Please Read The Following Post And Response For Information

Please Read The Following Post And Response Add Information Or Comment

The Constitution is basically a draft of a new federal government. When the US Constitution was written in 1787, civil liberties, including those eventually consecrated in the Bill of Rights, were not included (Cobb, 2020). It describes the three branches' rights and their responsibilities. Our country can’t operate without a schematic of the Constitution.

We need a constitution. Not only does nearly every country have a constitution, but most businesses, organizations, and clubs have some constitution or document organizing the entity (Cobb, 2020). However, the constitution is vague on many things; in fact, each member of Congress will serve only one six-year term. A limited serve of Congress could encourage their focus on the public good and reduce entrenchment. Different leaders could regularly bring fresh perspectives, holding officials accountable and making them more responsive to citizens’ needs.

The single six-year term has received renewed attention in recent years because of widespread bipartisan concern that, under the two-term system, re-election pressures hinder the management of long-term national problems (NYTimes, 1985). Nonetheless, having a limited-service in Congress may have benefits; it would remind politicians of their limited time in office, potentially encouraging them to prioritize constituents' needs over political games. Prolonged tenures with the same officeholders can lead to stagnation and policy gridlock, impairing effective governance (Cain et al., 2018). Additionally, frequent turnover could foster innovation and responsiveness within Congress, aligning policies more closely with current societal needs.

Regarding the wealth disparities among Congress members, about 1 percent of all Americans are millionaires, but roughly 46 percent of those serving in Congress have a net worth of $1 million or more (U.S. News, 2011). While wealth is not inherently problematic, it becomes concerning when those setting tax policies and economic regulations are markedly wealthier than the general population, which often struggles with basic financial stability. Such disparities can lead to legislation that favors the affluent, neglecting the needs of lower-income citizens, thereby perpetuating economic inequality (Bartels, 2016). Addressing this disconnect requires reforms that promote financial transparency and reduce undue influence of wealth in political decision-making.

Paper For Above instruction

The structure and function of the U.S. Constitution are fundamental to understanding American governance, yet its original scope excluded the explicit safeguarding of civil liberties. The inclusion of civil rights through amendments such as the Bill of Rights was a pivotal development that addressed initial omissions and reflected evolving societal values (Cobb, 2020). A constitution acts as a blueprint for the organization and operation of government, establishing a framework that delineates power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and ensures accountability and the rule of law.

The importance of a clear and effective constitution extends beyond government; most organizations and entities rely on foundational documents that set out their principles and operational procedures. Given the complexity of modern governance, the potential for reform—such as limiting congressional terms—has become a topic of dialogue. A six-year term limit for Congress members could mitigate issues like entrenched power and lobbying influence, fostering greater accountability and responsiveness (Cain et al., 2018). Historically, long tenures have contributed to legislative stagnation and reduced responsiveness to changing constituents’ needs, which underscores the potential value of regular turnover in legislative bodies.

Additionally, the wealth disparity among members of Congress raises concerns about representation and influence. Studies indicate that nearly half of Congress members are millionaires, a stark contrast to the economic realities faced by many Americans (U.S. News, 2011). This wealth gap could skew policy decisions toward the interests of the affluent, ultimately exacerbating economic inequality. Such disparities may erode public trust and legitimacy, emphasizing the need for reforms that enhance transparency and limit undue influence rooted in wealth. Effective governance depends on a legislature that truly represents and responds to the diverse socioeconomic backgrounds of the populace.

In conclusion, ongoing reforms to the constitutional structure—such as limiting congressional terms and addressing wealth disparities—are essential for a more equitable and responsive government. As society continues to evolve, so too must the mechanisms that ensure fair representation and effective policymaking, thereby strengthening the democratic foundation of the United States.

References

  • Bartels, L. M. (2016). Democracy for sale: Money, politics, and the future of American democracy. Oxford University Press.
  • Cain, B. E., Ferejohn, J., & Fiorina, M. P. (2018). The American electorate: The nature of voter choice. Pearson.
  • Cobb, W. N. (2020). Political science today (1st ed.). Sage, CQ Press.
  • National Times. (1985). Re-elections hinder long-term policy planning. New York Times.
  • U.S. News & World Report. (2011). The wealth gap among Congress members. U.S. News & World Report.