The American model of representation - Essay Example

The American Model of Representation Introduction Many nations have focused on implementing democracy. From the definition of democracy, it emerges that decision-making should rely on the will of the people and promote the public interests. However, it is unrealistic for each individual to contribute to active decision making. This is the reason why representative democracy has been adopted. In the United States, representative democracy is implemented by ensuring that the people choose representatives who sit in the two houses of the congress. The founders of the American constitution acted proactively in support of democracy. The founders ensured that two houses of the congress existed that would complement each other in the law making process. The founders of the constitution developed a rational understanding of the purpose of both houses, which is still implemented in the modern day. It is commonly referred to as the bicameral legislature. Despite its functionality over the years, it is evident that this model of representation presents certain challenges. This paper will explore the responsibilities of a member of the congress, the logic of each mode of representation, and the challenges faced by the bicameral model of representation. As a Democratic Representative, What does a Member of Congress Try to Represent? A democratic representative serving in either the lower or the upper house has critical responsibilities of representing the people who have elected him into office. The lower house is comprised of representatives chosen from states and districts. Each state or district chooses the number of representatives in accordance with the population of each state or district. The fact that the population of a state or district is considered when electing members of the House of Representatives implies that some states and districts with a large population have more representatives. On the other hand, fewer members represent states and districts with a smaller population. The founders of the constitution as a critical aspect of promoting representative democracy considered the ratio of the number of the number of representatives of the population. On the other hand, the upper house, which comprises of senators, is regarded highly than the house of the representatives. Each state is given an opportunity of having two senators in the house, regardless of its population or size. Therefore, a member of the congress, serving in either of the houses shoulders the responsibility of representing the people in the legislative process, which determines the laws that are passed (Dautrich & Yalof, 2012). Members of the congress have often reiterated their commitment to promote democracy and pass policies that promote the public interest. A more critical role is ensuring that the two houses ensure existing checks and balances of power, by specifically regulating the power exhibited by the executive. Members of the congress therefore have to be well aware of the interests of the people they represent and have such considerations in mind when passing the bills in the house. The house of representatives is focused on promoting the direct interest of the public. In a bid to ensure this, the founders of the constitution ensured that these representatives are elected after every two years. As they persuade people to vote for them, they gain a constant familiarity with the people’s interests concerning different issues. On the other hand, the senate is also actively involved in legislation, but senators seek to promote the interests of the state and the nation at large. The critical function of each member of the congress must involve the representation of the people, effective legislation, active investigations, and critical financial controls. Notably, Democratic members of the congress have to exhibit a high level of integrity in their legislative and representative function, especially when the public interest conflict with the party interests (Fiorina & Abrams, 2009). They should always bear in mind that promoting the national agenda is their most important function. What is the Logic behind each Mode of Representation? According to Madison and other founders of the constitution, a bicameral representation was one of the strategies for ensuring that tyranny did not result in the American political system. By designing a house of representatives that requires members to be elected after every two years was a move to ensure that the representatives were always in active interaction with the people. This is the case because members of the House of Representatives begin to campaign just as soon as they assume office in an effort to ensure that they are re-elected. Their re-election purely depends on the public perception of their ability to represent their interests. The fact that they have to seek votes throughout serves to ensure that they are well aware of the people’s needs. Since they represent a specific region of their districts or states, they exhibit a direct and local representation. This house of representatives is entitled to responsibilities such as legislation, financial control, and may actively initiate and impeachment process (Fiorina & Abrams, 2009). Since it is the lower house, the minimum age is 25 years. The senate also debates bills passed by the House of the Representatives. Passage of the bills in the house of the representatives reflects a pattern of the interest of the people each member represents. On the other hand, senators serve a term of six years and the minimum age is 30 years. They take an active role in legislation, ratifying federal judges, ambassadors, and executive appointees. The senate is considered more superior to the house of the representatives. This superiority results from the fact that the senate is comprised of mature politicians who have the capacity to debate bills with national interests in view. Thus, unlike the house of representative, whereby each member promotes the interest of the people who elected them into office, the senate is supposed to consider bills and policies with a long-term view of their potential benefits to the federal government. The facts that they are elected after six years, senators are able to stay away from the constantly changing opinion of the public, and remain focused on the long-term national agenda. Notably, each mode of representation ensures a check on the other. The senate, being the superior house may reject bills passed by the house of the representatives (Fiorina & Abrams, 2009). What are some of the Challenges Posed by the American Model of Representation? Although the American model of representation has existed for many years, it faces some salient challenges that have introduced a breakdown in the American policies. One of the evident challenges is policy gridlock. Gridlock occurs when the two houses are unable to reach an agreement concerning certain policies. There are times when members of the congress are not willing to compromise their interest and those of their party. This only means that the congress at times fails to give priority to the national interests (Fiorina & Abrams, 2009). There has been an unending controversy surrounding the congress members belonging to the two leading parties. Therefore, these controversies have served to polarize the American politics. In addition, the congress has registered numerous scandals in the numerous past, prompting some states to limit the period that they can serve in the congress. Moreover, the congress has exhibited an evident lack of ethics, especially in the house of the representatives. Unethical behavior exhibited by the members affects the people negatively and contributes to the loss of trust in some members. There is evidence that members of the public are dissatisfied with the congress. This dissatisfaction has become more evident in the last two decades. The public has often questioned the integrity of some members of the congress and the bicameral representation as a whole (Dautrich & Yalof, 2012). If only the model of representation would prove effective in the passage of policies that promote the American interests, a higher level of public satisfaction would be evident. References Dautrich, K., & Yalof, D. A. (2012). American government: Historical, popular, and global perspectives. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Fiorina, M. P., & Abrams, S. J. (2009). Disconnect: The breakdown of representation in American politics. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. Read More