ocean. Same thing with alternative energy…batteries are nice but are typically recharged with coal-based electricity but the answer is probably with hydrogen or water more than anything else because those elements are much cleaner and are abundant around the earth. Beyond cost-efficacy, the whole infrastructure vs. tools question is a chicken and egg thing…having hydrogen cars without refueling stations (or vice versa) is a problem.

2) Which of the available options would be the best choice? Why?

Hydro-electric and hydrogen…by far. However, fossil fuels will have to serve as a bridge until the cost curves go down and there is enough supply. It would be like using hemp for paper rather than trees….lot of potential benefits but it would take a while to make the switch.

3) What do you think the country will actually do? Why? Consider the policy contexts outlined in Unit 2. How will culture, ideology, demographics, and politics affect our choices? Consider also the models of politics: group bargaining, pluralism, and elite theory. Which organized interests will have important influence on energy policy? Who will make the decisions about the country's energy future? Will political parties matter?

First, political parties will definitely matter as I believe a lot of government-friendly people are itching to use global warming and such to control and tax people while others bristle at any government-forced action or regulation.…