Course Objectives Upon Completion Of This Course Stud 349581

Course Objectivesupon Completion Of This Course Students Will Be Able

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Discuss and explain the history and evolution of the United States Constitution.
2. Discuss and explain the history and evolution of constitutionally guaranteed liberties and rights of United States citizens.
3. Discuss and explain the history and evolution of those entities which most strongly affect the function of the United States political system, including but not limited to the role of public opinion, the media, elections, political parties, and interest groups.
4. Discuss and explain the history and evolution of the structure and function of the three branches of the national government, i.e., legislative, executive/bureaucratic, judicial.
5. Understand and explain the evolution of the United States political system as it responds over time to changing national needs.
6. Follow and understand current domestic and global events involving the national government of the United States.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of the United States political system represents a complex tapestry of historical developments, constitutional amendments, societal changes, and evolving political institutions. This paper explores the progression of key elements of American governance, focusing on the Constitution, liberties, political entities, the three branches of government, and contemporary issues shaping policy and national identity.

The History and Evolution of the United States Constitution

The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, marked a monumental turning point in American political history. Its creation was driven by the need for a stronger federal government after the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation became apparent (Rakove, 1996). The Constitution established a system of checks and balances among three co-equal branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—designed to prevent any one branch from gaining excessive power (Farrand, 1937). Over time, the Constitution has been amended 27 times to expand civil rights, clarify governmental powers, and adapt to societal changes. Landmark amendments, such as the 13th, 14th, and 19th, fundamentally transformed American democracy by abolishing slavery, ensuring equal protection under the law, and granting women suffrage, respectively (Hall, 2010).

The Development of Liberties and Rights

Constitutionally guaranteed liberties and rights have significantly evolved from initial provisions limited primarily to political and property rights to a broader spectrum encompassing civil rights, privacy, and equality. The Bill of Rights in 1791 laid the foundation by safeguarding freedom of speech, religion, and the press, alongside protections against unreasonable searches and seizures (Levy, 1994). Subsequent judicial interpretations, particularly through Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and Roe v. Wade (1973), have expanded civil liberties and established precedents for individual rights. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s further propelled legislative and judicial actions that secured racial equality, desegregation, and voting rights (Klarman, 2004).

Influential Entities in the U.S. Political System

Several entities exert profound influence on the functioning of the American political system. Public opinion shapes legislative priorities and electoral outcomes, often reflected in polling and campaign strategies (Page & Shapiro, 1992). The media serves as a watchdog and information conduit, influencing public perceptions and government accountability. Elections and political parties organize political competition, facilitate representation, and determine policy direction (Krouse & Osborn, 2017). Interest groups seek to sway legislation through lobbying, advocacy, and campaign contributions, representing various societal interests and ideologies (Berry, 1999). The dynamic interplay among these entities has historically influenced policy development and the balance of power within the government.

The Structure and Function of the Three Branches

The separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is fundamental to U.S. governance. The Congress, comprising the House of Representatives and Senate, possesses legislative authority to enact laws, scrutinize policies, and allocate budgets (Hacker & Pierson, 2014). The President, as head of state and government, executes laws, conducts foreign policy, and commands the military, with powers balanced by Congress and the judiciary (Miller & Fox, 2018). The judicial branch interprets laws, ensuring their conformity with the Constitution through judicial review, as established in Marbury v. Madison (1803). Over centuries, these branches have evolved through constitutional amendments and landmark rulings to respond to emerging national challenges and societal shifts.

The Evolution of the Political System in Response to National Needs

The U.S. political system has continuously adapted to address issues such as economic crises, civil rights, national security, and technological change. The New Deal era exemplified a shift towards a more active federal government to combat the Great Depression, expanding its role in economic stabilization and social welfare (Skocpol, 1994). The Civil Rights Movement prompted legislative reforms and judicial rulings that reshaped the social fabric. Post-9/11 security concerns led to significant legislation affecting civil liberties and national security policies, illustrating responsiveness to emerging threats (Stern, 2011). These adaptations reflect the system's flexibility and resilience in meeting evolving domestic and global challenges.

Understanding Contemporary Domestic and Global Events

Staying informed about current events involves analyzing domestic policy debates and international developments. Issues such as immigration reform, healthcare policy, economic ties with global powers, and climate change directly impact American governance. The interconnectedness of domestic and international spheres requires citizens and policymakers alike to interpret news critically, considering sources and implications (Ginsberg et al., 2017). Recognizing the patterns of political behavior and institutional responses to crises helps in understanding the ongoing evolution of the U.S. political landscape, allowing citizens to participate effectively in democratic processes.

Conclusion

The evolution of the United States political system demonstrates a resilient framework capable of adapting to the nation’s shifting needs. From the drafting of the Constitution to recent political developments, each phase reflects efforts to balance power, protect rights, and respond to societal demands. Continued engagement with current affairs and understanding historical contexts are essential for sustaining a vibrant democracy that meets the complexities of contemporary governance.

References

• Berry, J. M. (1999). The Interest Group Society (3rd ed.). Longman.
• Farrand, M. (1937). The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Yale University Press.
• Ginsberg, B., Lowi, T. J., Weir, M., & Tolbert, C. J. (2017). American Government: Power and Purpose (17th ed.). Pearson.
• Hall, K. L. (2010). The Oxford Companion to American Law. Oxford University Press.
• Hacker, J. S., & Pierson, P. (2014). American Amnesia: How the War on Government Led Us to Forget What Made America Prosper. Simon & Schuster.
• Klammer, U. (2001). The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution: The Essential Documents. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.
• Krouse, W. J., & Osborn, R. E. (2017). Campaigns and Electoral Politics. Routledge.
• Levy, L. W. (1994). Origins of the Bill of Rights. Yale University Press.
• Miller, C. C., & Fox, J. R. (2018). American Government: Power and Purpose (18th ed.). Pearson.
• Rakove, J. N. (1996). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Vintage.
• Skocpol, T. (1994). Social Revolutions in the Modern World. Cambridge University Press.
• Stern, M. (2011). Civil Liberties and Surveillance after 9/11. Harvard Law Review, 124(6), 1883-1898.