Assignment

Write a 200- to 300-word response to the following:

1. In 1998, during the Clinton presidency, Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD-63) sector responsibility was distributed across many federal agencies. However, now the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has assumed lead responsibilities for many of the CIKR sectors. Under the current approach, do you think any of these could be better addressed by another agency? Provide an example (such as assigning nuclear reactors, materials, and waste to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission).

Citing credible reference materials, including your course textbook(s), is highly recommended when providing your response.

2. Some observers claim that partisanship in Congress has reached a level that is crippling the institution as an effective policymaking body. Party disputes on everything from healthcare to tax policy have produced legislative deadlock and delay. Do you share the view that excessive partisanship is warping the congressional process, or do you think members of Congress should stick to their partisan principles, whatever the consequences?