usconstitution.net

Author: Eleanor Stratton

  • Welfare Dependency and Poverty

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Context of Welfare in America America's welfare history is rooted in community responsibility and personal accountability. The Founders believed in aiding those in need while emphasizing work and self-reliance. Thomas Jefferson viewed welfare as a safety net for those unable to work due to age or illness, not as a handout. Workhouses emerged to…

  • Minimum Wage Debate

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Perspective The debate over raising the minimum wage has a long history in the United States. In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established a national minimum wage, sparking concerns about potential job losses and higher production costs, particularly for southern manufacturers. Today, similar arguments persist. Critics warn that businesses will either raise…

  • Trade Deals and Manufacturing

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Context of US Trade Policy The post-World War II era marked a pivotal shift in U.S. trade policy. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) emerged as a crucial element, aiming to reduce tariffs and strengthen Cold War alliances. This initiative sought to prevent economic isolation and open foreign markets for American exports.…

  • Nationalism vs. Globalism

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Defining Nationalism and Globalism Nationalism prioritizes a nation’s interests, focusing on preserving traditional identities and protecting local economies. It often manifests as skepticism towards foreign influences. Globalism, in contrast, supports international connectivity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and goods across borders. It typically advocates for free trade and open borders, viewing these as paths…

  • Electoral College in Elections

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Origins and Purpose The Electoral College emerged from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as a compromise between large and small states. It aimed to balance state interests and prevent a direct popular vote system that some feared could lead to hasty choices or vulnerability to demagogues. Large states advocated for a popular vote, while…

  • Evaluating War on Drugs

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Context and Origins President Nixon’s 1971 declaration marked the beginning of the War on Drugs. His policies aimed to reduce drug supply and demand through law enforcement and treatment. The Controlled Substances Act established a framework for categorizing illegal drugs and setting penalties. Subsequent administrations intensified these efforts, believing tougher enforcement would yield results.…

  • Right-to-Work Laws: History & Impact

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Origins and Legal Framework The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 granted workers the power to form unions and demand better conditions. The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 introduced significant changes, allowing states to implement right-to-work laws. Section 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act enabled states to prohibit mandatory union membership, paving the way for right-to-work laws.…

  • Campaign Finance and Free Speech

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Context of Campaign Finance Laws The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) of 1971 marked the beginning of serious legislative attempts to regulate monetary influences in political campaigns. This act aimed to increase transparency and curb the influence of wealthy donors by imposing limits on contributions to federal candidates and political parties. The 1976 Supreme…

  • Impact of Judicial Nominations

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Current Supreme Court Dynamics The Supreme Court’s composition is subject to change. Potential retirements of conservative justices like Thomas or Alito could reshape the court’s ideological balance. The current 6-3 conservative majority could shift depending on future Senate control and presidential appointments. Political maneuvering often influences the nomination process. Historical precedents like the blocked Merrick…

  • Crime and Gun Laws Analysis

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    Eleanor Stratton
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    Historical Context of Gun Regulations The history of gun regulations in America has two sides, with arguments influencing policy. The Second Amendment stemmed from the belief in self-defense and fear of tyrannical government. This right has undergone changes over time. D.C. v Heller in 2008 was a landmark decision. The Supreme Court recognized an individual’s…