American Government & Institutions Should Essay

S. Constitution. The court ruled, "Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the statutes and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California" (Dolan, 2012). Hence, the will of the people can become law through popular initiatives, but on the other hand, the argument can be made that if citizens object to the constitutional amendments enacted in any given state -- for any political or social issue -- they have the power of the judiciary to address grievances and sue to reverse the decision.

But should citizens have the power to make public policy through initiatives and state constitutional amendments? Is direct democracy the answer for citizens that feel their elected officials are out of touch? This paper believes that passing propositions and altering state constitutions is indeed a way to bring the voter "…in closer touch with great affairs" and allow the voter to "display increased political efficacy" (Smith, et al., 2004, p. 74). A recent poll published in the New York Times shows "…84% [of Americans] disapprove of Congress" and "89% of Americans say they distrust government to do the right thing" (Zeleny, et al., 2011).In conclusion, when citizens become activists and pass propositions and "participate in self-governance" then "…the more competent, interested, and satisfied they will feel" (Smith, 75). That may not always be true. And in the case of the rejection of same-sex marriage, that movement may be as much based on homophobic attitudes and evangelical religious values than citizens simply acting to improve their lot in life. Still, citizen democracy in an era when 84% of voters have little or not faith in Congress is a good thing.

Works Cited

Dolan, Mura. "Prop. 8: Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional, Court Rules." Los Angeles Times.

Retrieved March 9, 2012, from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com.

Levin, Daniel Lessard. Representing Popular Sovereignty: The Constitution in American

Political Culture. Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 1999.

Smith, Daniel a., and Tolbert, Caroline J. Educated by Initiative: The Effects of Direct

Democracy on Citizens and Political Organizations in the American States. Ann Arbor, MI:

University of Michigan Press, 2004.

Zeleny, Jeff, and Thee-Brenan, Megan. "New Poll Finds a Deep Distrust of Government."

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