Seminar Reflection
I thought the seminar was interesting in terms of how mostly everyone in my group was anti federalist except for some. The people that weren't anti federalist helped me think more about the different ways a government can be helpful. For example if someone was polluting their land to a extent where it was greatly affecting not only the people around them but also the environment, the government should be able to negotiate with the land owner to decrease the harm they are causing. The idea of the government being able to regulate that type of things shifted me to be a very strong anti federalist to somewhere in between giving power to the people, strong federal government, and states rights. I realize all sides have there ups and downs but in the end I think that the well being of the common person should be the number one priority when making decisions.
Anti Federalist
I am on the anti federalist corner because I believe in an equal distribution of power for the people. Also because I think states should have the power to make decisions on their own whether the government agrees to it or not.
Power:
My Definition of Power:
Four Faces of Power:
- It is the unseable force that controls outcomes and motivates people to create changes.
Four Faces of Power:
- Controlling outcome = violence
- Controlling choices = market, what is available
- Manipulation of preferences = norms
- Controlling the paradigm = think outside the box
- It’s interesting how there are so many ways that power can be enforced and how it can change the way people think.
Issues That Interest Me
I think one of our top issues the youth are facing is a low minimum wage. With how expensive the cost of living is getting, I think an increase in minimum wage is needed in order to have less homeless people in the future. I also think that there is not enough job opportunities for the youth that don't want to go to college.
Political Philosophy
I believe everyone who is of age should be able to have equal opportunity/voice in matters that effect them. Money and power shouldn't effect who gets heard more. Big decisions like who becomes president should compliment the majority and compromise with the minority. I also believe that the government should sit back and facilitate. The reason I think this is because if they tried to do more like solve every social problem, it would become to overbearing and cause even more unnecessary issues. For example in Baltimore riots broke out because the government tried intervening to much on a strike (that was supposed to be peaceful) by setting a curfew for everyone and calling in the National Guard.
Role Model
There have been many historical figures in America that have helped it become a more perfect union but one that stands out to me particularly is Martin Luther King. He is my role model because of how he was able to gain equal rights for African Americans in a peaceful way. Also because of how the power of his messages behind his multiple speeches had a resounding affect on every race, not just one. Ultimately in the end he was able to bring everyone of various backgrounds closer together because of one pure ideal.