6.7 Major Issues Requiring Political Negotiation
The function of politics is to resolve major issues requiring political negotiation, such as the difficult examples listed here
6.7.1 Political Decisions on Government Spending
decisions which are largely ideological, although they must take some account of economics
6.7.2 Political Responses to Inequality
responding to tensions arising from the unequal distribution of wealth
6.7.3 Individual Rights and Responsibilities
rights and responsibilities of visitors, permanent residents, citizens
6.7.4 Managing Pluralism and Identity
political measures for peaceful coexistence of multiple ethnic groups
6.7.5 Political Responses to Environmental Challenges
resources, pollution, sustainability, climate change, disease
6.7.6 Assistance to Developing Countries
international aid, aid dependency, reforming developing economies
6.7.7 Foreign Policy Options for National Security
relationships with other countries, confrontational or courteous
6.7.8 Political Responses to Rapid Economic and Social Change
automation, globalisation, need for new jobs, managing immigration
Politicians are responsible for resolving the major issues requiring political negotiation; the next segment examines how they can be held to account for their performance