Democracy in Iran and Afghanistan

Democracy in Iran and Afghanistan

The United States is one of the world's most successful, stable, and long-lasting democracies. As such, lessons learned from the democracy in the United States may be helpful in emerging democracies. Today, Iraq and Afghanistan are two nations that are struggling toward a democratic future.

In the words of President Bush "Helping construct a stable democracy after decades of dictatorship is a massive undertaking" (the White House, 2004). President Bush then goes on to outline a plan for achieving democracy. This includes giving authority to an independent government in Iraq, establish security, rebuilding infrastructure, get international support, and start free elections.

Question 2: Checks and balances

The system of checks and balances is one of the three key components of democracy in the United States. Federalism and separation of powers are key components to checks and balances in the United States. Federalism refers to the separation of government between state, local, and federal levels. In the United States, for example, states have political power and legal standing that is separate from the central government (U.S. Department of State).

Separation of powers refers to the fact that power is not concentrated in the national government. Wrote James Madison, the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands...may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny" (cited in U.S. Department of State).

Checks and balances help to make sure that power is not centralized and that it is dispersed (U.S. Department of State). Overall, checks and balances are "designed to prevent any single group or individual from dominating the political system" (Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia, 2008).

Question 3: Constitutional arguments regarding same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage is one of the most contentious topics in the United States today. Opposition to same-sex marriage is strong and vocal, while support for same sex marriage is equally strong and vocal. An understanding of constitutional arguments will be helpful in determining whether or not federal or state government should have the right too define marriage.