Deciding Which Value Weigh More Heavily

To determine which value is more critical one must first establish a consequence matrix or table, or any metrics tool that helps determine which value if foregone, bears the most negative consequences. Firstly, the number of persons affected by a trade-off is more critical. For instance, one person’s liberty may negatively affect 1000 people’s equality or democracy. In such a situation the trade-off value the democracy more as opposed to an individual’s right. Additionally, it is important to note that a trade-off does not wholly diminish one of the two values in question, but rather provides a way through which a balance can be reached without eliminating neither. Apart from an immediate consequence analysis, one must also understand the falloff, and how this will affect similar decisions in the future. A value that is positive within the immediate context, and even more positive in the future is more important.

Most Important Part of America’s Political Culture

Democracy is the most important segment of America’s political culture. Firstly it allows for the formation of a sovereign government, also known as a government for the people by the people. This form of governance ensures forces leaders to listen to the public in the formulation of policies while at the same time, follow the trajectory of the majority rule. While democracy is essential in itself, it equally allows and facilitates the liberties and equality. It would be flawed to assume that an authoritarian government would entirely give freedoms to their subjects or fellow countrymen. Democracy makes the calls for equality and liberty heard, as people have a voice in what is going on within their country. However, there are scenarios where democracy suppresses rights since freedoms to do as one pleases must also have an ethical limit. This ability over other elements within the American political culture makes democracy an essential element.

References

Agne, H. (2012). Democratic founding: We the people and the others. International Journal of Constitutional Law, 10(3), 836–861.

Baron, J. (2019). Measuring value tradeoffs: problems and some solutions. Retrieved from University of Pennsylvania: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~baron/papers.htm/range.htm