POLICY AGENDA
POLICY AGENDA
Political Issues
The policy agenda are the issues that get the most attention from political figures at a point in time. Some of these issues will be considered more heavily than others, but politicians must keep the agenda in mind in order to focus on what voters are most concerned about. This agenda changes regularly alongside the shifts in the political environment of the United States.
The mass media plays a significant role in deciding what issues get on the political agenda. Depending on how the media portrays a specific issue, viewers are more likely to be concerned with how it is addressed. By getting certain topics at the top of media coverage, mass media can influence what the American public is most concerned with amongst other issues.
Abortion
Pro: Most advocates of abortion believe in the right to choice and that the decision over one’s body cannot be controlled by the government.
Anti: Those who do not believe in the right to an abortion usually say that a fetus has a right to life and that it is morally incorrect.
Statistic: 13 states currently have a ban on abortion.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Pro: A majority of people who believe in student loan forgiveness believe that this act will alleviate financial burdens whilst also reducing inequality and stimulating the American economy.
Anti: Many opponents of student loan forgiveness argue that it is unfair and there is risk of students being encouraged to take loans with the expectation that they will be forgiven.
Statistic: According to the Center for American Progress, the Biden-Harris administration has forgiven almost $175 billion of student loans.
Gun Rights
Pro: Many advocates for gun rights emphasize the Second Amendment and believe that gun ownership is crucial for self defense and individual freedom.
Anti: Those against gun rights mainly believe that guns should be more tightly controlled in order to protect the well being of the public and prevent violence.
Statistic: A 2020 Gallup poll states that around 32% of American adults report owning a gun personally.
Gay Marriage
Pro: Advocates for gay marriage usually believe that same-sex relationships should be treated the same and have the same privileges as heterosexual relationships.
Anti: Opponents of gay marriage usually believe that marriage can only be between those of opposite sexes.
Statistic: Gallup News states that 27% of people believed that gay marriages should be valid in 1996 while 69% of people believe that gay marriages should be valid in 2024.
Trans Rights
Pro: Many advocates of transgender rights believe that the identities of transgender people should be recognized by both society and institutions.
Anti: Opponents of transgender rights usually believe that gender is determined biologically and disagree with legal recognition and medical procedures.
Statistic: According to the Williams Institute, 1.6 million people above the age of thirteen identify as transgender.
Border Control
Pro: Advocates for border control usually believe that strict border control is necessary for security and job protection.
Anti: Opponents of strict border control usually believe that there should be more policies to protect migrants and refugees whilst enforcing legal immigration.
Statistic: According to the American Immigration Council, the federal government has spent around $409 billion on immigration enforcement.