As a political speech, the Inaugural Address lays out Coolidge's approach to government loud and clear: hands off. His tax and spending cuts, and minimalist approach to federal involvement in Americans' lives, set a conservative agenda that's still going strong in the Republican Party of today.
Coolidge was a fan of the party system; he thought it gave Americans a chance to let their views be known and gave the winning party a mandate to govern on their promises. Seriously, think of what would happen if candidates had to be evaluated on their merits and not on party affiliation? Or if people voted their beliefs and consciences on policy without regard to party loyalty? Or if legislators could ignore party differences and work together to pass commonsense law? Or…
Oh, wait.
Well, Coolidge does acknowledge that the system isn't perfect but that it's the best we've got. He couldn't anticipate how polarized things would get in the 21st century.
Questions About Politics
- Does Coolidge make any strong political statements in his speech? Why or why not, do you think?
- Do Coolidge's ideas about the American political system illustrate anything that you know about his policies or political career?
- Why do you think he brings up the American political system in this speech, given that he's just won the election? What other ideas does it relate to?
Chew on This
Coolidge probably didn't make suggestions for improving the political system because he was trying to minimize his government's activity, and that would require activity.
Coolidge is weirdly demanding about American obedience to the political party system.