It May Not Work In Politics Due Week 10 And Worth 225 Points

It May Not Work In Politicsdue Week 10 And Worth 225 Poi

Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which the student addresses the following three (3) items using headers to separate each response: Congressional Ethics. Identify one (1) member of Congress who has been charged with ethics violations. Briefly discuss the reason for the charges and provide two (2) reasons why you agree or disagree with the verdict and any penalties. Provide examples to support your answer. Note: Consider how the verdict and penalties impacts your trust of the members of Congress.

Third Party Candidates. Discuss two (2) political reasons why a third party candidate has never been successful in winning a presidential election. Provide examples to support the answer. Note: Consider the political impact of the Republican and Democratic Party if a third party was successful.

Federal and State Authority. Identify one (1) current issue facing the United States today. Analyze the respective roles of Federal and state authorities in addressing the issue. Determine whether the U. S. Constitution constrains the Federal and state responses to the issue. Explain. In your research, you cannot use Wikipedia, online dictionaries, Sparknotes, Cliffnotes, or any other Website do that do not qualify as an academic resource. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of ethics in Congress, the challenges faced by third-party candidates, and the complexity of federal and state authority are fundamental components in understanding American political dynamics. This paper explores these themes by analyzing a recent ethics violation involving a U.S. congressmember, the historical difficulties faced by third-party presidential candidates, and a current issue that exemplifies federal and state roles in governance, all within the framework of constitutional constraints.

Congressional Ethics and Trust in Government

One notable case of ethical violations in Congress involves Representative Adam Schiff, who, although not formally charged with criminal ethics violations, has faced scrutiny regarding transparency and conduct. More prominently, former Representative Duncan Hunter was convicted in 2019 for misusing campaign funds. Hunter's charges involved allegations of diverting campaign funds for personal expenses, including family vacations and personal electronics. These incidents undermine public trust, raising questions about the integrity of elected officials and the effectiveness of ethics enforcement (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019).

Supporting the verdict and penalties against Hunter, my agreement stems from the importance of accountability for public officials. The legal consequences serve not only as punishment but also as deterrents to unethical conduct. Conversely, opponents argue that penalties may sometimes be disproportionate or politically motivated, which can erode trust further. However, consistent enforcement of ethics standards is essential to maintaining integrity in governance, as demonstrated in cases like Hunter's, where conviction and penalties reinforce the rule of law and the importance of ethical conduct (Light & Taras, 2020).

Challenges for Third Party Candidates in U.S. Presidential Elections

Historically, third-party candidates have struggled to succeed in U.S. presidential races due to two key political reasons. First, the 'winner-takes-all' electoral system incentivizes a two-party dominance, marginalizing third-party prospects. For example, in the 2000 election, Ralph Nader’s Green Party candidacy arguably impacted the outcome, illustrating how third parties can influence but not win elections (Kleinfeld, 2012). Second, the entrenched party system, coupled with control over debates, media coverage, and campaign infrastructure by the Republican and Democratic parties, creates high entry barriers for third-party candidates. An illustrative case is Ross Perot's 1992 bid, which gained significant attention but did not result in electoral victory, partially due to limited institutional support (Mason & Tranter, 2015).

The political impact of a successful third-party candidate would challenge the existing duopoly, potentially leading to electoral reforms. However, it could weaken the cohesion of the two dominant parties, enabling more diverse policy perspectives. Nonetheless, the entrenched partisan interests and institutional biases ensure that third-party success remains a significant hurdle, perpetuating the two-party system integral to American politics.

Federal and State Roles in Addressing Contemporary Issues

A current pressing issue in the United States is the response to climate change. Both federal and state governments play crucial roles in addressing environmental challenges. Federally, agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)制定 national policies and regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and enforcing environmental standards (EPA, 2021). At the state level, states like California implement ambitious policies, such as cap-and-trade programs and strict emissions standards, often exceeding federal requirements.

The U.S. Constitution delineates the powers of federal and state governments through the Tenth Amendment, which reserves to states all powers not delegated to the federal government. This constitutional framework constrains the extent of federal action and affirms states' rights to manage local environmental issues. Nonetheless, federal statutes preempt inconsistent state laws under the Supremacy Clause, creating a constitutional balance that shapes environmental policy responses (Oberstar, 2019). Therefore, both federal and state authorities operate within constitutional boundaries, which can either facilitate or restrict their response to climate change depending on the legal and political context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ethical conduct in Congress, barriers to third-party presidential candidates, and the regulatory roles of federal and state governments are interconnected facets of American politics. Upholding ethical standards is vital for public trust, while structural barriers sustain the two-party dominance. Simultaneously, constitutional principles frame governmental responses to major issues like climate change, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and informed approach to governance.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Climate change and air quality. https://www.epa.gov/climate-change
• Kleinfeld, R. (2012). Third-party politics and American democracy. Journal of Political Science, 56(2), 329-342.
• Light, P. C., & Taras, D. (2020). Ethics and accountability in Congress. Public Integrity, 22(4), 345-362.
• Mason, L., & Tranter, B. (2015). Challenging the duopoly: The rise of third parties in America. Political Studies Review, 13(3), 370-382.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2019). Duncan Hunter conviction. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/duncan-hunter-convicted-misusing-campaign-funds
• Oberstar, J. (2019). Constitutional constraints on environmental policy. Harvard Environmental Law Review, 43(1), 115-132.