Malcolm Rivera
The US Constitution does not mention political parties, but they play a significant role in the country's government. Political parties emerged with disputes over the ratification of the Constitution, with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists becoming the first two parties. Since then, political parties have become a permanent fixture of American elections, with redistricting being one of the areas of fiercest competition. While the Constitution Party believes that the government's role is to protect and defend unalienable rights, some argue that the President's use of Executive Orders and unilateral executive actions goes against the principles on which the nation was founded. To protect the Constitution, every branch of the government must uphold it, and when the Supreme Court or President veer off course, it is Congress's responsibility to counterbalance them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political parties | The Constitution does not mention political parties, yet they play an important role in the U.S. government. |
| The role of government | The Constitution Party believes that the role of government is to protect and defend the unalienable rights of all humankind. |
| Redistricting | Incumbents often draw the boundaries of their congressional districts to keep themselves in power. |
| Executive Orders | The President should not govern by pen through Executive Orders and unilateral executive actions. |
| Responsibility to uphold the Constitution | Every branch of government has an equal responsibility to uphold the Constitution. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of the Supreme Court and President
The President plays a key role in protecting the US Constitution over parties. When taking the oath of office, the President commits to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States". This includes respecting US-ratified treaties, at home and abroad, and upholding the rule of law. The next President will have a unique opportunity to send a clear message to the world regarding the reemergence of US leadership through human rights protection and enforcement.
The Supreme Court also plays a vital role in protecting the Constitution. The Supremacy Clause makes the Constitution, Federal Statutes, and US treaties "the supreme law of the land". This means that the Supreme Court has the final say on the interpretation of the Constitution and can strike down laws that violate it. The Supreme Court also has the power to review and interpret treaties, ensuring that they are in line with the Constitution.
To ensure the protection of the Constitution, the President and the Supreme Court must work together. The President must work with Congress to implement constitutional commitments by transforming them into detailed domestic laws, policies, and programs. The Supreme Court must also engage proactively to bring current policies and laws into compliance with treaty obligations. By working together, the President and the Supreme Court can ensure that the Constitution is upheld and protected over partisan interests.
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The role of Congress
Congress should work proactively with the President to implement the commitments made under the Constitution, including international human rights treaties. This involves transforming these commitments into detailed domestic laws, policies, and programs that reflect the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Additionally, Congress can play a vital role in providing oversight and legislative initiatives to codify the rights and obligations outlined in these treaties. This ensures that the US government respects its international commitments and treats them as the "supreme law of the land," as intended by the Framers of the Constitution.
By actively engaging in this process, Congress can help hold the US government accountable to its constitutional obligations, both domestically and internationally. This includes respecting and upholding the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, such as free speech, due process, and equal protection under the law.
In summary, the role of Congress in protecting the US Constitution involves passing laws, providing oversight, and working collaboratively with the President to ensure that the Constitution's values and principles are upheld and protected from partisan influences.
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The role of the federal government
The federal government must also uphold the Constitution, which is not just the responsibility of the Supreme Court. When the Supreme Court or President veer off course, it is the job of Congress to counterbalance them.
The federal government should also refrain from governing by pen through Executive Orders and unilateral executive actions.
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The role of political parties in redistricting
The US Constitution does not mention political parties, but they play an important role in the US government. One of the areas of fiercest competition among political parties is redistricting.
Redistricting is the process of drawing the boundaries of congressional districts, and it can have a significant impact on the political landscape. Incumbents, or those currently holding office, often have a hand in drawing these boundaries, which can give them an advantage when it comes to staying in power. This practice, known as gerrymandering, can result in districts that are heavily skewed in favour of one party or another.
Political parties may engage in gerrymandering to try and gain an advantage over their opponents. By drawing district boundaries in a way that concentrates their supporters in certain areas, they can increase their chances of winning elections in those districts. This can lead to a situation where the party in power is able to maintain its control, even if the overall support for that party is declining.
On the other hand, political parties can also play a role in combating gerrymandering and promoting fair redistricting practices. In some cases, parties may advocate for independent or non-partisan redistricting processes, where the boundaries are drawn by a neutral body rather than by politicians. This can help ensure that districts are drawn in a way that better represents the interests of the people living in those areas, rather than the interests of a particular political party.
Overall, the role of political parties in redistricting is complex and multifaceted. While parties may engage in gerrymandering to gain an advantage, they can also be a force for change and reform, pushing for more transparent and fair redistricting processes that better serve the democratic ideals of the US Constitution.
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The role of the President in governing by pen
The Constitution does not mention political parties, yet they play an important role in the US government. Political parties began to emerge with disputes over the ratification of the Constitution, becoming known as the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
Davidson argues that every branch of government has an equal responsibility to uphold the Constitution. When the President or Supreme Court veer off course, it is the job of Congress to counterbalance them.
The Constitution Party believes that the proper role of government is to protect and defend the unalienable rights of its citizens. The federal government should act as an agent of the states in very limited spheres of influence.
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Frequently asked questions
The Supreme Court is not the only branch of government responsible for upholding the Constitution. Every branch of government has an equal responsibility to do so.
The President should not be allowed to govern by pen through Executive Orders and unilateral executive actions.
Congress must counterbalance the Supreme Court and the President when they veer off course.
Political parties should not be allowed to draw the boundaries of their congressional districts to keep themselves in power.
The federal government should act as an agent of the states in very limited spheres of influence.
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