Government 2 - dissertation example

Government 2

(Sur Why do laws exist? Law is a system of rules set to put order in a society. This set of rules also protects the people, as well as the properties, in a community from harm. Following the law entails reinforcement of it; in order to apply the underlying cause if its conception. Every rule stated in the Constitution has its own definition, implementation and punishment to those who violate it. Due process is applied to everyone without the discrimination of race, colour, tradition or religion. The Congress is the branch of a government that makes the law. Either the Senate or the House of Representatives may introduce a bill; it must be approved by both parties. Though every bill must be signed by the President before it becomes a law, instances that the President does not sign, the House and the Senate will vote on it and should acquire a 2/3 majority for a bill to become a law. In instances that a certain law is said to be unjust or unfair, the courts can rule and decide if it remains a law or not. (Cook, p. 23) Democracy: Freedom of Expression Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy. It is fundamental in all forms of freedoms. It is said to be the core freedom in which democracy will not be possible without it. This doesn’t entail freedom of speech alone but the right to write openly, speak freely and criticize injustices and incompetence. It gives the public the opportunity to voice out their opinions of any kind. Thus, without it, a country cannot be called democratic if voices of the public are limited or unheard. Progressive Taxation The US currently has a progressive taxation system in which tax rates get much higher from the middle class to the upper class, making the lower class shoulder very minimal tax rates. (Surname) 2 In the 1980s, a revival against the current tax system was which had started in the early 20th century was seen. This argued that the upper class should not pay so much taxes since they are the ones most likely to invest and would create more jobs which will help the economy. Due to this, President Reagan slashed taxes for the rich. On the other hand, capitalist countries including the US set up progressive taxation in order to prevent the rich to becoming to wealthy for owning so many businesses in the country. This taxation implies that the rich should pay more since they are the ones who get privileges the poor don’t get; thus, they should pay for this privilege. Foreign Policy The Congress, aside from the president is the one that makes foreign policy. It often supports the President, though modifications are often applied along the process of the approval. The Congress makes foreign policy through legislative directives, resolutions and policy statements, legistlative restrictions and congressional oversight. Due to their decisive voice in making foreign policy, it makes it easy for them to do so. Combating terrorism in one of the issues the US has been mostly concerned about since the 9/11 attack. The US Patriot Act of was amended in 2001 which stated all the measures to counter terrorism in the country, coming from its acronym Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. (Cook, p. 72) Under section 817 of the Patriot Act states the use of biological weapons, detailing those who cannot ship, use, or receive such agents. Violators of this section of the Patriot Act are penalized of more than 10 years imprisonment and a fine for those who will not be able to prove their reasonable usage of such agents. Cook, J A. Global Government Under the Us Constitution. Lanham, Md: University Press of America, 2007. Print.