Introduction
History is generally regarded as a reflection of a country’s political and societal processes, and the United States is no exception to the rule. A consideration of its development can contribute to the understanding of society and its issues. Hence, this paper is focused on the ideals and principles of American democracy and their application in republican government. This information is complemented by an examination of Supreme Court cases and executive actions throughout the country’s history that shaped American society. In this way, a combination of legal and societal aspects of life will provide a clear picture of its development.
Ideals and Principles of American Democracy
The first consideration is the ideals and principles of American democracy, and it will allow revealing their implementation in republican government. According to them, a country’s society should be equal in opportunities, and citizens’ fundamental rights should be respected (Singer). These rights primarily relate to freedom of conscience, speech, and association, which represents the basis for the American democratic system (Singer). In theory, these specified principles should be applied to all spheres of citizens’ lives.
The practical implementation of American ideals in its republican form of government is viewed through people’s attitudes towards them. Public opinion often highlights the existence of a proper balance between all branches of power, and it serves as the guarantee of respect for the principles and ideals (“Views of American Democratic Values”). The opinions of people somehow differ in their detail, but in general, they are unanimous in their perspective on the importance of values and their successful practical implementation in politics (“Views of American Democratic Values”). Therefore, American democratic ideals are not only included in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence but are also practiced by the government.
Supreme Court Cases and Executive Actions
The second aspect is Supreme Court cases and executive actions that have an impact on both law and society. To give a good sense of their influence, it is vital to consider them separately. The most famous cases address the ideals and principles of American democracy and, therefore, are essential in terms of legal protection. Thus, the cases of Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser and Brown v. Board of Education (1954) both ensure the equality and freedom of speech for students (“Supreme Court Landmarks”). The cases of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and the U.S. v. Nixon (1974), in turn, determined the level of authority of the president and the federal government (“Supreme Court Landmarks”). Hence, they collectively affect possible societal and political issues.
As in the case of executive actions, they represent orders a president can sign for ensuring their correspondence to the U.S. Constitution or law. Their importance is defined by their impact on the country’s development in history, even though they are often accompanied by a violation of human rights (“U.S. Presidents”). Some of the most known executive actions are the Emancipation Proclamation that freed slaves and the New Deal that created jobs (“U.S. Presidents”). The impact of these orders is no less significant than the influence of court cases.
Conclusion
American history represents the formation of a society under the influence of legal affairs and societal processes. Such aspects are interconnected since they are based on democratic ideals and principles, which formed the basis for the U.S. Constitution. Thus, the respect for fundamental human rights, freedoms, and overall equality significantly contribute to the creation of society through the participation of the government and the Supreme Court in their implementation.
Works Cited
Singer, Joseph William. “Democratic Values and the American Constitution Society.” Harvard Law & Policy Review, 2020.Web.
“Supreme Court Landmarks.” United States Courts, 2020. Web.
“U.S. Presidents Make History with Executive Orders.” Learning English, 2017, Web.
“Views of American Democratic Values and Principles.” Pew Research Center, 2018, Web.