FRQ #1

The part of the government that was originally most closely tied to citizens was the House of Representatives. The House was the only element of government that was within direct control of the votes of the majority. On the contrary, state legislatures elected senators and special electors selected the president, meaning government officials would be selected by a small minority rather than the people, limiting majority rule. A separation of powers and system of checks and balances developed in the Madisonian Model also prevent one branch of the government from having too much power. In order to make the Constitution more democratic, amendments in the 20th century allowed more consent of the governed. For example, the 19th amendment allowed woman to vote, which allowed their opinions to matter. Also, the 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18, allowing even more public input rather than mainly older, wealthy, white landowning men determining most of the decisions. Presidential Primaries also shifted the United States to a more democratic system by allowing the people to vote for candidates or delegates pledged to that candidate. Before primaries existed, delegates were selected to go to the national convention only by means of caucuses, in which state party leader controlled who went rather than the people. Other than voting, citizens can participate in politics by protesting and civil disobedience. The benefits of protesting include raising awareness and the availability for anyone to participate, unlike voting which pertains restrictions. Likewise, civil disobedience (breaking the law purposefully and receiving the consequence) clearly communicates a message. Sometimes instances of protesting can instigate violence, such as the Kent State Massacre in 1970. Students stood outside the school protesting the war in Vietnam and the Ohio National Guard opened fire on the campus, killing four and wounding nine. The violence grabbed the attention of America. Though policy did not change in that instance, sometimes violence pressure the government into reconsidering their actions.