The U.S. Senate

A basic principle of democracy is majority rule and the protection of individual and minority rights, which, although seemingly contradictory, are the very foundation of democratic government (Constitutional; USINFO). Majority rule is a means of organizing government and deciding public issues without taking away the basic rights and freedoms of minority groups or individuals. Majority rule is spelled out in the 12th Amendment, and in Article 2 of the Constitution. Minorities, by virtue of their religion, ethnic background, geographic location, income level or as the losers in elections - are guaranteed basic human rights that no government or majority should remove.

With their rights guaranteed, minorities can contribute to their country's democratic institutions (Constitutionl). Democracies understand that protecting the rights of minorities to uphold cultural identity, social practices, individual consciences and religious activities is one of their primary tasks. Democracies realize that diversity can be an asset and treat differences in identity, culture and values as a challenge that can strengthen them rather than be a threat.

The Senate was designed from its inception to be a place for the expression of minority views (U.S.). Unfettered debate was seen as a method to give equality to the states, no matter what the size of their population. Another way in which the Constitution protects minorities in with the Bill of Rights, which guarantees their freedom

Related Essays

Committees and the US Senate Because of its large amount of work, the US Senate divides its functions among 20 committees. Each committee has its own guidelines and adopts its own rules. .... (745 3 )

Women Holding Elective Office in the US .... Woman" (p. 352). Between 1991 and 1197, the number of women in the US Senate doubled; nine are currently in office. These include newly .... (1859 7 )

Bibliography of Geography Education Works Cited Abler, Rona .... US Senate. 100th Cong., 1st sess., October 29, 1987. 82-85. Bednarz, Robert S., et al. .... US Senate. 100th Cong., 1st sess., October 29, 1987. 64-71. .... (711 3 )

Impeachment .... a guilty verdict ...it still comes as something of a surprise that the president has not made a stronger case for calling witnesses" (US Senate 1). Witnesses .... (2241 9 )

Gulf War Syndrome .... forces in the Gulf sounded on average three times each day during the air and ground wars, according to Department of Defense testimony before the US Senate. .... (1194 5 )

thing at all (Kimberley). Because the president is elected by the electoral college and not by popular vote, as Guinier was proposing, this system means that the voice of the people is not heard, and in this case, the voice of the majority of the people was not heard, just the majority of the electoral college, who did not represent the majority of the people. Earlier this year, Senator Robert C Byrd warned the Senate and the American people about a procedural effort being considered by some Senators to shut off debate and shut down minority voices and opinions (U.S.). Byrd believes such an effort strikes at the 1st Amendment right of free speech. The Republicans are threatening to get rid of the filibuster, a method of prolonging debate in the Senate to delay the approval of some judges who are put up for confirmation by the administration. This so-called "nuclear option" is said to be directed solely at the Senate's advice and consent prerogatives regarding federal judges, but the claim that no right exists to filibuster judges aims at the heart of the Senate's long tradition of unlimited debate. The Framers of the Constitution saw the Senate as an executive council, a small body of legislators with longer terms, des

Category: Government - T