Pros And Cons Of Democracy In America

The United States prized themselves on having a democratic country. They adopted the concept from the Greek who coined the idea of democracy. A government for the people by the people. The main purpose of democracy is to avoid corruption and tyranny. Yet America has flaws in their system of democracy. America creates contradictions to the very government they have protected. Yet through all the flaws America government checks and balance the people to ensure a democratic government. The citizens of America have a powerful voice and have the right contribute to the government. If the citizens feel the need for a change they start an initiative. Once the initiative is passed through a petition it becomes a proposition. An initiative must take into account many different conditions that must be met. Take for example Proposition 36 which became a proposition until an interest group developed the initiative. Proposition 36 was created to bring change to the three strike law. The law was too harsh and people would serve 25 to lifetime sentences for petty crimes.
A referendum is another form that the United States created to check and balance the
government. The referendum can repeal an act of the legislature. It is also a way to amend the constitution. This process was created to ensure the people of their rights. If the citizens feel like the law is unconstitutional they have the right to petition it to be removed. The unhappy citizen gets to go around and gather signature of other who feel the same. Once the signatures have been verifying the new popular vote is placed on the ballot. If the new law is voted for then it is taken into action and if it is not then it is voided.
A recall can be compared to an impeachment for state or municipal official.
A recall removes the elected official from their position. The citizens gather signatures of other citizens that feel the same way. Once enough signatures are reached a reelection occurs to pick a new official. In the new ballot the voters have to choice to recall the official or not. Then if they do agree with the recall elect the new official to take the place of an official. One of the most famous recalls in California history is the governor Gray Davis. After his unpopularity for raising car registration, the citizen united to recall him. Costing thousands and adding to California deficit to recall Gray Davis. The citizens used their rights and united to take down an elected official. They expressed their rights and checked the
government.
As seen above proposition, referendum and recall are all democratic. These systems are used by the citizens to change the state government. If the citizens don't agree with the government they have a right to rally and create interest groups of others who feel the same. The citizens need the motive to exercise their rights and be a part of the government. They are used to ensure the government works for the people and their interest. Proposition, referendum, and recall are created to ensure the government limited power and power to the people.