Why is Policy so Complicated?

As we begin the unit on Public Policy development and you work on your projects- one thing will be consistent:
Forming Policy is a SLOW process with too many people involved.
In forming policy, Congressmen work with the bureaucratic agency who oversees the policy, state and local governments, desires of their constituents, legal restraints, financial costs, and personal desires.

The President deals with the exact same list of issues and the relationships with foreign heads of state when forming foreign policy.

In history we've seen many legislative/presidential programs that are now famous: Roosevelt's Big Stick Policy, FDR's New Deal, JFK's New Frontier, LBJ's Great Society, Reagan's Russia/Start Negotiations, Nixon's Vietnamization, etc.

Choose any one of the items on the lost and do the following:
1. define the parameters and desires of the policy
2. What factors influenced shaping the policy
3. What was the outcome of the policy
4. Determine whether the public thought it was successful or not/ public attitude then and now! (make sure to look at then and now)

Next week's will be on a contemporary policy. This one is designed to get you looking at policy more holistically. :)

APGov A: What does "Freedom of Religion" Really Mean?

One freedom we frequently address in the U.S. is freedom of Religion. But that is not exactly what it states. The actual text is "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

As a matter of fact, it is the very FIRST protection listed in the infamous Bill of Rights.

This week's blog is about looking at both of these elements.

ELEMENT ONE: The Establishment Clause.
While we do not have an "official state religion" most would agree we are a predominately Christian nation (thanks to our founders). And religion does permeate our society. We pledge allegiance to God and Country daily... swear on the bible in court... have mangers in town centers each holiday season... Easter, Good Friday, and Christmas are all national holidays...

So then what does establishment mean, We need to interpret in two ways. First, government should not favor one religion more than another. Second, money should not be involved. To deal with financial aspects, the Landmark court case Lemon v. Kurztman set up a rule for when government funds could go to religious institutions (primarily schools). Here is the test:

1. Have a secular purpose
2. Neither advance nor inhibit religion
3. Not foster excessive government entanglement with religion.


Now let's look at part two:
Element Two: the Free Exercise Clause
Primarily this means you have the right to practice your religion. There are, of course, some limits. This cannot give you the ability to harm others or violate laws of drug use.
As such, the following religious practices are outlawed: polygamy, snake charming, use of peyote, etc.

The government also evaluates cult religions on the harm factor.
Please go to YouTube and search for "Jonestown Massacre". Watch a few clips. Think about other instances like Waco, Texas.

Now, what to write about:
1. Give a current example of government establishment of religion and react to it. Is it legal or not? If you find it in violation- why does it exist?
2. How far should Free Exercise go? What are appropriate limits? Where's the line?

As always, post your responses to BOTH questions here. And then discuss with each other this week.