Realigning election

arose encouraged citizens to choose a party likely to gain power, while accepting that not all of their interests would be represented. The political trade-off between ideological individualism and collective representation exists to this day. US election rules mandated that election districts had only a single member, and that the candidate with the most votes came to represent the district. The pluralist electoral system made it very difficult for third party candidates to win. The winning candidate only had to ensure that he would beat his closest competitor. Voting races were therefore fought predominately between two candidates of two separate parties, leading to a two-party system at the national level. Starting with the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans (the Anti-Federalists) in the late 1700s, the parties were divided over opinions of the role of government and disputes over the recently ratified Constitution. While the Democratic-Republicans favored an agriculture-based economy, the more traditional Federalists promoted the benefits of a more capitalist centralized economy. In the end, the disorganized Federalists under the incumbent John Adams, conceded victory to the Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson. The election of 1800 was seen as particularly significant in that it initiated several decades of Democratic-Republican dominance. The Federalist party was reduced to only regional significance as the political imbalance brought rise to the Whig party…

presidential race. Relating to the people that play a part in who becomes president is crucial, even when their views are different, being respectful and open minded is key. Being kind is one easy way to be relatable to others; whether it be during a debate, commercial, or just in every day conversation, being kind and respectful is a great way to win over voters. Having an open mind does not mean agreeing with everyone, but means not being opposed to changing perspective or point of view to see…

Gerrymandering is similar because it also gives the possibility of winning the state, but not having the majority of the votes. Although Gerrymandering is illegal in many places, political parties do not hesitate in doing so. When Gerrymandering occurs it also limits the importance of minority voting. Gerrymandering is a challenge that provides ethical controversies surrounding minority voting and elections. Does Gerrymandering affect the importance of minority voting and elections? Is…

According to Sadie Dingfelder of American Psychological Association, “Campaigns will spend upward of $3 billion on broadcast television ads for the 2012 presidential, congressional and gubernatorial elections, a record-breaking amount, according to Moody’s Investment Services.” This is an incredible amount to spend and that is just going to increase each election cycle. In order to get elected, it is not about the politician him or herself, but rather the size of the bank account. Commenter…

How would you feel if the government started restricting how you did your everyday activities? People have had many disputes between the topic of of requiring to use identification to vote or not for years now. Though voting with identification is highly anticipated, I believe that voting without identification is the better argument due to having the government not have to restrict us when we want our individual rights and to do something, that we choose to do, to be restricted. People agree…

It is the author’s belief that current elections are of little impact on our democracy. The author believes elections are a medium in which to provide policy ideas between two rigid party’s. Douglas additionally believes that the current election system does little to facilitate choosing how government in run. Douglas mentions to increase in third party spending, lower turnout, and an increase in non-voting political actors. The author has a radical opinion on the matter compared to other…

In a presidential election, voters cast ballots for the candidate they prefer, though these votes only select their state’s electors. Electors, who are slated to vote for the popular-elected candidate, then vote in a second election to select the actual president. An electoral college system adds a layer of separation between the popular majority and the power of the federal government’s executive branch, while also giving the ability to misrepresent the popular vote. The electoral college is…

Before you completely dismiss this idea hear me out. This idea has precedent internationally counties Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom have extended voting rights for 16 year olds and all have historically better voter turnout then the United States. Advocates for lowering the voting age argue that it could increase government responsiveness and help reinvigorate our democracy. In state after state and around the world, allowing young people to vote in elections has…

you registered to vote?” appeared at the very top of my newsfeed on Facebook for about a week until it finally disappeared. “No,” was my answer every time I saw it. Even if I wanted to, I could not be for I am not a citizen of the United States. I wondered, however, how many people my age, who are able to vote, are registered to vote. Then, how many of them actually care to vote. I have since asked several of my friends if they are registered or going to vote, and their answer has been no,…

is not a candidate who holds the same values as the voter? Another reason citizens are not voting is the voter does not identify with the candidates running for office. Most elections held in the United States include at least one Democratic candidate and one Republican candidate. In most instances, voters can identify with at least one of these candidates. Nevertheless, in some cases the voter does not identify with any one of the candidates. One significant reason the voter does not identify…