pols 12 con.

Legislation and Government Oversight

Complexity of Legislative Bills

• Average US law passed typically spans 20 pages, while pre-war bills averaged 2.5 pages.

• Suggests that most congresspeople lack the time to read and understand the bills they vote on.

• The complexity of modern society means legislation cannot simply be short and straightforward, complicating understanding among legislators.

Lack of Legislative Expertise

• Most congresspeople are not technical experts in specialized policy areas.

• Legislators depend on staff to provide summaries instead of reading lengthy bills.

• May lead to unintentional voting on issues not fully understood.

The Role of Citizen Legislation

• There is merit in citizen-driven legislation, ensuring that non-specialists can participate in the political process.

• Understanding complex policies requires expertise, which is often missing from legislators.

Challenges of Separation of Powers

Functioning of US Congress

• Separation of powers ensures different branches of government operate independently.

• Lack of understanding among legislators can create a dependency on other branches for information.

Public Perception of Politicians

Legislative vs. Executive Image

• Citizens tend to hold presidents and prime ministers in higher regard than legislators.

• Legislatures are sometimes viewed as contentious groups rather than effective governing bodies.

• This can lead to a preference for presidential leadership over legislative contributions.

Career Politicians

• Politicians often remain in office indefinitely, leading to stagnation of ideas and difficulty for new entrants into politics.

• Young individuals entering politics may face challenges against established politicians.

• Notable exceptions, like younger leaders (e.g., Justin Trudeau), are rare in the political landscape.

Generational Gaps in Technology and Understanding

• A significant gap exists between older politicians and younger generations in terms of technological understanding and societal issues.

• Established leaders may be out of touch with the needs and interests of younger voters.

Conclusion

• The discussion indicates a complex interplay between the legislative process, public perception, and the challenges faced by younger political aspirants.

• Students are encouraged to reflect on these dynamics as they prepare for their future careers in politics.