Jonah Patel
Several sources claim that Democrats hate the US Constitution and the shackles it puts on people. This hatred is attributed to the belief that the Constitution limits the will of the people and protects minority rights, which allegedly hinder progress on issues such as eliminating hydrocarbons and imposing equity. Democrats are accused of prioritizing getting more votes over upholding the inherent rights and liberties outlined in the Constitution. They are also criticized for losing faith in the system, despite it being the same one that elected Donald Trump and confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. However, it is worth noting that these claims are largely opinion-based and may not reflect the diverse perspectives within the Democratic Party or the complexity of political ideologies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hating the Constitution | It puts shackles on the "will of the people" and protects minority rights |
| Examples of shackling | Getting rid of hydrocarbons, imposing "equity" on society |
| Democrats' view of the Electoral College | The Founding Fathers didn't want Virginia to dictate how people in Delaware lived in 1787, so why would they want California to dictate how people in Wyoming live now? |
| Democrats' view of the Senate | The Senate gives disproportionate weight to smaller states, protecting millions from a centralized coercive state |
| Democrats' view of democracy | Getting more votes in an election outweighs the inherent rights of liberty laid out in the founding documents |
| Democrats' view of the Constitution | Antiquated and unfair |
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What You'll Learn
Democrats' view of the Constitution as a shackle
The view that Democrats hate the Constitution because it puts shackles on the "will of the people" can be traced back to Woodrow Wilson. This view holds that the Constitution, with its checks and balances, stands in the way of progressive policies and enshrines minority rights, hindering the ability of the majority to govern effectively.
This perspective sees the Constitution as a hindrance to necessary changes, such as the elimination of hydrocarbons and the imposition of "equity" in society. It argues that the document was created by a different society, one that did not allow women and African Americans the right to vote, and that it is extremely difficult to amend, making it challenging for modern Americans to consent to its rules.
Democrats, according to this view, need to take actions such as ending the filibuster, admitting new states to shift the Senate's balance, reforming the Supreme Court, empowering regulatory agencies, and utilizing executive orders to bypass Congress. These actions would enable them to overcome the constraints imposed by the Constitution and advance their agenda more effectively.
However, it is important to note that this perspective is a matter of political opinion and interpretation of the Constitution. The concept of "Democrats" dates back to 1828, and their beliefs and policies have evolved over time. While some may argue that Democrats view the Constitution as a shackle, others may see their efforts as a way to adapt the nation's governance to modern times and the will of the current populace.
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The Constitution's failure to mention 'democracy'
The United States Constitution makes no mention of democracy, and some critics argue that it was never intended to create a democratic system. Instead, it was designed to protect the interests of the wealthy and prevent populist movements from gaining power. This is evident in the structure of the government outlined in the Constitution, which places significant power in institutions like the Senate and the Electoral College, making it difficult for those without resources to influence policy.
The Constitution's failure to establish a democratic system has had significant consequences for the country. One of the most pressing issues is the influence of money in politics, with Citizens United removing spending limitations and allowing the rich to exert disproportionate influence. This has contributed to a range of social issues, including high rates of poverty, income inequality, and low political participation.
Furthermore, the Constitution's shortcomings have resulted in a failure to protect the rights and interests of marginalised groups. Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Black Americans, particularly in the South, lived under an authoritarian regime that disenfranchised and oppressed them. The Constitution's lack of democratic principles enabled this regime to persist, highlighting its failure to ensure equal rights and representation for all citizens.
The United States' current political landscape underscores the Constitution's shortcomings in guaranteeing democratic ideals. The rise of populist movements and the increasing polarisation between Democrats and Republicans have led some to question whether the country is undergoing a Constitutional crisis. The President's assertion of unilateral control over national and civil society institutions further underscores the need for democratic reform.
While the Constitution aimed to prevent the tyranny of the majority through checks and balances, its failure to uphold democratic principles has resulted in a system that disadvantages many citizens and enables the wealthy to maintain power. To address these issues, it is essential to acknowledge the Constitution's limitations and work towards creating a more inclusive and responsive democratic system.
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Democrats' belief in the 'will of the people'
The belief that Democrats hate the Constitution due to the restrictions it places on the "will of the people" can be traced back to Woodrow Wilson, with President Biden sharing similar sentiments. This view holds that checks and balances hinder progress on critical issues such as environmental protection, equitable society, and minority rights.
However, it is essential to recognise that Democrats' commitment to the "will of the people" is reflected in their values and priorities. Democrats across the country are dedicated to building a stronger and more just America, focusing on lowering costs for working families, investing in the middle class, and fighting for workers' rights, environmental protection, equal pay, and fairness. They strive to level the playing field, combat special interests, and create a more equitable future for all Americans.
Democrats emphasise the importance of family and community, with a belief in supporting one another to succeed. They recognise the challenges faced by many families, who feel that the system is rigged against them despite their hard work. Democrats aim to address these concerns by prioritising policies that promote fairness, justice, and equality.
In contrast to Republicans, Democrats are less likely to cite freedom and independence as central to their values. Instead, they tend to focus on health, both physical and mental, as a crucial aspect of their lives, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also demonstrate a greater inclination towards exploring new experiences, meeting new people, and engaging in learning and self-improvement.
While Republicans often mention words like "God," "freedom," "country," and "religion", Democrats' vocabulary differs, with a preference for terms like "new," "nature," "outside," and "learning." These differences in language reflect a divergence in values and priorities between the two parties.
In conclusion, while some may criticise Democrats for their alleged disdain for the Constitution, their commitment to the "will of the people" is evident in their focus on social and economic justice, fairness, and equality. Their values centre around supporting families, prioritising health, embracing new experiences, and fostering a more equitable society.
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The Constitution's checks and balances
The US Constitution divides the government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has specific powers and is designed to check the power of the others, creating a separation of powers.
Checks and balances are a fundamental element of constitutional democracy, preventing any one institution or individual from exercising total control. They are designed to limit the power of the majority and ensure that minority views are represented. For example, the legislative branch makes laws, but the President in the executive branch can veto those laws with a Presidential Veto. Similarly, the judicial branch can declare laws made by the legislative branch unconstitutional. The judicial branch interprets laws, but the President nominates Supreme Court justices, and the legislative branch, through the Senate, confirms these nominations. Congress can also impeach judges and remove them from office.
Checks and balances also improve the quality of decision-making and ensure that mechanisms exist for preventing or penalising unethical behaviour, thus maintaining public confidence in the political system. They operate at various levels of government, including between different branches, and within political institutions. For example, in the US, Congress can initiate constitutional amendments to reverse Supreme Court decisions, and it can also override a Presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
The principle of checks and balances is not unique to the US and is core to all modern democracies. For instance, in the UK, the parliamentary system can adopt a no-confidence vote in the government, which can, in turn, dissolve parliament. In France, a Constitutional Council reviews the constitutionality of legislation.
While checks and balances are essential for the security of liberty, they can also have drawbacks. Strong checks and balances can make unilateral action more challenging and increase the risk of gridlock in the political system.
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The Electoral College
The process of electing the President and Vice President of the U.S. through the Electoral College works as follows:
- Voters in each state choose electors to serve in the Electoral College on Election Day, which takes place on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years.
- The State Executive of each state signs the Certificate of Ascertainment to appoint the electors chosen in the general election.
- The electors in each state meet to vote for the President and Vice President of the U.S. This typically takes place in mid-December.
- Congress meets in a joint session to count the electoral votes. Unless changed by law, this takes place on January 6. If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the vote goes to the House of Representatives.
The controversy around the Electoral College has led to numerous attempts to amend or abolish it. An amendment to abolish the system was approved by the House in 1969 but failed to pass the Senate. The criticism that the Electoral College system does not truly reflect the popular will of the nation is echoed in the views of some Democrats, who have been accused of hating the Constitution because it puts shackles on the "will of the people". However, it is important to note that the Electoral College is just one aspect of the Constitution that has been debated and criticized, and the views of Democrats on this issue may vary.
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Frequently asked questions
Democrats believe that the Constitution puts shackles on the "will of the people" and protects minority rights.
As far back as Woodrow Wilson, Democrats have held this belief.
This belief stands in the way of critical issues such as getting rid of hydrocarbons and imposing "equity" in society.
Democrats have made democracy a central tenet of their ideology, despite the term not appearing in the Constitution or Declaration of Independence. They prioritize getting more votes over protecting individual liberties.
