Chapter 12 blog

The Revolutionary War and the failure of the Articles of Confederation taught the developing country three necessary democratic rules: the need for separated branches, a balance between said branches in the form of checks and balances, and the need for a public figure among the people to represent them as a whole. Though many would argue that the latter did not truly come into effect until FDR's fire-side chats, it is clear with the first appointment of the presidency that the framers intended a well respected citizen to be the "face" of the new republic. Although the president may be the most well known politician in the United States, the government cannot persist without the support of Congress and the unbiased rulings of the Supreme Court. While Justices are appointed for life, our elected officials both in the executive and legislative are responsible for representing the people based on current situations and attitudes rather than relying on precedents.
It is easy to point a finger at either of the two elected branches when our government begins to suffer and decisions fail to be made. However, in times when it seems as though jobs are not being done, there is more than likely a reason behind it. By reasons, it could be anything from a divided government to human greed. When it is the latter, the American public tends to weed out politicians who have taken their trustee view to an extreme. But when it is the former, there are several ways to solve it. The first of which waiting until a new congress is elected—though this does take quite a bit of time. The second, of course, is a compromise between both branches and setting aside differences to resolve what is best for the country, not just a few individuals. So yes, government does fail to function when politicians fail to do their jobs; yet this failure is more of a halt than an entire collapse—an aspect that most Americans identify and realize will pass.
On the subject of divided government, it takes a certain leader to overcome such an obstacle and others during the presidency. Since Washington, Americans have praised an honest and respectable citizen to become President—one who "never tells a lie". Yet it is with this certain character that Americans have come to demand a level of charisma and personality. With media taking a larger role in government these days, Americans have the chance to watch the President's every move and clearly, they want a well spoken, charming, and personable one. Yet, as in every government around the world, religion does still play a role in our politics; perhaps not religion per se, but morality is certainly important in a politician. As seen in the Clinton Sex Scandal or the Tea Pot Dome Scandal, Americans react to the personal decisions Presidents make.
Overall, it takes a strong leader (and one who does not quite when the going gets tough) not only to run for and win the presidency, but to also motivate Congress with or without a divided government. Let's hope Obama is said leader!