USA- Extent to which the political system allows democratic participation Flashcards
Factors
Voting, protesting, standing as a candidate, freedom of speech
LOA
This essay will argue that citizens can influence decision making in the USA to a moderate extent.
Voting
One opportunity that citizens in the USA have to influence decision making is by having the right to vote. There are over 1 million posts to be voted for, ranging from dog catcher, to mayor, to president, elections are held regularly. For example, in 2020, 75m Americans voted for Joe Biden to be their 45th president and he won in the election against Donald Trump. This would suggest that the citizens of the USA have opportunities to influence decision making as they have a large number of and a choice of representatives to vote for. However, although the Constitution gives you the right to vote, many Americans may feel disenfranchised. For example, in 2015, 53% of American’s did not vote for Donald Trump. Whilst some see the voting system to elect Trump as democratic, many would argue otherwise as the majority of voters did not get the president they voted for. To evaluate, citizens in the USA can influence decision making to a moderate extent.
Protesting
Another opportunity that citizens in the USA have to influence decision making is the right to protest. This right in enshrined in the first Amendment of the constitution and allows people to peacefully protest about an issue they feel strongly about. For example, in september 2020, after the killing of George Floyd, many people participated in BLM protests throughout the USA. This suggests that citizens can influence decision making as people can publicly air their grievances if they feel strongly about an issue such as racism. However, not all Americans will protest peacefully as there have been instances when protests have been used as a vehicle for violence. For example, riot police had to use tear gas to break up violent BLM protests in Minnaeapolis, New York and Washington D.C. This shows that many people do not respect their democratic right to protest. To evaluate citizens in the USA can influence decision making to a moderate extent.
Standing as a candidate
Another opportunity that citizens in the USA have to influence decision making is the right to stand as a candidate. This right is enshrined in the constitution and means you can run in an election. For example, anyone born in America can be elected to a variety of positions such as President, Congressman and state governor. This shows that it is possible for anyone of any colour or creed to be president such as Barack Obama in 2018. His election raised the profile of issues such as racism and tackling health care. However, the opportunity to have influence is limited as in some states you will be banned from voting if you commit a crime. For example, in Florida, many blacks were denied the vote because they held a prison sentence. Therefore, it could be argued that Al Gone would have gotten their votes and would have won Florida’s Electoral College votes and become the president instead of Bush. To evaluate citizens in the USA can influence decision making to a moderate extent.
Freedom of speech
Another opportunity that citizens in the USA have to influence decision making is the right to freedom of speech. This means that anyone can openly criticise the President over their policies on health, international relations and the economy in the hope they can influence decision makers. For example, President Obama was heavily criticised on Fox TV over Obamacare. This is important as you can find criticism of the leader in the hope that changes will be made. However, some people believe that this right can be abused. People have been accused of using insensitive or discriminatory language. For example, Reverend Phelps, minister of Westboro Baptist church was heavily criticised for his comments on gay rights. Whilst some see this as a positive, many others would argue that such comments are discriminatory and decision makers should have acknowledged this. To evaluate, citizens in the USA can influence decision making to a moderate extent.
