Constitutional Democracy In The United States

The Unites States of America is the oldest democracy in the world. The constitutional democracy has worked for more than two centuries. The constitution was formed in a time of need for some of the people. In May of 1787 delegates attended a meeting in Philadelphia “ to establish a national government powerful enough to prevent the young nation from dissolving but not so powerful that it would crush individual liberty” (Magleby,Light,Nemacheck 36). In the creation of the U.S constitution there were three famous compromises that most of the delegates were in agreement on. The first one was “ the compromise between large and small states over representation in congress” (Magleby,Light,Nemacheck 38). The
The federal system and the states each can have a different set of laws. A certain thing can be legal in a state but illegal to the federal system, and vice-versa. Federalism is seen as a form a freedom by some individuals. Federalism checks for power abuse and controls the growth of tyranny. “Federalism provides many opportunities for Americans to participate in the process of government and helps keep government closer to the people”(Magleby,Light,Nemacheck 84). Although there are times that federalism has it’s disadvantages such as when government needs to respond quickly to a national problem. It becomes difficult because each state has their own state government that works differently depending on the needs of its occupants. The different policies each state has can create inequalities. But in the end the Federal system that the United
States of America has helped in maintaining its citizens happy and safe.
3. Since the beginning the founders have referred to interest groups as factions. A faction is a political party, groups and associations. Some of the factions “ influence public opinion with published reports and mass mailings”
The individuals who go “to Washington to make a difference for their party and country” ( Magleby,Light,Nemacheck 329), have ideas that they want to become laws. Not every idea can become a law. “ only approximately 1 out of 10 bills even receives minimal attention” ( Magleby,Light,Nemacheck 329). Most ideas are rejected by others or not seen as necessary. The few ideas that do go through must win many small contests to make a final cut. Many of the ideas “die well before they reach the floor of either chamber” ( Magleby,Light,Nemacheck 329). There are 6 steps a idea must take before becoming a bill. First the idea needs to be introduced to the House or the Senate. Second it goes to a committee for more review. Third the committee and subcommittee review the idea. Fourth the committee and subcommittee “mark up” the idea. Fifth a debate must be done, and the idea needs to get on the legislative calendar, passes through each chamber once, goes through a conference between the house and Senate, and it must pass in each chamber. Finally, the sixth step is to get the presidential approval. Even if the bill is approved by the House and Senate it does not mean that