Growing up in a very conservative home could have led me to carry on the political beliefs of my parents, but for me that is not quite what happened. My parents were very good people who worked hard for what they had. Both my mother and father were deeply religious, and church was always mandatory for all five of their children. Through their faith, they developed an often benevolent disposition with others, but I noticed at a very young age that judgement seemed to accompany their actions. My parents were the type of people that would offer a ride to a stranger, or give a few dollars to someone standing on the corner with a “will work for food” sign. Those actions always made me a very proud daughter, but when they would discuss their …show more content…
The views of my parents were the first experiences that I had relating to politics, and they helped shape the political opinions and beliefs that I hold today. In this paper, I will be discussing the political party I identify with, as well as which interest groups have influenced my life and beliefs the most. I will also discuss specific policies that I support, and what we as Americans can and cannot do because of the laws passed by the political party that I support. I will also touch on my personal level of interest and involvement in my political party. My first personal political views grew from an evaluation of my parents’ attitudes, which created an unwavering belief that all people should be treated equally and fairly, and that we should reserve judgment of others simply because they think, live, or look differently than we do. As I have gotten older and expanded my political knowledge, I have also come to see the value and importance of an involved federal government that strives to ensure the well-being of all its people. When describing the …show more content…
The Democratic party typically supports polices that promote equality and fairness for all. Some of the policies promoted by Democrats that I completely support include those pertaining to immigration, reproductive rights, and the rights of the LGBT community. According to the article Immigration Reform (2017), “Democrats will continue to work toward comprehensive immigration reform that fixes our nation’s broken immigration system, improves border security, prioritizes enforcement so we are targeting criminals – not families, keeps families together, and strengthens our country” (democrats.org). The article, Democratic Party on Abortion (2012), states that, “the Democratic party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay” (ontheissues.org). A policy that supports a woman’s right to choose also supports the idea that the government should not make reproductive decisions for any woman, it is her body and her choice. Regarding gay rights, Democrats are often strong supporters of gay marriage, and more recently we have seen democrats supporting the rights of transgender individuals. The article, Democratic Views on Gay Marriage (2014), states that Democrats, “support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for
MARTIN KELLY, Overview of United States Government and Politics Foundation and Principles, 2011, retrieved February 21st 2011 from http://americanhistory.about.com/od/governmentandpolitics/a/amgovoverview.htm
The goal of the American government has always been the same through out the years. Although the government attempts to pursue common goals to improve the United States, citizens are not content due to them having to sacrifice individual values. US senate member, Chairman Michael McCaul, values order and equality by focusing on the security and the economy’s problems in the United States. When order and equality are implemented, individual freedom is given up. These values play important role in the way the government makes its laws in America. They have to take all these values into consideration due to the ever-enduring debate known as the, “Two Dilemmas of Government.”
In discussing the problems surrounding the issue of factionalism in American society, James Madison concluded in Federalist #10, "The inference to which we are brought is that the causes of cannot be removed and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects." (Federalist Papers 1999, 75) In many ways, the nature of American politics has revolved around this question since our country's birth. What is the relationship between parties and government? Should the party serve as an intermediary between the populace and government, and how should a government respond to disparate ideas espoused by the factions inherent to a free society. This paper will discuss the political evolution that has revolved around this question, examining different "regimes" and how they attempted to reconcile the relationship between power and the corresponding role of the people. Beginning with the Federalists themselves, we will trace this evolution until we reach the contemporary period, where we find a political climate described as "interest-group liberalism." Eventually this paper will seek to determine which has been the most beneficial, and which is ultimately preferable.
Democracy is rule by the people; the people elect governing officials based off of their personal values and beliefs. Different political parties rule the political scene and are serving to represent the people’s opinions in the best ways possible. Previously, I had a belief that my political view was essentially the only one possible and therefore it was the best. These views changed quickly once I learned the different political parties, their views, how they represent the people’s views, and how public opinion shapes politics. The government is formed around differentiating opinions on which policies should be in place and which social aspects need to be considered first. Not only is the government guided by opinion, but the people’s lives are guided by opinion as well. Each individual holds a different view, and each view can have an influence on society. Fortunately, after roughly eight weeks of studying American Government, I now have a better sense of complexity and the value of
For example, our spiritual beliefs are polar opposites; I identify as an atheist and my parents are ardent Christians. Several of my family’s traditions and beliefs such as “[celebrating] Easter Sunrise Service, going to Church, decorating the Christmas tree together, and being a good Christian” revolve around Christianity and religion (Pascale). Previously, I did not disagree with their religious beliefs, but now that I am older and trying to figure out how the world works, I have to choose between letting my parents impose their religious beliefs on me and asserting my spiritual freedom. However, the cultural and familial heritage attributes that I have incorporated into my personal identity such as “having good ethics and morals, spending quality time with your family, believing it's always good to help other people, and being kind,” align with the values that I have individually rationalized and chosen to adhere to (Pascale). While I disagree with some of the beliefs, traditions, and values my parents hope I inherit, I respect them for wanting me to have a positive upbringing; I have not completely handled the situation, but I have concluded that I want a relationship with my family and that I should not have to sacrifice my spirituality to do so. Nonetheless, although I am less attached to my family’s values than Cash is to his family’s and I do not feel obliged to conform to my family. Therefore, respecting other family members’ differences, especially those regarding beliefs, values, and aspects necessary to live according to one’s personal identity, forms the strongest family
American Politics in Transition For the United States, as for most states in the world, the 1980’s and 1990’s were a time of change and challenge. During this period the effects of change both within the US and internationally acted as push factors in many areas of life, including economics and politics. This sudden change was primarily due to global shocks and recessions, increased foreign economic competition, the end of the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union, the development of revolutionary new technologies, the achievement of post-industrial society within the US, slower rates of domestic economic growth, and the demographic changes within American society. By the Mid 1980’s important developments had occurred within interest groups, political parties. By 1990’s national debates were being held in regard to America’s future in the post-Cold War world, America’s economic competitiveness, culture, morality and the states relationship with society. Five major things must be taken under account when discussing American politics in transition. 1) the basic nature of the American political system, 2) the sources of political change since the late 1960’s, 3) the conservative renewal and the new conservative agenda, 4) the Reagan-Bush legacy in politics and public policy 5) the new political and economic constraints in the era of divided government, and 6) the public policy environment of the 1990s. At the core of American political culture I support for the values of liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism and laissez-faire. The nature of this society with also has glorification of the individual, and the rejection of conservative theories of organic society, hierarchy, and natural aristocracy. Being an American means accepting this liberal Democratic creed (laissez faire), while those who reject it are considered to be un-American. America’s political evolution has also been shaped by the continental scale of the American State. The influx of immigration has caused there to be an extraordinary mixture of ethnic, racial, and religious groups spread across a continent-wide expanse that contributed historically to strong religious, racial and regional cleavages. Even its econony was spread throughout the American state. The largest sector of the economy were commercial agriculture, mercantile capitalism, mining, and heavy (capital goods) industry, but these, however, were also diversified into product specific areas. Collectively, the cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic factors had a profound effect on America’s political development because they reinforced the trend towards decentralization and localism that had already been established in the political and legal domains by the American constitution.
My mother and father have been a phenomenal influence on my upbringing when it comes to politics. This has all started from the communication we have as a family. When I started my history classes, I would come home and talk about the previous conversations on the election at the time or any trending political topic. Our discussions would always educate me on what the topic may be. For instance, when I was fourteen I didn’t know too much about being a part of a political party. My parents taught me that choosing a party is important. Both parties have opposing views on society’s military, government, money, individualism, and equality beliefs in America. I started building my own views about our government and whether I was Democrat or Republican. As a young adult, I’ve learned so much about our government and what it means to be a citizen. To my father, being a true citizen was more than being legally recognized in America; it is participating in the voting of an election, being a part of local peer groups, and supporting a campaign. My Dad is a stickler on knowing your rights as a United States citizens. I wrote a paper as to why the 13th and 19th amendment was so important, how it changed the equality and freed African Americans from Slavery, and gave women the right to register to vote. This has been a way f...
From their earliest formation, political parties have been a controversial aspect that have both strengthened and weakened the United States. It has a massive effect on voters, congress, and policymaking in the government. Party polarization is the prominent division that exists between parties, most noticeably Democrats and Republicans, because of the extreme differences of the ideological beliefs of the opposing parties. In the past, many individuals considered themselves “mixed” and did not associate themselves with just one side. According to www.pewresearch.org, “the share of Americans who express consistently conservative or consistently liberal opinions has doubled over the past two decades”. Every year less and less people consider
Due to my family makeup I have in interesting history of cultural background stemming from both rural American culture and native Mexican culture. Since both of my parents came from farming communities: one from Mexico and one from South West Missouri, they actually have similar values despite the geological difference of the cultures. My family has no religious affiliations and tends to lean toward liberal ideas. However both of my parents, having grown up in conservative families, still have some conservative ideas about gender-rolls, economics, and family dynamics. Another thing that I ...
My parents are both from el Salvador meaning that there view of the world is old fashioned; Abortion is bad, gay marriage is unacceptable, child born out of wedlock could lead to disownments ect. While here in Canada it is socially acceptable to have abortions, to be gay or to have a child before marriage. My parents attempted to push their beliefs and ideologies on to me because that is what they thought to be right but, because I grew up in two different cultures who are basically the polar opposite of each other; I grew up knowing that there are no absolutes and that a person has to form their own conclusion based on their own experiences.
Americans have become so engrossed with the rhetoric of political parties that many are unable have real discussions about “freedom, fairness, equality, opportunity, security, accountability.” (Lakoff p.177) The election of 1828 gave birth to the “professional politician” it demonstrated how “ambivalence” on issues, how image and the right language or narrative can influence voters. Partisanship did increase competition and empower voters to a greater degree, but it has also divided Americans and obstructed communication. As one historian declared the “old hickory” killed the ideal of nonpartisan leadership. (Parsons p.184) For better or for worse American politics were forever be changed in 1828.
They follow a liberal political philosophy and being the liberals that they are, they tend to take liberal positions on issues. Typically, Democrats are pro-choice, anti-death penalty, pro-gun control, and are in favor of social programs because they believe they can significantly help solve issues. The unequivocally support for abortion shown by the Democratic Party, is because they strongly believe that women should be permitted and given the right to have complete control and autonomy over their own bodies. In the webpage titled “What it means to be a Democrat” provided by csus.edu/org/democrats/beliefs, it was stated: “The Democratic Party stands behind the right of every woman to choose, consistent with Roe v. Wade, and regardless of ability to pay."
In conclusion Federalism is a big part of our country. Federalism does have its pros and cons but it’s safe to say that it has so far worked out fairly well. Still, we must keep in mind that federalism does affects our everyday lives and many times we take for granted that the individual in political parties will make the right decisions for the well-being of the public, though at times it is not always be the case. We must remember that for change to happen we must be involved and ready to learn and see and understand ways that we can make a difference, for at the end of the day it is our lives that are affected with every single decision that is made.
Why is our own personal political ideology important? I believe that it is very important
I can identify with this week’s post. I do not consider myself a Democrat or a Republican. I try to identify with the individual, not the party. I do not think that any political party has had any influence on my belief system. That being said, I realize that society, my friends, my family and my religious beliefs have definitely had an impact on my decision-making process. I will say that if a politician held my beliefs then I would be more apt to deal with that political party. I am very for military power in the United States and as a dominate industry in the world in order to ensure that the American public is safe. I think that we need to always let the rest of the world know that we are the dominate force. Due to this I am more apt to vote for a president that is pro-military than I am to vote for someone who wants to downsize the military.