The United States has embedded ideals and principles of democracy encapsulated in the country’s constitution. The ideals and principles are also enshrined in the Gettysburg Aggress, the Declaration of Independence, writings, speeches and documents. The tenets are instrumental in protecting American citizens from a likely predatory government. The ideals act as guarantors of basic rights entitled to all in a free society.
Basic ideals and principles of American democracy
Liberty is one of the ideals enshrined in the US constitution. The ideal gives citizens the latitude to act and think as they wish. Equality as an ideal posits that people ought to be treated fairly. Self-government ideal grants American residents the freedom to rule themselves as political equals. Additional ideals include public common good, patriotism, truth and diversity.
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Representative democracy is one of the principles in the Unites States constitution. The precept gives masses powers to elect officials who form the government, create policy and laws on their behalf. The representative democracy principle applies both at the federal government and state government levels. The tenent places emphasis on having a representative body serving as the people’s surrogate.
The second principle centers on the need to have a professional and neutral civil service to offer services to American citizens. The constitution creates a civil service body led by the president. The president as expressed by the principle leads the congress in implementing laws. The president represents the entire nation but not their party only.
Separation of powers is the third tenet of American democracy. The principle implies that the three branches of the government are separate but at the same time equal. The arms of the government have distinct roles but with an equal legitimacy claim. The precept gives congress the authority to enact laws and grants the Supreme Court powers to interpret them while the president implements the formulated ordinances. The separate but equal branches safeguard the American liberties.
The fourth principle is the concept of limited government. The precept implies that the government has restricted powers through enumerated and delegated authorities. The principle enlists what the government can do and what it cannot. The imposed restrictions imply that the government can only exercise specifically predetermined powers assigned to it by the constitution. A system of checks and balances is established to control the government excesses. The US constitution has 10 amendments that enumerates prohibitions which the government ought not to indulge in.
The civil and political rights entitlement is another principle that guarantees Americans inalienable rights. Such entitlements are for example right to life, freedom of speech, religion, property, assembly etc. The rights act as the building block that anchors the United States democratic governance.
The principles and ideals are applied by the republican government in protection of rights of individuals, checking the government excesses and in protecting the American identity. The government also applies the tenets in acquiring guidance on the basic premises considered in democratic decision making.
Most important Supreme Court cases and executive actions and their impact
The Marbury V. Madison is one of the landmark cases in the Unites States history. The case gave the Supreme Court powers to nullify laws, statues and government orders that infringe on the American constitution. The Marbury case changed the United States society implying that the scope and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court expanded significantly. The McCulloch v. Maryland is another important court case that awarded the federal government implied legislative powers derived from authority in Article 1. The Congress acquired powers to create a national bank. Gideon v Wainwright was a landmark case that created a lasting impact which requires states to serve an attorney to individuals accused but cannot afford to pay own representatives.
Emancipation proclamation is an executive order assented by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The order freed all slaves thereby changing the American society to a one where slave trade was prohibited. The New Deal executive order by President Roosevelt created corporations such as the Rural Electrification Authority and other agencies which had a positive impact on the American job market. This made it easier for Americans to secure employment.
