How Democratic Is The American Constitution Written By...

In the book How Democratic Is the American Constitution written by Robert A. Dahl, it shows us a deeper understanding of how the complexities of when and how the ideals of the American democracy were framed. This book also shows us that this amazing document was created in a way that many of us wouldn’t have thought of. Throughout the book Dahl takes us on an incredible adventure through America’s beginning years, as far back as the Constitutional Convention in 1787. One of the first things that is mentioned in the book is that the democracy that we have is not a static system but rather it has been changed and still continues to change to this day over the years since it has been completed. Many of the authors that helped to contribute to completing the Constitution also had a change of views as the years went by after the document’s completion. For example, Dahl mentions that James Madison, who was thirty six years old at the time, had not fully finalized his i deas for the constitution, mainly towards suffrage and majority rules. Due to this, couple of years later Madison published a series of multiple essays that contain ideas and steps to take that could help overcome the possible threats of political parties. In 1821 Madison wrote â€Å"The right of suffrage is a fundamental Article in Republican Constitutions† (Dahl, 2001, p. 35). This book is a great read for a better and deeper understanding of early political science that is written in a great style that isShow MoreRelatedHow Democratic Is The American Consitution?1310 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"How Democratic Is the American Consitution?† written by Robert A. Dahl is a novel that’s main purpose is to â€Å"suggest changes in the way we think about our constitution† (Dahl 2003, p.1). Robert A. Dahl revolves his book around a few questions. However, the main focus of all the questions are â€Å"why should we Americans uphold our constitution† (Dah l 2003, p.1)? This question is asked because he questions why we uphold something that was written more than two centuries ago. He also questions how democraticRead MoreHow Democratic Is The U.s. Constitution1506 Words   |  7 Pagesthe drafting of the U.S. Constitutions in 1787. These laws helped established America s national government and fundamental laws as well as guaranteed our citizens equal rights. Robert Dahl brought new light on the issue of how our nation views the U.S. Constitution and how effective it came to be. Most importantly, there is the possibility that Americans have the ability to alter the Constitution when it is needed. In Dahl’s book â€Å"How Democratic is the U.S. Constitution?†, he makes us think deeperRead MoreReview of How Democratic Is the Us Constitution809 Words   |  4 PagesBook Review Of How Democratic Is the American Constitution By Robert A. Dahl Context The American Constitution, seen by Americans as guiding light and bedrock of civil rights and democracy is as Robert A. Dahl argues not so democratic and does not guard the rights of individuals. P.18 Dahl places his work asking fundamental questions as to the use and application of the constitution in the modern world, not as an attack as Gordon S. Wood from New York Review of Books clearly states on theRead MoreHow Democratic Is the American Constitution?695 Words   |  3 Pages Robert Dahls book How Democratic is the American Constitution, reminds us that the American Constitution wasnt the only possible base for a democratic system in America. In this book Dahl explains some of the democratic and undemocratic aspects of the American constitution. He also explains what should be changed to improve it. In chapter 2, Dahl begins explaining about the Framers of the constitution who had the task of basically creating a new government that combated all of the problemsRead MoreHow Democratic Is The American Constitution?1310 Words   |  6 PagesAs citizens of America, how free are we? Yes essentially, we can make our own decisions but at what cost. It seems like in order to uphold structure and stability within while securing the wellbeing of every citizen of a nation us to have a government. However, if the establishment of government is essential, there are certain sacrifices one has to make to ensure one’s protection. Therefore, the battle between freedom, equality, and security comes into play when you’re trying to construct a â€Å"perfect†Read MoreThe Constitution As A Democratic Document1286 Words   |  6 PagesThe Constitution as a Democratic Document Since the ratification of the Constitution, more than 11,000 amendments have been proposed. The Constitution of the United States of America was Officially ratified in 1789. This makes the document over two-hundred years old. Since the time of its writing and eventual ratification, the document has been amended and interpreted in many ways. Whether it be prohibition to the abolition of slavery. The Constitution has been constantly updated over time. ItRead MoreEssay On Magna Carta1233 Words   |  5 Pagesthe democratic government came from Athens, Greece around 146 B.C., but ultimately this democracy was flawed and thus short-lived. While democracy was first seen in Ancient Greece it’s not appropriate to say that they are the all-mighty caregiver. In Democracy and Its Critics Robert A. Dahl says â€Å"Despite the extraordinary influence of classical Greece on the development of democracy, modern democratic ideas and institutions have also been shaped by many other factors†. The factors Dahl speaksRead MoreAmerican Democracy: Within the United States of America1874 Words   |  8 Pagesgo over the define democracy and label the type that the U.S. uses, then talk about how it is deemed democratic and undemocratic. Next I will in detail, go over how much our democracy has grown over the years, and lastly establish my two cents on our style of democracy. Yet through all the times, I believe we give freedom to those who still seek such a freedom, which in my opinion is the best thing about American democracy. The basic definition of democracy is a Government by the people, exercisedRead MoreCompare and Contrast of the Three Faces of Power 1821 Words   |  8 Pagesintegrate basic structural analyses and agency-centred traditions. According to this, people are free to act, but they must also use and replicate fundamental structures of power by and through their own actions. Power is wielded and maintained by how one ‘makes a difference’ and based on their decisions and actions, if one fails to exercise power, that is to ‘make a difference’ then power is lost. (Giddens: 1984: 14) However, more recent theorists have revisited older conceptions including the powerRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 PagesOrganizational Theory takes you on a joyful ride through the developments of one of the great enigmas of our time – How should we understand the organization? Jan Ole Similà ¤, Assistant Professor, Nord-Trà ¸ndelag University College, No rway I really enjoyed this new text and I am sure my students will enjoy it, too. It combines rigorous theoretical argument with application and consideration of how managment practice is formed and shaped by ideas and concepts. The authors have brought their wealth of experience