Social Responsibility - Core Curriculum Outcome

Name: Institution Affiliation: Instructor: Course: Date: Social Responsibility - Core Curriculum Outcome Sovereignty may be defined as the independence and autonomy of a nation or state. Unlike in earlier eras where kings and colonial powers ruled countries in the eighteen and nineteenth century, sovereignty refers to the absolute authority of states with respect to the decisions taken by them about matters concerning their citizenry. Sovereignty stresses non-interference by external powers in the internal affairs of another state. Therefore, a nation or a state is free to decide for themselves and make decisions about their policies and rulers without obstruction from other countries. A government is a political system by which a country or a state is administered and regulated. Ordinarily, a government is critical and it plays different roles. It ensures that peace exists between individuals and nations. Additionally, it promotes sovereignty by ensuring that the citizens are free from outside interference (UShistory.org, p.4). A government achieves this by developing and implementing laws and also by training and arming special groups so that they can defend the country or the state. Also, sometimes, governments may form alliances with other nations to strengthen their efforts in fighting a common enemy. Also, the government provided social programs to its citizens with the aim of improving their quality of life. For example, the Great Society program initiated by President Lyndon Johnson was aimed at eliminating poverty in the entire country. Federalism refers to the system where more than one layer of government has jurisdiction over the same territory. In this system, there is a vertical sharing of powers between the national and state governments. It is also important to note that in federalism, sovereignty is constitutionally divided between the central governing authority which is the federal government and the state governments (Renka, p.6). The founders of federalism in the United States identified several reasons for this form of government. These reasons included allowing citizens to participate more in politics, reduce tyranny and use the states as laboratories for new ideas and programs. The origin of the federalism in America is based on its founding fathers who were natured by the philosophy of enlightenment as well as by the political experiences of the past (Lépine, pp.21-62). States in the United States play a vital role in the decision making of the government. State governments are mainly involved in all areas that are not left exclusively for the federal government. For example, states promote health, safety and the welfare of its citizens (Gaylord, p.2). However, the balance of power between federal and state government has shifted unquestionably in favor of the federal government as some of its programs have encroached on state sovereignty. Political culture refers to the attitudes and practices which are held by people and they also help in shaping their political behavior. Daniel Elazar outlined three political cultures which include moralistic political culture; in this culture, people see the government as a way of improving society and promoting the general welfare. In this political culture, people e...