Framework – Debating the Big Six Ideas
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21st May 2018
Debating the Six Big Ideas
| The idea: Limited Government Question: To what extent should the federal government be involved in economic issues? |
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| Position A: The federal government’s powers over taxation as well as international and interstate trade allow significant latitude in directing economic policy. | Position B: The federal government should only act to remedy unfavourable economic conditions for business activity. |
| The idea: Republicanism Question: What should be the role of citizens in creating public policy? |
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| Position A: Public policy should reflect the opinion of voters. | Position B: Public policy should be created by officials who are most informed about the issues involved. |
| The idea: Checks and Balances Question: When the President makes a nomination, what should be the nature of the Senate’s “advice and consent?” |
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| Position A: The Senate should defer to the President’s choice of who he wants working under him. | Position B: It is the Senate’s duty to make an independent judgment of a nominee’s suitability for a position serving the American people, even if that means denying the President his choice. |
| The idea: Federalism Question: How should power be divided between the federal government and the states? |
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| Position A: The Federal government should retain the most power because it is best positioned to insure fair treatment, safety and equal protection for all Americans. | Position B: The states should retain the most power because they are closer to the people, better informed on local issues and best positioned to exercise authority for their residents. |
| The idea: Separation of Powers Question: Once Congress declares war and the President assumes the role of Commander-in-Chief who decides how the war ends? |
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| Position A: Congress, the policy making branch which represents the people, should determine peace terms. | Position B: The President as Commander-in-Chief is in the best position to determine appropriate actions. |
| The idea: Popular Sovereignty Question: Should voter ballot initiatives be allowed to overturn laws passed by legislative bodies? |
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| Position A: Yes; ballot initiatives allow voters to directly participate in their government. | Position B: No; voters already express their views through election of public officials. |
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