Discuss how functionalist theorists explain how government in the ...

[go.lag]

Discuss how functionalist theorists explain how government in the United States achieves a balanced system that protects its citizens from one another and from government itself.
 
  What will be an ideal response

Question 2

Why was the Townsend Plan rejected by Congress?
 
  What will be an ideal response

[Kdiggy]

Answer to Question 1

Functionalists maintain that pluralism, or the diffusion of power among many interest groups, prevents any one group from gaining control of the government and using it to oppress others. In order to balance the interest of competing groups, three branches of government were set up to ensure that power was evenly distributed. The result was that no one branch of the government could become too powerful as each branch is able to nullify the actions of the other two. This system of checks and balances enables the government of the United States to achieve a balanced system. The negotiation and compromises between special-interest groups also minimize conflict and result in policies that are widely supported. In this way, no one group rules the United States and the political system is responsive to the people.

Answer to Question 2

high monthly payments (in 1930 dollars) and fear that it would destroy the incentive to save for the future

[go.lag]

Excellent

[bblaney]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it