Democracy: United States Political Culture

Today, democracy is facing horrific actions by the Trump administration. This was foreshowed by Plato, how eventually there would be a leader only helping themselves and not the people. The constitution created principles that are to be followed and enforced by the judicial branch of government. The four principles I have chosen are as follows:

1. The Rule of Law

2. Control of the Abuse of Power

3. Citizens Participation

4. Independent Judiciary

These four stood out to me because today, we are witnessing an administration that refuse to follow these principles ("Principles of Democracy," 2019).

The Rule of Law

No one is above the law according to the constitution. The rule of law states, all persons are equal, entitled to equal protection without discrimination (Rosenbloom, 2018). This principle was particularly fundamental in our democracy because it is for the protection of citizens’ rights and welfare ("Principles of Democracy," 2019). This principle was the force behind Separation of Powers in the government, which provides checks and balances. This principle still failed many people of this country. Woman rights did not exist when this became law, meaning this principle was false in the belief that all were to be equal. Women were deemed not equal and it would take centuries before change happens. In 1839, Mississippi was the first state to allow women property in their own name, this was followed by the constitution defining men as citizens and voters in 1866 (Miligan, 2017). With protest and consistency, women finally were deemed equal in 1923 through the equal rights movement (Miligan, 2017). Today, this principle is still being challenged for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and minorities citizens. In recent times, President Trump did not follow this principle by creating the Muslim ban, removing children from immigrants that crossed the border etc. This brings the positive to the Rule of Law, because no one is above the law including elected officials. But we are witnessing how this administration is abusing power to go around this principle. Which leads me to the next principle Control of The Abuse of Power.

Control of The Abuse of Power

Under Separation of Powers, checks and balances prevents one branch having majority power. Created to prevent corruption that can occur in our democracy and government officials using public funds for their own benefits (Editorial Board, 2018). This principle seems straight forward, right? The introduction of executive orders allows the president to revoke, modify or supersede his or her own orders. Many presidents used this power, but in the Trump, administration showed us just how dangerous this order is. President Trump, as proved how important this principle is to the people. Our democracy was created for the protection of the people rights and their welfare (Rosenbloom, 2018). I ask, how is todays administration able to disregard this principle? President Trump is using government funds for personal gain by going to his resort multiple times a year in order to have people purchase memberships. U.S congress is trying to prevent this abuse through the judiciary branch.

Independent Judiciary

The judiciary branch is not elected officials but appointed by the president and confirmed by congress (Carr, 2019). The essential part of this principle is this branch acts free from control of any other branch. When one becomes a supreme court judge, they are to follow the constitution and not be corrupt or influenced by individuals ("Principles of Democracy," 2019). Under this principle, congress has been able to battle President Trumps Muslim ban and stop children being taken from their parents. Being a fundamental principle of our democracy, it can become flawed. We give the president the authority to appoint these officials, one can only assume they will appoint people of the same views. Under this branch officials are not of party but of the people, they are in place for minorities and people of different beliefs.

Citizen Participation

Our democracy is considered all citizens are equal and through participation the people can help pass laws that deem of value and morals ("Principles of Democracy," 2019). This principle is essential because we are a democracy build for the people by the people. It is a responsibility of the people to address their beliefs and values through voting, running for office, use freedom of speech through protest or petition. Participation was especially crucial in this pass election. People failed to participate in the voting this last election which led to Trump becoming president. Now it is the people responsibility to get involved for change. To say citizens must accept the results is one principle that serves no purpose.

Accepting the Results of Elections

Honestly, this principle is related to our democracy, yet serves no purpose. When citizens are being told to accept an outcome that goes against their beliefs is going against freedom of speech ("Principles of Democracy," 2019). In elections, the losing party must concede to the winner. 2016 election, Hilary Clinton won the popular vote, but lost the electoral vote. Many were disappointed by this act and began to protest and petition against the Trump administration. One example is the gun control, there have been multiple shootings during this administration, students protested to place greater restrictions on gun purchasing. When saying accept the outcome of the election, is telling these students they must accept his rule of law as well (Rosenbloom, 2018).

For the people by the people, is the foundation our democracy was built on. Through principles of the constitution, we have rules that supposed to balance our government. Today, we are witnessing the importance of these principles due to an elected official refusing to follow them. Thankfully, officials in the executive branch only serves a maximum 8 years, proves there is hope for change and more to get involved.

References

Carr, J. C. (2019). Judicial Independence and Freedom of the Press. Utah Barr, 32. Retrieved from

Editorial Board. (2018). Trump Declassification order. Retrieved from Washingtonpost.com.

Governance and Democracy. (2019). Retrieved from http://studentvote.ca/federal2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FED-SEC-EN-Handout-1.11.pdf

in the United States. JOURNAL OF CHINESE GOVERNANCE, 4, 1-4. https://doi.org/https://doi.org./10.1080/23812346.2018.1564490

Miligan, S. (2017). Timeline of Women’s Rights. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2017-01-20/timeline-the-womens-rights-movement-in-the-us