American politics was not egalitarian and antidemocratic from the time of the writing of the Constitution, and in the last 200 years the American polity and economy have become even more antidemocratic and not egalitarian.
America’s political society was somewhat different from that of English Parliament, but it still exemplified some of England’s ideas, which generally disregarded some of the rights and opinions of its people. Overtime, the US Constitution began to expand its rights in regards to all groups of people. But, in the last 200 years America has expanded the Constitution in the best interest of all human beings, but has also limited the sovereignty as it corresponds to the people. From the time of its establishment to the current, America has become more antidemocratic and has not taken into consideration the rights of all human beings. For example, homosexuals still cannot reap the legal benefits that come with marriage, the Electoral College voting system limits the rights of the people to vote, and the establishment of the USA PATRIOT Act takes away one’s rights to privacy.
When the Constitution was being established, the American people did not have a say in what the contents of this documents, which would define their rights as an American citizen, would contain. Such decisions were made by a chosen few, whom we have come to know as our nation’s Founding Fathers. Delegates from every state met at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, with the exception of Rhode Island, in Philadelphia. In my opinion, a document of such importance should be in the best interest of the people. Therefore, every state should have been represented at this convention and those who were present should have considered a democratic alternative that involved the citizens of this newly established country. The method that they chose to determine what the Constitution would consist of was similar to that of the English Parliament, in my opinion.
The Constitution has been revised several times to accommodate to egalitarian ideals. However, the constitution was not originally in favor of equality for all. For example, slaves were not considered humans, but property. They were a very small step above livestock. In fact, one can conclude that slaves were only counted as three-fifths of a free person to accommodate to plantation masters. This rule was put into affect, with respect to taxation without representation. The Constitution did not include the Bill of Rights nor did it have a true definition for citizenship. With disregard of the Bill of Rights, the people were unprotected and the government would exercise its full authority. Shortly after, sovereignty and limited power ideals were brought to the board’s attention. James Madison recognized the importance of limiting the power of the government and enforcing the rights of the people. However, slaves were still not considered and would not be for years to come.
Over the course of 200 years, Americans political system has both expanded and shrunken, severely. New additions have been made to the Constitution that limit sovereign authority and did not limit the power of the government. America was supposed to be much different than the unfair laws and regulations that were established by the English Parliament, before America was founded. There are many aspects of political life that many Americans do not have an opinion on. We are living in a society that is interested in protecting and honoring the elite, and disregarding the rights and opinions of the common man.
The Electoral College came into affect in 1964. US citizens do not actually elect their President; they elect officials in every state who make the decision for them. This is known as indirect election. The Electoral College system does not represent a democratic society because the people do not have a direct vote in the Presidential elections. The chosen officials do not truly represent the voice of the people because everyone should have a say in who becomes the next President of the United States. I would expect the Electoral College to be withheld during the establishment of the Constitution, considering the power of an American citizen was very limited, during that time. To limit sovereign authority as time progresses is taking large steps away from democracy and egalitarianism.
The USA PATRIOT Act is a document designed to prevent terrorist activity, in America. It stands for the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. In order to protect this country, Bush Administration felt that some rights had to be sacrificed, such as privacy. To make sure the USA PATRIOT Act would be approved, “the Bush Administration requested that no public hearing be held in order to prevent public discourse” (Robert Barr). The USA PATRIOT Act “protects” Americans by violating Amendment 4 of the United States Constitution which states “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Basically, Amendment IV protects the American people from irrational searches of their home and documentation, without precedent. Since the Patriot Act is legal, The government can look through private and important documents and search your possessions, without probable or lawful cause, the right to unfair arrest, the right to enter your home without notice and ultimately invade your privacy. Because the people did not have a say in the USA PATRIOT ACT, its establishment could be considered antidemocratic
America has a long history of racism, discrimination, and prejudice against many different groups. Unfortunately, discrimination still plays a major role in our society, although the Constitution is supposed to protect any and everyone from it. Homosexuals are still facing many forms of discrimination. For example, if they decide to get married, they will not be able to reap the legal benefits that usually come with marriage. Americans are allowing their emotions and feelings about homosexuality to overshadow that fact that it is illegal and unconstitutional to deny them a proper marriage. This form of prejudice does not exercise egalitarianism because it is not in the best interest of everyone. We have no right to dictate how other people choose to live their lives.
In conclusion, America has been and will always be a very antidemocratic and non egalitarian nation. Government officials continue to find ways that limit the rights and authority of the people. One would think after 200 years, America would attempt to turn over a new leaf, but it continues to disregard the idea of limited governemnt.
Cited
Dickinson, John, Morris, Gouverneur, Jefferson, Thomas, Adams, John, Paine, Thomas, Randolph, Edmund, Madison, James, Sherman, Roger, Wilson, James, Wythe, George. Morris, The Constitution of the United States, 1787
Unconstitutional, Nonny de la Pena, DVD, Journeyman, 2004
USA PATRIOT Act, 2001
McGraw-Hill, AP Achiever
I can tell you really worked hard on this it shows a lot in your work. Good Job. ^.^
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