Given what has transpired over the past year, it is hard to say that the union is in outstanding condition confidently. However, there have also been times of strength, solidarity, and advancement in the face of enormous obstacles like the COVID-19 epidemic, resulting in first-of-their-kind scientific discoveries and government efforts (Kumar 601). Conversely, extreme partisanship and political division have led to a violent Capitol rebellion (Kumar 589). In light of these events, it is clear that our union’s state is solid and vulnerable.
To start, I would argue that the overall outlook for the nation is one of cautious optimism. People worldwide have seen the American people’s tenacity and perseverance in adversity. There are innumerable instances of people who have shown extraordinary bravery in the face of hardship, from healthcare personnel on the front lines of the epidemic to activists fighting for social justice. Important strides have also been made on topics like climate change, economic recovery, and racial fairness at the national level. It is a credit to the strength of the democratic system that the government has moved swiftly to aid those in most need. However, there has been a definite deepening of the political division that has seized the nation in recent years, and it is unclear how the two sides can find common ground (Mink 45). Severe concerns were expressed about the state of the democracy when a violent crowd stormed the Capitol building to alter the results of a free and fair election.
The most important thing I learned from this course was how complicated and nuanced American politics and governance are. This course has allowed me to hear and consider various arguments and viewpoints and prompted me to question the assumptions I had previously made about the function of government. More than only the inner workings of government, I have learned the value of educated, active citizenship through this course (Mink 97). Institutions, norms, and traditions are crucial to a healthy democracy, and I have learned to recognize this. I now better understand the difficulties leaders encounter when balancing the needs of a varied and complicated populace.
Before taking this course, I had an idealistic view of the American government, thinking its leaders always had the people’s best interests and that its institutions could survive any threat. Despite this, the course has prepared me for the reality of politics by making me face the numerous shortcomings and inadequacies of the system (Mink 101). My view of the American government as a potential force for good in the world has not changed, but my understanding of its difficulties and the effort required to maintain a healthy democracy has expanded. The last year’s events have shown us that no system is perfect, but they have also shown us the value of banding together to achieve a shared purpose.
The 2022 Midterm Elections were a major turning point in American politics. A historic number of voters cast ballots, helping Democrats keep their hold on the House and the Senate (Kumar 589). The elections, however, were not without their share of controversy, what with the prevalence of so many radical contenders. I believe it was not so much the politicians themselves that were rejected as it was the extremist beliefs they stood for. Many candidates, however, did not support extremism and instead called for more collaboration and forward progress. These individuals engaged with people and offered a peaceful alternative to the current political climate.
There is no disputing that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have had their fair share of difficulties throughout their time in office, and they should be considered when evaluating their performance. The administration has had to cope with some of the severest problems humanity faces today, such as the ongoing pandemic and the racial justice demonstrations. Both Biden and Harris have done an outstanding job as vice presidents despite their challenges. Their response to the pandemic demonstrates leadership and compassion, and their work promoting racial justice and unity is inspiring (Kumar 597). Of course, there are always opportunities for improvement in every administration, but I think that, on the whole, Biden and Harris have stepped up to the plate and done their best to serve the American people.
In the midterm elections of 2022, Generation Z played a crucial role by voting overwhelmingly for the Democrats and rejecting the radical contenders. One in eight people who voted in the midterms were under 30, suggesting that the members of Generation Z are beginning to have greater influence in politics. The fact that 61% of voters aged 18 to 34 sided with the Democrats proves that the millennial generation is politically active and sympathetic to progressive causes (Kumar 583). This has motivated me to vote since I have realized that my vote can influence elections and advance causes I care about.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a seminal event that impacted the history of the United States. The epidemic resulted from economic upheaval, social isolation, lockdowns, and healthcare system overload. The pandemic emphasized the disproportionate effect of the virus on communities of color and highlighted the resilience and commitment of frontline healthcare personnel. The country’s social and economic fortitude was put to the test by the epidemic, but the American people rallied together to help one another through it. The impact of the Black Lives Matter movement was extremely profound. The killing of George Floyd and other unarmed black men at the hands of police officers ignited demonstrations throughout the country. It drew much-needed attention to issues of institutional racism, police brutality, and socioeconomic inequality (Mink 34). Proactive actions toward social justice resulted from the movement’s discussions of racial relations, police reform, and entrenched racism.
Voter turnout in the 2020 election was unprecedented, and political tensions were high. Democracy, the Constitution, and bipartisanship were apparent throughout the challenged results, vote fraud charges, and Capitol storming on January 6th (Kumar 584). The 19th Amendment allowed women to vote, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbade discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, which had major social impacts (Mink 57). These changes laid the foundations for the liberal democracy in the United States today.
The victory of Joe Biden over Donald Trump as president was a historic event for the United States. To add to the historic nature of his triumph, Biden picked Kamala Harris as his running partner, making her the first African American woman to assume the vice president post (Kumar 583). It is important because it shows how far the nation has gone regarding diversity and representation. Electing a woman and a person of color to such a high position promotes equality and inclusion by setting a good example for future generations. It is too early to tell whether or not Biden and Harris will be reelected, but it is crucial to familiarize oneself with their policy stances and voting histories before casting a ballot. The course of the nation in the years to come will be heavily influenced by the policies of the Biden administration, which have focused on combating the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and racial justice (Kumar 588). However, their qualifications for reelection will be evaluated based on their successes and failures.
Whether my participation matters is important since it reveals how individuals may affect the nation’s course. Although many people have lost faith in politics and the political process, they must know their vote will make a difference. An individual vote may make a difference in tight elections, demonstrating the significance of voting (Kumar 595). Local and state elections are especially important since the people who are elected have a direct effect on people’s everyday lives. In addition to voting, citizens may influence policy by participating in peaceful demonstrations, volunteering, and talking to their representatives. The Black Lives Matter movement is just one example of how nonviolent demonstrations can bring about change and hold political authorities to account (Kumar 595). Active participation by its residents is essential to a healthy democracy and is their civic obligation.
In conclusion, the state of our union is a multi-dimensional, complicated subject that defies a binary response. However, the last year’s events have shown systemic problems inside the American government and culture. Fundamental reforms are necessary for the nation’s progress. There is cause for optimism and hope, but individuals must overcome significant differences and difficulties to create a brighter future for present and future generations. Voting is an important aspect of the democratic process and may make a big difference in how an election turns out. Every vote counts and may swing the final tally, affecting policies and choices those in power make. As a result, it is essential to use one’s vote to influence governmental and social policies.
Works Cited
Kumar, Martha Joynt. “Joseph Biden’s Effective Presidential Transition: “Started Early, Went Big. ” Presidential Studies Quarterly 51.3 (2021): 582-608. Web.
Mink, Gwendolyn. Old labor and new immigrants in American political development: union, party, and state, 1875-1920. Cornell University Press, 2019.