Differences between Direct and Representational Democracy

Direct democracy takes into account citizens' engagement, involvement, suitability, and freedom of the governed. For example, direct democracy gives citizens a say in the creation of government policies, legislation, and any other governing problems that may effect them (Dye,& MacManus, 2015). The decisions made by citizens, as well as their contributions, are respected and upheld under a direct democracy. Direct democracy, on the other hand, works better with smaller populations, such as villages or countries, where citizens become more involved.On the other hand, representational democracy allows the citizens to willingly vote in or elect a representative who represents their views and opinions in the senate or the congress (Harrigan, John ,& Nice, 2012). The representative elected or voted in is then suppose to act on decisions that are made by the public but the disadvantage is that the elect might choose not to act on the governed decisions. Additionally, representative democracy suits larger populations such as states.

Summary of Methods Used For State Constitutional Changes

A constitutional amendment can be formal or informal. The formal method of amending the constitution involves proposing the by two-thirds of the congress houses. The legislature requests the congress to on behalf of the houses cal a national convention for the proposed amendment (Dye,& MacManus, 2015). The amendment is then ratified by about three-fourths of state legislatures in favor of the amendment. Nevertheless, the informal approach involves the judicial interpretation made in the case of (Marbury v. Madison -1803) where the Supreme Court of U.S declared and capacitated federal courts to be able to nullify actions that conflicted the constitutions, socially and cultural hence then need for change.

Comparison and Contrast of the National Constitutional Government and State Constitutions

Comparatively, National constitutional government and State constitution are very much similar with very few differences. For example, the U.S and the Texas constitution have a binding document. They both embrace the principles and provisions of the representative democratic government where power lies with the people. Therefore, both the constitutions are bound to protect the people’s rights and individual civil rights from government interference (Dye,& MacManus, 2015). The legislative rules are in both the constitutions are bicameral such that it includes the house of the representatives and the senate alike. Both constitutions have provisions that foster the need to seek a governing system where there are checks and balance, the distinction of power among the legislature, the executive and judicial branches that constitute the working government that is accountable to the people (Harrigan, John ,& Nice, 2012). The states according to the U.S constitution answer to the federal government whereas the counties in the states are subordinates to the state and answer to it.

Contrast of the Differences between Liberal and Conservative Ideology in the States

The conservatives believe in delivering to the people and feel obliged to be responsible hence pursue policies to encourage their pragmatic measures whereas the liberals take pride in power and believe in policies in order to derive fame and pride that come with them. The liberals whether they deliver or not to the people is of secondary significance (Dye,& MacManus, 2015). The conservatives are for the idea that the government that governs least rules its people best. Liberals, on the other hand, share the idea that a solution to every problem that emerges requires another government program yet the new programs could in themselves be the problem (Harrigan, John ,& Nice, 2012).

 



References

Dye,T.R.,&MacManus,S,A.(2015).Politics in states and communities.

Harrigan, John J., & Nice, David C. (2012). Politics and Policy in States and Communities + Mysearchlab With Etext. Pearson College Div.