There are many facts about American Government and California Government Politics I learnt from this class. For example, United States of America functions under the federal government. This has been the situation from the declaration of independence and ever since is managed as a republic of fifty states. There are also and number of territories, but one capital found in Washington DC. This basically constitutes American government (Grigsby, 2008).
In addition there are three separate branches or arms to United States federal government. They are executive, legislative and judicial. Their powers to function as arms of government have been invested by the government itself commonly referred to as U.S. Constitution within the Congress structure. These branches function supportively by federal courts, president and the Supreme Court sanctions. Acts of congress defines the powers along with duties of legislative, executive and judicial arms of government. The supreme courts within U.S government structure are superior to the executive arm of the government (Grigsby, 2008).
Importantly, I learnt that according to the American constitution congress has peculiar powers. These powers are outlines in Article 1 section 8 of the constitution. They specifically relate to taxation polices and money legislature. Congress has been given powers to levy taxes and collect taxes, make coin money and add value to it. It is also vested with responsibility of prosecuting counterfeit money offenses. Apart from these financial regulation processes congress has responsibility for designing the post office system; issuing patents; establishing road polices; address piracy and felony; declare war; recruit and maintain armies; establish federal courts below Supreme Court level; provide ammunition for militia forces; legislating land possessing policies; dispense exclusive political administration (Grigsby, 2008).
With reference to California politics the government unlike other states in America is has a unique structure designed by the California Constitution. As in the American government structure it consists of three arms namely the executive meaning the Governor of California along with elected and constitutionally appointed officials. There is also a legislative aspect containing the California State Legislature, inclusive of the Assembly and Senate (Lawrence, 2012).
The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court and all other lower courts within the state of California. A local government structure exists, which embodies cities, counties, political and districts along. Other governmental entities function independently, but according to constitutional provisions offering statutory and common law sanctions. Importantly, the government operates through a democratic process allowing citizens opportunities in the decision making process through conduct of elections referendums and ratifications (Lawrence, 2012).
How are American Government Politics and California Government Politics related to your life?
Politics of any state or country relate to the life of citizens with regards to their quality of life he/she enjoys in the society. Since there are three distinct arms of govern ment in both American and California political structures it is clear that the executive branch predicts how a person functions within that society. This branch executes polices while the judicial imposes penalties by carrying out decision made at both executive and legislative arms. As a citizen when I violate laws, for example, traffic laws a fine is instituted through tickets system. If that ticket is not paid then my driver’s license is taken way through suspension. When I do not adhere to the license suspension and am caught driving a jail sentence is inflected on me.
More importantly, if I comply with all rules and do not violate any laws my life is still at the mercy of government decisions whether it is the American or California. The government decides to a great extent the schools I can attend based on my pre-requisite qualifications. Also when I qualify from school and begin looking for a job; the state of the economy determines my wage and whether I will get a employment compatible with my graduating credentials. Then wqhe I go to the supermarket to buy food here again the prices I pay greatly depends on those set by an arm of the government stipulating the cost of goods and services. Governments could also dictate what food is accessible for purchase due to bans on certain items.
In reality my whole life is pawned to a political system/government of the day. Just take a look at health care in America. If I do not have health insurance the lowest level of health care is received because that is how managed care is rationed. Essentially, I pay taxes as everyone does, but unfortunately due to financial constraints cannot afford health insurance. So I will die if I can pay for my health care and quickly transferred into hospice for end of life care. As such, I would be no burden to the health care system or the social welfare services of the state or country. Yes this is just a glimpse of how American Government Politics and California Government Politics are related to your life.
What issues are happening?
Issues that have been in the forefront for some time now relate mainly to health care and immigration. Health care in America is a catastrophe. With the affordable care act promises of better access to health care still many Americans will not access quality health care at the national level because manage care dictates who get what. If a citizen happens to be receiving Medicare or Medicaid these government aided health care ventures seldom cover a variety of long term health care dysfunctions deemed pre-conditions. Therefore, the affordable care act is just a promise and not a deliverance from poor quality health care for America’s minorities.
Immigration has been a political propaganda for decades. Undocumented Immigrants are accused of not paying taxes; raising the crime rates and causing legal American citizen to suffer. Then, why the government does not allocate some money towards finding these undocumented people; deport them back to their countries and get them out of America. All those who are delayed trials at Chrome put them on a boat and deport these people out of the country. Thereafter, there would be no wasteful talk of securing borders for over five years and nothing profound on immigration except for foolish talk.
No, undocumented immigrants are functional in the American society and California. Nicole Goodkind (2013) reported comprehensive immigration reform would cost America because undocumented immigrants form an estimated 5.2% of America’s labor force. They receive no tax benefits neither are expected to receive social security once their undocumented status is maintained. Besides, tit was reported that in 2010 these illegal immigrants who take away jobs from American citizens paid $15 billion to Social Security. This action was taken by their employers who had no intention of defrauding the US government. In 2010 illegal workers were paid just $1 billion of the 15 million contribution made by them. As such, health care or immigration will never be resolved since they are functional within the political system. They are both big businesses (Goodkind, 2013).
How are issues related to American Government Politics and California Government Politics?
These issues are related to American Government and California Government Politics because they have to make laws to address health care and immigration that would helpm the country function better even those inequities are created in the process.
What did you learn about advocacy? How to conduct it?
I learnt that advocacy part of the political process. It is instituted by an individual or groups. The individual along with groups must be influential. The focus is towards policy change through representation of people who have no voice in government such an undocumented immigrants and the uninsured in America. Advocacy involves engaging in activities such as public speaking; publishing research; campaigns; filing amicus briefs. Ultimately it is making a direct approach to legislators.
.What in particular about learning American Government Politics and California Government Politics aided in your learning about the subject matter?
It helped me interpret how my entire life is a piece of political manifestation. Everything I do as an individual within my society is programs by government.
How could American Government Politics be improved to maximize your learning/enjoyment of the course and the subject matter?
Perhaps, students could engage in more debates/research pertaining to current unresolved political issues such as health care, immigration and deployment of military forces. Also if a visit could be arranged to the White House when debates are being conducted; students would get a first-hand impression of the guile politicians use to misinform the people.
How do you think you did in the class? What support can you give to your belief?
I think I did great because many issues concerning immigration, border security, and health care were confusing to me. I was able to express my views on government/politicians and realize that even though there is freedom of speech in America/California limits exist.
How will you/how could you begin to put what you learned into action from American Government and Politics?
Works cited
Lawrence, David. California: The Politics of Diversity. Wadsworth. 2012. Print
Goodkind, Nicole. Immigration Reform Could Cost Social Security Billions. Yahoo news
2013.Print.
Grigsby, Ellen. Analyzing Politics: An Introduction to Political Science. Cengage
Learning.2008. Print.
