2021 Interns (Audrey)
1.What does government continuity mean to you and why is it important?
To me, continuity of government means the ability for essential government operations to continue functioning during times of crisis. It is extremely important that the government is equipped to handle emergency circumstances in order to create stability in a nation that is suffering. Without a government to rely on during a crisis, there will be chaos among citizens and they may not have access to the necessary resources that the government provides.
2.What would happen if you ran for office and won but the current elected official refused to step down, what actions if any would you take?
I believe that if this scenario were to occur, the most important component would be preserving the national image of the United States. When there is domestic conflict, the country can often be viewed as weak, making it vulnerable to outside threats. Therefore, what I would first do is organize a private meeting with this elected official. In this setting, I would appeal to the official based on our common interests such as protecting the well-being of the country or the state. With this in mind, I would encourage them to step down peacefully as to not create a chaotic domestic environment. In addition, I would discuss policy issues with this elected official to see if there would be ways for us to compromise on our stances. By attempting to blend our ideas and our goals, I would assure the official that their interests and the interests of their constituents will still be protected while I am in office. However, if the official is not receptive to these conversations, I would assume my new role and start to complete my official tasks. I believe that handling the situation respectfully while fulfilling my new responsibilities will demonstrate to the public that I am the current leader with the power to make change.
3.Should American tax dollars be used to invest in developing and third world countries, why or why not?
Throughout history, the United States has taken on a strong international role in which it often contributed aid to foreign countries. This altruistic work often produces favorable results such as a reduction in poverty and the betterment of health and quality of life among many populations. In addition, while benefiting the citizens in other nations, aiding these countries also aligns with the United States’s general interest in promoting global stability and bolstering the economy through building new markets. However, political involvement in other nations, even if accomplished through aid, can complicate American affairs. For instance, involvement in nations with potentially unstable governments and markets can pose political and national security threats. In addition, it is often the case that, due to cultural gaps or negligence, the American government is unaware of what is most needed in countries they are supporting. In addition, foreign aid often comes in conjunction with indoctrinating other countries into supporting American values and interests. While beneficial to the United States, it is not necessarily appropriate to do this. In addition, providing a constant supply of goods to other countries can create a sense of dependency on America. Finally, many Americans within the boundaries of the United States suffer from homelessness, poverty, and hunger among other issues. While there are strong points supporting both arguments, I believe that American tax dollars would better be spent supporting domestic programs as opposed to funding developing countries.
