the seven key aspects regarding the state’s constitution and democracy
This section seeks to explain the seven key aspects regarding the state’s constitution and democracy as well. The key aspects are discussed as follows.
The constitution both limits the government and influence politics more specifically at the state level. Moreover, it demonstrates that the true meaning of constitutionalism is “limited government,” as most countries across the globe, including the authoritarian states, have a written constitution. Besides, state constitutions are the supreme law of the nation, and in the US, for example, the state constitution takes precedence over state law.
To outline the key features that a state constitution share and limits which include but not limited to factors such as the bill of rights “all-state constitutions have the bill of rights” the separation of powers where all constitutions portray the American traditions. Moreover, the chapter also describes the bicameral system, which entails a legislative body having two chambers.
There are various ways in which state constitutions can be changed or amended by the legislators over time. In as much as constitutions are restrictive such that they cannot be amended frequently, there are four main methods of constitutional changes throughout the 50 states, and these are; legislative proposal, popular initiative, constitutional convention as well as constitutional commission. Of all these, “legislative proposals” is the most accepted constitutional change.
In addition, it gives insights on what democracy is all about or rather what it entails more specifically in regard to the US. Direct democracy simply means popular participation in government; however, popular participation can be viewed from different perspectives. Also, to explore the history of democracy in the US as well as evaluating the best approach between the direct and representative forms of democracy.
“Initiatives”, as of this chapter, can be used by both the conservative group as well as the liberal groups in a bid to bypass state legislatures. Examples of these initiatives are but not limited to; Tax limitations, drugs, and education initiatives.
The impacts of the proliferation of initiatives and initiative campaigns with respect to whether these initiatives can be problematic in some states are key aspects in every state (50). Moreover, the impact of initiatives on a candidate’s campaign as well as the citizen’s initiatives to limit the term limits of the congress and the state legislators are brought out in stark terms in this chapter.
Work Cited
Dye, Thomas R., and Susan A. MacManus. Politics in states and communities. Pearson Higher Ed, 2015.