Author Question: What does it mean when we say that presidents adopt a distinctively national outlook on policy?How ... (Read 82 times)

abern · **on:** Jul 9, 2018

What does it mean when we say that presidents adopt a distinctively national outlook on policy?How does that affect their behavior as candidates and as president? Provide specific examples.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What effect did Truman's disregard for polls showing low approval ratings have on his presidency and actions?

A)It allowed him to present a false sense of confidence and pander to key electoral constituencies.
B)It liberated his presidency and allowed him to concentrate on the issues that mattered most to the country at large.
C)It opened him to political attacks and shifted his focus to narrow political interests.
D)It freed him of all political opposition, allowing his to work to please local constituencies.

joechoochoy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 9, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The ideal answer should:
a. Define national outlook as the tendency of presidents to reflect on and frame the implications of policy initiatives as affecting the country as a whole.
b. Explain how during the primary election, to win the nomination, they must acknowledge local concerns for specific audienceswhile emphasizing their obligation to represent the interests of all Americans and how this national outlook continues duringthe general election as they roll out policy briefs. Examples could include any of the candidate policy brief titles discussed in the text.
c.Discuss how the motivation to present a national outlook gains strength when presidents take office, due in part to their role as commander-in-chief, chief administrator, and head of a national party, noting that it is part of the job description itself.
d. Demonstrate that presidents sometimes pay more attention to some population segments, such as the southeastern seaboard during hurricane season, but even thenthe actions by the federal government are justified by reference to a basic principle or objective that applies to the entire nation.
e. Note that part of the president's preoccupation with national concerns is because the president embodies the ideals and principles behind all that the nation stands for and aspires to become.

Answer to Question 2

B