PolicyEd has become a strategic mainstay for Hoover and a centerpiece of the Institution’s approach to engaging the broader public in policy discussions. We have assembled a growing library of accessible video content to introduce Hoover policy ideas to younger people in particular. PolicyEd content includes short animations, video series, and several feature-length documentary films spanning a variety of topics, from economics, national security, and health care to the environment and civics. This year we released three new series and a total of 111 videos. Since launching in late 2016, PolicyEd videos have been watched more than 145 million times.
Here are some of the highlights from 2020.
FEATURED VIDEOS
Better Together: Finding Strength in Unity
Overcoming divisions and distrust within our nation begins with recognizing that America is not a finished work or a failed project but an ongoing experiment. We must hold all of our elected officials to a higher standard. This requires us to reject pessimism and to participate in the democratic system. Embracing these principles will help us achieve common ground, improve our country, and pass along our freedoms to the next generation.
The Surprising Reason to Keep the Electoral College
Many people believe we should abolish the electoral college, but it serves important purposes. The Electoral College system requires candidates to broaden their national appeal and discourages extreme policy positions. Abolishing the electoral college would worsen political polarization and partisanship.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/intellections.
American teachers are paid less than similarly skilled individuals in other professions. As a result, our education system isn’t performing at an acceptable level. Improving public education requires significantly enhancing teacher salaries but also tilting compensation toward the most effective teachers.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/policy-stories.
How Dangerous Are Cyberattacks?
Cyberattacks are different from conventional attacks in that they are often covert, temporary, and intangible. As a result, they aren’t likely to have devastating short-term consequences or draw combatants into traditional battle. Instead, cyberattacks can gradually erode the foundations of social, political, and economic stability over time.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/perspectivesonpolicy.
Pandemic Pricing: Why Prices Need to Rise During Emergencies
During emergencies, increased demand for goods and services often causes prices to rise. Though they may seem cruel, higher prices discourage hoarding and encourage manufacturers to increase production. Price controls that stop the prices of essential products from rising in emergencies lead to shortages that leave everyone worse off.
How the Constitution Prevents Socialism
Over the last century, free-market capitalism and socialism have been the two dominant and conflicting political and economic models. The Human Prosperity Project investigates the historical record to assess the consequences for human welfare, individual liberty, and interactions between nations of various economic systems ranging from pure socialism to free-market capitalism.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/human-prosperity-project or start watching this series with “Socialism and Free Market Capitalism: The Human Prosperity Project.”
H. R. McMaster on Restoring Confidence in American Democracy
America is a free and open society. Our freedoms allow us to change our government’s course if it is not performing up to our expectations. We should celebrate these freedoms and work to restore confidence in our democratic institutions.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/policy-briefs.
Freedom and diversity go hand in hand. While freedom promotes diversity, diversity protects freedom and prevents conformity. Together, freedom and diversity permit different expressions of people’s individuality that lead to the great achievements of civilization.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/friedmanfundamentals.
The stark economic disparities that exist between indigenous peoples and the rest of American society stem directly from policies imposed by the federal government, which has denied secure property rights, clearly defined jurisdictions, and effective governance structures. To revive their economies, indigenous peoples are restoring the dynamic customs, culture, and dignity that existed before colonization.
The Hoover Project on Renewing Indigenous Economies conducts research to inform and promote policies that empower Native Americans to regain control over their lives and resources.
For more in this series, visit https://www.policyed.org/indigenous-econ or start watching this series with “Original Indigenous Economies.”
