how democratic is the US

Question 1

how has the HoR evolved to become more democratic over time

Answer 1

• previously only white, male, property owners over 25 could vote for the their representative but now this is extended to all those over 18

Question 2

what evidence in the constitution is there for the HoR becoming more democratic

Answer 2

• the 13th amendment abolished slavery and the 14th amendment gave former slaves full citizenship

Question 3

what act outlawed any voter discrimination

Answer 3

• 1956 voting rights act outlawed any voter discrimination

Question 4

how has the senate evolved to become more democratic over time

Answer 4

• the senate was previously dominated by the state legislature and not directly elected but people argued that the senate was discriminatory so the 17th amendment was passed stating that the senators should be directly elected

Question 5

how has the role of the president developed to become more democratic over time

Answer 5

• previously the electoral college members were appointed by the state governments and now they are directly voted for
• however it is still possible to win the popular vote but loose the election due to loosing the electoral college
• as seen for Clinton vs Trump she won 65,850,000 but lost the electoral college

Question 6

what are 5 strengths of the US constitution

Answer 6

• shows good COMPRIMISE between federal and state governments
• demanding amendment process has PREVENTED BAD PROPOSALS allowing the constitution to continue as the FF would have envisioned, without short term emotional needs creating life long changes
• ADAPTABLE to widely agreed upon changes in American society
• VAGUENESS allows for interpretive amendments by the SC
• SEPARATION OF POWERS is enshrined and places limits on the power of the government allowing for bipartisanship

Question 7

what does it mean that a weakness of the constitution is that the federal government has eroded state powers

Answer 7

• since cooperative federalism began in the 1930’s, with FDR’s response to the great depression, but does allow for federal government to be supported during times of national crisis –> Covid 19-$2 trillion, Cares Act 2020

Question 8

what does it mean that a weakness of the constitution is that there is a difficult amendment process

Answer 8

• makes it difficult to add or remove parts as seen with the ERA
• shows tyranny of the minority –> Scalia 2%
• more than 11000 proposed by only 27 ratified
• conservatives would argue that judicial review gives the SC enough power to interpret the SC, without amending it

Question 9

what does it mean that a weakness of the constitution is that some parts are quite specific

Answer 9

• as seen in the EC system
• specific and enumerated powers

Question 10

what does it mean that a weakness of the constitution is that not all rights are effectively protected

Answer 10

• minority rights are challenged by SC rulings, as seen with Shelby v Holder in 2013, which ended the requirement for certain states to have permission or approval from the federal government before changing voting laws, making it easier for states to restrict voting access, especially for minority voters.