Woodrow Wilson's Political Beliefs
Woodrow Wilson’s political beliefs have sparked endless debate in the United States and around the world. His criticism of the American government has elicited varying reactions from various political factions in America, particularly when it comes to the importance of public opinion in molding current politics. While the founders insisted on the supremacy of the constitution, with checks and balances to control the progress of the American government, Wilson believes that this constitutionalism impedes the government’s effort to fulfill the interests of the people (Wilson 197). The essay will provide insight into the methods Wilson uses to attain his progressive goals. Woodrow Wilson disregards popular sovereignty and the need to organize administration on the grounds of this sovereignty (Wilson 201). He argues that the political successes which could be most cherished in early years are now a mockery. He resents public opinion which he blames to derail sovereign schooling in administrative expertness and the government would hardly achieve a perfect functional balance. Wilson declares that public opinion makes it difficult for the government to execute its mandate due to extensive consultations (Wilson and William 139). It is not easy to buy the views of a multitude than it is to convince a single person. The reason is that many people have different opinions who will agree on nothing resulting in delayed progress. Additionally, the government will be chaotic, characterized by a series of disputes to be resolved.
Making Progress in Government
Making progress has been regarded as the hardest thing for a government to make. In the ancients times, the government worked with rulers than leaders, who were not only selfish and ignorant but also timid and foolish (Wilson 204). Nowadays, peoples’ sovereignty rests in the voting majority under the influence of favorites. Unfortunately, it turns out that the people who are perceived as sovereign are driven by old-fashioned mediocrity rather than reason. The aftermath is that the pace of reforms will slow, and reforms are subject to compromise. Hence, it becomes hard to initiate change in the politics where public opinion takes precedence (Wilson and William 140). Wilson asserts that governments constitutionalized in the modern era can effect change by educating the fellow citizens to embrace change. Is this stance, the presidential leadership has a significant role to play to seek to the right opinion and manage it effectively.
Administration and Constitutional Authority
Wilson likens administration to business which must operate with principles (Wilson 206). It is independent of politics and its tenets stand apart from the constitutionalism. It draws from politics by use of methods that influence the society’s way of living. Nevertheless, it revolves around technicalities that call for the application of principles embedded in politics. Adequate administration has to do with how fair the constitutional authority is distributed. The government officials are supposed to assume responsibilities, which are accompanied by a good measure of authority. From Wilson’s argument, we can deduct that administrative capacity of the government will benefit substantially with the right distribution of responsibility. In modern times, democracy is the best mode governments will ever adopt, but it comes with sharing of responsibility. Without adequate constitutional reforms geared towards shared responsibility, the political landscape will be tainted with suspicion and mistrust. The presidency is charged with the responsibility of creating conditions for building trust. By defining a clear-cut responsibility, the nation’s progress will be highly guaranteed.
The Role of Education in Politics
Wilson recognizes the role of education in shaping the America politics. At the same time, he is pessimistic that education will only increase intelligent government critics and not competent administrators (Wilson 217). He further suggests that education will help people understand government principles but often miss to give a hint on how to conduct the government. It is the legislators and not the executive officials that will benefit more from education. It is ridiculous to have the legislators draft the best policies to unleash to the economic vitality of a nation, only for policies to fail at the hands of inexperienced and poorly educated executives officials. Change comes with changing mindsets and this is just possible through increased advocacy for education.
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
The founders support the separation of powers as well as checks and balances in the American constitution to keep the government on track (Wilson 57). Wilson denounces such provisions on the grounds that they limit the government’s efforts to serve the needs of the people. According to Wilson, individual sovereignty is fundamental in making the necessary political headway. The founders seem to differ to no small extent with Wilson. They argue that apart from executing the policy, the veto of the president is meant to counter the Congress. They feel that the presidency offers immune to the lousy legislature with no intention to make good laws. Checks and balances, therefore, play a significant role in protecting the supremacy of the people and enhancing the progress of the nation (Wilson and William 143). A good president must have the ability to interpret the thought of the country and focus on it. Being a legal executive, the president need advisors and legal technocrats to discharge his duties. While the powers of the president are commissioned, the president’s political powers are personal and inalienable and can help influence reforms that will put the country forward.
The President's Powers and Foreign Relations
The president of America has absolute control powers which will impact its foreign relations. Whereas no single treaty with any external power can be signed by the American president without the Senate’s consent, the president can take diplomatic steps essential in signing the best deals (Wilson 58). Proper negotiation must be in place before the government can commit itself to any foreign undertaking. By getting the assent of the Senate before deciding on the fate of international treaties, the constitution ensures that the president is driven by selfish ambitions but rather national political interests to offer people more significant benefits. Key cabinet positions need not be filled on the basis of party loyalty and friendships but rather on the right mix of skills and experience (Wilson and William 144). These roles demand all-around individuals with outstanding legal and business knowledge. In case the president seeks advice from these executives, it is because their sense is naturally good and their judgment is experienced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wilson proposes a presidency in which public opinion and people’s supremacy is less of a concern. He recommends the need to educate the people since by doing so, they can easily accept change. However, Wilson is opposed to educating the executives to avoid considerable intellectual government criticism. Further, he discourages the separation of powers together with checks and balances in the American constitution for the reason that they hamper the government’s functionality to serve the citizens. All in all, I support Wilson’s progressive ends but find it hard to agree with his means of achieving the ends.
Works Cited
Wilson, Woodrow. “The President of the United States,” in Constitutional Government of the United States. New York: Columbia University Press, 1908. 54, 57, 59-60, 66-81. Print.
Wilson, Woodrow. “The Study of Administration.” Political Science Quarterly 2 (1887): 197-222.
Wilson, Woodrow, and William Bayard Hale. The New Freedom: A Call for the Emancipation of the Generous Energies of a People. Doubleday, 1918.
