Political Science

The French radicals once argued that democracy is the true path towards self-sufficiency and political activism. Modern realists exaggerate the worth of democracy, believing that it is the best way to remove political evils in the society. This systemic belief about democracy is still valid, as it is the only form of political association which allows individuals to acquire political power  in a sense, leveling the playing field. However, democracy is not a perfect form of political association. As Tocqueville argued, the people, whom official power is bestowed, elects an individual, incapable of governing the nation  this is indeed the danger of majority rule. Tocquevilles assertion is as valid today as in the past. Modern propaganda systems often transform the poor leader into an imaginary ideal leader. Political groups cloud public opinion by manipulating the electoral system. In some democratic states, personality politics is the rule of thumb. Popularity, more than competence or political will, dictates the outcome of any electoral exercise.

Now, what would constitute a poor leader There are five distinguishing characteristics of a poor leader. Here are as follows 1) mismanagement of public funds, 2) indifference towards marginalized groups, 3) lack of political will, 4) lack of impunity and concern for human rights, and 5) inability to recognize political differences.

As the mid-term elections approaches, the Republicans will attack President Obama in several fronts. To the Republicans, Obamas health care reform is a total reconstruction of the countrys fledging health system. The same case can be said about the three-year moratorium on limited spending. Republicans attack the moratorium because of its serious economic implications (low stimulus).

In the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, Jefferson defined liberty as the freedom to do anything which injures no other individual. It is the exercise of the natural rights of each individual  this assures that the same rights are enjoyed by other individuals in the society. Initially, however, the concept of liberty was associated with the notion of political freedom from tyranny. The Founding Fathers used the concept to illustrate the tyranny of the British Parliament and George III.

The Bill of Rights has two distinct but related purposes. First, it outlines the naturalbasic rights of the citizen. And second, it outlines the necessary limits in the exercise of liberty. In jurisprudence, the right of one individual is the responsibility of another, vice-versa. Now, the exercise of a right, if uncontrolled, often results to violation of the right of another individual. Although the Constitution provides the right to bear arms, it does not require individuals to bear arms. To the founding fathers, to coerce an individual to exercise hisher right is tyranny. Thus, when political values are enforced, they are enforced within the rubric of constitutional jurisprudence.

The issue on healthcare reform is often regarded as an issue of liberty. President Obama vows to control rising health costs, guarantee choice of doctor, and assure high-quality health care for all Americans. Suppose the public option is removed, Obama will be accused of imputing authoritarian measures. This is of course speculation.