The congressperson’s awareness of the public’s perception
Respond to the following:
You are a reporter for your local media outlet and have scheduled an interview with your local congressperson, who sits on the Committee on Ways and Means for the U.S. House of Representatives. The focus of the interview is to get the congressperson’s response to the public’s perception that the party is simply obstructing the president’s agenda rather than representing the public’s interest and upholding the democratic process. For your paper, develop three questions you would ask, and explain your rationale for asking these questions. Defend your explanation with scholarly resources.
Your paper should include the following elements:
An explanation of how each question will lead to your intended goal
A defense of your strategy with scholarly research
Question 1: How does the congressperson reconcile the perception of obstruction with their duty to represent the public’s interest and uphold the democratic process?
Rationale: This question aims to gauge the congressperson’s awareness of the public’s perception and their understanding of their role as a representative. By asking this question, we can assess their ability to articulate a balanced response that acknowledges the concerns of the public while also explaining their approach to fulfilling their duties.
Scholarly research supports the importance of representation and accountability in a democratic system. According to scholars like Robert Dahl, representation is a fundamental aspect of democracy as it ensures that the interests, views, and concerns of citizens are adequately reflected in the decision-making process (Dahl, 1971). Therefore, it is crucial to address any perception of obstruction and understand how representatives navigate their responsibilities.
Question 2: Can the congressperson provide specific examples of instances where they have actively worked towards finding common ground with the president’s agenda?
Rationale: This question seeks to explore the congressperson’s efforts in collaborating with the president’s agenda rather than solely obstructing it. By asking for specific examples, we can assess the extent to which the congressperson engages in bipartisan cooperation and compromises in order to represent the public’s interest effectively.
Scholarly research emphasizes the importance of collaboration and compromise in democratic governance. Scholars like Jane Mansbridge argue that effective representation requires seeking common ground and engaging in constructive dialogue to address societal issues (Mansbridge, 2003). By asking for concrete examples, we can assess how well the congressperson adheres to these principles and works towards consensus-building.
Question 3: What steps does the congressperson believe should be taken to bridge the divide between parties and restore faith in the democratic process?
Rationale: This question aims to explore the congressperson’s perspective on addressing political polarization and rebuilding trust in the democratic process. By asking about potential solutions, we can assess their commitment to fostering a more collaborative and inclusive political environment that serves the public’s interest.
Scholarly research highlights the detrimental impacts of political polarization on democratic governance. Studies by scholars like Lilliana Mason emphasize how polarization contributes to heightened partisanship and reduced trust among citizens (Mason, 2018). By asking this question, we can evaluate whether the congressperson recognizes these challenges and has concrete ideas for promoting unity and restoring faith in democracy.
In conclusion, these three questions aim to assess the congressperson’s understanding of their role as a representative, their commitment to collaboration and compromise, and their strategies for bridging political divides. Scholarly research supports the importance of representation, collaboration, and trust-building in democratic governance, providing a strong foundation for asking these questions.