At the time of the founding fathers, the US was intended to be a weak republic with maximum autonomy granted to the states. Later, the role was expanded and covered many bases from the executive, roles that were not part of the original plan in the late 18th century. Now, many argue that the office of the president of the United States is fulfilling too many roles for its benefit.
The US presidential election is often hailed as one of the most televised events in the world. People all around the globe flock around their TVs and smartphones to see who would get to serve the most powerful country for the next four years.
With all the hopes and ambitions in his saddle, almost every American president had seen opposition and resistance at large. People who even voted for the candidates would become disillusioned. Even today, many can be found saying: “If I were the president”!
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What Would You Do If You Were President: My Ideas
This has already become a joke if not a cliche. Many people claim that they could be great presidents, such as President Kennedy if given a chance. They believe they are well-suited than the individual sitting in the Oval Office to run a plethora of internal and external affairs in such a way that they will reflect the highest national interest.
Due to the challenges that this position faces, I believe it is easy to become the president than to be the best one for the public.
Even at the cost of being a joke, I can’t help to imagine if I were president. So, the following are some of the things I would have done if I were a president:
- Expansion of government to benefit the people
- Ethics over deceit
- Abolition of red tape
- Better appointment criteria for officials
- Rethink the public service
- Accountability & individuality
Expansion of government to benefit the people
The foundation of the US as a federal republic and a country was based on its antagonistic relationship with the people. Throughout history, the best way to never disappoint the government is by distrusting it.
The main reason for this distrust is the working machinery of the government – bureaucracy. There is hardly any balance in any department when it comes to bureaucracy when compared to other countries. It is either too weak to do anything for the people or too strong that it does not consider the people while taking key decisions.
My first step as an elected American president would be to expand government spending and focus on the people. By training and equipping bureaucracy with the right tool and knowledge, I will be able to serve the people better., being a president.
When the focus of budget and spending would be from non-developmental activities to growth programs, the changes will be more visible than ever.
Ethics over deceit
Without transparency and accountability in the government, there is only chaos. Many people in the government believe that the people would oppose special interests and rightly so. It is often found that special interests are often skewed and do not align with national interests.
That is one of the main reasons why key government officials are found in violation of their duties. Since World War II, the canvas of international affairs has also been transformed.
After expanding government infrastructure for developmental endeavors, I will make sure that “off the books” dealings and insider “commitments” would be shunned for more open and healthy discussions.
To reinforce that idea, I would set up accountability and oversight officers under the federal government to ensure maximum transparency.
Abolition of red tape
As a learned person, I don’t believe to reinvent the government and its institutions. Even with its flaws and shortcomings, the US has one of the best and most efficient bureaucracies in the world. Still, it is not enough when it comes to the reached benefits of the bureaucracy to the people in all of American History.
One of the biggest threats to achieving maximum efficiency is the red tape. As a president, I would abolish all the unnecessary offices and operational procedures that are hampering the fruits of all the labor that both officials and people put into their work.
With streamlining of all the government devices, we would be in better condition to enjoy the benefits of a government that is for the people by the people.
Better appointment criteria for officials
Holding the Oval Office is a big responsibility. It is a sacred duty toward the people of the US and by extension to the entire humanity. The president must have a team of highly skilled and experienced advisors with ample knowledge of their fields.
In reality, we have seen that many presidents “reward” their campaign figures by assigning them key public offices, such as Homeland Security or other important national security positions. Without proper checks on their powers and training on how to carry out their duties, this is not a surprise they are often found in violation of their legitimate duties and obligations.
My take on this as a president would be to set rigid criteria for appointment for equal and fair treatment. I would make sure that my team of advisors and secretaries would have the necessary knowledge and tools to perform their duties. They must be highly regarded, honest, and upright. Above all, they must not be afraid to disagree with me and always point me, what they think to be, in the right direction. This is what makes a good president.
Rethink the public service
Civil service reforms are the need of the hour. There are no two opinions about it. These days, the setup and personnel of the federal government are both outdated. The personnel are old and not aware of the modern tools and how to use them, not to mention they are countries lowest paid professionals. The setup is almost forty years, around the time of President Kennedy, since the last civil service reforms were implemented.
Following are some of the steps that I believe are in the right direction:
- If I were a president I would ensure that young Americans, from high school students to college graduates, with bright minds that the federal government is indeed a great place to work and grow as a professional. The new generation is more about the value they provide than the money they earn
- I would honor the pledge of the federal government to replenish the Public Service Loan Program. By collaborating with the Department of Education, I will pave a new road for the students in America
- In the past, the US was never short on policies. I would try to implement the best of the policies during my tenure. Through implementation and accountability, I believe we can make America truly great
Accountability & individuality
It is a common notion in political science and administration that policies are made for the masses and not for the individuals. It is said that devising and implementing plans for persons will not be practical.
My plan, as an elected president of the US, would be to start planning from the grass-root level such as from the educational system or the civil rights movement. I believe that if individuals cannot relate to a government, there is something extremely wrong with such a government.
The notion that the president has too much power would become a myth.
In my tenure, I will make sure that people would not have to look up to the government because they will be empowered from within. They would never have to bend their will for the government, rather government would accommodate their needs at all times.
Through accountability and people’s confidence in the government, I would restore the trust and respect for both sides for each other. In my opinion, this is the true path to glory for the nation.
Conclusion
For a lot of people, it is easy to criticize those who are in the office of public trust. Not to mention it is a favorite pastime for many to talk about how things would have changed for the good if they were in the office. The person sitting in the office is after all a human being. Still, out of all of his shortcomings and limitations, there are certain things that he can ensure. These include an affordable education system and housing infrastructure, freedom of speech, especially to criticize the government, opportunities to earn more money and social betterment, and so on.
In my hypothetical tenure, I have listed and discussed all the things in detail. I hope these ring true with a vast majority in the country.
Sources:
- https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2020/10/14/the-six-government-reforms-we-need-in-2021/
- https://joeltrammell.com/10-steps-to-become-a-great-u-s-president/
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