NAME:

DAY:

SEMESTER OF THE COURSE AND CLASS SECTION:

CLASS TIME:

TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT: REVIEWS AND OPINIONS OF THE ENDURING

DEMOCRACY CHAPTERS

NUMBER OF THE CHAPTERS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT: 8

DATE OF REPORT SUBMISSION:

CHAPTER 1; THE MORE THINGS CHANGE……THE MORE THEY STAY THE

SAME

A. Hispanic immigrants form the major electorate body of America’s political change,

which selected Obama of Democratic party with 67% votes in 2008 and 72% in 2012.

Likewise Franklin D Roosevelt’s new Deal Coalition in support of immigrants of eastern

and southern European in 1932.

America is in variety of political culture. The immigrants came to America into small groups in

order for better life and jobs but after their establishment into large number form a massive

electorate body. Now those who stand for their reforms will get positive opportunity in ruling.

B. Internet and social media bring reforms in society rapidly. In 2008, Barak Obama used

the platform of facebook in order to get attention of people through his extensive

volunteer work and funding campaign. So the consequences brought him to become

president. Likewise Kennedy from TV, Lydon Jahnson from ‘daisy girl’ commercial,

Franklin D Roosevelt from enthusiastic speeches through Radio and Andrew Jackson

distributed messages over newspapers.

Well, we all know that social media and internet take place of electronic media. So people are

more connected to it. Those who take it as a platform to deliver his work will get plus point in

his success because anything through social media spreads like fire.

C. Thomas Jefferson stated on the Declaration of Independence as splitting of American

colonies with British government that, ‘All men…. are endowed by their creator with

certain unalienable rights….[and] whenever any form of government becomes destructive

of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.” 

People living in the world set some rules to organize themselves in the matter of life and to avoid

chaos. So people select government to make law for them. But if, government uses the power

negatively than public has right to abolish the present government at any time.

D. American political culture is full of variety. They don’t have common ancestry which

defines its political culture. Powers have been transferred from North America tribes to

people from different part of the world. Once Adolf Hitler called that diversity a week

point for them but it proved wrong in world war 2, which shows value and strength of

diversity of its people.

Hispanic immigrants and east and south European immigrants immigrated to America because of

better life opportunities. So American supported them to bring out reforms in order to have full

privileges over them with no racial discrimination. That supported the strength of the state

otherwise the states would be in great chaos.

CHAPTER 2; THE FOUNDING AND THE CONSTITUTION

A. US was in the great depression of two world war, the cold war against soviet and 9/11

incident. But its constitution has survived over these crises and its lifespan was about 17

years. Well the secret lies in the 17 amendments and the flexibility of changings adapted

by America’s political culture. Like Franklin Roosevelt encouraged and introduced

innovative solutions of industries and economic portfolio in 1933.

Well to make new rules of any matter of government, it takes probably a lot of time to fully

adapt it. Constitution is an imported objective of a state and it can’t be abolished after small

period of time. So its solution is to introduce some amendments which satisfy the criteria of

issue.

B. The French with its base in Canada, fought with British in the colonies for the capturing

of North American empire. France was defeated and British took over the empire but

exacted a toll for its administration. British imposed sugar act (1764) for money raising

and stamp act (1765) for the payment of tax on the purchase of newspaper, pamphlets,

commercial and legal documents in colonies. Angry colonist protested against the acts,

privileged to ammunition and had turned into war where British retreated and American

Revolution had started.

When people with different nations are living together, they want to enjoy full living rights. But

if the basic needs are not fulfilled over the period of time then it turns out a disaster, and demand

for a new place. British royal rule is authoritative which people usually deny.

C. After failing of state legislative against farmer’s grievances, government turned down

‘Shay’s Rebellion’ but his message was clear about the weak and unresponsive

government that caused disorder and violence. So there required amendments in the

‘Articles of Confederation’. New Jersey plan favored equal representation and Virginia

plan based on more populous state were rejected by delegation and compromised over

combined plan ‘The Great Compromise’.

When some states had gone through victory they need some objectives or constitution to which

they act upon. And also it is very difficult to unite different states at some unique point. So there

must be some transparency body which act neutral and bring out a compromised plan to which

states have to accept.

D. The slavery issue was rejected by two new England states; Maine and Massachusetts and

four Northern states; Vermont, New Hamisphere, Rhode island, Connecticut. Later they

also feared for authoritative rule might cause because of Southern majority. But the

‘Three-fifth Compromise’ was established for five slaves to be counted as three free

persons for the purpose of representation and taxes.

Well it was the real issue of slaves because nobody was really wanted to accept them. So if a

certain body is not represented by anyone then it’s the government rule to manage them for the

state prosperity.

E. There were some issues of federalist versus non-federalist which was later called ‘the

Ratification battle’. In this federalist have privileged over rule of secrecy. The federalist

introduced the media campaign in the support of ratification. Bill of rights were presented

for the fundamental rights. Jams Madison was first un favored them for the omitting of

fundamental rights but later he presented a new bill of rights in the first congress.

Every battle occurs due the opposed ideas over some statements that may lead to damage serious

issues of the state. So they must present some amendments over that and accept them with some

opposed terms.

CHAPTER 10; PUBLIC OPINION

A. Public opinion is being an important issue for the government. It however used by

presidents to justify the policies, political candidates to mount their campaigns, interest

groups to promote causes, journalist to advance public preferences and scholars to

understand the American government.

Now a days public opinion is so important because people are much aware of the activities of

government through social media and internet. So if they have right to vote and they couldn’t

entertain their values and rights then they can abolish the government at any time.

B. Public opinion influences the American government in numerous ways so American

government made amendment of freedom of expression in the constitution. Well history

took opinions through polling and referendum but now a days its primary mean is social

media.

Social media and internet is highly source of information among youth. And those who are active

at this and take this platform to express their thoughts and enthusiasm will be greatly privileged.

Barak Obama hope campaign through facebook was the key point of success.

C. Values and beliefs, Partisan and the political ideology of public orientation and political

preferences are the basis of public opinion. That actually classifies the opinion of

American political system.

Every nation of the world needs freedom of expression and fundamental and religion rights. So

they can express their orientation through voting the right candidate or party. Sometimes

referendum is necessary for the certain issues of the state. Whereas it’s all about opinion what

they need and think about certain perspectives of the state issues.

D. If an American politics imply direct public opinion so the public must have knowledge

and skills of political issues otherwise lead to instability of government. Hamilton’s

favored in republican government in which public vote certain qualified members to run

the government.

This is actually right. Those public if run the government without knowing its political issues

like bill of rights, constitution etc. then he would not right to be the leader. Otherwise the state

would be in chaos.

CHAPTER 11; INTEREST GROUPS

A. James Madison was cited the interest group as had the influence over government. He

also understood the orientation of people among these groups and how to use them for

public policy through a variety of activities.

Well if, a certain interested group work as an influential organization towards the government

then its consequences are positive. Because these interest groups work for the welfare and also

check the other groups. Similarly it is the platform to connect public through government.

B. American public policy works on the majoritarianism theory as it is the product of what

majority citizens prefer that focuses on public opinion, voting and mass representation.

Which is contrast to pluralism that refers the benefits of majority ones.

I am in the favor of this majority theory because it is the right of every citizen to express their

interest towards the political issues. By aiming that we are able to vote for what actually right for

us and it should be positive for whole nation not only for some groups. The free and open

competitions advance the adaptation of best ideas in society.

C. Power of the interest group is also acknowledged because these are the strong bodies that

have importance in policy making issues. Its pros are to put forward the local public

opinions and issues but its cons are wealthy issues, full of resources, vague about the

local public and interest for the benefits of few, that may be counterproductive.

Government is influenced through interest groups but if these interest groups belong to wealthy

and resource full areas then how they know about serious issues of local people. If they don’t

represent them then the poorer become more poorer and the richer become happy in the benefits

which cause instability of the system.

D. Political parties are different from interest groups in sense of election and focused on

generalized issues. Interest groups achievements are successful through lobbing

activities, supporting candidates in election, litigating and persuasive campaigns.

Examples are 1886 the American Federation of labor, 1885 National Association of

manufacturers, 1971 Political action committees for raising money to fund candidates

and political parties.

It is the right way to form well knowledge interest groups that plays the platform of linking

people to the government. Its main purpose is to put forward the issues of public and also actives

in campaigns for the welfare of state.

CHAPTER 12; THE MEDIA AND AMERICAN POLITICS

A. About 128 million American use facebook every day. Similarly TV, internet, newspaper,

radio, books, music have a persuasive effect on the American citizens. That’s why

American first amendment to the constitution specified that, ‘Congress shall make no

law…….abridging the freedom …. Of the press’. That was later adapted in 1791.

By encouraging the publications about the political issues paved way for the citizens about the

diversity of opinions and facilitates the flow of information about different events of the state. It

oriented the minds of people through social media for suggesting their own views and opinions

about political issues. Several campaigns adapt the social media as the source of information

towards people.

B. Government regulation of media is mandatory. 1n 1993, FCC ‘Federal Communication

Commissions’ promoted rules for the electronic media to follow and imposed fines over

violation of rules. Examples are fines over ‘shock jock’ Howard stern and George

Cariln’s programs that often included sexual graphics and games and vulgar language.

This is the most important issue of the today society. People are much oriented towards social

and electronic media. Programs are entertaining but have persuasive effect upon public. So

vulgar programs are attractive and mesmerize the minds of people especially the youth. So if

youth is involved in bad activities then how the state works? Youth is the fundamental base of

every state, in order to destroy state first involve youth in destruction.

C. History used printers for publishing office documents, pamphlets and religious books but

later American Revolution has changed the purpose of printers and was used in

publications against disputes with British. Providing objective coverage of the events,

facilitating public debate and serving as government watchdog are the three fundamental

functions of media in today American politics.

It is the matter of time and crisis that change the thinking of people how to use particular thing.

So the purpose of media in history was somehow different but later it was change because people

thought of media as source of communication between people and government. So now

government checking, debates and opinions are broadcasting over media to facilitate the

information.

D. There is no doubt that American rely over media for news and information but people

also show criticism over the news of media. As they put forward their reviews that most

of the news which is broadcasting is unfair and vague. Some of the stories which are

airing are just exposing crimes, conflicts, competitions and scandals.

Media has very persuasive effect and influence over their public. To carry out unfair campaign

over media cause adverse effects over public. They indulge them in bad activities to cause chaos

in society. And to say one lie again and again, it becomes the black truth, which is unfair with the

public to involve them in wrong activities.

CHAPTER 13; POLITICAL PARTIES AND VOTING

A. Constitution provide safeguard against the collective power in the form of checks and

balances. Whereas the competition between political parties check against the tyranny of

the government.

Political parties are established to entertain the public with their fundamental rights. The law is

the constitution which has to be followed by the political parties to run the government. But if

the government is suspecting of doing wrong then political parties have better opportunity to

stand against them and check the instability of the government.

B. American Colonist favored British Crown and then there emerged federalist and Anti-

federalist party which supports America. While there were some issues then Democrat-

Republican party, first party of America, was emerged. 1800 elections were the end of

Federalist party and Andrew Jackson created second American party i.e Democratic

party. After sometime Whigs party was created against Democratic party.

Political parties main work is to fulfill promises of its public. But if they are lacking behind in

the issues of state causes the emergence of new parties. Meanwhile there is also one thing more

that some parties occur in order to create fuss in the society but competition against them suspect

their activities.

C. 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections showed dealignment policy. In 2006 and 2008 there

was realignment policy in American elections for Democratic party.

When public is fed up with the activities of the certain political party they just abolished that

particular party at any time through means of polling and show dealignment against that party.

This shows that public has power to elect and de-elect any time. So parties must present

successful work after intervals.

D. About 160 years America has been in favor of two-party system. These two party

nominated Democrats and Republicans for the most two factors i.e electoral system and

the winner takes hold all the process of selecting members of congress. A third party

‘Green Party’ emerged but it didn’t take presidential privileges yet.

Well America believe in two party system because they suggest that states with many parties rely

on different factors but America believe that if whole diversity is combined and represent it as

through two parties. But when issues are not properly solved then emergence of third party might

take place with providing better opportunities to solve political issues.

Chapter 14; CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS

A. America two-party system has a strong point of electorate college and the presidential

selection process is further divided into pre-nomination campaign, the nomination

campaign, national conventions, general election campaign and the electoral college

decision.

Electoral reforms are necessary for the progressive of political issues because they provide fully

participation in the nomination process to the great number of people. The founders of emerging

parties have to do nominations and bring change in the selection of president among party

nominees. That’s why all the phases have impact on the government and political issues.

B. The general election campaign in American political system is includes whether or not

incumbent is running, the candidate’s pick for the number-two spot on the ticket, the

strategy for achieving a winning coalition of states, the presidential debates, political

advertisements, and, finally, the vote in the electoral college.

Incumbent is putting present president against the challenger. Where open election doesn’t

belong to the past. Next feature describe that every candidate involve in togetherness of coalition

of states to win majority of votes. Advertisement, political debates and media purpose is to

highlight the activities of presidential campaign. And finally the electorate college decision for

voting.

C. Article 2 of Constitution gives each state the authority to vote electors but in 1860, it was

changed to unit rule. So that a candidate with weightage of votes will be chosen for the

selection of president.

Well electoral issue is change because states select more individual to the selection process of

the president. So in order to avoid major chaos, system needs change or amendments in their

rules which were later change to unit rule. So the selective unit with a deserving candidate have

right to vote.

D. Candidate familiarity is the biggest political disadvantage because people don’t know

much about the politics because of their busy routine and they only vote for those whom

they remember by chance.

This is the major defect of the society. People think politics a boredom sign and they vote

because it’s their legal right. So whatever they remember by chance, win their vote. For public

awareness, it is necessary for the political parties to start campaign, political debates, funding

campaign, party identification etc to involve people in the political issues of the state.

CHAPTER 15; AMERICAN DOMESTIC POLICY

A. In April 2012, there was the Department of justice who imposed antitrust action over

Apple and five other e-books publishers for illegal raise of prices. So the department set

some standards of prices which should be fair for the digital books and the public policy

both.

Apple, Amazon, and other publishers must know that the state is running under some policy.

Different private sectors are competing with each other but for their purpose they should not

forget the public rights and preferences. So if they violate them then government must impose

some rules as fair to people of its state.

B. The unemployment rate is actually the percentage of unemployed people and those who

are looking for jobs in the US market. The major goal of west government economic

policy is to decrease unemployment rate by volunteer jobs, routine shifts and introducing

private business.

This is the major drawback of a state economic program where its people are unemployed.

Economic policy should be enough to make introduce different programs which increase jobs

one such factor is the decentralization of profession.

C. Robin Hood’s principle of ‘taking from the rich and giving it to poor’ is the great

example of Redistributive tax policies. Whereas Distributive tax policies promote the

interest of all economic classes equally. Example, taxes for the recreational parks,

highways, constructions.

Tax principle is ruling from years for the welfare of the state. Well it provides safety and

fulfilling the basic needs of citizen. And if the government is not successful in providing the

basic needs and tax is not used properly for the welfare of the state then people like Robin Hood

emerged.

D. Crime control model; by controlling criminal behavior and Due process model; by

protecting innocent from convicting the guilt, are the basis of American crime policy. But

usually poor defendants generally fallen into crime and these models are experienced by

wealthy defendants. Racial crime is also example because of the diversity of political

culture.

By examining the whole situation, concluded that crime law should be strict to protect the

innocent from committing guilt. Criminal justice is more important in America because of the

diversity of political culture. One such example was killers of white in Georgia were 4.3 times

more than killers of African American. Similarly check over the federal bill crimes because once

the Congress government was took privilege of power and involved in ‘war of drugs’.