Verified Document

Constitution American Government There Are Essay

That with the limitations articulated in the constitution that gives the people some declarative authority in how government is suppose to run then the common man would feel his or her best interest would be represented (Brandes 2009). That is, in part, the reason why the language for the preamble was so carefully worded, to seem all-inclusive. This all inclusiveness though, also inherently, and at the time, did not include people of color or really speak to the rights of women. These foundational elements and principals of the appearance of equality has, hence, set the precedent not only for the formation of the nation, but for the nations identity as well (Amar 2011).

Certain provisions were made for amending the constitution with particular procedures that must be adhered to. In order to propose an amendment, two thirds of both houses of Congress must vote to propose the amendment of two thirds of the legislatures inquire to Congress to call for a national convention to propose amendments. Although there is this second provision, according to historical record, it has never been used. In order to ratify an amendment, three fourths of the states legislature must approve, or "ratifying conventions in three fourths of the states approve it" (Branders 2009).

Although thousands of proposals have been...

Considering these facts, it would lead one to believe that the methods established are effective. The question remains however, whether or not the lack of changes to the Constitution because so few have been approved really is a sign of effectiveness or just more of that status quo that collectively and effectively serves to meet the needs of those who are considered to be elites, as this country has not moved far from the basic tenets of having the common man believe the law is for him, but really established by those who are considered elite. It can be argued that those who have been systemically disenfranchised by this system would see the constitution and its amendments or the lack thereof being less than effective to meet the real needs of all citizens.
References

Amar, Akhil. America's Lived Constitution. The Yale Law Journal, 120.7 (2011):

1743-1783.

Brandes, Tamar. Rethinking Equality: National Identity and Language Rights in The United States. Texas Hispanic Journal of Law & Policy, 23.4 (2009):

453-488.

Kelman, Steven. Holt American Government.

Sources used in this document:
References

Amar, Akhil. America's Lived Constitution. The Yale Law Journal, 120.7 (2011):

1743-1783.

Brandes, Tamar. Rethinking Equality: National Identity and Language Rights in The United States. Texas Hispanic Journal of Law & Policy, 23.4 (2009):

453-488.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

American Government & Institutions Should
Words: 760 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

S. Constitution. The court ruled, "Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the statutes and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California" (Dolan, 2012). Hence, the will of the people can become law through popular initiatives, but on the other hand, the argument can be made that if citizens object to the constitutional amendments enacted in any given state -- for any political

American Government Response Summarizing the Readings: In
Words: 984 Length: 3 Document Type: Reaction Paper

American Government Response Summarizing the Readings: In his article "Constitutional Democracy and Bureaucratic Power," Peter Woll discusses the administrative branch of the government and the various departments who are in control of the funds which keep federal and state governments working. The bureaucracy is a highly influential part of the government and has a degree of control over both the President and Congress with far fewer legal checks to their actions than

American Government and Politics Today
Words: 825 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Government and Elections Should foreign interest groups be banned from attempting to influence the course of American government? Are foreign interest groups always opposed to the interests of U.S. companies and citizens? It is reported in the work of Benen (2010) that a speech delivered by President Obama warned of "corporate takeover of our democracy" in the form of "shadowy groups raising millions in secret to help buy elections for Republicans. Benen

American Government Course American Government
Words: 1740 Length: 6 Document Type: Journal

It was during the same period that hostilities with the communist leadership culminated into the bombing of Libya, loggerheads with the Soviet Union and a stiff arms race with the U.S.S.R. It is also significant to note that it was during the same time that he successfully engaged Mikhail Gorbachev who was then the Soviet General secretary and culminated into the signing of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that signaled

American Government the Five Main
Words: 1237 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

It separates the various forms of government and does not allow one to become more powerful than another, and it ensures that laws are created fairly, that justice is fair, and that the President does not gain too much power. Essentially, it is the backbone of our Democracy, and that assures our freedom and the public good. Critics of the Constitution and its support of the public good believe that

American Government and Politics Today
Words: 1326 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

The courts, therefore, plays a significant role in ensuring that there is uniformity in the decision on abortion in all states. It has been argued that this is undemocratic since the decision is made by justices who are not elected officials. In the situation where the ruling was to be overturned, the authority to legalize abortion would fall back to the states. This would reflect the majority opinion since

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now