...makers across the country to take the issue seriously and deliver policy solutions. Although not an entirely partisan issue, public opinion polls as well as voting histories, indicate that the Democratic Party support gun control legislation, while the Republican party are to a greater degree, in favour of opposing gun control laws (1). The Democratic Party believes that the individual right to bear arms is important and that it will preserve Americans’ Second Amendment right to own and use firearms. But at the same time, believes that firearms should be subject to reasonable regulation, which include, strengthening the background check system, reinstating assault weapons bans and closing gun show loopholes (2). The party understands the terrible consequences of gun violence and is determined to ensure that through increased regulation; guns do not fall into the hands of those irresponsible, law-breaking few. The Republican Party on the contrary, believes in the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, as it is a law-abiding citizens’ God-given right of self-defence. The party call for the protection of such fundamental individual rights, as recognized in the Supreme Court’s decisions in District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago affirming that right (3). Furthermore, the party hold the position that individuals have a right to obtain and store ammunition without registration and support the right to self-defence and federal legislation that would expand the exercise...
Words: 1642 - Pages: 7
...The amount of taxes and tariffs piled upon the colonists by the British set the precedent for the coming Revolution. While they were considered “just” by British Parliament, it was seen in complete disgust by the colonists on which they were placed. This all led up to the Boston Tea Party, in which men disguised as Mohawk Indians, protested The Tea Act of 1773, requiring colonists to buy only British tea, but it was heftily taxed. Defiantly they boarded British ships and threw their tea overboard, making a point to Parliament that they would not stand for this tax. Angry with this they attempted to gain more control over Massachusetts, but the colonists resisted their efforts. Their refusal to become subordinate to the British shown through...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
...Political Parties and the Electoral Process Dr. Michael Keith Smith U.S Government- POL 110 Strayer University March 7, 2015 Political Parties and the Electoral Process The relationship between political parties and the electoral system has always been a significant one. Federalists and Anti-Federalists formed political parties, each seeking control over the destiny of the new nation that was emerging from the Revolution. It was not long into the foundation of the United States that the protection of the people became a divergent issue among the country's first political parties. Federalists and Anti-Federalists clashed over how to best represent the needs of American citizens in the one document that would become the highest law in the nation — the Constitution. The issue of particular controversy was a component that has since become the mainstay of protecting the interests of the people: the Bill of Rights (Auerbach, 2015). This paper will take an in-depth look at the nature of political parties, as well as the two-party system that has evolved in the United States since its creation in 1776. An ideological difference between political parties is the contrasting visions that constitute their distinct mission and actions as well as the electorial program. While other democracies have numerous active political parties, in the United States there are but two major parties taking part in national elections—the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. ...
Words: 1359 - Pages: 6
...When will we see Change? A Critical look at Barack Obama and the democratic party. Charles Kerber POLS 202 9AM American Government Livingston This paper will take a critical look at the history of the democratic party, its most recent 2012 election, its current presidential candidate Barack Obama, and the latest platform. While the paper may read as being highly critical of President Obama, it should be caveated by the fact that this is an extremely trying time in the history of the United States, and the government is under considerable pressures from outside terrorism threats and international relations, to severe recession and domestic economic concerns. Nevertheless, one must look critically at President Obama, and answer has he really given us “change we can believe in”? Biography & history The Democratic party went through a number of iterations before it became the current democratic party. The party began as the anti federalists under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Thomas Jefferson a former secretary of state under George Washington's administration who had resigned to protest the fiscal policies of Alexander Hamilton. These two rivals would become the basis of the first two political parties of the United States. Alexander Hamilton favored the constitution, the creation of a national bank and repayment of the revolutionary war debt with federal funds. Under this philosophy they would name themselves Federalists, for their leaders support of ratifying the constitution...
Words: 3232 - Pages: 13
...Assignment: Political Parties The first issue I am going to discuss three different political views on is abortion. It seems as though abortion is such a fought on topic between people of different political parties. This is an issue with two clear sides, but one way of looking at that I had not seen before. It was really interesting to see these three different/similar views on such a big topic. First off is the Democratic party. On this issue the Democratic party supports a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. They argue that this kind of a decision is intensely personal to the women and her family. In this decision, there is no place for the government or politicians. They are on the side of pro-choice because they believe that each and every woman should be able to decide whether they want to be pregnant and have a baby. Woman should not be forced into doing something with their body just because it is what the government is saying. This kind of a decision should not involve the government. Next I looked at the Green party and their view on abortion. The view of the Green party was actually quite similar to that of the Democrat party. The Green party supports a woman’s right to reproductive choice, no matter her marital status. Also, they believe that a woman should have access to a safe and legal abortion procedure. Like the Democratic party, the Green party is on the side of pro-choice...
Words: 1227 - Pages: 5
...companies to manufacture goods at attractive rates” Democracy in Honduras Honduras has five registered political parties: the National Party, the Liberal Party, the Social Democrats, the Social Christians and the Democratic Unification. The main parties that have been in power for decades are the National Party and the Liberal Party. Many of their elections have full of controversies. The question of the people of Honduras can elect for their own presidents remains on who you ask. According to the National Democratic Institute, corruption, inequality and insecurity have derailed the progress of Honduras’ democracy to evolve and continue. In 1840, Honduras became fully independent from Spain. In 1941, Honduras joined the allied nations in the World War II after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. In 1981, Honduras established itself as a democratic country. It held its first elections where Roberto Suazo Cordova became the first president. The elections of 2009 left the country with more problems unsolved. Manuel Zaleya was forced into exile and Roberto Micheletti was appointed as the president. The main focus that we need to put our energy into is the inequality sector. Citizens in this country don’t feel safe in their neighborhoods. The LGBTI community doesn’t feel safe because they murdered due to their sexuality views. We need to campaign for the rights of this community. Special investigations have been taking place, but the impunity still remains a problem. Police forces and outside...
Words: 1917 - Pages: 8
...In the book, Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville analyzes an extensive range of topics, with a prevalent theme being American attitudes and the democratic values of equality and freedom. But, there are some threats to the ideal democracy everyone visualizes when they think of democracy. These are mass society, democratic despotism and extremes of wealth and poverty. Tocqueville suggests multiple solutions to these issues. I think the issues of mass society, democratic despotism and the extremes of wealth and poverty are effectively dealt with through an increased social awareness and voluntary societal associations, control of local liberties as well as through an increased role of citizens in the judicial system. The three issues...
Words: 1761 - Pages: 8
...After researching the views of both the Democratic and Republican parties, I would classify myself as a conservative Democrat. When it comes to social issues, I tend to take a more liberal stance, but I have very conservative views on the economy. In general, Democrats are more open to change and are more in favor of a larger federal government while Republicans are more in favor of the morals of the founding fathers and prefer a smaller federal government to larger state governments. According to “On The Issues”, Democrats believe in focusing on public schooling while Republicans believe in a wide variety of options and choices. Liberals favor college tuition to qualify for a tax deductible as well as making preschools affordable to everyone. They believe that in order to achieve excellence in schools, we must provide safe and modern classrooms with the most up-to-date technology. Eighth grade computer literacy and the mastering of basics before high school graduation are also more liberal views. Not only do Democrats wish to ride achievement gaps between races, the also want to provide “life-long education” meaning that trade schools and higher education are available to a person throughout their entire life. Democrats also believe that schools should teach students good values to create productive character as well as providing students who have been expelled an opportunity to attend a “second-chance school”. While I agree with all of these liberal opinions, I do not believe...
Words: 2227 - Pages: 9
...The New Left Movement The New Left and SDS (Students for Democratic Society) emerged in 1960. They were a group of young, highly educated and highly motivated students. The SDSers came from very privileged and political backgrounds. They were definitely not your average teenagers. The members of SDS were very concerned with the state of the country and government. They wanted to end poverty, eradicate racial injustice and make the world a better place for everyone. When they first started out, the party was very efficient and organized. As the decade moved on, however, the party’s ideologies and political stance changed. They began to split over political beliefs, drug use and tactics. McAdam’s political process model states that in order to start a social movement, three things must occur. They are; structure of political opportunities, use of indigenous organizational strength and realizing cognitive liberation. The SDS started out on the same page, working to support the Civil Rights movement in the early 60’s. They published the Port Huron Statement in 1962. “They wanted a society based on participatory democracy governed by two aims; first, that individuals participate in decisions determining the quality and direction of their lives, and second, that the society be organized to encourage independence and to provide for such common participation.” After they had published their statement and had an actual list of goals and they knew exactly what they stood for, or so...
Words: 1577 - Pages: 7
...This report will address the issues with the America’s Cuban Conundrum. It will analyze the key issue that prompted the EU to take the Helms-Burton Dispute to the WTO, determine who benefits and who suffers from an embargo of this type of economic barriers. This report would also constitute a resolution to the trade condition between U.S and Cuba, and determine what type of economic barriers would have to be overcome by a U.S. Firm to conduct business successfully in Cuba. The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 stipulates that U.S. sanctions on Cuba will remain in place until specific moves toward democracy bring about a calibrated adjustment. The Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act—or Helms-Burton bill—which Senators Helms, Dole et al. have introduced in the Senate, goes further in strengthening international sanctions, establishes a civil right of judicial action for U.S. citizens having ownership of or interest in expropriated properties—with reference either to fair market value or amounts certified by the U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. 1. What was the key issue that prompted the EU to take the Helms-Burton dispute to the WTO? Although a "blocking statute" was permitted under Article 235 of the European Union, Denmark threaten to veto stated that it exceeded the European Commission's authority. After President Clinton signed the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act, the World Trade...
Words: 786 - Pages: 4
...The Basics on the Civil Right Movement Because large segments of the populace--particularly African-Americans, women, and men without property--have not always been accorded full citizenship rights in the American Republic, civil rights movements, or "freedom struggles," have been frequent features of the nation's history. In particular, movements to obtain civil rights for black Americans have had special historical significance. Such movements have not only secured citizenship rights for blacks but have also redefined prevailing conceptions of the nature of civil rights and the role of government in protecting these rights. The most important achievements of African-American civil rights movements have been the post-Civil War constitutional amendments that abolished slavery and established the citizenship status of blacks and the judicial decisions and legislation based on these amendments, notably the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision of 1954, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Moreover, these legal changes greatly affected the opportunities available to women, nonblack minorities, disabled individuals, and other victims of discrimination. The modern period of civil rights reform can be divided into several phases, each beginning with isolated, small-scale protests and ultimately resulting in the emergence of new, more militant movements, leaders, and organizations. The Brown decision demonstrated that the litigation...
Words: 1943 - Pages: 8
...fathers of borderless continent were: Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet (supported/complemented by Paul Henri Spaak and Jacques Delores). Why was Europe created: They wanted to avoid repetition of wars between Europeans (especially avoid another conflict between France and Germany). Germany wasn’t punished because Americans learned from WWI. To avoid repetitions politicians/intellectuals came up with free commerce, democracy, and individual freedoms. The sincere collaboration (early 1950s until today) made peaceful Europe possible. They also wanted to rebuild Europe equitably after WWII, to share vital resources to mutual benefit, to counter threat of communism, to leverage with USSR and US, and eliminate acute nationalism and racism. The importance of the EU to Turkey: 1. number 1 trading partner for Turkey 2. one of 4 world’s major powers 3. Turkey aspires to join the EU 4. Turkey needs Europe to be democratic 1951 – Paris (ECSC) 1st form of Europe-wide collaboration among states was ECSC (European Coal & Steel Community) in 1951 and was developed in free trade and commerce within the newly formed EEC (European Economic Community). ECSC was created to integrate the industrial sectors of coal and steel, both crucial for energy and the development of heavy industries, thus of high political significance to the participating countries. It was a movement towards integration, instead of the usual forms of international organisations. Integration required...
Words: 6207 - Pages: 25
...years after the Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans in Southern states still inhabited a starkly unequal world of disenfranchisement, segregation and various forms of oppression, including race-inspired violence. “Jim Crow” laws at the local and state levels barred them from classrooms and bathrooms, from theaters and train cars, from juries and legislatures. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine that formed the basis for state-sanctioned discrimination, drawing national and international attention to African Americans’ plight. In the turbulent decade and a half that followed, civil rights activists used nonviolent protest and civil disobedience to bring about change, and the federal government made legislative headway with initiatives such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Many leaders from within the African American community and beyond rose to prominence during the Civil Rights era, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Andrew Goodman and others. They risked—and sometimes lost—their lives in the name of freedom and equality. Advertisement Freedom MarchPlay video Freedom March Bet You Didn't Know: Rosa ParksPlay video Bet You Didn't Know: Rosa Parks Condoleezza Rice: Memories of Dr. KingPlay video Condoleezza Rice: Memories of Dr. King BACKGROUND Because large segments of the populace–particularly African-Americans, women, and men without property–have not always...
Words: 2087 - Pages: 9
...laws (Singh 2015). The stated law scrutinizes NGO’S of ‘political nature’ and bars them from obtaining donations from the international partners (Bhalla 2015). Moreover, in January 2012, the NGO’s senior campaigner Priya Pillai was also stopped from boarding a plane to London. The government cited her as the source of problems it was facing at the time (Business Standard 2015). Needless to note, she was only fighting for the interests of locals in the Mohan region. In her favor, Delhi High Court overruled the government’s decision of blocking her travel to the British parliament. (The times of India 2015). The genesis of this fallout began several years back. According to a standard’s business reporter Sethi (2015), the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government intended to issue out a license of clearance to...
Words: 2841 - Pages: 12
...THE UNITED STATES The U.S. had emerged as the world's wealthiest and most powerful country- untouched from the horrific destruction of World War 2. The dollar was the strongest currency and foreigners flocked to invest in American companies and to buy U.S. government bonds. They played a leading economic role, as other nations needed American goods and services; transforming life in the United States itself. Many Americans prospered in the world's wealthiest economy, although some segments of the population were left to struggle. As Americans became more affluent, many moved from the cities to the suburbs and also to the states in the Southern and Southwestern parts of the country- where jobs were becoming more plentiful than in the industrialized Northern states. The vast popularity of American culture abroad confirmed the global influence of the U.S., as the world embraced their various art forms. Elvis Presley, musical comedies, Hollywood romances, and action movies were recognized worldwide. The federal government also contributed to this boom, as the congress created programs that helped the veterans, the elderly, and the poor; as well as approving government funding to build a major interstate highway system. After World War 2, conflicting ideologies and mutual distrust caused divisions between the former Allies, leading to the conflict known as the Cold War- a state of tension and hostility between nations aligned with the United States on one side and the Soviet Union...
Words: 2327 - Pages: 10
