Political Manifesto Essay Assignment 1 Due Date Per Course

Political Manifesto essay Assignment 1 due Date per Course Syllabus

Being able to articulate your own political ideology and substantiate your beliefs is the first step towards active civic engagement. In this assignment, you are required to articulate your political ideology as it aligns with institutionalized platforms and identify examples of your ideology in action. Think of this assignment as developing your case for support on what your political priorities are and why your party makes the most meaningful change in those areas, supported by evidence-based research. You must include your name and ID number in the upper left corner, adhere to a minimum of 1000 words, use MLA citations, and include a Work Cited page.

Paper For Above instruction

Your paper should begin with a clear introduction outlining the three main issues you care most about, your influential leader, and the social movement that exemplifies your political beliefs. Organize your essay into sections that address each issue, supported by research illustrating how your chosen political party supports solutions to these problems through policies and legislation. Incorporate transition sentences to smoothly connect sections. For each issue, identify the party’s stance, support your argument with evidence—such as specific laws or initiatives—and explain why this party aligns with your views.

In the leadership section, discuss the political, historical, literary, or artistic figure who most influenced your alignment with your party. Provide at least two paragraphs explaining their significance and how their beliefs or actions resonate with your ideology. Use examples like Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Jefferson, Maya Angelou, Ayn Rand, or President Obama, among others.

Next, in the social movement section, describe one grassroots movement that reflects your political beliefs in action. Explain how this movement embodies your party's principles and provides evidence of its grassroots nature. Include at least two paragraphs and support your discussion with specific examples such as Black Lives Matter, the Pro-Life movement, or the environmental movement.

The conclusion should succinctly summarize your three issues, the leader who influenced you, and the social movement that exemplifies your beliefs. Reinforce your personal political identity and leave the reader with a strong understanding of your ideological stance.

Beginning of Paper

In exploring my political ideology, I have identified three core issues that resonate deeply with my values and that shape my understanding of what effective policy should achieve. These issues are social equality, environmental sustainability, and economic justice. Each of these areas reflects my belief in a political system that promotes fairness, protects natural resources, and ensures economic opportunities for all. Alongside these issues, I am inspired by figures who champion these causes and social movements that illustrate grassroots activism, further reinforcing my commitment to active civic participation.

Issues

Issue 1: Social Equality

Social equality remains a fundamental concern for me, as I believe a just society must provide equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background. The Democratic Party, for example, advocates for policies aimed at reducing disparities through affirmative action, equal pay legislation, and anti-discrimination laws. One policy that exemplifies their commitment is the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama, which aims to combat wage discrimination (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2009). This legislation reflects the party’s prioritization of equity in the workplace, aligning with my value of fairness and equal treatment.

The party’s broader platform emphasizes expanding access to education, healthcare, and voting rights—all critical for fostering social mobility. The Affordable Care Act, for instance, extended healthcare coverage to millions, decreasing health disparities among marginalized communities (HealthCare.gov, 2010). These policies demonstrate the party’s dedication to creating a level playing field, supporting my belief that government action can and should address social inequalities effectively.

Issue 2: Environmental Sustainability

Protecting our environment is another priority, as climate change poses a threat to future generations and the planet’s health. The Democratic Party’s platform strongly supports renewable energy investments, emission reductions, and conservation efforts. The Clean Power Plan, introduced during the Obama administration, aimed to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, showcasing policy initiatives that promote sustainable energy (EPA, 2015). These initiatives reflect my commitment to environmental stewardship and the belief that government must play a proactive role in combating climate change.

Furthermore, the Green New Deal, though still debated, champions comprehensive action on climate issues, emphasizing job creation through renewable energy projects and infrastructure improvements. This aligns with my view that economic growth should be sustainable and environmentally conscious. By supporting policies that transition toward green energy, the party demonstrates a commitment to future generations’ well-being, reinforcing my stance on the importance of environmental responsibility.

Issue 3: Economic Justice

Economic justice, ensuring fair economic opportunities and tackling poverty, is central to my political beliefs. The Democratic platform advocates for increased minimum wages, expanded social safety nets, and progressive taxation. The Fight for $15 movement, which advocates for a $15 minimum wage, exemplifies grassroots activism aiming to reduce income inequality (Fight for $15, 2021). This movement aligns with my view that economic policies should prioritize upliftment of the marginalized and address systemic disparities.

Legislative efforts such as the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which temporarily increased benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate policies aimed at reducing poverty and supporting working families (Congressional Research Service, 2021). These initiatives exemplify how government action can promote economic fairness and provide tangible support to those in need, resonating with my core belief that economic justice should be a national priority.

Leadership

The leader who has most profoundly influenced my political outlook is President Barack Obama. His advocacy for social justice, healthcare reform, and environmental policies aligns with my core values. Obama’s emphasis on hope and change inspired me to see government as a tool for positive transformation. His efforts to pass the Affordable Care Act and advocate for climate initiatives highlight a pragmatic yet optimistic approach to policymaking (Obama, 2009). His leadership embodies the ideals of equity, sustainability, and citizenship, reinforcing my commitment to progressive change.

Moreover, Obama’s emphasis on community organizing and grassroots activism aligns with my belief in collective action. His ability to galvanize diverse coalitions demonstrates the importance of inclusive leadership and direct engagement in social movements, which I see as vital for meaningful political progress.

Social Movement

The social movement that best exemplifies my political beliefs is Black Lives Matter (BLM). This grassroots movement emerged in response to systemic racism and police brutality, advocating for racial justice and equality. BLM’s decentralized structure and direct action tactics illustrate the power of community-led activism to influence policy and public consciousness (Clayton, 2016). I support the movement’s focus on holding institutions accountable and pushing for reforms such as Body Cameras for police officers, abolishing qualified immunity, and investing in community-based alternatives to policing.

BLM embodies the spirit of grassroots activism, where ordinary citizens mobilize around shared principles to create significant societal change. Their efforts highlight how social movements can galvanize public support and push legislative and policy reforms that align with my core values of social justice and equality. The movement’s ability to bring attention to racial disparities and influence policy debates demonstrates the vital role of community activism in a functioning democracy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my political identity is shaped by a strong commitment to social equality, environmental sustainability, and economic justice. Supported by policies enacted by the Democratic Party, inspired by leaders like Barack Obama, and embodied in grassroots movements such as Black Lives Matter, my beliefs emphasize collective action, policy change, and civic engagement. Through understanding these issues and their representation in politics and social activism, I recognize the importance of active participation in shaping a just and equitable society.

References

  • Congressional Research Service. (2021). The Child Tax Credit: Recent Developments and Policy Options. CRS Report R46461.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2015). The Clean Power Plan. https://www.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan
  • Fight for $15. (2021). About the movement. https://fightfor15.org/about/
  • HealthCare.gov. (2010). The Affordable Care Act. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/
  • Obama, B. (2009). The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. Crown Publishing Group.
  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2009). Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. https://www.eeoc.gov/lilly-ledbetter-fair-pay-act
  • Clayton, J. (2016). From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation. Haymarket Books.
  • Additional scholarly articles and reputable sources to be included as necessary for comprehensive research.

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