Democratization in America - Essay Example

Democratization in America This paper seeks to review on how democracy came about and how things were during 18th century around Lincoln’s time. The period between the years 1830s to 1840s had events and situations that changed the history, tiny elements and developments in American democracy. The essay will focus on the following material-: Rise of democracy in politics Era of voluntary associations Abolishing of slavery and civil war Women rights democracy A point to note is that during the 1830s to 1840s the political system in America was none existent. There was no clear format to choose leaders and relevant officials. The whites during the 1820 were not eligible voters unless they had status in society. One had to either be a land proprietor or had a means to pay tax in order to vote. The voting system was not attractive either, there was no use of papers or ballots, likewise features like campaigning for that leadership were not present. Voting was done through shouting or word of mouth. This later came to change in most states. 1830 to 1840 was a period that most states gave permission to whites to vote, so long as they paid taxes and had at one time involved themselves in the militia. When the political atmosphere started getting better most states gave full rights to the whites to vote and by civil war only one start had the old system. The civil life of the people has not always been the same. Analysis can take place from the 18th century to 21st century courtesy of Michael Schudson in the book, the good citizen. A flash to 18th presents to us a society that was more involved in politics and political knowledge than ever before. During this time, the people had perfected the art of defying leadership and rules of the elites (Schudson, 230-236). In the 19thcentury, politics was at its best, but the people were involved in a more vigorous central role. It was a period that had strong organizations with political undertones. The local organizations focused on attracting the masses through huge meetings that had the characteristics of rewards and entertainment just to attract the masses to buy into the agenda of a party. Politics at this period was not ideology inclusive but popularity driven (Schudson, 141-142). At the end of the 19th century looking into the beginning of 20th century, the state of things evolved further, this period had moved away from partisan politics that had earlier reigned. These times had two state of affairs, one known as dominant model and the other as non-dominant. The former harbored reforms, efficiency in management, non partism in the fourth estate, and a government expertise while the latter harbored and advocated for a citizenry participative approach to making of policy and politics involvement. By 1950 we got introduced to an era that changed everything to what it is today. The current people have a rights conscious drive that has spilled over to the political world. The people no longer worship politics instead things are squared inside the courts. Executive has a limit to what it can do in this era; politics is no longer the all-powerful option. In all those stages it has acted as a multiplier effect to achieve modern democracy. Michael points out those citizens are not able to scan political world because the populace has gone into deliberate ignorance button. The drivers of the 18th century politics are no longer present; as a result the voter knows nothing about political data. Democracy as known today needs a spruce up that is inclusive of the right components especially citizenry education. Democracy is the act of people deciding policies on themselves, it can also be known as sovereignty. In America the term has ancient domains. Democracy exists for a people and their wellbeing. The forefathers believed that everything should be done for the general advantage. This is the reason behind the reservation scheme formulated for the American Indians. These originals had land resources and since they could not develop them, the best option was for the forefathers to evict them and develop the lands with the intention of helping a wider population. If democracy is explained in such a context then the society in America never comes to terms with social injustice among the populace. Democracy came about when in the 18th the aspect of human hierarchy’s were demised. People of a certain upbringing and status were analogized to be superior humans than the rest. These improvements were taken further to property. If someone owned an asset big enough to affect, influence and alter the activities of a people, such an asset was taken to be public in some aspects meaning there was sharing of common interest hence an individual could not just make a radical decision at the expense of others. Moving fast to the 19th century democracy evolved further when unions started being formulated, this was the turning point in the labor sector. The government also moved further to make regulations that were aimed at controlling the actions of managers and their corporations. Democracy finally reached the families in the continuation of 20th century. A while earlier women were viewed as just that, mothers. No decision making or involvement of some social events, the man was the ultimate decision maker, the Alfa male no defiance. Soon all that faded away and we start witnessing a woman and a man who are taken to be equals. This has brought about a more diverse and versatile culture. Voluntary associations in the country started manifesting themselves in the 1810s to 1840s. People came through to voluntarily pressure the whole concept in America. Questions on slavery started arising and there was need to fairness in business and women formed their organizations to fight for their own rights. They needed better recognition and respect just like their fellow men. It through the associations that most sectors evolved and the origin of civil war started here. Civil war was fuelled by a debate of human rights. Slavery had started gaining defectors in the 1840s, some members of the country believed the slavery was to be done away with, while others could not believe in black rights (Richard & Gaston, 74-78). Hence the country was divided into two. The states that supported slavery and those that dint, hence the civil war broke out. It was a long war but it led to abolishment of the vice. American democracy has matured with distinct waves of sort. The first wave brought about voting rights to the females in early 1900s and the equality rights to African American in 1950s. After this the period that followed brought a wave in job market, insurance for workers came to be and government workers were allowed to form unions too, this meant they could bargain well with government (Richard & Gaston, 65-68). Democracy development is about breaking away from the normal order of things. Currently Americans have rights unrivalled, expose their sexuality, criticize the government freely and speak openly; it’s in the rights as a spirit of democracy. One issue that the Americans never agree is that they oppressed African Americans. Slaves were taken to this continent to work for whites it was an industry worth a lot, soon enough America built roads and industries which depended on the cheap labor offered by this migrants, likewise the industries grew faster. Slavery was highly rated but Lincoln could not stomach this kind of status quo. The blacks had to be given rights to be like people. The civil war in America was known to everyone. It started when some states decided to breakaway and forms their own republic that would legalize slavery. Lincoln could not watch this happen he had a will to end the slavery. Some historians say that his resolve saved the greatest democracy in history earning him the tag of being the best USA president. Lincoln fought for democracy and in order to do so, he had to control a lot of government aspects. He formed an army to fight the south and sort to free the black people from oppression, and he finally succeeded in offering emancipation proclamation. He believed that a nation could not prosper on oppression. Work Cited Richard, S. & Gaston A. Democracy of way of life in America. Southern Illinois University Press, 1993. Print. Schudson, Michael. The Good Citizen: A History of American Civic Life. New York: Martin Kessler Books, 1998. Print. Read More