MicrosoftWhat Are Some Overall Strengths and Weaknesses of the American Political System?
The American political system embodies all of the essential elements of liberal democracy, such as popular sovereignty, which is the idea that the ultimate power lies with the people and government is dependent upon their consent. Other elements include the ideals of political equality and majority rule; freedom of expression and the access to alternative sources of information necessary for informed participation; universal suffrage; and free, frequent, and largely fair elections. However, these elements or goals are not fully realized in some situations. This video examines these strengths of our system, related weaknesses, and ways by which the system can be improved.Section 1: Strengths—Popular Sovereignty
- Discussion and research questions
Section 2: Strengths—Representative Democracy
- Discussion and research questions
Section 3: Strengths—Free, Fair, and Frequent Elections
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Section 4: Strengths—Freedom of Expression
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Section 5: Strengths—Freedom of Association, Assembly, and Petition
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Section 6: Strengths—Access to Alternative Sources of Information
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Section 7: Strengths—Political Equality
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Section 8: Strengths—Majority Rule/Minority Rights
- Discussion and research questions
Section 9: Strengths—Constitutional Government and a Rule of Law
- Discussion and research questions
Section 10: Weaknesses of the American Political System
- Discussion and research questions
