Preview

An Abuse of Power by Political Institutions in the United States

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
2182 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
An Abuse of Power by Political Institutions in the United States
The President, Supreme Court and Congress: An Abuse of Power? Preserving life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has been atop all priorities of the United states of America (United States Constitution, 1776). To maintain this mission, a framework for the organization of the United States Government and it’s relationship to the people was developed. This creation has become the supreme law of the United States. It is known as the Constitution (United States Constitution, 1776). This oldest written Constitution still in use by any nation in the world holds a central place in the United States of America as it used to maintain peace all across the nation (GPO Access, 2010). This document lays foundation on which to build a Democratic Government and keep tyrants at bay while also guiding those who write laws. The Constitution although written to protect the people, has become a weapon of Congress as they have developed a belief that their Governmental superpower allows a Constitutional exemption (Government Rules, 1993). A growing problem in the United States has been the governing powers unconstitutional acts and utter abuse of power. This controversial issue has brought citizens living in the United States to question current government function and more importantly their use of power. This paper will argue that all current systems of government in the United States are guilty of violating the American Constitution and abusing their authoritative power. It will discuss in detail what an abuse of power is, supported by arguments that will indicate that the President, Supreme Court and Congress are responsible for creating unnecessary stress for American citizens. The first argument presented will explain how the controversial act of Warrantless Wiretapping has violated various amendments of the Constitution and disrespected the American people. This paper will also argue that the creation of the no-fly list was an irresponsible abuse of authority. Following


Cited: Elias, Bartholomew. “Airport and Aviation Security: US Policy and Strategy in the Age of Global Terrorism.” Auerbach Publications, Taylor and Francos Group, Florida, 2010. Print. Higgs, Robert. “Cumulating Policy Consequences, frightened overreaction, and the current surge of government’s size, scope and power.” Harvard Journal of Law & Public Society, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 531, 2010. Web. Greengard, Samuel. “Spies Among Us?” Association for Computing Machinery. Communications of the ACM [New York], vol. 53, no.4, 2010. Print. United States Constitution. 1776. Web. United States Supreme Court Report (USSC), Volume 57. Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Company, 1979. Web. Constitutional Exemption. 1993. Web.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Transportation Security Administration Case Study
    • 789 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Transportation Security Administration Case Study

    After the September 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Towers, the United States government reacted quickly in order to increase the aviation safeties at the local airports (Robert W. Poole, 2012). Congress designed the Transport Security Administration (TSA) in November 2001 (Chris Edwards, 2013) with the main purpose of protecting the nation’s transportation system acting as an efficient and effective counterterrorist organization through screening of passengers at the airports (TSA, 2001). However, due to some problems and monopoly on behalf of the TSA, some airports such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO) were demanding and were granted a private airport security screening contract from…

    • 789 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    9/11 Research Paper
    • 897 Words
    • 4 Pages

    9/11 Research Paper

    Prior to the September 11th attacks, airports/ airlines in the United States were operating on private security systems. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airport and airlines shared the burden, of providing security for air travel. Commercial…

    • 897 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    9/11 security
    • 436 Words
    • 2 Pages

    9/11 security

    As we approach the 13th anniversary of 9/11, America’s air security is more stable. We are more prepared to confront any threats against our airlines. Prior to September 11, 2001, there was only limited technology in place to protect the threats to passengers or the aircraft. Prior to 9/11, security had been handled by each airport, which outsourced to private security companies. Immediately following the attacks, congress created the TSA agency. The new TSA implemented procedures that included stricter guidelines on passenger and luggage screening. Only ticketed passengers could go through security, and an ever-changing array of machinery and procedures were introduced to scan for weapons and destructive items. As new threats were discovered after 9/11, new procedures were introduced, including removing shoes and banning liquids.Second, we’ve improved security with technology that provides advanced screening for explosives. For example at theEven though the pain caused on September 11, 2011 will never be taken back, the American people have taken action to make the United States stronger and more determined to preserve, protect and defend the freedoms which have always defined our nation. checkpoints nationwide, “TSA utilizes Advanced Imaging Technology – among other advanced technologies such as Explosives Trace Detection and Bottle Liquid Scanners–“ that provide us with the best opportunity to detect explosives. With upgraded software, safety is even more efficient, while at the same time ensuring privacy protection for all passengers.Third, TSA now screens all air cargo transported on passenger planes domestically and we are working with our international partners to achieve this level of screening for all international inbound cargo on passenger planes. Airplanes themselves also underwent major overhauls: Fortified cockpit doors were introduced, and first-class cabin curtains were dropped by some airlines. Pilots can now apply to become a federal flight deck…

    • 436 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: Analysis, Pros and Cons
    • 1756 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: Analysis, Pros and Cons

    The most significant amendment to the bill was The Patriotic Act of 2001 after the country faced the biggest attack from a foreign terrorist group. The United States Department of Justice announced that it would seek legislation that would give powers to state authorities to protect the homeland from such activities and attacks in the future. The proposed legislation was to give federal authorities the ability to monitor internet use, intercept emails and phone calls as well as wiretapping conversion between citizens and non citizens. The Act would also permit the detention of non citizens who are deemed to be dangerous to the home land (Center for American Progress 2005). This Act is by far one of the most controversial legislation in the history of the Congress. This paper looks to analyze the provisions of the Act as well as the pro and cons that came along.…

    • 1756 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror
    • 1396 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror

    The war on terror presents an unpredictable challenge for the United States. Throughout history, the motivation of man’s self-interest has concluded in the domination of those with little or no power. Habeas Corpus is written in the constitution as a right of the people and should be a safeguard to protect all accused persons, but many presidents have found ways not to enforce the right. In history the writ of habeas corpus has been challenged by many president from Lincoln to most recently Bush with abuse of power by the president. I will exam whether the president goes against the constitution to protect the safety of its citizens in a time of war or is it an abuse of power because the president is the commander and chief. Is the president acting on behalf of the people or is it a personal agenda.…

    • 1396 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    National Security vs. Civil Liberties.
    • 522 Words
    • 2 Pages

    National Security vs. Civil Liberties.

    In 2001, people are quick to dismiss the idea of an internment of American citizens, suggesting that the country has come a long way from 1942. The hypothesis that the government might conduct surveillance or use illegal wiretaps to monitor groups or individuals that it suspects of domestic terrorism seemed foreign before September 11th, and now has become a way to gain more information about potential suspects. These new measures, included in the USA Patriot Act, delicately trace the line between national security and civil liberties. A brief look at how the Bush…

    • 522 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Civil Liberties In Times Of Crisis Analysis
    • 799 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Civil Liberties In Times Of Crisis Analysis

    In times of crisis, the United States has a tendency to limit the Constitutional civil liberties granted to its citizens. This has been the practice since the foundation of the country itself, seen in times of war, famine, depression, or even in times of mass-panic. However, as time progresses, the question of whether or not the restriction of rights granted in the Bill of Rights is, in fact, justified. Alan Brinkley, in both his essay Civil Liberties in Times of Crisis and his book American History: A Survey, explores the history of the suppression of freedoms during troubling times for the country. His conclusion, that the US government goes in excess what the crisis warrants while limiting liberties, is well-supported, using evidence from the “140 years of silence”, World War I, and the Red Scare to argue his…

    • 799 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Essay On How 9/11 Changed America
    • 659 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Essay On How 9/11 Changed America

    A large effect from 9/11 was an increase in the security aspects when it relates to aviation, when at the time America was fairly lackluster. There were many things you were able to do and get away with, that are completely unheard of nowadays. Then after this incident was a kick in the face for us here in America especially for us to make leaps in bounds when it comes to security. ”America’s involvement in the War on Terror — prompted…

    • 659 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Is the Patriot Act Constitutional
    • 2253 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Is the Patriot Act Constitutional

    In the aftermath of September 11, Congress was eager to put laws on the books to prevent another attack. In an unprecedented spirit of bipartisan patriotism, a law was passed in the House by 357 to 66 (Clerk of the House) and in the Senate by 98 to 1 (Secretary of the Senate). The title of the act, USA PATRIOT Act, is an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. Since its historic passage there has been much debate on the constitutionality of the act. Some would claim the Legislative and Executive branches acted opportunistically and enacted a law that infringes on the rights of Americans. This paper, for sake of brevity, focuses on Section 213 of the Patriot Act, the “sneak and peak” section. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the arguments on both sides of the issues and determine whether or not Section 213 of the USA PATRIOT Act is indeed unconstitutional. This paper examines the history of the Patriot Act, evaluates recent litigation concerning this act, and considers precedents that would give or withhold from Congress the authority to enact such a law.…

    • 2253 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Stop And Frisk
    • 771 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Essay On Stop And Frisk

    The Founding Fathers believed that the sanctity of individual rights must be held above all else, due to their prior experiences with the tyrannical rule of King George III of Great Britain. After the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, the United States government has introduced several laws and allowed several actions that compromise the liberties guaranteed by the Constitution in the supposed name of security or the general welfare. These laws include the Espionage Act which was introduced during World War I, and the use and allowance of ‘Stop and Frisk’ procedures amongst America’s various police agencies. The introduction and use of these laws and procedures were meant to keep the American public safe following outbreaks of war and to try and prevent weapon related violence, but they also compromise the liberties that are ensured to the…

    • 771 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    National Security Satire
    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages

    National Security Satire

    I have ruminated the subject concerning airport security reform to prevent another September Eleventh for a number of months now, and have come to the conclusion that it does not take a savant to see that before this ill-fated date our national security level was equivalent to the intelligence level of a house-fly. I propose that we must fortify our airports to their fullest with every measure possible in order to prevent another tragedy of this magnitude.…

    • 614 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Persuasive Essay: The Patriot Act
    • 528 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Persuasive Essay: The Patriot Act

    We need to remember that the government has advanced the security of our nation for the safety of its citizens. Airports have had one of the largest changes to their security. Before 9-11 the only security was a metal detector.“Due to events that have occurred such as the terrorist who attempted to blow up an airliner with explosive chemicals in his underwear” (How Has National Security Changed Since). We as America have changed the security. Now when you go into an airport you are scanned patted down and your luggage is searched. The changes that have been made to our national security have helped to protect the lives of innocent people of the United…

    • 528 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Corrupt Government In The United States
    • 306 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Corrupt Government In The United States

    United States of America is a great country, just like Venezuela or North Korea. Having a corrupt government does not make a nation ‘bad.’ Having a corrupt government is like a car driving off a cliff, the car will explode into the abyss, and there is nothing you can do about it. Greatly, United States is still not floating in midair, right now it is on the point of the cliff. That’s why many do not consider it ‘that’ corrupt compared to other countries. Something those people are not considering is that all of these nation’s mistakes already include corruption and that a few more of those wrongdoings and who knows if one day it’ll include the violence of Somalia. United States has many more issues than the public is aware of. Many people still…

    • 306 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Civil Liberties
    • 819 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Civil Liberties

    The United States of America has become one of the strongest nations in the world. Through the unfortunate tragedies that have occurred over the years, we as American citizens have overcome these disastrous events together as one. Since the devastating attack on September 11, 2001 America has come to be more precautious, knowledgeable and prepared for what could come our way in the future. Having a new conspicuous perspective the patriot act was established, according to the Department of Justice's their “first priority is to prevent future terrorist attacks”. The USA Patriot Act stands for ‘Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism’. By passing this act it has allowed the government, the NSA as well as law enforcement agencies to lawfully obtain and monitor the privacy of innocent Americans throughout the nation.…

    • 819 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Patriot Act
    • 1014 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Patriot Act

    There are ten total parts, or titles, in the patriot act and each one covers a different part of growing the security in America in hopes of stopping terrorism. These titles touch on everything from anti-terrorism funding to the ability to wiretap the phone of any suspected terrorist without getting a warrant first. This has brought up many controversial discussions on whether it gives the government too much power and whether it goes against our constitutional rights. This paper will discuss the contents of The Patriot Act and whether or not it should have been signed into law.…

    • 1014 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics