Creating a Policy of Growth and Improvement

Scenario: You and your team belong to a think tank responsible for developing legislative
policy in order to ensure economic growth and social stability for the nation. Congress has called
on your expertize to testify before Congressional Committee on your proposed policy
recommendations. When you testify before committee, you will have to provide a multimedia
report (presentation) and field questions from congressman afterward. Other think tanks are
presenting to committee as well and due to budget restrictions, it has been increasingly difficult
to have your policy recommendations accepted by Congress. Due to this competitive nature, it
is essential that you provide clear and professional work to uphold your think tanks reputation.
You and your team (Groups of 3) will have the opportunity to develop legislative policy
recommendations in one of the following areas. Only one team can do each of the following per
class. First come, first serve basis.
Immigration
ISIS
Healthcare (ACA)
Medicare

These topics must be

chosen.

Social Security
Government Surveillance/ national security
Technology Investment to stimulate growth and innovation
Domestic Energy Interdependence
Your Choice (Must seek approval from Mr. Field First)

Role #1: You belong to a 3 person team within a political think tank. Each person of the team
is responsible for one of the following areas.
o Policy overview and rational
o Economic Impact
o Societal Effect
o Political Perspective/Outlook (Everyone is responsible for)
Principal Pro and Con Views
What issues will affect passage or rejection?
What solutions will you propose to overcome these obstacles?
Politicians interested/ opposed
Interests groups/Experts (Think-tanks)
Budget Request
Consider the economic times and fiscal responsibility
Can you contact/get guidance from an outside source involved in your issue?

Role #2: You will take on the perspective of a congressman that will be assigned to you for
committee. During the question and answer phase of each policy proposal your questions should
focus around their perspective.

Procedure:

Phase 1: MultiMedia Presentation (Your Policy Recommendation)

No more than 10-12 minutes
Graphics
Clear and Precise
Phase 2: Question and Answer from Congressmen in Committee
5-7 Minutes
Phase 3: Committee Deliberation (This will happen at the end of class where committee
will discuss the policies
that were proposed.)
10-15 minutes
Discussion about each policy
Yes or no vote on whether policy should be accepted.

Tasks:
o

Provide an Executive Summary describing your policy recommendations

Overall report
1400 Executive Summary, uploaded to SafeAssign on March 13th to
SafeAssign
Each policy area section (work must be labeled to identify student who
produced it)
Policy overview and rational
Economic Impact (Include Budget)
Societal Effect
Political Perspective/Outlook (Everyone is responsible for)
Solution must be synthesized from research
Provide Quick Reference of Policy Recommendations for Congressmen
1 page Graphic for Congressman
See Example Attached
3 Page Graphic for Chief of Staff
See Example Attached
MultiMedia Presentation Outlining your policy recommendations
Professional and Clear
10-12 Minutes
Everyone must present

Due Dates:

Tuesday, February 23rd Project Introduced

Monday, March 11th Quick References due to me IF you want me to copy them
for you. If not it is your responsibility to provide one for every congressmen.
Friday, March 13
o Report, Quick Reference
Friday, March 13th, Wednesday, March 18th and Friday, March 20th
o Multimedia Presentation Due

Resources:

Textbook Chapters 14, 17-20

Chapter 1 of Blahous, Charles. Social Security:

The Unfinished Work (Posted on Blackboard)

www.federalreserve.gov
www.omb.gov
www.cbo.gov
www.gao.gov

www.brookings.edu
www.aei.org
www.cfr.org
www.cbpp.org