Read & Write 5 Paragraphs about Civil Engagement Democracy

1.

For me, a democracy is a state of mind where the government is ruled by the people. It can be referred to as 'the tyranny of the majority', where the thoughts and ideas of the majority of the people becomes law. Voting is the vehicle of finding out what the thoughts of 'the people' should be. There is no single person with a great amount of power. I define it this way because this is what I think of when the concept of a 'pure democracy' comes into mind. That is not to say that there are flaws with this type of society, as the Greeks found out several hundred years ago. 

  America is based upon a number of democratic principles outlined in the Constitution. I would say the first is that all political power is created from the people. From the onset of reading the Constitution, 'We the people...' indicates the great power of the general American public in the society. In addition, it is interesting to note that the Declaration of Independence dictated that only conventions of the people could be used to ratify the Constitution. This solidifies the claim that people are the power in the United States. Another democratic principle isn't necessarily identified with the idea of democracy: having a limited representative republic. This involves making sure that factions do not gain control of the government, giving various powers to three different branches of government, and enacting checks and balances (as shown in Articles I to III) to ensure that tyranny does not occur. Aside from the various freedoms afforded to Americans thanks to this 'Law of the Land', the fact that the Constitution is a written document also gives it a strong standing. The government is essentially a social contract that has limited power formally given by the people. This contract - the Constitution - must be in writing. 

  Before watching the video, I, like many, was led to believe that communists were on the far left, fascists on the far right, and moderates were in the middle. However, the idea of the governmental spectrum being based on power never occurred to me. I also used to think of the terms 'democracy' and 'republic' in a synonymous fashion. Now, I understand that there are clear and distinct differences between the two. In contrast to the author's comments that many are led to believe we live in a democracy, I go further and believe we live in an oligarchy. Executive orders are just examples of the unerring power that a select few can have. In addition, the wealth gap between the top 1% and the bottom 99% has been increasing at unprecedented rates. Due to things such as the electoral college, I refuse to believe that we live in a democracy where the majority truly rules. However, that isn't necessarily a curse. 

  While I do agree civic responsibility is necessary for a great experience in the workplace, I don't believe that it is a bad thing that education focuses more on job training than ever before. The author says, 'The key to reactivating American civic life lies in education.' While that is true, there is a certain element of our modern society where job-based skills are needed to be prioritized over civic skills. The author indicates: 'A successful curriculum should emphasize... of individual citizens.' While that is true, there should be more integration of job-training course content with civic content designed to help the person be a good citizen.

   I believe that while the adjective may be evident to all who can see, it is essential for people to reach across social and cultural boundaries in order to achieve their desires and objectives of life. While people are categorized and manipulated based on race, it is human nature that people tend to 'hang out' with people of similar interests - often people of similar ethnicity. It is an evolving nature of our world, and one that will change as the years go by. For my experience in particular, I have had occasions where people of my nationality have tended to have similar beliefs as me. In those instances, I found it easier to speak out about a particular issue. However, there are plenty of times when I have spoken to people from all across the world freely about any topic. It is important to disregard the adjective of race/color, however unique it may seem. That is the only way to achieve progress in this world. 

2.

1 After reading and viewing the materials for this week, in your own words, what is  democracy ? Why do you define it in this way?

To me Democracy is a higher system within the government. Democracy is something that I hear whenever things happen with the President or when something bad happens with the government.

2 It is often said that America has been founded on democratic principles based on its Constitution. What would you say these principles are and why? Please make sure to cite specific information from what you read in the Constitution. What surprised you that you did not know about the Constitution before this reading and taking the Civic Literacy Exam?

I’m not entirely sure what they mean as to. America was founded on democratic principles based on its constitution due the fact that I myself am not familiar with any of this; however, in one of our readings it says, “The constitution was made for the uses of the individual (implement on the order or the plow, an ax, or a surveyor’s plumb line), and the institutions of American government were meant to support the liberties of the people, not the ambition of the state” (Lapham 1992 P.48).

             I wasn’t all that surprised on receiving the score that I did for the Civic Literacy Exam due to the fact that history and anything to do with the government has always been my weakness. As hard as I might I don’t understand half of it.

3 In “Republic versus Democracy” the narrator states that most Americans today have been persuaded that our form of government is a democracy and not a republic. He then goes on to provide an overview of different forms of government and how this relates to America today. How does this information compare and contrast to your own beliefs about democracy?

The more I read about the two the more it seems like Democracy is what is happening more so today. “He says that the democracy is the rule of the people majority rule” (T 2013). He also goes on to say that republic is, “the law of leaving people alone” (T 2013). The only reason I say that I feel like this is happening is the fact that he also mentioned that, “when the democracy want something they rule” The whole ordeal with Trump being president has caused so many outbreaks. So many people feel the need that they need to be heard for how upset and angry they are. To me that seems like a form of democracy. They want to be heard so they break windows and burn cars. Once again I have never been able to follow politics or understand the government; therefore, I can’t really compare or contract these findings to own beliefs.

4 The authors in "The Problem: Democracy at Risk" believe that people used to be taught how to be a good citizen---"not only school but other institutions of society and within communities taught civility, courage, integrity, concern and curiosity--in short, virtue or character appropriate for daily participation in democratic principles and republican responsibility" (p. 228). They make the case that our schools no longer teach these skills and that even college and getting an education is really about job training (see the last page, in particular). What do you believe and why? Give examples to support your position and cite specific references to the text.

I wouldn’t know as much I went to a Christian private school almost my entire life; therefore, we were taught to have morals, values, to have respect for others and to mind our manners. I do agree that with college we are educated for a trained job. We are taught only what would pertain to our degree so that when we are done we are ready for the work force.

5 In "Who and What is American," the author makes the point that we spend far too much time focused on the adjective that comes before the noun (White American, African American, etc.) rather than the "traits of character or temperament" that we hold in common as Americans. This can create situations, he believes, where "we can be rounded up in categories and sold the slogan of the week for the fear of the month" (p. 45). He also believes this causes us to not say what we think: "If we indulge ourselves with evasions and the pleasure of telling lies, we speak to our fears and our weaknesses instead of to our courage and our strength. We can speak plainly about our differences only if we know and value what we hold in common" (p. 49). Do you agree? Why or why not? What experiences have you had that have led you to this belief?

 

I do feel that we still fight with the need to identify the race of who we are talking about. I feel like people do spend too much time focusing on what color of the person who committed the crime versus how we can stop those crimes from happening again. I have also noticed that the society likes to blame different categories. If a black person gets shot by the police for stealing a car it’s automatically the police that are being racist. On the same hand I also see police abusing their rights and overstepping their boundaries just because a black person is “acting suspicious”. Now were starting it with the Muslims and anyone who might be from a certain country. I think now were too quick to judge maybe it’s out of fear or maybe it out of spite I can’t say for sure. I have also noticed that those who have found their voice feel that they seem like they are entitled to destroy things to make more of a statement.

 

3.

1)

Democracy is simply rule by the majority, and is therefore a form of government fully run by the people, as whatever the majority of people say goes, as was outlined in the video. Interestingly it is said that the last example of a true democracy was that of pirates. While of course they had their captain this man was more of a figurehead, much like the Queen of England today, and he really had no more power than any other man on the ship, despite what modern depictions may show, or so I've been told. Regardless, it doesn't matter the issue, the majority always wins in a true democracy, which can very easily lead to abuse of power, much like what seems to be the case with our current political situation.

2)

Of course there are democratic principles within the Constitution, the ability to vote being an obvious one. It is that ability that has given Republicans the majority in both Houses and obviously the Presidency following this last election. That being said, the Electoral College is an obvious example of the fact that America is a Republic, for if it were not Clinton would have won the election. The ninth amendment is also a clear sign of democratic principles. It states "the enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." An obvious statement making sure that the government didn't become too powerful. This amendment has even been used in the past to argue the people's right to privacy from a seemingly overbearing government.

3)

If Americans have been persuaded that this country is a democracy then they are not paying attention and truly have no clue about our government in any way, shape, or form. The principles of democracy outlined in the video are a complete match to my own beliefs. Personally I find these principles to be quite cut and dry as well as quite distinct from a Republic. Of course there are elements of democracy in a Republic such as America, but as outlined in the video it is the law of the land, and those elected and hired to protect it, that allow it to stand out from a democracy. Both are similar, however, in that, if left unchecked, the majority or those in power will work toward creating an oligarchy so as to have more power. I've already made several political references, which I don't like to do, but I find I can't help myself, and so I will make another. By what I have seen from this new administration of late it would seem that we have come ever closer to an oligarchy in America.

4)

I truly find that it's no secret anymore that schools have now been designed almost entirely to make people good workers. Basically the best citizen doesn't think too much into what is really going on, but rather focuses so much on getting a good job, a nice car, a big house, etc. that she loses sight of herself almost entirely, let alone those around her. What does she care if people around her are struggling, as long as she's doing what she can for herself. Schools are not the only institution to blame, though. After all the newer generations spend much of their time on the Internet and playing video games, becoming more distracted than ever. I myself know much less about this Republic than I should, but the newer generations seem to know barely anything at all. We have truly lost sight of what it means to receive an education. As the authors state: "citizens must understand that there is only one purpose for education in the republic: to educate citizens to know about and participate in issues important to the flourishing of the republic. Everything else flows from this core purpose." For us to avoid becoming an oligarchy we need to get back to teaching people so they can become enlightened instead of teaching them how to be good little capitalists.

5)

I would say that it is certainly true that we focus too much on the adjective and less on the person. That being said, the idea of a "color-blind society," as some civically engaged people have mentioned is, to me, not only impossible, but also just as demeaning as focusing on the adjective. To become color-blind is to lose all sense of what makes us unique because, after all with color-blindness will come culture-blindness as well, and to lose the many cultures that make up America would be very sad. There are certainly commonalities among Americans, in truth every person on Earth is more similar to anyone else than they are different; however, our differences allow us new perspectives and ideas, and also make life more interesting. That being said, our highly individualized society does not help with the idea of embracing our commonality anyway.

As far as telling the truth is concerned, though, I find that in this society it has become much easier to lie than to do such a crazy thing as actually tell the truth. Even those truths that people do speak are often only half-truths, leaving out important details for any number of reasons. The most frequent reason, in my opinion, would be because of fear of social ostracization. As the Immortal Technique line goes: "tell em the truth and they call you a traitor, talk to em honestly and they call you a hater." Those who actually speak out about an issue anymore are so often shamed for their simple attempts at bringing something to light, and so I find that it's easier overall in this society anymore to succumb to our fears and weaknesses than to show our courage and strength, for it's easier to hate oneself than to feel the hate of others.

4.

  I define Democracy as an organized, systematic and civil form of government in which every citizen has an input or vote but ultimately the will of the majority rules and becomes custom. In my vision, the vote is utilized by the citizenry to elect representatives to govern and make decisions and laws. Even though one’s preferred representative is not selected, he or she respects the majority choice and abides their policy. The representatives can be replaced if they don’t perform well.

            I define it this way because I believe that democracy at its core is majority rule. I think that society is drifting away from this premise. Every single need or premise or privilege cannot be granted and everyone cannot always be pleased, as John Lydgate said, “You can’t please all of the people all of the time”.  

            The cause of the American Revolution and the formation of the United States was a direct result of taxation without representation. I believe that this and all of the basic premises of the Constitution can be found in the preamble. The first sentence, “We the people”, indicates that the people are sovereign and are the highest authority. To “establish justice” means that there must be a sense of checks and balances. To incorporate this balance there must be three branches of government, each with specific and non-overlapping powers. To “insure domestic tranquility” there must not be a dictatorship and the federal government cannot be overbearing. Domestic tranquility requires laws enforced without bias or malice so that people can enjoy freedom.

            The Constitution will promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to “ourselves and our posterity”. To do this, the constitution provides that citizens are free to move about the states, and that each state will be appropriately represented in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It further provides that the Federal government will protect the States, but that each state if allowed to govern themselves and make their own laws, so long as they don’t infringe upon the basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

            I have read the Constitution a number of times, through necessity or requirement. I took the quiz before I reviewed so I believe I missed some intricacies, but answered most of the general questions correctly.

            I believe that the narrator’s characterization is correct of most people. It is probable that the majority of the daily protestors depicted about the nightly news on a daily basis mistake a democracy to mean rule of the many. Their opinions contrast with those of the elected officials and they would just as soon as change the laws themselves. They do not agree with or respect the republic. Having witnessed several of these protests first hand, I can say with a reasonable degree of certainty that the majority of the protestors cannot differentiate between different forms of government, nor can they speak intelligently and provide sustainable fact about their cause. (I did say most, not all).

            As detailed in the first question, the narrator’s definition is consistent with my beliefs of a democracy. The democracy is majority rule. The majority chooses elected officials who have similar beliefs and anticipates they will mold their policies to these beliefs. The Republic rules through law dictated by officials who are elected by the citizenry.

            The text makes several strong points that seem to be common thread when we complain about the younger generation, although I believe the “younger generation” maybe some of my classmates…

            First, the text intimates to social isolation due to technological advancements. To me, this is probably one of the leading causes for lack of citizenship. For most of us, if we don’t socialize electronically we don’t socialize. This one practice puts an insurmountable barrier between the older generation, from who we are supposed to learn citizenship, and us. It is in every facet of life. (I am waiting for the day to come when I see a report from a young Trooper who interrogated someone via text or email.) This class, for example. All of us love the convenience of online courses. I could not have gone back to college without it. But where is the social interaction? Would we not learn more if we met once a week and had actual engagement? How can we learn citizenship from the older generation when we can’t communicate with them?

            The foregoing point is also made in the first paragraph in the text whereas the elders told the new generation about rights and liberties but have done little to help them understand. Again, if we don’t know or speak to our elders, how can we learn from them. I also believe that if we don’t have role models who are civic minded then the chances of us or our children are slim. I know that when my children get older I will expose them to volunteer work, although my record of accomplishment to date has been dismal. How adept would they have been had I started earlier?

            Finally, the text makes the point that the only purpose for education is so that citizens may flourish in the republic. This is hardly the case in today’s education, both formal and collegiate. Citizenry is hardly motivated in today’s society. Political correctness dominates patriotism. Universities ban the American flag and decline presidential visits. The sole motivation as indicated in the test is career preparation.

            “The man who rests his case in his color, like the woman who defines herself as a bright cloud of sensibility beyond the understanding or merely mortal men, makes a claim to special privilege not unlike the divine right of kings” (Lewis. P.45).

            I believe that this quote still holds true. The segment of society that expects privilege for the “adjective before the noun” is alive and well. I experienced this just yesterday, when I had to indicate my race before uploading my cover letter and resume. I see it also at a professional level, as my colleagues are ambushed and murdered for wearing a uniform. No, we can’t speak freely when incidents involving race are sensationalized by the media, speculation is promulgated and the case is tried in the press within hours of the occurrence.

            When there is distrust, uprest and protest against the very segment of society that is sworn to uphold the constitution there cannot be openness.  Within the last three years, I led the major case investigation of four police shootings, three of them homicide, all ruled justifiable. None of them saw the front page of the newspaper. None was even in the press or remembered a week later. There was no racial issue so the incidents did not garner national attention and they were not consistently reported.