Popular Policy
Critical Analysis
Based on the data from the chart above, what was the most popular executive action or bill since 1990?
Based on the data from the chart above, what was the least popular executive action or bill since 1990?
Based on the data from the chart above, describe the general level of popularity of the major executive actions or bills during the Biden presidency.
Based on the visual below*, describe President Biden current approval rating.
Joe Biden began his presidency by passing a massively popular economic stimulus and covid-19 relief bill. Next came an ambitious infrastructure-spending bill, which the public also favored. The Inflation Reduction Act, which Mr Biden signed in August, will turbocharge America’s clean-energy transformation by showering $369bn of subsidies and tax credits over the course of a decade on renewables, electric vehicles and the like. Make a claim explaining the disconnect between Biden’s policy popularity and his approval rating.
On average, presidents need to have an approval rating that is roughly five-to-ten percentage points higher than their disapproval rating to have a decent shot at re-election, or to put enough pressure on Congress to pass their agenda. Anything less and they risk backlash from the public and the stalling of the government’s program. Based on the Biden’s current approval rating (below*) make a claim about the likelihood of Biden passing any major policy initiatives or bills any time soon.
A new poll from The Economist and YouGov finds few Democrats believe Joe Biden is their party’s strongest candidate for the 2024 election. Just 44% of adults who identified themselves as Democrats said they believed Mr Biden to be their best shot at winning the White House. Only 47% wanted him to run for a second term as president—compared to 28% who do not (24% were unsure). For their part, Republicans are not doing much better: just 53% thought Donald Trump, the former president presumptive front-runner, is their best candidate. Based on your knowledge of American politics, if these two candidates are not even very popular among their own parties, why are they the most likely presidential candidates for the 2024 election?
Recent political science research finds little connection between policy and voting. Make a claim about how this fact will impact the likely 2024 presidential election between Biden (popular policy) and Trump (unpopular policy)?
As shown in the visual above, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was underwater (more people disapproved than approved of it) when it was first passed in 2009. As shown in the visual below*, what has happened to the popularity of this act over time and what do you think explains that change.
The only one term-presidents listed above are H.W. Bush and Trump. H. Compare the level of the popularity of the major executive action or bills during their presidencies and explain whether you believe Biden will be a one term president.
Learning Extension
Check out these charts and graphs from the Economist about Biden’s approval ratings.
Action Extension
Based on the most important issues America is facing today (below*) contact President Biden and advise him on what issue he should focus on.
Visual Extension*
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