Both of these systems have their pros and cons, and as such a mix of both is preferable. The idea of the country is in the name, the United States of America, and as such we do need a central government to truly be united. This central government would need certain powers, which were granted by the Constitution. However, the world has changed a lot since then. The Constitution granted the central government the power to do whatever is, “necessary and proper,” but that vague wording has allowed the federal government to grow over the
In the Authoritarian style of government on the other hand, has many benefits, advantages and like any other type of government, has its own disadvantages and weaknesses. I remember in our previous discussions, we talked about Hobbes’ state of nature which states that a person is naturally selfish and that without a government, there would be total chaos so in result, man agrees to be a part of a government. In this sense, man would agree to be under that government and would agree to be served. It is not assured that there would not be chaos if one joins a government but through this form of government, war would be lessened – and it could be render void. Under this type of government, there are benefits and advantages as well as restrictions.
Some argue that the Electoral College supports our democracy: “...the Electoral College makes sure that the states count in presidential elections. As such, it is an important part of our federalist system - a system worth preserving” (Doc. C). In this quote, John Samples argues that federalism is important to our nation and this system supports it by giving power to each state. However, the Electoral College was originally founded because the delegates did not believe that the people were educated enough to make a good choice.
Is Gerrymandering a Controversial Topic? Gerrymandering is a process where the ruling political party uses the map of their state to draw lines that create voting districts in favor of their party. The result of this is that it doesn’t reflect the voters political views. For about 200 years the government has used gerrymandering during political elections and it continues to be used today (King, Elizabeth) . But recently gerrymandering has become more controversial because people feel that it has taken away their rights as a voter and it swings the votes to one side by a big percentage.
The only way to change our country is by working with each other, not against each other. With some Americans refusing to stay open minded to the beliefs of the opposite political party, our country will get nowhere. As one of our country’s Founding Fathers, Washington would not approve of this, and demand the next president change this. If George Washington was still alive today, he would be able to give the next president advice to transform our country. Someone with the unbiased mindset toward the two main political parties would be a much needed perspective for the next president.
Since the founding of America in 1776 countless people have either become disenfranchised by the federal government or backed the government. From laws being passed to decisions being made there will always be a division amongst the American people. Whether arguing over gun laws or citizenship rights, the debate is always there and met with some form of counter argument from either side. What makes America so great is the fact that you have the right to have a voice and speak out for your opinions. One of the greatest ways for a citizen to be heard is voting.
During the birth of our government, our country’s leaders promised our democracy would be the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. (Bernie Sanders) In our current society, it has been said that our political campaign finance system is corrupt and primarily controlled by billionaires, wealthy donors, and corporations. Many say our government has strayed from the original democracy that our country was built upon. Despite this claim, if monetary restrictions for campaigning were set then there would be controversy due to wealthy supporters and corporations wanting to support political candidates. Millionaires and wealthy organizations might come together to form super PACs.
Tammany Hall is one of the most controversial topics of political history and is the main discussion of the book Honest Graft: The World of George Washington Plunkitt by William L. Riordon. It is a collections of talks and writing of Plunkitt detailing about his life, politics, and general knowledge of the public. Many reformers saw the organization of Tammany Hall as a corrupt malignancy that plagued the American government. But Plunkitt argues that his work was always practical, legal and influential and helped shape the democratic system for the better. And as for his fortune, he simply states, “I seen my opportunities and I took em.” (Riordon) According to the book, becoming a politician is simpler than one would think.
As the foundations of a successful government system, political parties help keep balance of power and uphold the Democratic ideals of the United States. These parties have origins that can trace back to the early sectional tensions in America. These sectional tensions were the primary reasons for the development and progression of political parties in the United States. As early as 1800, signs of deviation would appear. Following Jackson’s election into office and the consequent overturn of an entire political party, his Democratic-Republicans could not build a loyal following.
First, Political Parties from the state chose potential electors, and then the people of the state vote on which electors they see fit (Electoral College Fast). Since its creation, The Electoral College has gone unquestioned, and we’ve never stopped to ask ourselves if it should still be in place. People are in opposition to The Electoral College because they believe it creates a sense of inequality, and lack of voice in vital elections. On the other hand, some people believe that The Electoral College gives states with smaller populations a voice, and is helping stupid people from making the wrong choice in elections. To some, The Electoral College has a magnitude of flaws perpetuating a unfair social hierarchy; to others, it is a system that is preventing inequality and anarchy to flourish in the United States.