Democracy, in which our Founding Fathers proudly introduced as the foundation of our government, is constantly protected and expanded (or at least attempted) by our Presidents. For example, during the Cold War when communism threatened democratic ideology, the U.S. responded with a “containment” policy to protect democratic peace. Recently, however, the same ideology that our generations of leaders sought to protect, is going through a slow but steady decline, with low voter turnouts and distrust in politicians as evident as ever. Tocqueville once praised American democracy for successfully creating organizations that allow citizens to participate equally in the government, however, we can see from recent years that organizations are criticized
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Due to the inflexibility of registration, many citizens were discouraged or even unable to cast a ballot despite their want to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens. As Thorson discussed, some states, like South Carolina, require citizens to register one month before the election. However, studies have shown that interest to vote peak on election day because of more media coverage as candidates (Thorson). If every state allowed voters to register up until Election Day in 2012, it is predicted that there would be an additional 3 million ballots (Thorson). And since election day happens on a Tuesday, the working class could not have possibly taken a day off just to vote, resulting an even lower voter turnout and undermining our democratic ideals. The voting registration process was established hundreds of years ago, but the same rules do not apply to modern day …show more content…
Black Lives Matter movement and gay marriage movement, although supported by liberals, many conservatives chose to denounce and reject the establishment of such associations. For example, when a federal judge ruled in Obergefell’s favor, a Republican state lawmaker even called for the judge’s impeachment (Rosenwald). In terms of the Black Lives Matter movement, what inspired the establishment of such movement is the inequality and discriminations that African-Americans face every day (Carpentier). What is more undemocratic than not treating everyone as equals? The Declaration of Independence stated that “every man [and woman] is created equal,” but dehumanizing African-Americans (Michael Brown), and suppressing gay rights, have proven otherwise. In the ACT UP documentary, we see that protests were often met with violence and police intervention. The right to assemble and to petition as stated in the first amendment of the Constitution, is often discouraged. As a result of political organizations being rejected and intervened, many youths are less likely to be affiliated with political parties. There are more disagreement and discontent with both the Democratic and Republican Party. As evidence shows, youth voters were less likely to
Due to the inflexibility of registration, many citizens were discouraged or even unable to cast a ballot despite their want to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens. As Thorson discussed, some states, like South Carolina, require citizens to register one month before the election. However, studies have shown that interest to vote peak on election day because of more media coverage as candidates (Thorson). If every state allowed voters to register up until Election Day in 2012, it is predicted that there would be an additional 3 million ballots (Thorson). And since election day happens on a Tuesday, the working class could not have possibly taken a day off just to vote, resulting an even lower voter turnout and undermining our democratic ideals. The voting registration process was established hundreds of years ago, but the same rules do not apply to modern day …show more content…
Black Lives Matter movement and gay marriage movement, although supported by liberals, many conservatives chose to denounce and reject the establishment of such associations. For example, when a federal judge ruled in Obergefell’s favor, a Republican state lawmaker even called for the judge’s impeachment (Rosenwald). In terms of the Black Lives Matter movement, what inspired the establishment of such movement is the inequality and discriminations that African-Americans face every day (Carpentier). What is more undemocratic than not treating everyone as equals? The Declaration of Independence stated that “every man [and woman] is created equal,” but dehumanizing African-Americans (Michael Brown), and suppressing gay rights, have proven otherwise. In the ACT UP documentary, we see that protests were often met with violence and police intervention. The right to assemble and to petition as stated in the first amendment of the Constitution, is often discouraged. As a result of political organizations being rejected and intervened, many youths are less likely to be affiliated with political parties. There are more disagreement and discontent with both the Democratic and Republican Party. As evidence shows, youth voters were less likely to