Is Justice for All Possible in America Research Paper

Is Justice for All Possible in America - Research Paper Example The civil war paved the way for slaves to be freed so that they receive just and equal treatment; while the feminist movement has been slowly working towards changing the way women are viewed in the home and at the workplace (Kessler, 304). The Gay-Pride movement has been fighting for the acceptance of gay and lesbian people and has been gaining acceptance slowly. Inclusion of Different Groups The laws of a state or country are developed in order to provide a fair and just treatment to all citizens. An important issue that needs to be considered is the definition of the term ‘citizen’. Historically, women, slaves and the lower classes have rarely been considered as citizens, and the rights of these groups have not been considered when evaluating the extent to which the legal system is just. This means that often, even the most effective of justice systems did not represent a large portion of humans living in the country (Schmidtz, 110). Before the civil war, the inhuman treatment of slaves and other people of color was not addressed by the justice systems; and for a long time, women suffered in the workplace and at home because they were deemed inferior. Homosexual persons still find it difficult to gain acceptance in some parts of the country; and find it difficult to enter the army or share a bond of matrimony in some states. Although American laws restrict the unjust treatment that can be meted out to minority groups; this does not ensure that implicit forms of discrimination against minorities have been dealt with. From a philosophical perspective, minorities often do not experience just treatment from the majorities even in America. Kessler (174-176) provides various examples of how the well... Although American laws restrict the unjust treatment that can be meted out to minority groups; this does not ensure that implicit forms of discrimination against minorities have been dealt with. From a philosophical perspective, minorities often do not experience just treatment from the majorities even in America. Kessler (174-176) provides various examples of how the well meaning individuals of minority status are discriminated against under the guise of concern for them. He also raises concern about the manner in which ‘Affirmative action programs’ are carried out. The often cited rationale behind these programs is that they provide compensatory justice to groups that have been denied opportunities in the past (Rawls, 160). While these programs report admirable growth and development for members of minority groups, in principle they are unfair to Caucasian males who are less likely to be chosen when all other factors are equal.Issues in Providing JusticeInstances like the one cited above highlight the limitations in providing justice to all. One central issue is that the concept of justice and the manner in which it is practiced is heavily influenced by the perspective, opinions and principles of individuals and groups. Groups that are considered ‘different’ are rarely afforded an equal status with others as it is believed that this would be ‘unjust’ to all concerned. This argument has been used to keep individuals of homosexual orientation out of the military, rarely targeted as effectively.

Politics (the founding fathers) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Politics (the founding fathers) - Essay Example They attempted hard to erase the concept of elitism and worked hard to bring equality in the nation. America through the enlightenment achieved great homogeneity and unity. They committed the entire nation to a single language unlike the Europeans. This homogeneity that was generated out of the enlightenment became the greatest strength of America and founded the base for what it is now. The powerful dreams of the American Enlightenment paved the way for America's independence. This alone created the basic principles of the American Government. The enlightenment concepts made people understand that a ruler or a government needs to strictly adhere to the higher laws of the republic. Political geniuses like Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, Samuel Adams, John Adams, and James Madison successfully built up a government that was supported by the people of the republic. These founding fathers were able to put the foundation of such an unconquerable kingdom that is still keen in protecting the natural rights of man. They made lasting impacts on the democracy of America. The encouraging ideas of the classical writings and the atmosphere that helped people develop a craze for wisdom and knowledge were the major feature of the enlightenment period. Developments started putting in the fields of science, religion, and politics and thinkers supported the entire process with their exploding thoughts. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and Thomas Jefferson's "Declaration of Independence" were some of the outcomes of the radical Enlightenment assumptions. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was one of the results of the enlightenment period. The pamphlet that was published during the American Revolution stimulated the revolution and criticized the British rule harshly. The thoughts of the pamphlet became extremely popular and echoed in the minds of the American citizens. Paine gave the copyright for Common Sense to the states, thereby becoming the greatest volunteer of the enlightenment movement. Thomas Jefferson's "Declaration of Independence" is another written proof of the enlightening thoughts of the period. â€Å"Declaration of Independence† which is the most important reform of American history said that the Thirteen Colonies were independent of Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the declaration has clearly stated the reasons for the separation from the British power. This â€Å"Declaration of Independence† is the ultimate reaction of the enlightenment period that earnestly sought freedom from the powerful hands of the British Empire. It is the written form of the desire of the early Americans. The thirst for independence that developed through the ideas of the enlightenment thinkers culminated into the United States Declaration of Independence. The philosophical background of the â€Å"Declaration of Independence† is nothing but the spirit of republicanism that was born during the enlightenment period. Repu blicanism or the basic framework of liberty is the core of the enlightenment philosophy. George Washington’s name can never be omitted if we speak about the history of democracy in the United States. George Washington had in his hand the choice to make America a democracy, dictatorship or kingdom. More than thrice he had the