The role of a political opposition is to criticize the policies of those in power.

The role of a political opposition is to criticize the policies of those in power.

11:50-12:20

Politics is a very enigmatic field that is dependent on politicians trying to satisfy the demands and needs of their constituents. In most cases, politics is meant to serve the people in the best way possible, however there are times when political opposition is necessary. Just like competition in the economic market a fresh perspective is indispensable for change. While part of the political opposition is to criticize those in power, it is also important to keep the political atmosphere dynamic and evolving to meet the needs of the people in alternative ways if possible.

First consider situations when the political opposition may criticize the policies of those in power. During times of mass upheaval and discontent amongst constituents, the political opposition has the right to criticize the people in power when other alternatives are present. For example, in the current Obama administration, since the start President Obama has tried multiple ways to bring the US economy back on its feet and running. He had issued multiple bailout plans for major financial credit unions and banks in hopes to gain support from constituents. He had also increased taxes on the wealthier classes which sparked outrage amongst the opposition. After a couple of years, in 2009 the US House of Representative and Senate conducted an election in which the power in the House was transferred from Democratic Nancy Pelosi to Republican John Boehner. With the shift in power, Republicans have tried to reversed Obama’s change in economic principles. Many states such as New York and California are cutting back on Medicaid and Welfare programs such as EBTs as well as food stamp programs in an effort to lower the debt ceiling. Thus Republicans found an alternative way to bring back the American economy by encouraging small business owners to continue investing rather than from stepping back. Thus it is evident in this case that role of political opposition was to give a fresh new perspective in bringing back a viable US economy.

On the other hand, consider when political opposition may be compliant and work toward the policies of those in power. During President Clinton’s administration of the early 1990s, the political opposition had very little to criticize about Bill Clinton’s presidency. The national economy was in good standing, and the people were thriving in a surplus economy. The unemployment rate was very low and more jobs were being created than ever before with the growth of industry. With all these positive outcomes under the Clinton administration, the Republicans had no choice but to comply with Clinton’s agenda because they had no other alternative to challenge or to do better than Clinton. Similarly in the Bush administration, many families were robbed of their loved on September 11, 2001. Due to these horrific attacks on US soil by Al Qaeda terrorists and Islamic extremists, President Bush sought justice for the American people. President Bush eventually established a new government agency, The Department of Homeland Security and the Transport Security Agency (TSA). Likewise he declared war on terrorism in 3 fronts: Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan in hopes to thoroughly wipeout the criminal perpetrators responsible for the 9-11 attacks. Despite major opposition initially by Democrats, most people agreed with President Bush’s idea to wage war on these countries to bring criminals to justice. In the process, key terrorists were brought to justice. Thus it is evident, that when a nation is working towards a common goal, in this case bringing terrorists to justice, compliance by opposition is necessary.

In all it is evident that there needs to be balance between compliance and criticism in politics. When a nation is suffering from low morale and a weak economy it is essential for the political opposition to step up and criticize the ruling party to offer fresh alternatives. However, in times of uncertainity in an issue of economic surplus as seen under Bill Clinton, political compliance was a must because no other alternative was present to challenge him.