...The United States has changed over time making the American citizens question what power of government they are being ruled under. The changes this country has gone through can show the development of the different government powers. The main three: Oligarchy, Democracy, and Plutocracy. The basic definition of an Oligarchy is when a small group, or a few people, has control over a country or organization. Specific groups in the US have had problems with the top 1% and the fairness between different groups. Democracy is when the power is vested within the people through elected representatives. The majority of Americans already believe that the United States is a democracy, but some believe that there is too much liberty within the people....
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...Jordan Gabson Writing and Rhetoric Tuesday April 30, 2015 Democracy vs. Communism Communism has always been used as secret weapon to make the poor believe that being rich is inappropriate, and that the poor have less because the rich people took the money away from them. In reality, the communist government wants to take the money from the wealthy to make the governing body itself rich. Democracy, on the other hand, promotes capitalism, which allows economic freedom, which helps political freedom; efficiency, economic growth, and everybody having the opportunity to start the business that he or she desires. Communism and democracy are two different ideologies that have each had a great impact in the world. Communism can be defined as a socioeconomic structure that stands for the establishment of classless, egalitarian and stateless society. Democracy, on the other hand, is a political system of governance either carried out by the people directly or by elected representatives. “Democracy may not be the perfect form of government, but sure it is way better than communism” said Jones in his journal, Power and Democracy Education Every single human being in the world knows that this is not true. Everybody knows that communism is a secret weapon that the rulers in the countries where communism is practiced use it to enrich themselves, their families and their friends. Communism is...
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...Democracy in America Michelle Caddell POS/110 May 20, 2012 Cawas Mody Democracy in America On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. This was a significant start to democracy in America. The fore fathers of our country had big plans for America. This essay will include my opinions of Democracy in America, as well as some of the strengths and weaknesses that exist in our government system in America. I will include a description of the roles of the President, and other members of our government structure in America. The role of the government has done some major changing since the beginning of democracy. Some of these changes that have occurred have weakened our government system. The definition of democracy is a government run by the people of the country. My personal definition of democracy is having officials that will do what is best for the citizens of the country. I also feel that this should be done with the utmost respect and morals. I feel that this is the way that our fore fathers would have wanted it. I truly believe that our country started on these values and beliefs. Is that where it has really ended up? Democracy has a different meaning to everyone. One fact that we can all agree on is that democracy is one of the most important things in our life in America. The fact that we all wake in the morning to living in a free country is something that we as Americans thrive on. Some things that we must pay close attention to is the control that...
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...on: Economy - what provides the goods and services that are bought, sold, and used? Capitalism-(Russia)--In a capitalist or free-market economy, people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, such as healthcare Socialism (Norway)-- Socialist governments own many of the larger industries and provide education, health and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices Communism (Cuba)-- In a communist country, the government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare. Politics - how is the government run? Dictatorship (Iraq)-- Rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control. Usually, there is little or no attention to public opinion or individual rights. Totalitarian (China)-- Rule by a single political party. People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country. Theocracy (Iran)-- A form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas, or as direct agents of a deity. Monarchy (Jordan)-- A monarchy has a king or queen, who sometimes has absolute power. Power is passed along through the family Parliamentary (Israel)-- A parliamentary system is led by representatives of the people. Each is chosen as a member of a political party and remains in power as long as his/her party does Republic (USA)--...
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...conceived of as rule by the best qualified citizens, and contrasted with monarchy. In later times, aristocracy was usually seen as rule by a privileged group (the aristocratic class), and contrasted withdemocracy.[1] ------------------------------------------------- Concept The concept evolved in Ancient Greece, whereby a council of famous citizens was commonly used and contrasted with direct democracy in which a council of male citizens was appointed as their "senate". The Greeks did not like the concept of monarchy, and as their democratic system fell, aristocracy was upheld.[1] In Rome, the Republic consisted of an aristocracy as well as consuls, a senate, and a tribal assembly. Later, aristocracies primarily consisted of an elitearistocratic class, privileged by birth and often by wealth. Since the French Revolution, aristocracy has generally been contrasted with democracy, in which all citizens hold some form of political power. However this distinction is often oversimplified. In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes describes an aristocracy as a commonwealth in which the representative of the citizens is an assembly by part. Simply put, a government when only a certain part of the general public can represent the public. Modern depictions of aristocracy regard it not as a legitimate aristocracy (rule by the best) but rather as a plutocracy (rule by the wealthy). ------------------------------------------------- Advocates of aristocracy * Aristotle * Charles Baudelaire ...
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...The Globalization of Democracy Building: A Polyarchic Dilemma When we look at the Middle East and democratization, we must realize that democracy in its current form is largely a Western concept. Democracy building on the part of the US outwards is a classic example of globalization. This paper will examine two theories of globalization: the interdependency theory of Waltz and Robinson?s view of globalization as one of power politics. It will then move on to examine globalization theory in regards to democracy building. Finally, this paper will seek to examine democracy building initiatives in two countries, Iraq and Lebanon. Theories of Globalization Waltz contends that we view globalization at interdependence, and that ?interdependence [is] again associated with peace and peace increasingly with democracy.? ? People, firms, markets matter more; states matter less,? because it is the economy that drives states to make decisions. As the world becomes more interdependent on one another, decisions are made as a collective whole in the economic field, not the independent political state. In many ways, Waltz suggests that Globalism is really Americanism spread around the globe. As the Cold War ended, it become clearer that the ideology that won out, a capitalist democracy, was the winner and dominant ideology. The theology behind it was that if a country is not transparent, with a flexible free market, then it will crumble. What if a country is looking to open its...
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...as a perfect society; however there are a variety of different views on what would make it ideal. This ideal society would create a community in which all aspects of it may function at their highest potential and in a smooth manner. This essentially would be a “Utopia”, which is a community or society that possesses near perfect qualities. Plato, Niccolo Machiavelli, Karl Marx, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbs, and John Locke are just some of the few who have taken up views on this topic. There have been many disputes on what specific characteristics would produce a “just” society. What is justice? The dictionary defines justice as being righteous, equitable, or moral. Plato portrays it as “the...
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...right things most of the time? It’s all really based on you opinion * a 2000 study of undergraduates showed that 64% did not trust the government Why do we care if people are turning out to vote? * Voter turnout is a sign of political efficacy as well as engagement * People who are engaged are more informed, more likely to communicate with their representatives, more likely to advocate for their interests, and hold public officials accountable for their actions. Political culture * The people’s collective beliefs and attitudes about government and political processes * What is it that binds us together as Americans? * Our political ideologies * Our political values – liberty, capitalism, equality, consent of the governed, individualism Ideology * Political ideology is an integrated system of ideas or beliefs about political values in general and the role of the government in particular * Ideology provides a framework for thinking about politics and policy preferences Ideologies * Modern liberalism is associated with ideas of liberty and political equality: * Tend to favor chance in social, political and economic realms to better protect individuals and produce equality What is the constitution? * Fundamental principles of a government and the basic structures and procedures Two US Constitutions * Articles of confederation ( 1781-1789) * Constitution of the united states (1789-present) Events leading up to...
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...Francis Fukuyama. The end of the Cold War as the end of history. Introduction. The specifics of the international situation after the Cold War. Since 1985, the world is going through an amazing evolution. The interdependence emerged and has become a reality of understanding of all processes in the world. Peace, freedom, human rights, social security, democracy have taken place of those values, because of which the major battles were unfold in the international arena and within countries. Overnight concepts collapsed that before seemed unshakable. In this case, not only the political picture of the world changed . At large numbers of people in different countries sense of global community, solidarity, public interest, human intimacy has been strengthened . Not surprisingly, that the rapid evolution of the global situation, the collapse of the bipolar system and fade into the background of ideological aspects confused scientists specializing in political predictions. Now, it is necessary not only to explain the reasons which led to the formation of new political realities after the "cold war", but also suggest new approaches and concepts on the basis of which it was possible to trace the dynamics of international relations in a changing world. Francis Fukuyama, his works and intepretations. Francis Fukuyama - known American political scientist and geopolitician. He received a bachelor's degree from Cornell University (New York), then - PhD in political science from...
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...School “For most of the post-independence period, African states have been ruled by one party and military regimes. Pressures both from within Africa itself and from outside, however have rekindled debate about democracy in the Africa context and have led to a whole raft of multi-party elections” (Clive Harber). Oscar Wilde ones defined democracy as: “the bludgeoning of the people, by the people, for the people”. Abraham Lincoln also said, democracy is “the government of the people, for the people and by the people”. Democracy is a form of government in which all citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. The term comes from the Greek: “demokratia” meaning, “rule of the people”. According to Mamali Oak, despite the few disadvantages, such as : authorities working with a short term focus, as the government is subject to change after every election time; and citizens can vote under the influence of majority, democracy has more advantages that place it above other forms of governance. A few among them are: 1. Democracy can provide for changes in government without violence. In a democracy, power can be transferred from one party to another by means of elections. 2. The people gain a sense of participation in the process of choosing their government. 3. Democracy prevents monopoly of the ruling authority. 4. It encourages the rule of law and even distribution of wealth. 5. Democracy brings a feeling of obligation towards the citizens. Elections...
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...The Senate is not a perfect institution, nor are the senators’ infallible people. There are some delinquencies, which may be inexcusable. However, these wrongdoings are no more general in the Senate as they are in the House of Commons or in the parliamentary press gallery. It has come to attention, that the driving force of Senate abolition is not really the desire for improvement and reform so much as the frustration with the Senate as it currently functions. A vast amount of Canadians believes that the Senate as an unelected institution lacks democratic legitimacy because the public is unable to hold senators responsible for their decisions (Barnes & al., 39). It also lacks democratic legitimacy since it is believed that the prime minister appoints senators because they had a contribution in the prime minister’s party thus making the appointment bias. However, abolishing the Senate may cause certain disastrous events because it would put the business of Canada in the absolute control of the House of Commons, and not only that, but in the absolute control of the majority of that House (Joyal,...
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...Democracy No country is ruled by pure democracy, because it can only be practiced in a Socialist nation. Some nations claim to be socialist, but none are. n the Philippines, some mediocre thinking Filipinos are fed up with an illusion that after the Marcos Administrations through a woman whom they call “icon of democracy” in the Philippines – which is late former Philippine president Ms. Corazon Aquino, the Philippines has now become purely democratic country; whereas it is not. Actually, the Philippines still remain republic just like the times of Marcos, but what has happened only or have changed after Marcos administration is the increased of freedom of people to do whatever they wanted to do including the relentless and useless killings of everyone against their fellow Filipinos, most especially the media people, though the media people have gain more freedom to express their ideas and thoughts, murderers and killers have gain also more freedom to kill media people. It is a directly proportional freedom. Democracy means rule of the people. The two most common forms of democracy are direct democracy and representative democracy. In direct democracy everyone takes part in making a decision, as in a town meeting or a referendum. The specific rules may vary: perhaps everyone must agree, perhaps there must be consensus, perhaps a mere majority is required to make a decision. The other, better known form of democracy is a representative democracy. People elect representative to...
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...getting more rich. I don't think that American is very stable at all or equal for that matter. American used to be a place of equality, but no one gets treated equal. The higher class citizens with money get the best of everything. America just isn't the country it used to be. Everything has changed. I fear that the next thing they will try to change is the constitution. There are many strengths in our system. The Bill of Rights, balance of powers, the federal government shares sovereignty with the states, and also another great strength is that the Supreme Court balances the rights of each individual state. Our country system has many weaknesses as well. One of the weaknesses is that that everyone believes that the United States can “fix” the world and this isn't so. Our country is slowly falling apart. One of the biggest weakness that we have is that we have an over taxed system. If I were able to change one fundamental element of American democracy is the way that the government shows bias to one group of citizens over another. It kind of remind me of “cliques” in high school. It all boils down between those who have and those who don't have. Those who have get better treatment, receive better education, and get by with a lot. It seems as if you have money you get off the hook. America shouldn't be this way. It shouldn't matter who has...
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...but in reality it really is. Even though many presidents including Obama tried to adopt the immigration reform, the policy has been murky since Naturalization Act of 1790. The federal government developed a cohesive procedure for naturalization. Immigrants at that time were granted citizenship after living in the U.S. for at least 2 years without criminal records. Every President since Dwight D. Eisenhower has taken executive action at some point regarding to immigration reform. With the last immigration reform act passed in 1986, the time to fix a broken immigration system is long overdue. Since the United States has been highly populated with diverse population including documented or undocumented immigrants, the government could have considered adopting the immigration reform specifically and permanently. Apparently, there are some reasons that take many years to process an immigration reform in Congress such as polarization in Congress, Federalism, courts’ decision, media impaction, and interest groups. It is hard to believe that why the government is not fully paying enough attention to immigration reform bill that is one of the most important not only for country itself but also for its economy. Now, we have estimated 11 million people living in shadows including men, women, and kids. There are many felons among these undocumented immigrants but ignoring this immigration reform will not solve any but it will gradually make people believe that the democracy even originated...
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...Jassi Sikand Dr. Douglas Dow DATE \@ "M/d/yy" 2/9/14 A Discussion about Framed A Précis of Framed: America’s 51 Constitutions and the Crisis of Governance In Framed: America's 51 Constitutions and the Crisis of Governance, Sanford Levinson evaluates the current standing of the Constitution. He sets aside what most people would think of as ‘constitutional law’. He is not interested in discussing topics of major debate, calling them the ‘constitution of conversation,’ but rather, wishes to discuss those topics which have already been, for the most part, settled, aptly called the ‘constitution of settlement.’ Topics such as whether Congress should be a bicameral legislature, or whether judges should be appointed for life, or whether the electorate should be able to vote on constitutional amendments. Topics that are not questions of interpretation, but rather, questions of the wisdom of the structural decisions of the Constitution itself, most of which were made way back during the Philadelphia Convention. His purpose in doing so is not so much to answer questions, but rather to ask them. He seldom gives his own positions on the questions that he asks - more so, he wishes to open up the public’s mind about such questions. In order to do so, he seldom uses expert jargon, preferring to explain himself as much a common man (or woman) would. His point throughout the entire book is not to chastise the Framers of the Constitution, but to explain how while decision made back...
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