A state’s domestic context refers to a country’s political activities, events, and situations. This is different from the actions occurring outside the state and which the state has authority over. Understanding a state’s domestic context makes it possible for the state to identify its strengths and opportunities and establish fruitful relationships with neighboring states for mutual benefit. Several factors affect a state’s domestic context and, consequently, the ability of the state to govern itself effectively and interact with its neighbors. For this paper, the student will investigate USA’s domestic context by comparing its geography and political system to establish how the two factors influence the state’s domestic situation and the government’s ability to govern.
Geography
One of the crucial factors to understanding the level of prosperity the USA has experienced to attain its current status as a global superpower is its strategic position. The USA is the only world power privileged enough not to have any predatory nation as its neighbor. The country shares its northern and southern borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which are relatively peaceful, and two oceans to the east and west, granting the government a level of security that few world powers have. The two oceans on USA’s either side, in particular, ensured that the country was free from external threats and crises, primarily in the early years of the nation’s founding when Britain and France, among other world powers of the time, threatened North America.[1]. USA’s geographical location is a key contributor to the success that the state has experienced over the years, as the administration didn’t have to spend too much time and resources on securing the nation against external attacks and instead focused on economic development. Therefore, the USA attributes the success it has attained today, both in economic development and unity as a country, to its strategic geographic location, which has spared it many of the challenges and setbacks that other nations suffer.
While USA’s neighbors are majorly non-violent and do not pose significant security threats to the nation and its citizens, Mexico has been presenting a major cause of concern in the past couple of years, especially through its immigrant population. While America’s strategic positioning has given a major advantage as the country remains secure from attacks, its southern border, Mexico, poses a different problem. Any developed region will attract immigrants as people seek to settle in a more flourishing and promising economy. This is the current situation between Mexico and the USA, as Mexicans continue to cross the Mexican border and enter the USA in search of better opportunities.[2]. The impact of the increased number of immigrants on the USA is that the nation now has a large number of undocumented immigrants, a majority of whom make it difficult for the country’s administration to manage. USA’s former president, Donald Trump, attempted to solve the immigrants-problem in the USA by deporting undocumented immigrants to reduce the strain on the nation’s domestic resources. The current administration is still dealing with the same problem.
The USA’s Political Systems and Government Structure
The United States political systems and government structure usually fall under the broad federal government. Delving deeper into the US government structure, it is realized that the federal administration performs its functions through three powerful, distinct branches which oversee the making, interpreting, and implementation of the country’s laws. The three components equipped with the mandate of governing the country are the legislative, executive, and judicial. Unlike in other countries where the executive holds more power, the United States Constitution allows each federal administration branch to be accountable for tasks given to them by the citizens.
Different government officials are responsible for various government functions in the three branches of the federal. The president of the US is entirely responsible and accountable for the multiple roles carried out within the executive. As the head of the executive, the president is also the commander in chief of the country’s armed forces. The US Constitution allows the president to sometimes put laws into practice without the permission of congress. Beneath the president, there exists a cabinet with ministers who play several roles in making sure the executive is functioning.
On account of the legislature, congress is accountable for enacting laws required to influence the lives of the American people. Congress is identified as the voice of the people. It also ensures that the executive branch performs its roles as the American constitution depicts. Made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, congress primarily focuses on making laws. The third arm of the government is the judiciary which oversees the implementation of the enacted laws. It is headed by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land.
The USA Constitution
The constitution of the US traces its creation in Philadelphia in May 1787. It was framed by a convention of delegates representing the thirteen original states of Philadelphia. Acting as the country’s legal landmark document, the US Constitution describes all three chief branches of the federal government and their jurisdictions. Other than describing the federal’s three branches, the executive, legislature, and judiciary, the US Constitution also reveals the fundamental rights of citizens of the United States.[3]. While relating to its year of formation, it is inarguable that the US Constitution is the world’s longest-serving government charter.
According to the US Constitution, any individual born in America and who has lived in the country for more than fourteen years is capable of becoming the nation’s president. The individual must be age thirty-five and above. Elections for the US president are held every four years when a new government is ushered in or the incumbent administration battles for its continuity in serving the citizens. The constitution states that the vice president should take over the presidency should the incumbent president reign or die.
The US has only two primary parties, unlike some countries with several parties. These two parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The Democratic Party is often known as the liberal party. It resulted from individuals who opposed the constitution regularly. The Democratic Party came into play in 1829. On the other hand, the Republican Party, also identified as the Grand Old Party, was incepted in 1854. Earlier on, the party primarily focused on fighting for the development of a better union. It also played a significant role in the fight against slavery in America.
Conclusion
In conclusion, USA’s geography, as well as its political system and government structure, significantly influence the country’s current domestic context. The physical geographical location has guaranteed the USA’s security over the years since the absence of hostile neighbors has made it possible for America’s administration to concentrate on development matters rather than security. With two oceans on either side of the country and relatively peaceful neighbors to the north and south, the USA is fairly peaceful with minimal external threats from neighbors, hence encouraging domestic flourishing. Additionally, USA’s political system and government structure make it easier for its administration to effectively govern its people. By having a federal government structure with a clear separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, the US government has managed to effectively govern its citizens and develop the country to its current state as a global superpower.
Bibliography
Goodnow, Frank J. Politics and administration: A study in government. Routledge, 2017.
Miller, Aaron. “How Geography Explains The United States.” Foreign Policy, Last modified 2022. https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/04/16/how-geography-explains-the-united-states/.
Sloan, Geoffrey. Geopolitics, geography and strategic history. Routledge, 2017.
[1] Aaron Miller, “How Geography Explains The United States,” Foreign Policy, Last modified 2022, https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/04/16/how-geography-explains-the-united-states/.
[2] Sloan, Geoffrey. Geopolitics, geography, and strategic history
[3] Goodnow, Frank J. Politics and administration: A study in government.
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