T.F.C.R.V. Political Analysis

The Transparency, Fulfillment, Character, Track Record, and Vision rating system, or TFCRV, is a multi-step system designed to help our youth understand the views of politicians here in the United States. We use this system, designed in the Potter/Tearpak Study Room of the Rawlings Library, to rate and further our own understanding of these politicians, as well as others' opinions/understandings. It is divided into 5 different categories, each with its own purpose and research process. We use a score of 1-6 to rate each individual category and then average all the scores out to get the final rating of our politician.

Transparency 

The first category, Transparency, goes into how financially and politically honest a politician is. Using files and overviews from government organizations such as the Federal Election Commission (FEC), we gather data on politicians' financial lives during their campaign. Using how much money they raised, how much was spent on the campaign, and how much was pocketed, we use a "committee" of sorts to decide what score they should get. Another factor that goes into it is simply what they say in their speeches/websites. If there are too many inconsistencies from statement to statement, 

Fulfillment

The second category, Fulfillment, mostly refers to how well they enact or true to they are to their campaign promises and issues when they are in office. While this category is not as useful for politicians or political candidates who have never held office, it is extremely useful to those who are in Congress, State Assembly, or other office. It is evaluated as the members participating in the committee overview the political figure's previous campaigns as well as their voting records while in office. This factor is very useful in being able to tell a figure's ability to enact and stay true to their goals and character.

Character

The third factor contributing to TFCRV rating is Character, it refers entirely to how well the values and mindset held by a political candidate or figure align with the values we hold here at Youth for Progress. Candidates that encourage violence and oppression often receive lower ratings than those who we consider to uphold democratic and fair principles. It helps us understand what a person in power or wanting power stands for. Who they stand for. And why they stand for it. All of which is evaluated within one of our meetings.

Track Record 

Factor four of the rating system, Track Record, it is the history of voting and the personal life of the politician. Whether it be education, crime, voting, or socials the track record of the political figure will affect their rating. While everyone makes dumb mistakes, the way they grow from their past is key to understanding their means as a politician. We overview the history of these people and finally grant them a ranking.

Vision

Finally, the fifth category, Vision. Vision, in its simplest terms, means their plan. It is the political figure's plan on enacting their agenda. We care about the logistics, the ethics, and reasoning behind their plan. Illogical and unethical plans that can't fit together score extremely low on the bracket, while continuous, logical, strong, and ethical ideas as well as plans that are well thought out, follow with high scores. We read how well though out the plans they propose are and not just "concepts of a plan".