The US Constitution has been identified to have many flaws that have undermined the freedoms and the rights of the American citizens. The constitution, which was originally adopted in 1787, was an unprecented document which defined a structure of government until then unknown to humanity. It was indeed a well thought-of masterpiece and acted as a leading light to the early society. It had clear-cut checks and balances which served the people back then effectively.
Over the years, the constitution has managed to hold the country together despite many National and International upheavals. However, in recent years, there have been numerous changes to the dynamics of the U.S. population which have come with the pressure of amendment of some clauses of the constitution to respond to these varied views.The constitution has had difficulty in keeping pace with these rapid changes and developments. Among the issues where the constitution has flaws are: two-party democracy, the electoral college, non-real citizens and dangerous concentration of power on the president.
Table of Contents
1. Lapses in the U.S.A Constitution
1.1 The Electoral College
1.2 The two-party system
1.3 Non-real citizens
1.4 Concentration of political power on the president
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the inherent flaws and limitations within the United States Constitution that hinder its democratic ideals. The research questions the efficacy of current constitutional structures in representing the modern American populace and suggests that urgent amendments are necessary to address institutional imbalances and foster greater civic engagement.
- Critique of the Electoral College system and its impact on democratic representation.
- Evaluation of the two-party system as a barrier to political inclusivity.
- Analysis of the growing disconnect between citizens and the government ("Non-real citizens").
- Examination of the dangerous concentration of power within the executive branch.
Excerpt from the Book
Lapses in the U.S.A Constitution
The existence of the Electoral College in the U.S.A does not make sense based on the definition of a true democracy. Democracy is typically a system of government whereby individuals are free to choose their leaders. It is indeed a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The supreme power is vested in the people and they exercise it directly. The Electoral College in the U.S.A makes the country not to be a reflection of a true, pure democracy. Under the system, the presidential candidate who gunners the highest number of the majority votes is also required to gunner the highest number of the electoral votes to qualify to be the U.S.A president (Stepan, 255). Failure to do so may put them at the risk of losing the presidential seat. The system puts the fate of millions of American citizens under the hands of a small group of elected representatives. During elections, the American citizens are indeed not voting for their preferred presidential candidates but are rather voting for certain representatives. This is indeed blasphemy of democracy.
Summary of Chapters
Lapses in the U.S.A Constitution: This introductory section identifies fundamental flaws in the U.S. Constitution, arguing that it has struggled to adapt to changing modern demographics.
The Electoral College: This section critiques the Electoral College as an undemocratic mechanism that undermines the popular vote and restricts the true exercise of political choice.
The two-party system: This chapter analyzes how the winner-take-all political landscape creates a barrier for third-party growth and alienates a large portion of the American electorate.
Non-real citizens: This part examines the widening disconnect between the American public and their government, leading to political apathy and subsequent civil unrest.
Concentration of political power on the president: This section discusses the excessive growth of executive power and the failure of Congress to maintain effective checks and balances.
Keywords
U.S.A Constitution, Electoral College, Democracy, Political Parties, Two-party system, Executive Power, Constitutional Amendments, Civic Engagement, Representation, Political Reform, Checks and Balances, Non-real citizens, Government, Congress, Political Participation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this publication?
The document addresses the perceived structural failures of the U.S. Constitution and how these flaws undermine the freedoms and rights of American citizens in the modern era.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The key themes include the lack of democratic representation in the Electoral College, the restrictive nature of the two-party system, the political alienation of citizens, and the excessive centralization of power in the presidency.
What is the overarching research goal?
The goal is to highlight the necessity for urgent constitutional amendments to align government processes with the democratic principles of equality and inclusivity.
Which methodological approach is utilized?
The work employs a qualitative analysis of constitutional history, political structures, and secondary research to argue for the necessity of systemic political reform.
What is discussed in the main body?
The main body examines four specific areas of constitutional failure: the Electoral College, the two-party system, the emergence of "non-real citizens," and the unchecked power of the executive branch.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include U.S.A Constitution, Electoral College, Democracy, Executive Power, and Political Inclusivity.
How does the author characterize the "Non-real citizen" phenomenon?
It describes a state of political apathy where citizens feel disconnected from government decision-making, leading to frustration and social protests like Occupy Wall Street.
What specific role does the author assign to Congress in the context of presidential power?
The author argues that Congress has failed its mandate to curb executive overreach, effectively contributing to the dangerous concentration of power within the presidency.
- Citar trabajo
- Doctor Alfhonce Michael (Autor), 2016, Lapses and Lacunae in the U.S. Constitution, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/373288
