University:
California State University, Fresno
Course:
PLSI 2 | American Government and Institutions
Academic year:

2024
Views:

439

Pages:

1
Author:

esfredint7qo

Free-Response Question 1 Part A: - Referencing the scenario of the Epi-Pen, Congress could invoke the power of the purse. Using their powers, they could allot more money to the healthcare industry in order to make the product more affordable to those that need it. - Referencing the scenario, the congress can use its power to cancel/veto the price of the auto-injector which was more than $600. They can pass a law in which it would make it impossible to have the price be substantially high for no apparent reason. Part B: - If Congress was to invoke the power of the purse in order to resolve the issue of arbitrary high prices for Epipens, it could come in conflict with the President’s power of Impoundment. The Impoundment Act is the presidential power under which, if the President disagrees with the budget assignment, he is able to propose a law that may rescind the funds allotted to the particular project, in this case, the Epipen. If Congress agrees to the President’s proposal, the funds that Congress has allotted towards the reduction of prices for the EpiPen would be relocated to other areas of government spending. - As per part A, if congress wanted to veto/cancel a bill that made the price of the EpiPen extremely high, they would have to go through the House of Representatives and senate in order to take a vote. If the votes are in favor of repealing the bill, then the bill would be imposed upon the president. The President has the authority to decide whether to sign off on the bill, or use the executive branch to solemnly refuse the proposition. Part C: - As per the scenario, linkage institutions would be able to influence the power of the Congress and the President interacting for the power of the purse through interest groups funding. Interest groups that are geared towards providing more affordable medicine such as the Epi-pen to citizens are able to fund the initiative and influence members of Congress to implement their needs. Interest groups funnel money towards political parties and members belonging to certain political parties so that their suggestions are considered and implemented. - Correlating to the scenario given, since both the president and congress have power pertaining to the law-making process, consumer linkage institutions would affect their interaction. For example, consumer interest groups focus on the well-being of the people, rather than the economic benefits acquired geared towards pleasing our government. Although consumer interest groups have multiple issues that they tackle, one imperative pillar is the pricing of products. If the consumer interest group were to believe that the general population isn’t able to afford an essential product, especially connecting to health safety, then they have the right to protect their consumers.