The lack of an impartial judge is a defining characteristic of the state of nature, and this lack of a common judge can lead to confusion and violence therefore leading to the state of war. The state of nature and the state of war are not two separate concepts but the state of nature has the fundamental problem and civil government is the solution for the problems of the state of nature.…
After reading “The Polarized Public? Why American Government is so dysfunctional” and further looking upon the PEW research center as well as ANES data base Abramowitz seems to have categorized the factors that influence the polarization, and it seems that the divided in belief and opinions have widened, and are now deeply influential to political parties and government fundamentals, as the polarization is found in…
Throughout history, people have debated about what government is, and what is the purpose of it. Should the government dictate people's lives and tell them what to do? Should the government be permissive and just allow the people take care of themselves and not step in? Should there be an in between? Two very influential philosophers from the 17th century Enlightenment, John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, are preeminent influences on how people see what a government is and what role it should take. They both were renowned influences in many governments, even to this day. Locke took the side that people are naturally good, and that they should rule themselves. While on the other hand, Hobbes said that humans are naturally brutish and evil,…
The question that is being asked is, Can individuals live together as one human race? With fiction stories from several different authors, there is evidence from each story to properly choose an answer of yes or no. The three stories are called, “A Quilt of a Country”, “Once Upon a Time”, and “Making the Future Better, Together”.…
Many philosophers, such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, have discussed over the years if he human race is naturally good or evil. People than choice their side of the argument, one side believing that humans have a basically good nature that is corrupted by society, while the other side believes that humans have a bad nature that is kept in check by society. As John Locke believes that the human race is good, it is reasonable to accept as true because we are born neutral, with free will, and fear of a higher power.…
Polarization has existed for many years in the United States. The idea of polarization can be dated all the way back to 1787, in the Federalist Papers where James Madison discusses the dangers of that factions and groups can pose to the society. Madison's concerns stemmed from the uneasiness that political division has always existed in the United States. Even, Thomas Jefferson had his concerns with polarization and have seen firsthand of the factional disputes that occurred. So what does the term "polarization" mean in terms of politics? Polarization is when the public opinions go into two different extremes which create no middle ground or compromise. The polarization in politics is in regards to the division between organized groups and…
Chapters 10 through 12 in Political Polarization in American Politics explain what causes polarization and who is involved. This reading supports the ideas from chapter four which says that politics has become polarized on more issues than before due to conflict extension. Both Congress and the voters are deeply polarized, driven by two major factors, coming from a change in government and social interactions as well as a “long-term realignment”. Therefore, polarization comes from previous political beliefs and alignments, splitting Republican and Democratic opinions on how much government interaction should be present on policies such as welfare, tax cuts, and Obamacare. Increased competition leads to higher stakes in every political dispute,…
Political polarization is defined as the growing separation gap between Democrats (liberals) and Republican (conservatives) based on political ideology or political affiliation. Howard Rosenthal, Nolan McCarty, and Keith Poole were three political scientist that noticed the significant polarization amongst the American electorate. Their research would later be published in a book “Polarized America” and become the foundation for political scientist to better understand the polarized electorate. The theory presented in “Polarized America” was that the political parties in America ditched the centrist electorate in favor of their political fanatic fanbase. This revolutionary theory simply stated that the American electorate are polarized therefore,…
Politicians have used polarization to create a divide and extreme dislike among both political parties. Political polarization occurs when government representatives begin to incorporate personal ideologies in an extreme manner during their political career. For example, a Republican politician begins to speak about their capitalistic and religious beliefs to their Republican audience. They are…
It is also an issue that will not be easily solved. I believe that polarization will always be a part of American politics because of man’s tendency to want to be right. Also, with some of the controversial issues of today, like gay marriage and abortion, the sharp differences of opinions in the parties will make it hard for our country to compromise. Additionally, this polarization will continue to influence politics because not only is it prevalent in Washington, it is prevalent throughout our society. However, there may be a solution to help lessen the divide: engage the electorate.…
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke were to philosophers with opposing opinions on human nature and the state of nature. Locke saw humanity and life with optimism and community, whereas Hobbes only thought of humans as being capable of living a more violent, self-interested lifestyle which would lead to civil unrest. However, both can agree that in order for either way of life to achieve success there must be a sovereign.…
Both Hobbes and Locke shared similarities within their political theories; however their theories also had some major differences. Both men were responding to the crisis of the 17th century and they were highly influenced by the scientific revolution. Hobbes and Locke rejected all previous theories regarding human nature. They used the same methodology, and the men accepted an atomistic view of society. They believed that individuals were rational and were motivated by self-interest. Hobbes and Locke traced their theories from a state of nature to the social contract. They agreed that the legitimacy of the government rested on the consent of the governed. Together, both men rejected legitimate political authorities such as Divine Right of Kings, brute force, historical tradition, and feudal contracts. Both political philosophers offered interesting arguments pertaining to government, human nature, and the state of nature.…
The book describes partisan polarization as a vote in which a majority of voting democrats oppose a majority of voting republicans. Congress today seems more polarized than it was up until the 1970s because of social issues such as abortion. Democrats tends to be more liberal and republicans more conservative.…
Dissension or Disagreement As supported by Daniel Boorstin, dissension equals democracy’s cancer, while disagreement, its lifeblood. However, sometimes dissension pushes democracy forward. Primarily, disagreement shapes a democracy. Disagreement details an argument.…
Polarities are interdependent opposites which function best when both are present to balance with each other. By definition a "problem" is an issue which requires a solution. The goal of a problem is to find a fix to the current situation and move forward to a new reality without being required to ever look back. However, a "polarity" is an issue that needs to be addressed, but the "solution" is not one that can survive independently and will actually still require support from the original issue. “Polarity” can only be managed. A “polarity” is a dilemma or a paradox.…