Question

Why is the privatization of government services usually a more attractive option for Republicans than Democrats? Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of faith-based initiatives. Do these initiatives violate the First Amendment establishment clause, which creates a wall of separation between church and state?

Answer 1

Democrats focus on equality of people while Republicans concentrate on more conservative topics which directly affect people.

In general, Republicans tend to hold on to the idea that government should neither be expensive or expansive. Theoretically, this can be accomplished, in part, by returning public service to the private sector wherever it is more cost effective. The ultimate stance of the Republican ideology tends to be that privatization is a means to a more effectively run the machinery of government, while at the same time cutting government spending. Democrats, on the other hand, tend to support more regulation on business and industry, as well as the provision of basis public services. The emergence of "New Feudalism" in private communities highlights the purchase of "public" services from private entities, but also causes questions about the fairness of a reduction in services to the poor.

A Faith-based organization (FBO) is not a legal term, but it often refers to religious groups and other charitable organisations affiliated with a religious group.

Benefits vs. Disadvantages

However, there are advantages and drawbacks related to being a particular type of FBO.

For example, churches that meet the requirements of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Codea ancclaim tax-exemption without a determination from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Churches have the option of applying for 501(c)(3) exemption or not. Even when they don't apply, they are automatically considered to be exempt for tax purposes.

Churches and other FBOs enjoy special protections that limit how and when the IRS may audit them. Also, specific religious organisations, including churches, are exempt from filing IRS Form 990 and may be exempt from filing state information returns and charitable solicitation registrations.

Faith-based initiatives pose several constitutional and political questions.

Critics charge that the initiatives violate the establishment clause by delegating government functions to religious organizations and funding institutions whose secular and religious activities are inseparable. They fear that the religious freedoms of recipients are jeopardized by religious indoctrination. They also claim that exemptions from employment laws blur the boundary between private and government discrimination.