Reflection Paper
Misty L. Bruce
Liberty University
GOVT 327-Professor Heather Piedmont
August 16th, 2021
The Biblical Authority for America’s Federal System
A look at John Locke’s political philosophy illustrates his belief in natural law and the
ability to live without fear of unjust representation or persecution. Locke believed there was a
genuine need for legislation in order to preserve the laws of a society. The notion that
governments exist at the pleasure of the people they serve resonated with Locke [ CITATION
Loc23 \l 1033 ].
The Structure of State Legislatures and Roles They Have in State Government
The structure of State Legislature’s includes the Senate and the Assembly [ CITATION
Ann18 \l 1033 ]. The State Legislature is responsible for administering process needed to pass
bills and enact laws. Locke would argue this branch of the State government holds the most
power and drives the health of the State government [ CITATION Loc23 \l 1033 ]. The people of
the States are represented by elected officials who are charged with preserving the culture of
local communities, as it is relayed by constituents. Christians must be careful with who they elect
to represent their best interests; however, the Bible encourages Christians to submit to the laws
and be prepared to contribute. Titus 3:1 [ CITATION The84 \l 1033 ] reminds, “Remind them to
be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”
The Reapportionment Process
The reapportionment process is an important function in ensuring, “districts should
reflect population equality” [ CITATION Ann18 \l 1033 ]. This procedure redistributes the
number of seats in a legislative district based on population. This can be both complex and
controversial, so utilizing a method deemed fair by the State in question is a best approach.
“Redistricting has become a sophisticated operation in which statisticians and geographers use
computer mapping to assist the legislature in designing an optimal districting scheme”
[ CITATION Ann18 \l 1033 ]. Although, each state gets two seats in the Senate, the number of
seats in the House depends upon population. The Two Treatises of Government, highlights that
John Locke believed each citizen should have representation in the legislative body. Biblically,
we are assured that each life is meaningful and deserves representation without disparity In Job
34:17-19,[ CITATION The84 \l 1033 ] it is said, “Can someone who hates justice govern? Will
you condemn the just and mighty One? Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,'
and to nobles, 'You are wicked,' who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich
over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?” When reapportioning or distributing the
number of seats, it is imperative that the population be represented fairly.
The Structures of State Court Systems, Their Selections, and Decision Making
The state court system consists of a two tiered court system. This system includes a
network of trial courts and appellate courts, each responsible for different legal matters. “The
organization of the state courts is important because it affects the quality and pace of judicial
decisions and the access of individuals and groups to the legal system” [ CITATION Ann18 \l
1033 ]. On occasion the jurisdictional lines may blur, and the United States utilizes “a dual
system of courts that is sometimes referred to as judicial federalism. Generally, state courts
adjudicate, or decide, matters of state law, whereas federal courts deal with federal law”
[ CITATION Ann18 \l 1033 ]. Mr. John Locke believed that the judicial system was an important
aspect of a civilized society, helping to encourage safe and resilient cultures that result in growth,
[ CITATION Loc23 \l 1033 ]. There are numerous Biblical teachings that support the need for
just punishments and the appropriate accountability for transgressions.
The Concept of Judicial Federalism
Judicial federalism defines the division of powers between the federal and state
governments. Specifically,” state courts look first to state constitutional and statutory laws in
rendering legal judgments on important state and local issues rather than to the federal courts”
[ CITATION Ann18 \l 1033 ]. This concept affords the court systems of the State protection of
power. This principal ties into John Locke’s overall thinking in regard to arbitrary power,
adequate representation, equality and so on. Likewise, fair judgement of and accountability for
crimes aligns with Biblical teachings; therefore, further establishing Biblical Authority in the
American federal system. The absolute truths found in Scripture, run parallel with the truths
found in the American system of government.
References
Bowman, A., & Kearney, R. (2018). State and Local Government (10th ed.). Boston, MA:
Cengage Learning.
Locke, J. (1823). Works : Two Treatises of Government. London: Aalen: Scientia Verlag.
Retrieved from https://socialsciences.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/locke/
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2018). Zondervan Publishing.
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