American Politics 1 - Essay Example

We have special interest groups that exert influence, but our pluralism must remain checked within the framework of the law. Washington bureaucrats are only able to rule for as long as our elected officials allow them. Our regular elections work to keep the government in check as special interests, elected officials, political groups, and lobbyists jockey for the inside track at making laws and enacting policy. As these differing political and social forces meet, our civil society demands that their disagreements be settled peacefully and that the participants will honor the settlement.

The real power of Americas Democracy does not lie in the people, elected officials, special interests, or lobby groups. Our rule lies in our body of law and the constitution. Over the centuries, laws, rights, and freedoms have been challenged and debated. The US Supreme Court, the highest arbitrator in the land, has been the seat of responsibility for progress and the expression of these freedoms. Our individual and collective rights are protected and directed by the decisions made by the Court.

We can measure and view our nations progress by looking at the history of our Democracy through the courts decisions. The case of Marbury vs. Madison set the precedent that the Supreme Court would be the ultimate and final voice in constitutional questions and could void any law seen as contrary to the constitution. The court was further granted the power to determine the legality of the actions of the various branches of government and laid the foundation for the courts power, as well as our belief in a system guided by law and not men.

Though the case was initiated over rather insignificant quarrels among the Republicans and Federalists, its effect has been paramount and enduring. Marbury vs, Madison has been the basis for bringing other landmark cases before the Supreme Court. The court had laid the groundwork as an arena to fight for individual rights as granted by the