1-What information you learned in this class did you find most interesting/informative?
This class provided essential and interesting information regarding the history/construction and nature of America Constitution. Some of that information was not new to me; however, most of the information was fresh. Also, this class allowed me to understand the American Constitution in much more detail. In fact, it is the details, which have fascinated me. For instance, I have learned that the American Constitution is based on the concept of separation of power. The three branches, of government, are not only separate but also, they check on one another. Any system, which is based on checks and balances, will perform better and last for a longer period, in comparison to the system, which lacks internal checks and balances. These three branches of government, Presidency-Congress-Judiciary, work in tandem to ensure that political and legal system works efficiently.
Another unique feature, of the American Constitution that I have found interesting, is its rigidness. It is a very rigid document, in which it is quite difficult to introduce an amendment. Also, the process of amending it is very long cumbersome. We learn that rigidity is not natural, but rather by design, it makes it makes the subject (rigidity of the constitution) more interesting. The framers, of the American Constitution, ensured constitution could only be altered by strong consensus (bipartisan). To this day, there have only been 27 amendments, in the American Constitution, which aids us in understanding the nature of its rigidity.
I also learned that in the original document, states had more powers. In the original document, the powers, of the federal government are much defined, and the framers of the constitution have deliberately kept the power, by the federal government, limited. However, with the time, the size and power, of the federal government, have increased. The liberal interpretation, of the constitution, has played a part in it.
2-What is something about our political system you believe needs modification and why?
It is a known fact that the American political system is a product of the American Constitution; however, we learn that both the constitution and political system influence one another. The constitution provides the structure of the political system, and political system provides instruments and means to alter the constitution. Therefore, we can say that the political system, which is a product of the constitution, is, in fact, an instrument of the constitution to amend it as per requirement.
It is also quite apparent that changes in political realities, which also influence the political system, are more dramatic and sudden than before. I believe that American Constitution must be easy to amend so that it may remain relevant and it may keep the political system relevant. A constitution is important, as long as it is relevant. If its relevance starts to diminish, its importance also starts to dwindle. The dwindling relevance of the constitution will have a strong and adverse impact on the political system, which will affect both economy and society, of the United States.
Another modification must be regarding the ability of the political system to influence the judiciary. The President, of United States, appoints Supreme Court Justices, under the Article Two of America Constitution. It politicizes the judiciary, which then affects the political system. One such example is Supreme Court’s decision, in the case Citizen United v. FEC, which has adversely and strongly affected the political system, as it allowed large corporations to spend enormous money to influence the political-economic system in their favor.
A political system must be effective, fair, and transparent and constitution can ensure that a political system has all these qualities. Therefore, a constitution must be relevant and less rigid to address these issues more promptly and effectively.
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