The founding fathers built America on the foundation of a true democracy. One of democracy's main principles is a representative governments in which -all- of its people are equally embodied. However, Americas government is majorly comprised of those who do not accurately exhibit the true diversity of American society. Furthermore, Americas democracy is built on the concept of “of the people, by the people, for the people”:but, the government has shown a lack of interest in public opinion. This is most likely why the current approval of Americas representative democracy is a mere 18% ( ). This low rate displays America's discontent with its public officials, how they are portrayed, the party system , and how the government treats the publics
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Public opinion is meant to ensure the voices and ideas of the citizens are heard, that their needs are met, and are served justly.”As a normative force it nurtures integration and stability. As a mechanism of aggregate foresight it paves the way to social and political change.”(Shamir). Public opinion provides the means for the government to shape executive decisions . In order for the government to determine controversial topics importance to the public they must measure public opinion on a topic. Yet, often enough public opinion polls has little to no effect on legislature (Alam). Additionally, media outlets often manipulate their polls in order to gain information that better supports their bias. In order to shape the agenda of the nation.
Congress members are elected in order to represent their constituents in Washington DC. However, it does not accurately reflect the diversity of America's demographics. Majority of government officials are white, male, rich, old, and educated. While “they make up 75 percent of the House and 79 percent of the Senate, this only represents 37 percent of all Americans. Also women, who make up 50.8 percent of the population only represent 17 percent of the Congress (Eaves).” Similar statistics also apply to other branches of the government such as past presidents and supreme court
Public opinion is meant to ensure the voices and ideas of the citizens are heard, that their needs are met, and are served justly.”As a normative force it nurtures integration and stability. As a mechanism of aggregate foresight it paves the way to social and political change.”(Shamir). Public opinion provides the means for the government to shape executive decisions . In order for the government to determine controversial topics importance to the public they must measure public opinion on a topic. Yet, often enough public opinion polls has little to no effect on legislature (Alam). Additionally, media outlets often manipulate their polls in order to gain information that better supports their bias. In order to shape the agenda of the nation.
Congress members are elected in order to represent their constituents in Washington DC. However, it does not accurately reflect the diversity of America's demographics. Majority of government officials are white, male, rich, old, and educated. While “they make up 75 percent of the House and 79 percent of the Senate, this only represents 37 percent of all Americans. Also women, who make up 50.8 percent of the population only represent 17 percent of the Congress (Eaves).” Similar statistics also apply to other branches of the government such as past presidents and supreme court