Introduction
American politics is a complex and multifaceted system. It has been formed over a long period of time and today includes various elements with authority at different levels. The main purpose of the policy is to ensure civil rights for all members of society, as well as ensuring national security in all directions. Therefore, this paper aims to summarize the history of the formation and features of the modern political system in the United States.
Ideas That Shape American Politics
Most decisions concerning the political, economic, social, and other spheres of American life are made by the government. His work is based on eight key ideas, including liberty, democracy (self-rule), individualism, limited government, the American Dream, equality, faith in God, and diversity (Morone and Kersh 6). The purpose of the government is to satisfy the interests of society and individuals, as well as maintain economic and political stability in the country. Therefore, citizens have a significant influence on the activities of government by providing frameworks and representing public interests.
Moreover, this system combines the concepts of individualism, where each person is responsible for their own welfare and community (Morone and Kersh 22). This helps maintain balance in a multicultural environment. In addition, this approach is based on ensuring social equality, where everyone has opportunities for self-realization and is treated with respect.
The Constitution
In its work, today’s government is guided by the Constitution as the fundamental law. However, this legislation has a long history of formation and establishment. Initially, each of the colonies had its own laws; however, after the Revolution and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a general set of laws was developed that applied to all states (Morone and Kersh 50).
Moreover, the Constitutional Convention marked the creation of the first American government. It had very limited powers. And most significant policy decisions continued to be made by local state governments (Morone and Kersh 51). Today’s Constitution defines key aspects of American politics, including the roles of citizens, the government, the President, and local governments in government. Moreover, the Constitution is frequently amended, such as the Bill of Rights (Morone and Kersh 75). This allows you to adapt it to modern conditions and make it more applicable.
Federalism and Nationalism
The federalist system plays a significant role in maintaining the stability of America’s political system. It prevents the concentration of power in one person and promotes better protection of citizens’ rights (Morone and Kersh 86). This system provides for the vesting of state authorities with sufficient powers to address critical issues at the local level. At the same time, the federal government is responsible for more global issues such as healthcare and climate change (Morone and Kersh 97). Another important concept in the American political system is nationalism. It implies a sense of national identity and devotion to nation and country (Morone and Kersh 103). This helps to ensure citizen engagement in US political life and achieve unity to achieve common goals.
Civil Liberties
Civil liberties exist to guarantee the safety and freedom of American citizens. They limit the powers of government and define the individual as the highest value of society (Morone and Kersh 112). However, the formation of civil rights was a long process and only gained national influence after the passage of the 14th Amendment (Morone and Kersh 112). The Bill of Rights defines the fundamental freedoms that are of the greatest value and must be respected by every individual. For example, every citizen has the right to privacy and can make their own personal decisions (Morone and Kersh 115).
In addition, the law establishes freedom of religion, speech, and press. Nevertheless, some laws, such as the Second Amendment, which defines an individual’s right to bear arms, raise public concerns, and their relevance is questionable (Morone and Kersh 131). Thus, civil liberties not only ensure the rights of citizens but also often cause social problems and discussions.
The Struggle for Civil Rights
Although civil rights apply to all U.S. citizens, they cannot completely prevent discrimination in a multicultural society. This oppression occurs in its greatest form based on race and gender (Morone and Kersh 159). This creates an urgent need for these populations to initiate civil rights movements to achieve equality and justice. These phenomena began with Black people during the enslavement and were primarily aimed at gaining freedom and gaining access to all areas of life, including education, politics, and the economy (Morone and Kersh 154). The efforts of African Americans in the fight for civil rights touched the tone of social movements and led to the passage of the 13th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution.
Subsequently, civil rights movements spread to immigrants from other countries, demanding the protection of their rights and freedoms (Morone and Kersh 161). Although this had a significant impact on the government and led to the passing of laws seeking to establish equality, it did not fully solve the problem of discrimination. Therefore, civil rights movements continue today by various social groups, such as people of color, women, and representatives of the LGBTQ community, to overcome oppression.
Congress
The central element of power in America is Congress. He is responsible for the financial, legal, and institutional systems and ensures the protection of national security (Morone and Kersh 334). It consists of two chambers, the House of Representatives and Senate, each of which has a specific political function.
In addition, Congress includes two parties, Democrats and Republicans, representing the interests of certain groups of the population (Morone and Kersh 345). Each party has its own system of values and beliefs and strives to promote its interests when passing bills. The Majority party selects a speaker who presides over the meetings of Congress and assigns legislation (Morone and Kersh 345). In fact, the party with the most representatives in Congress determines the policies and goals of the country. This increases the likelihood of passage of regulations and laws in which the majority party is interested.
The Presidency
While Congress is the political decision-making body, the President is America’s public official in the local and global political arenas. Congress and the President jointly govern the country in various areas to ensure overall stability (Morone and Kersh 370). The powers of the President are determined by the Constitution and extend to various aspects. However, the main responsibilities are commanding the army in case of war, establishing and maintaining effective international relations, and establishing a legislative agenda (Morone and Kersh 375).
Moreover, the President is chief in various areas of activity, including bureaucracy, economics, and staff (Morone and Kersh 375). This gives their decisions the highest importance in the organization of the work of these areas and the possibility of a veto. However, decisions made by the President can often conflict with public beliefs, causing their ratings and support to decline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, American politics have a long history of formation, which led to the existence of the system in its modern form. Moreover, it continues to change and improve as society develops and new issues arise that require solutions. Democracy in the United States defines the power of the citizens, but the actual government is carried out by Congress and local governments. Their actions must be based on the Constitution and consider the interests and freedoms of people when making decisions.
Works Cited
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “Ideas That Shape American Politics.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 2-39.
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “The Constitution.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 40-81.
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “Federalism and Nationalism.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 82-107.
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “Civil Liberties.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 108-145.
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “The Struggle for Civil Rights.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 146-191.
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “Congress.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 330-365.
Morone, James A. and Rogan Kersh. “The Presidency.” By The People: Debating American Government, edited by James A. Morone and Rogan Kersh, Oxford University Press, 2023, pp. 366-403.