The civil rights basically means equal protection for everyone disregarding peoples religion, race, ethnicity etc. Civil rights protects us from govt neglections. For minor and and marginalized groups of people civil rights are very important. Fourteenth amendment in the constitution states equal treatment by govt for all groups of people.

During the civil war period African American were slaves and did not had the freedom or any rights. But civil war of 1860’s changed that. After northern states victory over southern, 13th, 14th and 15th amendments were ratified. These amendments freed African American slaves, made them citizens and empowered them with equal rights as white American. Many southern states still tried sabotage black peoples rights by practicing discriminatory laws such as Jim crow laws etc. Marginalized still had to fight for equal rights even after civil rights. Women’s did not had voting right till 1920. Nineteenth amendment on 1920 gave women the right to vote. There are other groups of people like native American ,Latin and Asian Americans, the LGBT community and many more still struggles to benefit from fourteenth amendment.

I believe govt discriminatory acts can be prevented by sharing power with minorities and marginalized groups. As a example , in congress we have house of representatives and Senators. If we add some representors from minor groups then they could well represent themselves.

Civil liberties is for everyone whether someone is U.S citizen or not. Civil liberties are mainly freedom of the citizens. In the US constitution, first ten amendments of bill of rights protects our freedom. These amendments limits power of the government and ensures our liberties. Even though Civil liberties are protected by bill of rights, the govt can use enumerated power to detain political suspects or criminals without any court trial. during WWII US military put Japanese-American citizens in containment camp because they feared Japanese- Americans loyalty to their country. This explains in times of national emergency the govt can take away freedoms from its citizen.

First four amendments gives us freedom of religious practice, freedom of expression, right to bear arms, un lawful govt arrest and the next four amendments provides us with fair trial right to have advocates, speedy jury. Last two amendments limits power of state and federal govt.

When I read about about Edward Snowden, How he exposed NSA to public about spying on peoples internet activity and in foreign countries, I highly doubt that are the govt really protecting citizens freedom. Spying on peoples day to day life means intruding peoples privacy. And I believe its unconstitutional even though govt might say we spy on people for public safety purposes

US federalism means division of powers between states and national government. Basically it’s two different government, One is national government which can make treaties and trade with foreign countries, protect the country during foreign invasion. State government holds the power to regulate within the states boundary. Providing public safety, healthcare, education is state governments job. From 1913 federal government were able to collect taxes. Which gave federal govt more advantage to increase it’s revenue. Now the states more rely on federal grants to provide public benefits.

The advantage of federalism are states can dramatically improve public accommodation. States can make new policy within the state boundary. Disadvantage of federalism is a term called ” race to the bottom”. States compete with each other to gain economic prosperities. By lowering taxes some states attracts business which causes a decrease in state funds. It may lead to other issues like not having money for unemployment, Medicaid, public education etc.

The United States federalism govt is balanced. Like other countries US federal govt is not too powerful though not weak enough to function its duties. Both states and national govt have their reserved power. One can’t dominate the other.

The US constitution is very powerful and important document. It is the first law of our land and the foundation of our government. It was written over more than 200 years ago. In 1777, Article of confederation was formed, later in 1781 it was approved by all 13 colonies. In the Article of confederation, the central government had less power to control the people. Whereas states could govern residents anyway they want. One of the biggest weakness it had was not being able to impose taxes. To fix the problems in the original confederation, A constitutional meeting happened in Philadelphia 1787 and a new federal govt was formed. The antifederalist opposed the constitution having too much power. But federalist promised to add bill of rights to the constitution. Since it was almost impossible to change the constitution the delegates decided to amend the constitution for future needs.

I like how the framers of constitution created a governing system that would rule peoples for centuries. I believe in the constitution and have outmost respects for the people who have made it. The US constitution is fair for everyone, meant to protect peoples live and liberties. If any change is necessary our constitution is flexible, with the vote of house of representatives and congress legislative system a new law can created to meet peoples needs. Supreme court is our last hope, which justifies every laws and provides an uncorrupted justice system.

Week One # Introduction

Hi class, My name is Arafat Amin. I am full-time student and part-time worker. This is my first semester of online course. I am kind of like in-person class better, but I guess Online classes offers so many other flexibilities. I like to study about American government and politics. I like reading history books.

My goal for this course is to get an A. Talking about the plan for this class my 100 worth adventures are here listed,

• 1) Site and weekly blogs =20 points
• 2)Book review = 20 points
• 3)Meme assignment = 15 points
• 4)Film review = 10 points
• 5)Design your own assignment = 10 points
• 6)Online midterm open book final = 20 points
• 7)Final slide = 5 points

I have still not decided which book I’d read and what film I’d be watching. I think within a week I will finalize my assignments.