Not to defend the Potter compendium, but from what I recall of the general story, the "magic powers" the characters have is "real" in the story - whereas sleight of hand (prestidigitation) is what this current administration is attempting.

Lots of smoke, mirrors and fear. Bluffs. Similar to Vaxxxx mandate bluster. They strive to take a mile, get pushback, and end up with a third of a mile or half a mile (which was probably the original target goal for them). With the vaxxxx they postured and fear-porned, got many to take the jab through duress, job threats, MSM propaganda, etc., eventually lost in court, but kept the medical staff mandate. Many companies and colleges kept the mandate internally. So they got a ton to take the juice in the process.

That's the general game in this current system. Demand a mile, end up with at least something on their end.

My guess: this is a test balloon. Pushback will be strong. People will discuss and debate for a month or so - it will be a galvanized "thing" in the minds of people, then a "common sense solution" will be presented as a compromise that seems amenable to most. Negotiation 101.