Final Exam Essay Question: The Day Of The Final Exam I Will

Final Exam Essay Questionon The Day Of The Final Exam I Will Draw One

Final exam essay question: On the day of the final exam, I will draw one of the following three institutions: 1. Congress 2. Presidency (including bureaucracy/executive branch) 3. Judiciary. You will be expected to write a detailed 5-paragraph essay arguing that the chosen institution serves or fails to serve American democracy well. You can choose which side to argue, but you must define the criteria for your judgment—what values are important in American democracy—and detail how the institution helps or hinders those values. Your final paragraph should include suggestions for how the institution can improve, explaining how these improvements would enhance its ability to meet the democratic values you identified.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

American democracy is built on core principles such as representation, accountability, rule of law, and the protection of individual rights. These principles serve as criteria by which to evaluate whether its institutions function effectively. The three primary institutions—Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary—each play distinct roles in balancing power and upholding democratic values. This essay examines whether the chosen institution—either Congress, the Presidency, or the Judiciary—serves or fails to serve American democracy, based on how well it promotes transparency, accountability, representation, and protecting civil liberties.

Evaluation of the Institution (Body Paragraph 1)

If I argue that Congress serves American democracy well, I emphasize its unique role as a representative body. Congress embodies the will of the people by allowing elected representatives to voice constituents' interests, thus supporting democratic ideals of participation and accountability. Its structure, with separate chambers and mechanisms like committees and debates, enhances transparency and deliberation. However, criticisms include partisan gridlock and influence by special interest groups, which can hinder effective representatives from serving the public and diminish trust in the institution. Despite imperfections, Congress’s role in representing diverse views is crucial for democratic legitimacy.

Evaluation of the Institution (Body Paragraph 2)

Alternatively, considering the Presidency, its significance lies in providing executive leadership and swift decision-making, especially vital in crises. The President’s ability to execute laws and serve as a national leader supports democratic stability and federal efficiency. Nonetheless, concerns arise when executive power exceeds constitutional limits, threatening checks and balances—particularly with executive orders that circumvent Congress. The growth of the bureaucracy under the presidency can also distance the process from direct democratic oversight. While effective in leadership, the Presidency requires careful checks to prevent overreach, which can undermine the democratic process.

Evaluation of the Institution (Body Paragraph 3)

The Judiciary’s strength lies in its independence and role as the guardian of the Constitution. Courts uphold the rule of law and protect individual rights against government overreach, aligning with core democratic values. Landmark rulings have expanded civil liberties and maintained constitutional balance. Critics argue that judicial review can be undemocratic since courts are unelected, and political biases can influence decisions. Nevertheless, the judiciary’s impartiality in safeguarding constitutional principles is vital to prevent tyranny of the majority and ensure rights are upheld, an essential feature of a healthy democracy.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While each institution contributes uniquely to American democracy, improvements are necessary. Congress could enhance transparency through reforms that curb influence of lobbying and increase constituent engagement, ensuring more representative legislation. The Presidency should strengthen checks by legislative oversight and limit use of executive orders that bypass Congress. The Judiciary requires ongoing efforts to maintain judicial independence free from political pressure, possibly through reforms in appointment processes. These improvements would bolster each institution’s capacity to uphold democratic values—representation, accountability, rule of law, and protections of rights—ensuring the health and resilience of American democracy in the future.

References

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