Elite theory
The elite theory posits that the power, control and influence on government and corporations are vested on the minority. Indeed the American democracy is essentially a classical example of the elite theory. This is because of the lobbyists system of governance practiced in Washington. A perfect example of the rule of minority can be deduced on the Obamacare law that essentially gives insurances the opportunity to exploit the masses through the compulsory subscriptions as necessitated by the legislation. Thus far, no credible evidence can contradict the elite theory.
Charles Beard’s argument
The argument on property rights protection is attested by the fourth and fifth amendments that effectively cover the rights to the person. The Fourth Amendment essentially protects the person against arbitrary search and seizure of property, while the Fifth Amendment prohibits unreasonable confiscation of property. Indeed the problem in the provision should be seen in light of the attempts by the haves in society to secure their propitiatory rights against the law. The law should suffice for purposes of justice to all and not to the chosen few.
Origin of the right to privacy
The right to privacy originates from the constitutional provisions under the Bill of Rights that guarantees the right to privacy by the person. The spirit of the law as interpreted by the courts in Griswold v. Connecticut implies that the rights to privacy originated from the need to give life to the fourth amendment provisions. It should, therefore, be noted that privacy rights as such arise from the constitutional provisions in the fourth amendment.
Juvenile treatment
Juveniles who commit serious crimes ought to be treated as adults. This is because intent to commit crimes can be proved in some of the cases. Persons of the above ages eight have been proven to have the mental intent and reasoning in their actions. As such, the juveniles who have surpassed the age of eight ought to be held accountable and incur criminal liability similar to the liability incurred by their adult counterparts.
Participation in interest groups
The motivation for participation in interest groups includes economic gains and political mileage. If the participation would advance my political standing and increase my income in monetary value, then, I would consider joining the interest groups. Most people in interest groups are motivated by the economic and political gains they accrue in the interest groups. They influence public policy in their favor and ultimately improve their position in society.
Money in elections and candidates’ access to potential voters
Money essentially runs the elections. Campaigning involves activities running from attending campaign sessions, advertisements through the media, products and websites and intensive research on the electorate. All these activities translate to the incurrence of costs. It, therefore, requires a lot of money to run successful campaigns. Candidates access their potential voters through the campaign rallies, town hall meetings, media advertisements and social sites.
Constitutional restrictions on the effective operation of government
Constitutional provisions introduce bureaucracies and substantive procedures that the government ought to comply to in order to execute their policies. In some events, the restrictions impose the need to seek sanction from other institutions like Congress. This subjects the execution of government policies to political fates. In the events of partisan politics, the policies fail hence the inefficiency of government.
Difference between single member district election and at large system
The single member district election involves the election of only one office holder from a pool of candidates; however, the at large system involves the election of more than one officeholder from the pool of candidates. In the latter case, the candidates with the most number of votes are declared the winners. Minority groups believe the at large system discriminates them. This is because the system essentially settles for the majority candidates in the pool of candidates. It would effectively eliminate the minority.
Works Cited
Schmidt, Steffen W, Mack C Shelley and Barbara A Bardes. American Government and Politics Today, 2010-2011. New York: Cengage Learning, 2010.
Wilson, James Q and John J Diiulio. American Government:Institutions and Policies. New York: Cengage Learning, 2012.
