Question 1
Since time immemorial the political arena of the United States has been pre-dominated by two major political parties, namely the Republicans and the Democrats. The two parties share almost equal political powers in the country. Usually, a democratic country is expected to have more than two parties, but America has a two part system mainly because of plurality voting.
In the nation, a candidate wins the presidential elections only if they have more votes than any other participant. Therefore parties strive to be as large as they can, smoothing over disparities between voters and candidates. There is no point in forming a party that despite getting votes it does not win the election. The domination of the plurality electoral system by just two political parties makes the survival of minor third parties difficult. Despite there being no restrictions to forming a third party the plurality system has been a hindrance to them winning votes.
Additionally contrary to America other countries have multiple member districts which allow minor parties to triumph as they are guaranteed winning more member posts in the Senate. However, as for America it having a single-member district makes no room for second runners-up, and this restricts other parties from existing.
Question 2
The number of how many people participate in a democratic process is measured by the percentage of registered voters who voted. Unfortunately, the United States has been affirmed to have the lowest voters’ turnout in comparison to other nations like Holland, Italy and Belgium. One of the possible reasons for this might be the lack of convenience in the registration process of voters. Citizens are forced to go through various stages before the Election Day, and registration is given a certain time limit. This system is complicated than it is in other nations and it discourages some American citizens from voting.
Additionally, the time consumed during voting has discouraged most eligible voter from voting. They cannot be patient enough to queue for hours so just they can exercise their democratic rights. Based on a particular research conducted it was found that most American’s are too busy with their daily activities to the extent that voting to them is a waste of time to them. The United state comprises of people from diversified races, backgrounds, culture and religion this has also attributed to the quite lower number of its population participating in elections.
With diversity, people are likely to have different opinions and most likely some might feel as though their views are minimal and countless. With such mentality, they see no point in participating in the voting process. On the other hand in countries such as Italy, Netherlands and Belgium their citizens come from almost the same heritage and a result each and every one considers their say in any election as important as that of the next guy.
Unless America eliminates the inconveniences associated with registration and voting the voters’ turnover will not be increased. Initiating electronic voting and enhancing absentee voting such as through the mail can come in handy to resolve this issue. Younger voters are also most likely to be enticed to vote if an electronic voting system is introduced.
Question 3
After World War II, the United States has been helping shape the future of both organizations and the course of the world’s economy. The nation’s foreign policy has been defending common interests and constitutional systems of the American people and nations affiliated to it. America has thus been into maintaining peaceful relations with other nations and protecting the freedom of its commerce.
The United States is currently the strongest super power country in the world. It has a military arm that well based on land, sea and the air. However, instead of using this to colonize and manipulate other weak countries in the world, it has used this superiority to help maintain peace across the globe. For instance, America sent it troop to the Middle East to restore order aiming at protecting the oil production industry. If such actions were not taken the whole world’s economy would have been jeopardized since oil is such a valuable commodity for most nations.
Moreover, the United States has been on the front line fighting terrorism. It has come up with strategies to combat terror attacks and maintain the security of the workforce in America. This has helped in the maintenance of the nation’s economic stability which is good news for the other countries in the world that rely on America. Whenever there has been any catastrophic terror attack by terrorists in other nations, America is always ready to work together with the nations in eliminating such threats.
The chances are that America will continue to be supportive in shaping the world’s order as it has all the resources necessary. Also, the work it has been doing so far is acknowledged and highly appreciated. With the respect, the nation has been able to gain through the years it will certainly not quit helping them.
Question 4
The America Republic is faced with many challenges some of which can be dealt with will others are almost impossible. Some of the problems the nation faces are as a result of the widening disparity between the wealthy and the have-nots. America has rarely ever been threatened by the impact of inequality of such magnitude. The economic and social disproportion is the root of the rising crime rates in the country.
However, recently the challenge of racism has been on its rise. It has reached a level where African-American parents have to prepare their young children how to deal and live with all forms of racism. This begins with hyper-disciplining in schools to hyper-policing by the judiciary system. Racism hinders a collective contribution of Americans, and this is a critical element for a country’s success and development. If a group of individuals are denied the privilege of having some education, they will not be at a point to contribute to the society economically, technologically and socially. In short, all that this denial of quality education to certain people because of their race does is impede the economic progress of U.S.
