Tim Schouls in his essay, “Why Group Representation in Parliament Is Important,” argues that the parliamentary representation in Canada is unfair because it doesn’t represent Canada’s social diversity as a whole. He believes that democracy in Canada can be considerably deepened and enhanced when the composition of the House of Commons substantially reflects the social diversity of Canada (for example, Aboriginals, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, gays etc.) instead of geographical diversity (constituencies). He asserts there’s a big change taking place in Canadian politics; attachment to geography, language, and religion are becoming less important to Canadians while attachments to ethnicity and gender are becoming…
The Fathers of Confederation conceived of the Senate as a “chamber of sober second thought.” However, almost ever since its creation, as the unelected arm of the legislature, people have suggested ways in which to reform the upper house. Concerns of illegitimate representation, party loyalty, and patronage are the main reasons the argument for change continues. This paper aims to review a couple of recent reform proposals, and then argue, leaving constitutional practicality behind, that the Senate should receive a major overhaul in how it is formed and represented.…
After the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, establishing the "united colonies" as Free and Independent States, the Continental Congress set to work on the task of drawing up a document that would provide a legal framework for that Union, and which would be enforceable as the law of the new land.…
Every four years, the Electoral College enjoys a fleeting moment of fame. But the impact of the college on presidential elections is far greater and more controversial than its brief life indicates.…
The Electoral College, established by the founding fathers in the United States Constitution, is a process whereby a body of electors chosen by voters in each state cast a formal vote to elect the president and vice president. Among many other things established within the Constitution, the Electoral College requires extensive reform. The Constitution itself was merely a framework for the United States government and did not take into account the extent to which society would change between 1787 and 2015. Amidst the several problems constituted by the Electoral College, the four most threatening complications consist of the possibility for the loser of the popular vote to win the electoral vote, the inequality among the distribution of votes according to population, the exclusion of third party victors, and the consequences that arise in case of a tie.…
Adler, Jonathan. “The Erroneous argument the senate has a ‘constitutional duty’ to consider a supreme court nominee.” The Washington Post…
The Constitution of the United States has always been known as the lifeblood of our government and the rights of the people. This historical document was not always in place however. Before this “living document” and basis for United States rights and laws was formed there was the Articles of Confederation. Signed in 1777 by the original 13 colonies as a means of establishing the United States of American and served as our new founded countries first constitution. This document however, “did not provide the centralizing force necessary for unity among the new states and were soon found to be so fundamentally weak that a different political structure was vital.” (Breckenridge pg.19) Congress authorized a Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles in February of 1787. In the months that followed the delegates assembled and addressed the concerns within our fledgling nation. This was the beginning of our Constitution of the United States.…
Over the years the Electoral College has been proven to be outdated. People wonder constantly if their vote counts anymore or, if this method is affective any longer. There are three main reasons why the Electoral College is outdated and should be abolished. The presidential candidates only pay attention to the states with the most Electoral votes, we also have a larger and more educated population then when this was originally set up, lastly it does not seem as if your vote really counts since there have been at least four occurrences where the president with the popular vote has lost the election.…
According to David Mayhew, author of Congress: The Electoral Connection, Congress has many different functions that it performs including: “ . . .legislating, overseeing the executive, expressing public opinion, and servicing constituents” (Mayhew 2004, 8). While all these are important to the role Congress plays, the most important ability is the authority to create laws. Congress derives its power to perform its functions and to create laws, from Article I of the Constitution. Although Article I may be oft overlooked, the authority given to Congress from it is critically important to understanding legislative politics. Without structures and rules, Congress would be unable to make laws, would have little authority and could not function properly as a check to the other branches of government.…
MacKinnon, Leslie. "Preston Manning: Renovate the Senate or tear it down." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 22 Jan. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .…
The national security counsel is made up of different secretaries, aides, and advisors. This is the main assembly in which the President uses information given to them on matters concerning foreign policy and homeland defense. The Secretary of State is the main diplomat in the assembly; their position is reliant on international affairs knowledge and diplomatic relations. This is an important position in today’s cabinets because of growing hardline relations between other hopeful superpowers. The Secretary of State and their diplomatic skills work closely with the Secretary of Defense and their skills of homeland defense. A cooperative relationship is key to success in foreign relations and homeland defense since these are the first advisory roles to the President in those regards. Another key member of the counsel is the National Security Advisor; this role has traditionally set the tone for NSC for the President. The position is regarded as having a special relationship with the President and comes with direct access. The NSC advisor is the Presidents senior aide and chairs meetings between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State in the absence of the President. The role is a staff position and does not require congressional approval, the uniqueness of the role must be maintained and the position cannot overcloud the Secretaries.…
The primary goal of foreign policymaking is to ensure state survival. Without foreign policy our world will be in chaos. It is our government’s strategy in dealing with other nations. While both President and Congress each has their own role in foreign policymaking, the President’s role is to enforce decisions and the Congress is to approve treaty making powers.…
I am in favor of congressional limits because I think times have changed. It is a touchy subject because it is considered unconstitutional but I still believe it should be pushed. If term limits are implemented more women and minorities would be included into the congress seats. There are currently no term limits for Senators or House members, but it has been discussed for years. If term limits were to be implemented, most members of Congress would disqualify about half of those who are currently serving. President Trump has pledged to implement term limits since winning the election. He proposed to set a three-term (six-year) cap for House members and two-term (12-year) cap for senators, according to my source Time.com. I agree with the terms…
Congressional term limits is a very controversial subject today. Many people, including our president Donald Trump, think that we need to “flush out” or get rid of the people who have been in congress for a long time. With this ambition, multiple problems arise. People who have a job should not just be pulled out because they have been in there too long. That is not a good enough reason in any case. The people working in congress have worked and worked very hard to become part of this high position. Donald Trump should open his eyes and realize what these people are doing not just for him, but for our country. Without these people working in congress our country would not be able to function. Therefore, Donald Trump should not be trying to “flush out” congressmen, but thank them for their service.…
Who 's voting for the president? Not you. We live in a society where your vote…