Voting- even though the most popular of all political participation- is not the only way citizens participate in the political process. Civil disobedience, made popular by the renowned Rosa Parks, is a way in which someone or a group of people can gain nationwide attention (especially through media) for putting themselves out there by displaying nonviolent refusal to do something. Though not as risky as back when, people will test the governments limits, knowing they might have to face the punishments of their actions.
A more obedient way to become involved in the political process is to run for office. This enables a person's- minority or not- voice to be heard. Their opinions are expressed and heard by a larger population than if they were just having an argument about politics on Facebook form the comfort of their home. While not many want to, or even have a chance of making it to office, even just getting their name out there and what they have to say is much more effective than just talking to their neighbor on a Sunday morning on the way to get the newspaper from their driveway.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Majority and Minority Power
Back when James Madison expressed concern over majority and minority factions having too much power over government, the House of Representatives (Legislative Branch) was most closely tied to citizens. People voted for representatives from their states and those elected to represent were given shorter terms. They were also required to live in the state they represented and came from small districts within a state so the minorities could have a say. Minority groups were heard when listened to- causing citizens to support the House and believe that they were being heard.
But in order to allow minorities to have a say, the United States constitution uses separation of powers and the Bill of Rights. The separation of powers within the government allows checks and balances to occur, and diminishes the chances of one branch being able to override all others. The men upstairs have to have the support of say the Senate, or the House, whose representatives were elected by the citizens. Individual freedoms are protected in the Bill of Rights, giving minorities protection over majority rule. This allows everyone to have a say in even the smallest things that affect us all.
Over the last hundred years, the United States has slowly been transformed into an even more democratic system. The 17th Amendment states that two senators are to represent each of the 50 states for six years, each receiving one vote apiece. By acknowledging a maximum term and everyone receiving just one vote, government has become even more tight. Most people would say it's a good thing, and it keeps states equal when it comes to passing laws unlike when delegates were sent to Virginia based on state population. Becoming even more democratic are the primary elections. Unlike caucuses, voters are able to have a say- especially minority groups, instead of the party leader automatically being nominated. Citizens are able to campaign, support, and argue with others about who to vote for, but in the end, they are still able to vote and know that their vote will make a difference in determining who will be the representative for the National Convention.
But in order to allow minorities to have a say, the United States constitution uses separation of powers and the Bill of Rights. The separation of powers within the government allows checks and balances to occur, and diminishes the chances of one branch being able to override all others. The men upstairs have to have the support of say the Senate, or the House, whose representatives were elected by the citizens. Individual freedoms are protected in the Bill of Rights, giving minorities protection over majority rule. This allows everyone to have a say in even the smallest things that affect us all.
Over the last hundred years, the United States has slowly been transformed into an even more democratic system. The 17th Amendment states that two senators are to represent each of the 50 states for six years, each receiving one vote apiece. By acknowledging a maximum term and everyone receiving just one vote, government has become even more tight. Most people would say it's a good thing, and it keeps states equal when it comes to passing laws unlike when delegates were sent to Virginia based on state population. Becoming even more democratic are the primary elections. Unlike caucuses, voters are able to have a say- especially minority groups, instead of the party leader automatically being nominated. Citizens are able to campaign, support, and argue with others about who to vote for, but in the end, they are still able to vote and know that their vote will make a difference in determining who will be the representative for the National Convention.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Ideology on public opinion in America
Ideology in America is no longer- and may never have even been- the distinction between Democrats voting for Democrats and Republicans voting for Republicans. A majority of people, if asked today why they voted for Obama (or anyone in office at the local, state or federal government levels) would only be able to give you one reason or so, such as "healthcare" or "taxes". Most people don't even know what Obamacare really is, or how taxes affect them and their community.
Take a public opinion poll for example, say that a law was passed a pro-abortion law by 60% of the votes. Saying the 40% who voted no are Republicans would be wrong. Sure some of those 40% may have been Republicans, but some of that 40% were Democrats who maybe agree with every other "Democrat belief" just not abortion. There are thousands of so-called Democrats who voted for Romney this past election, maybe just because they didn't agree with Obama's support of abortion. Maybe they didn't look at all the other things he stands for that they would have agreed with.
Today, it is hard to label yourself as a Democrat or Republican unless you have the full knowledge and understanding of what your candidate supports, or what you believe is morally right. We mainly just hear things here and there about controversial topics and seem to just lean towards the candidate who supports the side we like best on a specific topic. Americans need to look deeper into the beliefs and values of Democrats and Republicans before labeling themselves.
Take a public opinion poll for example, say that a law was passed a pro-abortion law by 60% of the votes. Saying the 40% who voted no are Republicans would be wrong. Sure some of those 40% may have been Republicans, but some of that 40% were Democrats who maybe agree with every other "Democrat belief" just not abortion. There are thousands of so-called Democrats who voted for Romney this past election, maybe just because they didn't agree with Obama's support of abortion. Maybe they didn't look at all the other things he stands for that they would have agreed with.
Today, it is hard to label yourself as a Democrat or Republican unless you have the full knowledge and understanding of what your candidate supports, or what you believe is morally right. We mainly just hear things here and there about controversial topics and seem to just lean towards the candidate who supports the side we like best on a specific topic. Americans need to look deeper into the beliefs and values of Democrats and Republicans before labeling themselves.
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