Gov Shutdown Practice CA FRQ

The United States is experiencing an economic slowdown. Unemployment has increased, and consumer spending has declined. In response, two members of Congress—Representative Torres, a Democrat, and Representative Caldwell, a Republican—propose different plans to improve the economy.

Representative Torres argues that the federal government should increase spending on infrastructure, education, and clean energy projects to create jobs and stimulate demand. She also proposes expanding social welfare programs to help struggling families.

Representative Caldwell disagrees, arguing that the federal government should cut taxes for businesses and high-income earners, which he believes will encourage investment and economic growth. Caldwell also calls for reducing government regulation on industries to promote efficiency and innovation.

(a) Identify the political ideology that best aligns with Representative Torres’s approach to the economy.

(b) Describe one economic theory that supports Representative Torres’s approach to addressing the economic slowdown.

(c) Explain the economic theory reflected by Representative Caldwell’s ideology.

(d) Explain how ideological differences between members of Congress can affect the passage of economic legislation like the proposals in the scenario.