University of Washington

An Exercise in Embarrassment A few years ago, over Spring break I went on a week-long vacation to Washington DC with my family. This included, my mother, father, sister and my mother’s sister and brother along with their respective families. Over a period of four days we walked over sixty miles and I got to visit some of the most extraordinary places I could ever imagine. Standing at the proverbial head of the table was the Lincoln Memorial, a magnificent cross section of history and reverence…

As great as Abraham Lincoln was, he never went to college and did not earn a degree. He was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1809. Lincoln suffered from depression many times as a child, but he went on to become the 16th president after winning the 1860 election. During that election, President Lincoln did not win a single southern state. He also did not win the popular vote during the election. President Lincoln’s legacy has a positive impact on American society. Everything did not come easy…

When the US Constitution was first drawn out, our fore fathers decided to create a second system of casting votes other than just the popular vote. This, of course, was thought to be as a means of checks and balances between the states and its’ government. The American republic was born, but there has always been a controversy with whether or not the Electoral College took power away from the popular vote. Established in Article II of the US Constitution, it sought to reconcile the interests…

Voice of Democracy “My Responsibility to America” As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John F. Kennedy. Individuals take an oath to become a US citizen. Others are born here. We all must appreciate all that this great nation offers. If you are an American citizen in order to ensure our country's future you need to show your appreciation for our flag, opportunities, and veterans. When we show…

Andrew Jackson's presidency began in 1828, his main goal of becoming a president was to help with the peoples wills. Andrew thought that people wouldn't know what a democracy was, until america's political process was significantly reformed. While he was running for president, he made a political organization that directed out towards the public. He didn't like the institutions that divided the poor and rich. President Jackson didn't have time for political processes that got in the way of his…

In the essay “Undecided” by David Sedaris, the author speaks about our voting system through ridicule of “undecided” voters. First, we have to take in consideration that David Sedaris wrote the essay in the wake of 2008 presidential election, when two candidates had completely different views on the main issues, such as: economy, taxes, the war in Iraq, and immigration. The narrator makes it evident with his comparison of airplane food choices, as he says “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she…

A political ideology is "a general belief about the role and purpose of government" or when "an individual has a consistent pattern of opinions across a broad range of specific issues" (Patterson 186). Political ideologies lead to the development of political parties, which are a formal grouping of interests joined together for the purpose of getting their candidates for public office elected under a common label, agenda, and ideas. There are many harmful aspects of political parties such as:…

Dwight D. Eisenhower speech entitled Military Industrial Complex is his last speech as President of the United States of America. In this speech Eisenhower gives his last goodbye as president and shares his thoughts on peace. This is my summary and analysis of Eisenhower speech Military Industrial Complex ("Military-Industrial Complex Speech). Dwight D. Eisenhower speech begins with “my fellow Americans” and continues on to say in three days I will pass the responsibility of President on to my…

The United States Electoral Process is ran in a form of a democracy. In which the citizens of the United States can vote as long as they are eighteen .These individuals no matter what can vote, no matter the gender, race, or social class. The citizens are able to vote for men and women that will serve as government officials for a period of time. Although citizens are allowed to vote, ultimately the ones who decide will be the next president and vice president is the Electoral College. The…

How Does Society Affect American Literature? When you think of America you think of white picket fences, big houses, with perfect families eating around a person dinner table sharing about their day. Even though this isn’t the typical life for most Americans, how did the idea get there? How come everything is the way it is now? Today, I am here to show you these reasons and more. We have all heard a creation story, whether it was Adam and Eve or the Big Bang. A creation story told by the…