Kemisha Salvant Blog Post #2

  Looking back at the presentations on immigration policy, education policy, and gender equality. Also, learning how the electorate and the election process function has helped me become a more informed voter in the upcoming election. All of the following topics are ones that the United States is currently attempting to resolve by putting electoral official in place to create laws that are either in favor of the Republican or Democratic parties.   

Education policy is a set of laws and regulations that govern how educational institutions operate and choices that affect the field of education. The federal, state, and local governments may all have some power over education to different extents. A well-designed curriculum ensures that students are prepared for the workforce and their civic duties and that societal expectations are met. The creation of the Department of Education ensures that. The department was initially established in 1867 by President Andrew Johnson but was later terminated in 1868 due to concerns that the department would have too much influence over local schools. Later in the 1960s, several programs were created under President Lydon Johnson to improve the standard of education for disadvantaged children at all educational levels. Continuing with the growth of education, in October 1979, the new Department of Education was created. The Republican and Democratic parties both hold opposing views on the federal government’s involvement in education.  Presidential Republican candidate, Donald Trump believes we owe our children great schools so they may get great jobs, which will further develop our nation. Guarantee every school’s main goal is to prepare children for the workforce. Close the Department of Education in Washington D.C. and return all educational work to the states. However, Democrat candidate Kamala Harris aims to guarantee parents can afford quality childcare and preschool for their children. Enhance public education and training as a means of reaching the middle class. Continue to lower the burden of student loan debt and seek to make higher education more affordable. The foundation of Harris’ administration is accessibility and affordability. Appeals to those who have student loan debt, whereas Trump advocates for individual investment. Trump’s vocational approach appeals to non-college grads, whereas Harris's initiatives target degree seekers. Donald Trump supports decentralized government, upholds traditional values, and prioritizes personal autonomy. Harris, meanwhile, has a more progressive view favoring government action to ensure equity. She aims to address the student debt issue and social injustices.  

Furthermore, immigration policy presentation involves the topic of immigration and how it is impacted by a number of variables, including natural resources, climate, employment prospects, political stability, hunger and droughts.  Migrants typically migrate to locations more favorable to political conditions. Often times it is the United States.  The U.S. is a federal republic system with a heavy focus on democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law. As one of the world’s largest economies, America has a tremendous impact on worldwide trade and finance. However, in the United States there are different views about immigration and way the parties address it. In support of immigration rights, Democrats have highlighted the positive impact immigrants make on local communities by drawing on personal experiences. By connecting immigration to justice and equality, they promote inclusive policies and highlight the significance of immigrants to American society.  Under the Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, he emphasized border security and painted immigrants, particularly illegal ones, as potential threats. But simultaneously there are some disagreements in the Republican party whether immigrants are beneficial or detrimental to American society. The advantages of immigration outweigh the disadvantages such as economic growth. Immigrants frequently contribute to the overall productivity of the economy by filling critical labor shortages in a variety of industries. Immigration brings cultural diversity to cities like Miami with a melting pot of different cultures, attracting tourists to the city to experience different cultures while boosting the economy. Although the difficulties of immigration should not be ignored, the possible advantages provide compelling reasons for the U.S. to welcome a varied of people.  

Additionally, the electorate and election process presentation explained to balance the power of popular states with less popular ones and to avoid direct popular elections that may result in mob rule, the founding fathers of the Constitution created the electoral college. Each state’s total congressional representation determines its number of electoral college votes. The 12th amendment created separate ballots for the president and vice president to address the challenges highlighted in the 1800 elections. To avoid ties and misunderstanding amongst candidates of the same party. With the addition of the Voting Rights Act and its intention to end voting discrimination, it had an indirect effect on the operation of the electoral college. Uses a winner- takes- all approach to help ease the election process and assure a clear winner. However, there have been several occurrences involving the winner taking all method. For instance, in the 2000 election between Bush and Gore, Bush was declared the winner despite losing popular votes and gaining votes from the electoral college. This incident raised speculation about the system's fairness. To vote in a federal election in the United States, you must a citizen and be at least eighteen years old. In contrast to other nations, the U.S. mandates proactive voter registration. There are different deadlines across states for citizens to register online, in person, or by mail. This process may create difficulties for underprivileged populations. Voting laws in the U.S. are different for those with felony convictions. Some states allow people to vote after they have served their sentences.  

Lastly, the gender equality presentation gave a comprehensive overview of the previous conflicts and recent advances in gender rights. The struggle for gender equality has evolved over time and still is evolving as a result of social, political, and economic factors, from the early suffrage movement the 19th Amendment; which gives everyone the right to vote regardless of gender, was passed by Congress. The Equal Pay Act banned salary discrimination based on a person’s sex. The Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on sex, race, and religion.  Many research investigations have been done which including the wage gap between men and women, job discrimination, and inequalities in political representation. Which have made it possible for women to obtain jobs or get salaries that they were not previously eligible for. For instance, the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris may have been considered wrong and “men's job”.  Additionally, the Roe v. Wade ruling established that women’s constitutional right to an abortion was in January 1973. Until 2022, the Supreme Court reversed the decision.  Which the left that states to decide whether a women can or cannot terminate a pregnancy before a certain number of weeks without any exceptions to a woman's health, molestation, or financial hardship. As a woman, I firmly think women should have complete autonomy over their bodies, free from any government interference. Since we are the ones who will live that decision, whether it's good or bad. Gender equality is supported and advocated by several local groups in Miami, Florida. Such as the National Organization for Women Florida Chapters advocates for women rights and gender equality. Women’s Fund Miami-Dade prioritize advocacy leadership, and community investment for women. League of Women Voters Florida promotes voting rights and gender equality. YWCA South Florida works to reduce racism and empower women through numerous programs. Florida Commission on the Status of Women intends to use education and activism to raise Florida women’s standard of living.