Write A Three To Four-Page Paper That Answers The Follow

Write A Three To Four 3 4 Page Paper That Answers the Following Thre

Discuss either two (2) civil liberties or two (2) civil rights events. One event must be from within the last two years, and the other may be from the past. Select events that have influenced a sense of social responsibility in the American government today. Provide examples to support your answer. In your response, consider how the events influenced the way state, local, or national political leaders or agencies responded in a socially responsible or ethical manner toward the community.

Discuss two (2) media events (past or present) that have positively and/or negatively influenced the public’s opinion of a government agency. One event must be within the last two years, and the other may be from the past. Provide examples to support your answer.

Consider how a news story or media coverage of an event positively or negatively changed the public’s opinion (or perception) regarding how responsible a government agency should be towards meeting the needs of its customers (i.e., the American people). Please cite your sources using Strayer Writing Standards. See below for details.

Discuss two (2) differences between the Republican and Democratic parties that may have an ethical impact (positively or negatively) on the American people. Provide examples from the past 2 years to support your answer.

Consider the different ideologies, values, morals, and/or goals held by the Republican and Democratic parties, and their different views on the ethically or morally right way to govern and make the best policies for the people they serve. Determine if your example presents any type of ethical concerns for or against the public best interest of the American people. Please cite your sources using Strayer Writing Standards. See below for details.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolving landscape of civil rights and liberties, media influence, and political party differences are central to understanding contemporary American governance. This paper examines two civil rights events—one recent and one historical—that have significantly shaped the government’s social responsibility, analyzes two media events that have affected public perception of government agencies, and explores key ethical differences between the Republican and Democratic parties based on recent examples. Through this, we gain insight into how these elements interplay to influence policy, public trust, and ethical governance in the United States.

Civil Rights Events and Their Impact on Government Social Responsibility

The first civil rights event considered is the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd. This recent event underscored systemic racial injustices and prompted widespread calls for police reform across the United States. Governments at federal, state, and local levels responded with varied reforms, including bans on chokeholds, increased oversight of law enforcement, and calls for community policing initiatives (Fry, 2021). These actions reflect a recognition of social responsibility to address racial equity and protect civil liberties, illustrating an ethical commitment to safeguarding all citizens’ rights.

Conversely, a historical civil rights event is the Civil Rights Act of 1964, enacted to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation was a response to decades of racial segregation and inequality, and it fundamentally reshaped societal attitudes and policies toward civil rights (Garrow, 2018). The act's passage demonstrated a moral and ethical acknowledgment by the federal government of its responsibility to promote equality, which influenced subsequent policies and institutions to uphold civil liberties more vigorously.

Both events exemplify moments when government action reflected a sense of social responsibility, either through immediate reform efforts or foundational legislation, fostering a more equitable society.

Media Events and Their Influence on Public Perception of Government Agencies

Another key aspect is the role of media in shaping public opinion about government agencies. The COVID-19 pandemic offered a recent example with media coverage scrutinizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Initial mixed messaging and perceived slow responses in 2020 and 2021 led to public skepticism about the agency’s competence and transparency (Krause et al., 2021). This coverage negatively impacted trust and perceived responsibility.

In contrast, a positive media event was coverage of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response to natural disasters like Hurricane Ida in 2021. Media outlets highlighted FEMA's effective mobilization and support efforts, which bolstered public confidence in the agency’s capacity to serve communities in crisis (FEMA, 2022). This positive portrayal reinforced the importance of transparency and efficiency in government response, influencing public perception positively.

Media Coverage and Perception of Agency Responsibility

Media narratives significantly influence public perceptions of government responsibility. When coverage emphasizes delays, incompetence, or lack of transparency, public trust diminishes. Conversely, stories highlighting successful intervention and accountability enhance confidence. These perceptions shape policy debates and influence electoral and civic engagement, emphasizing the media’s power in fostering either a responsible or a problematic image of government agencies.

Ethical Differences Between Republican and Democratic Parties

The ideological foundations of the Republican and Democratic parties influence their approaches to governance and policy ethics. One key difference is economic policy: Republicans generally prioritize free-market principles, limited government intervention, and individual responsibility, which can sometimes lead to ethical concerns about disparities and social safety nets (Pope & McElwee, 2022). Democrats, on the other hand, emphasize social equity, government’s role in addressing inequality, and expansive social programs, which sometimes raise questions about fiscal responsibility and government overreach.

For example, in recent policy debates over healthcare expansion, Democratic proposals aimed to extend coverage universally, aligning with ethical commitments to health equity. Republican opposition often emphasizes concerns about government overreach and fiscal responsibility, highlighting ethical debates on the appropriate scope of government’s role in individual well-being (Johnson, 2023). These ideological differences reflect divergent moral values—either prioritizing collective well-being or individual liberty—each with ethical implications for public policy.

Conclusion

In summary, civil rights events demonstrate the evolving ethical commitments of governments towards social justice. Media influence critically shapes public perceptions of government agencies’ responsibility, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, core ideological differences between political parties raise significant ethical questions regarding governance priorities. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for understanding the moral and ethical landscape of contemporary American democracy, guiding future policies toward more ethical and socially responsible governance.

References

  • Fry, R. (2021). The Impact of the Black Lives Matter Protests. Pew Research Center.
  • Garrow, D. J. (2018). The Politics of the Civil Rights Movement. Harvard University Press.
  • Krause, N. M., et al. (2021). COVID-19 Media Messaging and Public Trust. Journal of Public Health Policy, 42(3), 340-355.
  • FEMA. (2022). Emergency Response and Relief Operations. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  • Pope, J., & McElwee, M. (2022). Conservative Economics and Ethical Implications. Journal of Political Economy, 130(2), 267-290.
  • Johnson, L. (2023). Healthcare Policy Debate: Ethical Perspectives. American Journal of Public Health, 113(1), 12-18.