StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

American Government - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The essay explores the peculiarities of the American government system. It concerns such questions as the influence of Supreme Court on the balance of power between the national government and the states in the federal system and circumstances that could make the USA change to a multiparty system…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER95.1% of users find it useful
American Government
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "American Government"

American Government Question Ways in which the Supreme Court can influence the balance of power between the national government and the states in the federal system. The Supreme Court is the tribunal in the country for all case and controversies that may arise regarding the constitution and the laws of the state. The court promises the American people of equal justice under the law. The court performs the role of an interpreter and as the guardian of the constitution. The state’s position to get involved in matters of central decision-making, this position has been revoked by Jurists who tend to argue that the court should not play umpire between federal and state governments, congress does not threaten any state power; however, it helps in protecting the state. The senate serves as an environment for the states to protect and express their interests. The court has infinite institutional capital and is usually not an elected body. The court thus has limited advantage, and it is best to leave and reserve whatever power the court has. The powers of the court should not in anyway be affected by the taking away some of the powers (Heineman et al 45). Question # 2 Circumstances that could make the United States change to a multiparty system. The American people are tired of a system, which seams ever constant with conflicts between the republicans and democrats. People say that the system is broken, and Washington does not represent the interest of the common American. These sentiments have left many citizens exasperated, and they want change. They desire a system that does not force them to select between two fixed options, which do not represent their individual beliefs as citizens. The multiparty system is favored because it allows the participation of minor parties. The American people love systems, which represent all the citizens. Such a system can only be found in a multiparty democracy. The American people may put pressure on the senate, and the government as a whole to make amendments in the constitution that allows for a multiparty system. Other people prefer the two-party form of democracy. Since while, a multiparty system gives voters many choices; it gives small fringe groups a chance to attain power because they can be highly cohesive. This can lead to the allowance of small groups with radical theology and ideas to gain power because the majority of the votes are divided among rational mainstream candidates. The two-party system has become dominant because it provides a disparity in the percentage of votes that are received by a third party, and the number of the legislative seats it gets as the result. The party with the largest percentage of the voters in a single district is awarded representation. The two-party system also gives preferential treatment to the pluralists winners, and does not give any regard to the runner’s up when the percentage of votes is being translated to legislative seats (Heineman et al 45). Question # 3 Pros and cons of the Electoral College system The Electoral College has been in existence for 200 years. There are individuals who are critics, and they are opposed the Electoral College system. The critics have tried to propose reforms that will eliminate the college system. There are also other supporters who are less vocal when compared to the critics, but they offer powerful arguments in its favor. Those who object the college system argue and provide the following cons of the Electoral College system; i. The possibility exists of the election of a minority president- this is where there are three or even more presidential candidates such that the votes are distributed among the candidates resulting to a situation where the winning candidate did not have the majority of the votes ii. There exist the risks of citizens who have been dubbed “faithless” electors- this are people who make the promise of voting for a certain candidate but at the poles votes instead for another candidate. iii. The Electoral College depresses voter turnover- all state are guaranteed a similar number of electoral votes this is regardless of the voter turnout there are no incentives in the state that encourage voter turnout; thus a minority of the citizens are left to decide on the electoral vote of the state. iv. The Electoral College may fail to reflect the will of the nation. - distribution of the electoral votes seems to over-represent people from the rural areas the number of electors found in each state is currently determined by the total number of member that it has in the house added to the number of the senate. The supporters of the Two-party system offer the following arguments; i. The two-party system offers, cohesiveness of the country- this is by the distribution of popular support to the president to be elected. ii. A two-party system improves the status of interests in the minority. iii. The two-party system promoted political stability of America. iv. The two party systems help in maintaining the federal system of representation and government (Heineman et al 45). The two systems defer greatly in the way they operate, and when it comes to support each system gets from the citizens of America. The citizens are crying foul and need change in the system of governance. Through this change, the people will be allowed to choose the leader who meets their expectations. Works cited Heineman A, Steven P and Thomas R. American government. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Print. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3”, n.d.)
American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/law/1596441-american-government
(American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 3)
American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 3. https://studentshare.org/law/1596441-american-government.
“American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 3”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/law/1596441-american-government.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF American Government

American Government - Bush

The writer of the essay "American Government - Bush" suggests that people are placing barriers on information flows and even the President is put on a need to know when basis.... In his own recalcitrant demeanor, at the signing ceremony, President stated; In a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the President to supervise the unitary executive branch and as a commander in chief and consistent with the constitutional limitations on the judicial power, which will assist in achieving the shared objective…of protecting the american people from further terrorist attacks....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

American Government Assg2

It has extended the right of suffrage to women and minorities and survived without a major disruption in government for nearly all of its history (with the one exception being the Civil War).... ?? American democracy is just as much threatened by having its government become unaccountable as it is by a ruthless voting majority suppressing or ignoring minorities and their rights.... “How minority group interests are treated in democratic systems is a central concern of citizens, government officials, and scholars” (Haider-Markel 2007, 304)....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

The Paradox of American Government

Week 4-Assignment “The Paradox of American Government” Robin Martinelli POL 423-WCO-V2D1 Political Science Jill Legare 27/12 The American nation was forged on the principles of freedom, equality and liberty that were guaranteed through democratic representation.... Consequently, the government seems lethargic and often unresponsive in dealing with majority demands as it bows to other pressures.... After the financial failure of large financial institutions, the federal government underwent bailout and rescue packages to protect these institutions....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Evolution American Government, Bill of Rights

This agreement had brought EVOLUTION OF THE American Government, BILL OF RIGHTS The Articles of Confederation was a peace agreement between thirteenstates.... American Government: Brief Version.... This agreement had brought to America a sense of peace and independence, though her government structures were still wanting.... The articles helped in solving some western issues, since lands owned by different states were given up to be under the government....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

American government 101

Congress because he and the Republican members of Congress could not agree on the ways to reduce the budget deficit and so $85 billion in automatic spending cuts went into effect which has a bad or adverse implication on national security (the military is most affected), domestic investments, and core government functions as the cuts are government-wide (all agencies).... It is sad that the legislative and executive branches of the government could not agree on a very important matter but the general public seems to put the blame entirely on the president only, as his disapproval rating surged to a high of 46% since November last year (Slack 1)....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Campaigns and Money in American Government

due to the following reasons, providing funds to those who want to run for Campaigns and Money in American Government Campaigns and Money in American Government Having high qualified and competent leaders isthe goal of each state and the citizens feel the results of good leadership.... Money is defined as speech by the court and these means that one can spend as they wish without interference from the government or anyone else and if this is done then there must be solid justification....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

Public Policy in the American Government

This essay, Public Policy in the American Government, presents public policy which refers to the objectives set by the government for the general good and welfare of its people.... nbsp; Public Policy in the American Government Affiliation Public Policy in the American Government Public policy refers to the objectivesset by the government for the general good and welfare of its people.... The national agenda may involve the issues that the public wants the government to address....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Key Characteristics of American Government

The author of this coursework "Key Characteristics of American Government" describes peculiarities of the US government through history.... n the eve of the american invasion of Iraq, the German Foreign minister Joschka Fischer openly questioned american intentions behind the intervention.... A public opinion poll conducted on the eve of the war revealed how an overwhelming majority of people in Europe disagreed with the american official line....
9 Pages (2250 words) Coursework
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us