Slow Change

I can honestly say that before this class started I never really questioned how the national government was run. To me, our system seemed exactly as it appeared; organized, strong, honest, and unified. Accepting that the United States' national government may have flaws seemed like a foreign concept. Yet, this semester has been an eye opener for a young citizen such as myself. Some information over the duration of the course has been repeat, but the discussions have given me reason to really take another look at what goes on in Washington.

Until this semester, I knew nothing of the expansion of executive powers that enabled spying on citizens without a warrant. Such an idea seemed like something out of a movie, yet it actually apparently does happen, with approval from those who are supposed to be representing the public. The repeated clashes between the two parties over such programs as Obama-care never really seemed important until the repercussions of a victory for either side were explained through discussion and lectures. It really empowered the idea that for all the talk of us being a democracy, the fate of the nation is really not with the people. The amount of leverage interest groups apparently have on representatives also does not bode well for our long term future, as more politicians make deals to satisfy their own personal ambitions.  I also never truly understood just how involved America was in global events and situations, like those in Syria and Israel. If those in Congress would focus more on domestic matters instead of meddling in areas that do not concern the well being of America, the country as a whole would be much better off. In spite of all its' flaws, however, Congress still has plenty of opportunity and time to become the kind of system the general public deserves.