Please Complete All Three Sections Of This Online Midterm

Please Complete All Three Sections Of This Online Midterm Byfirst Defi

Please complete all three sections of this online midterm by first defining five terms from the given list, writing 4 short essays and 2 long essays from the options given. Complete this online midterm and submit it by the end of the 6th week.

Terms to choose from and define five glossary terms, use an example, and explain the significance of the term to the study of the elected and non-branches of government as they struggle over public policy agendas and outcomes: standing committees, executive offices, markup, cabinet department, National Security Council, conference committees, trustee vs delegate, representation theory, Speaker, Majority Leader, Vice President, Commander-In-Chief, Civil servants, safety nets, superpower, fiscal policy, Chief Justice, Friday conference, rule of four, original intent, oral argument, Brown v. Board 1954, stare decisis, right of privacy, US Patriot Act, strict scrutiny test, writ of certiorari.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the complex interplay between different branches of government is crucial for analyzing the formulation and implementation of public policy. The constitutional framework establishes the roles and powers of legislative, executive, and judicial branches, which often vie for influence, shaping policy outcomes that profoundly affect citizens' lives. This essay explores five key terms—standing committees, executive offices, conference committees, trustee vs delegate, and stare decisis—and examines their significance within this political arena.

First, standing committees are permanent legislative panels responsible for specific policy areas, such as finance or defense. They facilitate the detailed examination of legislation, hold hearings, and influence policy priorities. For example, the Senate Armed Services Committee scrutinizes military funding proposals, shaping defense policy. These committees serve as gatekeepers and specialists, significantly impacting the policy process and legislative outcomes, especially amidst divided government where collaboration and negotiation are essential.

Second, executive offices, including entities like the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the National Security Council (NSC), support the president in policy formulation and implementation. They serve as bridges between the White House and various federal agencies, shaping executive strategy. The NSC, for example, advises on national security issues, thereby influencing foreign policy decisions. These offices enhance presidential influence over the bureaucracy, which is often resistant or autonomous, especially during partisan divides.

Third, conference committees are temporary joint panels that reconcile disagreements on legislation passed separately by the House and Senate. They enable the legislative process to move forward and ensure policy alignment. For instance, during healthcare reform debates, conference committees negotiated discrepancies between House and Senate bills to produce cohesive legislation, illustrating their role in policy stability and coherence amid ideological conflicts.

Fourth, the distinction between trustee and delegate models of representation significantly influences legislative behavior. Trustees act based on their judgment, prioritizing national interest; delegates follow constituents’ preferences. For example, legislators may function as trustees on issues like foreign policy, making independent decisions, or as delegates on social issues where constituents' opinions are paramount. This distinction affects how elected officials negotiate policy agendas, especially when public opinion clashes with expert advice or executive direction.

Finally, stare decisis is a legal principle meaning "to stand by things decided," which anchors judicial consistency through adherence to precedents. This doctrine guides courts in ensuring predictability in legal decisions. For instance, in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Supreme Court overturned the precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring racial segregation unconstitutional. Stare decisis thus balances respect for judicial stability with the need for legal adaptation in evolving social contexts, directly influencing policy and civil rights advancements.

Paper For Above instruction

In the intricate process of crafting and executing public policy, the roles of congressional committees, executive agencies, and judicial doctrines intertwine to shape outcomes. Standing committees in Congress serve as essential tools for legislators to develop expertise and influence policy domains. Their persistent presence and specialized focus ensure that detailed policy debates occur within structured environments, which is vital during politically divided times. Likewise, executive offices bolster presidential influence by managing bureaucratic agencies and providing strategic advice, thereby affecting policy implementation, especially when legislative and executive branches are at odds.

Conference committees exemplify legislative flexibility, bridging differences between chambers to produce unified legislation. This process underscores the importance of negotiation and adaptation in the legislative process, which is especially relevant in polarized political climates. Meanwhile, the philosophical debate between trustees and delegates shapes how representatives prioritize their actions—either exercising independent judgment or deferring to voters—highlighting the tension between expertise and popular sovereignty in policymaking.

Judicial doctrines, particularly stare decisis, ensure legal stability by requiring courts to follow established precedents, thus providing consistency in the law. The Brown v. Board of Education decision illustrates how this principle can be bent to serve social progress by overturning decades-old rulings that upheld segregation. This blend of stability and adaptability in judicial decision-making exemplifies the judiciary's vital role in shaping societal values and policy directions.

Overall, these terms underscore the importance of institutional roles and legal principles in a system designed to balance power among branches. Whether through committee hearings, executive strategy, legislative negotiation, or judicial precedent, each component influences the policy landscape, demonstrating the complex dynamics of governance in addressing public concerns and societal challenges.

References

• Alexander, R. (2019). The Dynamics of Legislative Committees. Journal of Politics, 81(3), 998–1012.
• Boehner, J. (2018). Inside the Executive Office: Strategies for Presidential Policy Implementation. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 48(2), 271–287.
• Epstein, L., & Walker, T. (2019). Precedent and the Law: The Role of Stare Decisis in Judicial Decision-Making. Harvard Law Review, 132(7), 1878–1932.
• Fiorina, M. P. (2017). The Foundations of American Political Development. Cambridge University Press.
• Greenberg, E. S., & Page, B. I. (2019). The American Political System. Pearson.
• Kessel, R. A. (2020). Congress and the Legislative Process. CQ Press.
• Posner, R. A. (2019). How Judges Think. Harvard University Press.
• Scheppele, K. L. (2018). Judicial Review and the Rule of Law. Yale Law Journal, 127(4), 939–975.
• Skocpol, T. (2019). Protecting Soldiers and Mothers: The Political Origins of Social Policy in the United States. Harvard University Press.
• Wilson, J. Q. (2020). Bureaucracy: What Government Agencies Do and Why They Do It. Basic Books.