LNAT Practice Test Essay – Should politicians prioritize long-term goals or short-term gains when making policy decisions?

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

Should politicians prioritize long-term goals or short-term gains when making policy decisions?

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

Politics, by nature, is often characterized by the need to balance competing priorities and interests. Politicians, in their quest to make policy decisions, are confronted with the challenge of determining whether to prioritize long-term goals or short-term gains. This essay will explore the merits and demerits of each approach, arguing that the ideal political decision-making process should involve a careful balance of both long-term goals and short-term gains in order to foster sustainable growth and development.

Long-term Goals

Long-term goals are crucial to the success of any nation. These goals typically involve the development of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential services. By focusing on long-term goals, politicians can lay the foundation for a sustainable future and ensure that their policies have a lasting impact on the country’s development.

One of the primary advantages of prioritizing long-term goals is the ability to create lasting change. By investing in education, for example, politicians can help shape future generations and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. Similarly, investments in healthcare and infrastructure can help create a healthier, more connected society, with long-lasting benefits for all citizens.

Additionally, long-term goals can provide a sense of stability and direction for a nation. When politicians prioritize these goals, they signal their commitment to the country’s future and inspire confidence among citizens and investors alike. This can have far-reaching economic benefits, as it encourages both domestic and foreign investment in key sectors.

Short-term Gains

On the other hand, short-term gains can be essential to addressing immediate needs and concerns. These gains may include tax cuts, job creation programs, or social welfare initiatives, which can provide immediate relief and support to citizens during times of economic hardship or uncertainty.

One of the most significant advantages of prioritizing short-term gains is the ability to respond to urgent issues in a timely manner. In the face of crises, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or public health emergencies, politicians must often act quickly to alleviate suffering and prevent further damage. By focusing on short-term gains, politicians can address the immediate needs of their constituents and help maintain public trust and confidence in the government.

Furthermore, short-term gains can also have long-term benefits, particularly when they contribute to the overall stability and well-being of the nation. For example, implementing economic stimulus packages during a recession can help to revitalize industries, create jobs, and set the stage for long-term growth and recovery.

Striking the Balance

While both long-term goals and short-term gains have their merits, it is essential for politicians to strike a balance between these two approaches when making policy decisions. Focusing exclusively on long-term goals may result in neglecting the immediate needs of citizens, while concentrating solely on short-term gains can lead to shortsighted policies that fail to address underlying issues and contribute to long-term development.

To achieve this balance, politicians must prioritize long-term goals while remaining responsive to short-term needs. This may involve allocating resources to both long-term projects and immediate relief efforts, as well as engaging in regular assessments of the nation’s progress towards its long-term goals. By maintaining a focus on the long-term while remaining adaptable to short-term demands, politicians can work to create a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable future for their constituents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether politicians should prioritize long-term goals or short-term gains when making policy decisions is not an either-or proposition. Instead, politicians must navigate the delicate balance between these two approaches, ensuring that their decisions address both the immediate needs of their constituents and the long-term development of the nation. By doing so, they can create a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all citizens.