Sometimes you'll hear people say that the government shouldn't legislate morality; in reality, this is whatthe government often does.
Granted, Congress doesn't tell you how late you can stay up or what establishments you can hang out at. But especially in the 1990s, morality played a huge role in political decision-making. Whether it was concern over violence and sex in the media, or a desire to reduce drug use nationwide, the Clintons and their Congressional colleagues weren't staying on the sidelines, morally speaking.
Morality and ethics also play into decision-making about the role of government in the economy. When Clinton talks about how the government should help out working families in the 1996 State of the Union address, he's making an ethical appeal (41.1).
Every politician promises to improve lives and reduce suffering. What could be more moral than that?
Questions About Morality and Ethics
- Clinton dedicated a significant amount of time in the 1996 State of the Union to addressing the media. How much should the government regulate the content of the media?
- Should the government create tax policies that are more favorable to families, or individuals? Why might a president choose one over the other?
- Do you think it is ethical to levy taxes in order to pay for government programs like Medicaid and Social Security? Why or why not?
- What moral responsibilities does the government have to its citizens? List three (or, if you can't come up with three, explain why).
Chew on This
In the 1996 State of the Union, Bill Clinton uses pragmatism to justify cuts to government, but morality to justify keeping certain programs.
Republicans and Democrats primarily disagree on which forms of government intervention are ethical.