Political Science Assignment: US Democracy and Human Needs Analysis

This essay delves into the efficacy of the US democratic system in providing for the basic human needs of its citizens. It begins by acknowledging the widespread belief in the effectiveness of US democracy while questioning whether the government truly guarantees the fulfillment of human needs. The essay references Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy and explores the separation of powers as a key democratic principle. However, it also highlights potential gaps in the system, such as unequal representation in the Senate and the influence of private capital on political parties, which may hinder the ability of the government to meet the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized groups. The essay concludes that while the US apparently guarantees the provision of basic human needs, the reality may favor the powerful, leading to ambiguity and bias, thus challenging the fundamental principles of democracy. The essay references various articles to support its arguments.

Running Head:POLITICAL SCIENCE
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Name of the Student:
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Author Note:

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The democratic foundation in the United States is known to be one of the best and
effective processes that entitle the safeguarding of rights and privileges of the American people
(Herro, Amnesty International). There is a growing understanding of the efficacy of democracy
even in the developed countries like United States. Therefore, it is crucial to understand whether
the US government guarantees the provisions of human needs to its citizens if there are some
discrepancies and gaps that obstruct the fundamental principles of democracy.
Based on the report of Snowball, it can be stated that one in four of the Americans
believe in the efficacy of democracy. They do not need any reform or amendments because all
the necessities and basic needs are met with the help of the democratic process that exists in the
United States. The founder of the American liberty and democracy, Abraham Lincoln defined
the nature of democracy which is the mainstay of the democratic establishment of United States.
As per the research of Goldstein, it can be argued that the superiority of democracy is an ideal
form of government that can be seen in The United States. For instance, the paradigm of
‘separation of power’ is still prevalent in the US where the administration and legislative bodies
are separated from the judiciary. As a matter of fact, US constitution is supposed to safeguard the
rights of individual through enacting the fundamental rights and human rights. In the article
“Why Socialism” Einstein remarked that man as a social being seeks protection from the society
to gain recognition and affection (p. 16). Nevertheless, there are several gaps in the democratic
process that can bring problem for the citizen of United States.
The research of Snowball stated that there are some anti-democratic elements exist in the
democratic structure of Untied States. For instance, the US Senate is divided by equal
representation rather than state population. It means there is a lack of emphasis over the
population and more focus is vested on the political representation. As a result of that the voice

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of the marginal groups of race, religion and colour is not amplified properly as it is expected.
The article of Einstein “Why Socialism” (p.18) also narrated the situation in the capitalist
country where capitalism leads to economic anarchy where the democratically elected members
of the legislative bodies are selected by political parties that are largely financed or influenced by
the private capitalists. As a result of that the responsibility of the government to meet the human
needs of society remains unchecked.
Based on this understanding, it can be concluded that apparently the United States
guarantees provision for basic human needs but in reality the provision can be maintained for the
powerful class only and not suitable for the marginal people. There is huge controversy due to
the government malpractices and violation of the constitutional arrangements. Therefore,
ambiguity and biasness are prevalent in United States that is considered as a violation of the
democratic establishment in United States.

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Reference
Einstein, Albert. "Monthly Review | Why Socialism?". Monthly Review, 2009,
https://monthlyreview.org/2009/05/01/why-socialism/.
Goldstein, Dana. "Is The U.S. A Democracy? A Social Studies Battle Turns On The Nation’S
Values". Nytimes.Com, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/07/us/usa-
democracy.html.
Herro, Erin. "#Unfollowme: 5 Reasons We Should All Be Concerned About Government
Surveillance". Amnesty International USA, 2018,
https://www.amnestyusa.org/unfollowme-5-reasons-we-should-all-be-concerned-about-
government-surveillance/. Accessed 29 Feb 2020.
Snowball, Timothy. "The United States Is Not A Democracy—And It Wasn't Meant To Be One |
Pacific Legal Foundation". Pacific Legal Foundation, 2018, https://pacificlegal.org/the-
united-states-is-not-a-democracy-and-it-wasnt-meant-to-be-one/?
gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhK7dtfb15wIVziMrCh3rZwzXEAAYASAAEgI-VvD_BwE.