Deliberative democracy

social and political structure of the polis. The mindset developed in the interior of the phalanx and the ensuing political capital acquired by the middle class represented a threat to the aristocratic claim to power. Nonetheless, the transition to democracy was far from expedite and such form of government arose only after Kleisthenes’ reforms. Ironically, the aristocracy played a crucial and protagonist role in the development of previous reforms. According to Vassillopolus, the Athenian…

As Thoreau said, “we should be men first, and subjects afterwards.” Civil disobedience reminds the government that, ultimately, people have a say in laws affecting them. However, civil disobedience doesn’t necessarily imply an anarchy. In a true democracy, if the belief is supported by the majority, the government should act upon it, yet the rights of the minority will be respected. Gandhi, King, and even Benjamin Franklin used civil disobedience to represent the views of the people and, in…

Memorializing people or events is a delicate and fragile topic to plan. When planning to build a memorial, everyone involved has to be aware of the situation and historical facts about the person or event that is being memorialized. The organization or group constructing the project must consider how the public will view the memorial. The view that the people affected by or related to the memorial will have. These categories are crucial in whether the memorial will be a success or not. The…

There are many differences in Democracy and Authoritarian governments.One being the difference in how the leaders of the govenment come into power. Another is Democracy has many political parties whereas Authoritarian government has only one. These governments are very different in every perspective. One of the big differences in these two governments is how the leaders get their power. In a democracy which is what the U.S. is the people vote for the leaders. This way people have a say in what…

After interviewing my Uncle Todd, I have seen what it is like to serve on jury duty from a first hand experience. It seems like a very cool and unique process that I think we are lucky to be apart of. When asking him how he felt when he received the letter in the mail calling upon him to receive jury duty he said, “I was happy to just get a day off work, but I still wondered if there was a way that I could get out of this.” As most people probably feel, my Uncle Todd was not too excited about…

I would have ice-cream with the First President of the United States, the General of the Continental Army, and the wealthy plantation owner of his time. I would have ice-cream with George Washington. In my opinion, he is the least political of all the presidents that we have had. Personally, I am not a big fan of politics. I find them confusing and rather unnecessary in the grand scheme of our country. I have a feeling that Washington did not have a liking for politics either. It would be nice…

The Response to External Threats of Violence The formation of a modern state is based on its ability to supply security as a public good to its citizens. Security protects a state’s territorial claims, against external threats, and controls domestic disputes. The ability control the use of violence is what provides the foundation for other public goods: freedom to participate in politics, infrastructure, property rights, and a market place that facilitates trade. While a strong state provides…

In any given government, it is important to have checks and balances so as to ensure that no branch is more powerful than the other; a fundamental approach greatly expounded upon by the greatest political philosopher James Madison. According to Article II, Section I of the Texas Constitution, the government’s power is divided into the Legislative, executive and Judicial branches. The law-making branches consist of the executive branch, which has the governor, lieutenant governor and attorney…

Looking back on Bartels' passage, he expressed the public's ignorance about the government, politics and history that has to do with the way people vote. From the researches that were done, he believes that voters vote for who matches their preference, that they are making stupid choices and that the people are not becoming more educated on their vote. I agree to some extent with Bartel, that Americans are not informed like they need to be on their choices for the government. I believe that…

“The Only Way to Keep the Internet Free” Author, Besty McCaughey’s article, “The Only Way to Keep the Internet Free,” illustrates Hilary Clinton’s ideas with her internet policies and what ICANN proposes. ICANN stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN will basically have full control and power over the internet, meaning that they may grant or deny any web addresses they please. Obama, as well as Hilary, of course, supports this policy and believes that it will…