As a way to prevent a unitary rule over the
This system evolved throughout history, experiencing tough times as the Constitution was observed under much scrutiny. Clarifications of each branch’s power were made through Supreme Court cases, historical events, changes in politics, etc. As the nation grew, so did the system in which the nation was rooted in.
Though the system seems to work well with the nation and the freedom that it stands for, in more recent times, the once praised system brings more trouble than benefits. Congressmen use gerrymandering and earmarks to satisfy own local constituencies in order to win the reelection process instead of considering what the nation as a whole needs. The presidents of this nation get involved in scandals and begin unnecessary wars, killing thousands of innocent people across the world. The court system seeks their own interests in each state and creates different rules accordingly, creating confusion for the public. Disregard for the original meaning behind the Constitution and the national government have increased. The public is well aware of these shortcomings of the system it once relied heavily on.
It is true that the nation has gone through ups and downs throughout history. Each time, the Framers’ exceptional masterpiece has prevailed. In due time, the problems we face now will definitely find a solution. No matter how much despair the nation falls into, the system seems to find a solution each time. The government can mold and evolve itself to fit the needs of the nation even in times of trouble. However, unless the people involved in this government change for the better, the system, which the people built, will see an ugly ending.
2 comments:
I found your blog to be particular interesting in reading your insights on the concept of seperation of powers. I completely agree with you on the issues of the balances being off throughout recent history. I feel that congressmen should not just worry about themselves when election time comes around the way they have been with gerrymandering and earmarking. Although I am a proud American, I am not proud of some of the things our congressmen have done with disregard to our nations needs. The issue of the Iraq conflict is a touchy subject and I respect you expressing your opinion because that is one of the great rights we have.
All in all, I too feel that the seperation of powers have not been equally balanced and that certain branches of our government have been manipulating this system for their own benefit in our recent history. It is up to our generation to put a stop to this unbalanced system that our founding fathers created so long ago.
I found your insightful commentary on the U.S. government system on how "three-way division between powers" to create a balance very interesting. As it is proven mathematically, three different divisions to constantly check each other like a triangular system, ought to provide an idealistic governmental system.
However, as you have specifically pointed out, there is a flaw to this system. It will work solely on the condition that all three divisions are honest checking one another's work and carry out their duties like they are supposed to. Evidently, as can be seen from the examples present in your commentary, such is not the case in the present government. Actually, some of those that you have mentioned have been repetitively occurring within the U.S. government. For example, gerrymandering came about in year 1812 when Governor Gerry signed a bill into law that redistricted his state to benefit his Republican party. Likewise, corruption always seems to have accompanied those in power.
You have said in your conclusion that “in due time, the problems will definitely find a solution”. No doubt, mankind has always changed and evolved through out the history. However, in my opinion, those solutions never appeared out of thin air. I do not agree that “the system seems to find a solution each time”. I feel that it is the act of the individuals, upon realizing the grave situation the nation has fallen into, come together to form a powerful entity to correct the problem. If one does not act when one sees the problem, the system will remain stale and rot. Although, perhaps there is a point in saying that “the system seems to find a solution each time’. A dam that confines a river will break and collapse under the weight of the water when it becomes overwhelming or if the dam is defective, even by a single tiny hole. Similarly, when the system upon which the government is built is unstable, corrupted and/or gives hardship to the people, it is bound to disintegrate and either a new system or new group of leaders will emerge. So there is a point in saying that “the system seems to find a solution each time”.
It is my hope that the people of the U.S. will detect such problem before it is too late and take action against it. As is shown repeatedly in the history, I believe it is not an impossible task and we can all do it.
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