President George W. Bush has clocked in for his second term, and some wonder what policies he will pursue during the next four years.

On the political landscape, Republicans control two valuable territories: Congress and the White House. This may seem like a blessing, but caution is also necessary, said Ed Posega, an NIU political science professor.

Posega said Republicans in Congress may not want to take the risk of pushing many radical programs or changes.

If controversial acts end up failing, Republicans are the only ones to blame, he said. For this reason, he said he does not think the administration will be able to accomplish all of its goals.

“I think making the tax cuts permanent can be done, and his Social Security plan will be strongly considered,” Posega said.

Both Democrats and Republicans have spoken about Social Security reform and, given this, there must be some validity to the attention it is receiving, he said.

The President’s inauguration speech Thursday highlighted the growth of democratic movements and the need for American idealism in other parts of the world.

A key concept he stressed was ownership. For example, under his proposed Social Security plan, people would have more options in governing their own money as opposed to saving it through a Social Security account. If they wanted to invest that money in the stock market or, as Bush suggested, the lottery, those options would be there.

Political science professor Brendon Swedlow said he sees ownership as a theme for most of Bush’s proposed policies; domestic and foreign.

Swedlow said Bush’s tax cuts will try to “unleash the power of individual initiative” by letting people keep more of what they earn.

Bush also spoke of the challenges of “free society” and how building an “ownership society” will grant Americans’ true freedom.

On the subject of health care, there has been little discussion from the administration and only a cursory reference during the inauguration ceremony.

“My hope is that the Bush administration will not neglect the other state officials’ ideas,” Posega said. For example, if another state wishes to import cheaper drugs from Canada, he said he hopes the federal government will not intercede.

Beyond domestic issues, Swedlow said he expects the Iraq War to continue as it has.

“The general approach is the best defense is a strong offense,” he said, adding his prediction that Bush’s presidency will continue to challenge traditional concepts of how government functions.

Other concerns, such as repairing relationships with North Korea and determining how to curb its nuclear weapons program, will continue to threaten the administration’s sense of security, Posega said.

Bush will continue to stress multi-lateral discussions involving the important countries of the region, China and Japan, he said.