Final Exam Essay Question ✓ Solved

Final Exam Essay Questionon T

On the day of the final exam, I will draw the following institution 1. Congress You will be expected to write a detailed 5 paragraph essay making the argument that the chosen institution serves the American democracy well or fails to serve the American democracy well. You can choose which side of the argument to be on – but in either case, you will need to define the criteria for your judgment (what values are important in the American democracy) and go into detail for how that particular institution helps or hinders those values. Which ever side of the argument you decide to take, I expect your final paragraph to offer suggestions for how the institution can improve (nothing is perfect, even those things that work well). These suggestions should be well thought out and you should explain how they improve the ability of the institution to meet the values you are using as your criteria for a well functioning democracy.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The United States Congress plays a pivotal role in shaping the American democracy. As the directly elected legislative body, Congress is tasked with representing the diverse interests of the American people, crafting laws, and checking the executive branch. This essay evaluates whether Congress effectively upholds key democratic values such as representation, accountability, and responsiveness. I argue that while Congress has strengths in representing constituent interests, it also faces significant challenges that hinder the full realization of democratic ideals.

Congress and Democratic Values

Fundamental to a healthy democracy are representation and accountability. Congress's primary role is to serve as the voice of the people, reflecting the diverse opinions and needs of constituents across the nation. Through elections, members of Congress are held accountable to their voters. However, structural and procedural issues, such as gerrymandering and the influence of special interests, sometimes distort this ideal, compromising representation. The increasing polarization and partisan gridlock further diminish Congress's ability to respond swiftly to public needs, impacting responsiveness negatively.

Strengths of Congress in Serving Democracy

Despite these challenges, Congress embodies important democratic principles. The bicameral structure ensures regional and population-based representation through the House and Senate, respectively. This design provides a buffer against sudden shifts in public opinion and encourages deliberation. Additionally, congressional committees enable detailed scrutiny of legislation, promoting accountability and informed decision-making. Members frequently engage directly with their constituents through town halls and outreach efforts, which can enhance responsiveness if well managed.

Challenges and Failures of Congress

Nonetheless, Congress faces critical issues that hinder its effectiveness. Partisan conflicts often obstruct legislative progress and reduce Congress's capacity to serve the public interest. Lobbying and campaign finance influence further erode accountability, with lawmakers sometimes prioritizing the interests of donors over constituents. Moreover, the increasing use of filibusters and procedural hurdles can stall necessary policymaking, making Congress less responsive to public needs and undermining democratic efficiency.

Suggestions for Improvement

To enhance its democratic service, Congress should implement reforms aimed at reducing partisanship, increasing transparency, and promoting cross-party collaboration. Introducing stricter lobbying regulations and transparency measures would limit undue influence from special interests. Electoral reforms such as independent redistricting commissions could curb gerrymandering, making elections more fair and representative. Additionally, adopting measures like limiting filibusters or reforming procedural rules could facilitate smoother legislative processes, enabling Congress to better fulfill its role in promoting democratic values. Strengthening these aspects would improve Congress's capacity to serve as a true representative institution dedicated to the public good.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Congress remains a vital institution in the American democratic system. While it excels in certain areas like representation and deliberation, significant obstacles like polarization and undue influence hinder its effectiveness. By implementing targeted reforms, Congress can better uphold democratic values, ensuring it continues to serve the American democracy effectively and inclusively.

References

• Dowie, M. (2012). Congress and Democracy: Representation, Accountability, and Reform. Polity Press.
• Fenno, R. F. (2014). Home Style: House Members in Their Districts. Stanford University Press.
• Krehbiel, K. (2016). Party Discipline and Legislative Procedures. Cambridge University Press.
• Malbin, M. J. (2018). Money and Politics: Campaign Finance and Democracy. Routledge.
• Peter, S. & Tolbert, C. (2017). The Politics of Redistricting Reform. University of Illinois Press.
• Rohde, D. (2013). Partisan Polarization and the Way Forward. Yale University Press.
• Smith, R. (2015). Accountability and Electoral Integrity. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, T., & Wildavsky, A. (2013). Bureaucracy and Democracy. Transaction Publishers.
• Uslaner, E. (2016). The Impact of Campaign Finance on Democratic Representation. Routledge.
• Westen, P. (2015). Deliberation and Democracy. Cambridge University Press.