In May Not Work in Politics

It May Not Work in Politics

Patricia M. Henson

Roderick Bell

U.S. Government; POL 110

March 19, 2016

Congressional Ethics

Charles Rangel, a veteran from New York accused of 13 violations of congressional ethics standards, which has significantly affected his political career. This violation of standard congressional principles raised worries from fellow Democrats. The accusations comprise of use of congressional stationery and staff to increase money for a college named after him in New York, use of a funded Ney York apartment as a campaign office rather than as his dwelling. Also, Rangel was accused of failure to report large sums of money from his disclosure statements and rental income from vacation property, and misuse of congressional free mail privilege.   However, Rangel denied the charges and declared he was ready to prove to the courts that the only thing he has done for 50 years was public service. Also, the case of Rangel brought a lot of division between the Republican and the Democrats; the Republican said that it was too late for the plea panel to review the case.  The Democrats urged angel to settle the case to shun the panorama of televised hearings before the November congressional elections, which were to decide on the party that will control the Congress.  

As a consequence, the verdict can involve a vote to expel him from the Congress, a written report that criticizes his behavior, and a show of disapproval from the Congress. I agree with the verdict because every wrong committed deserves to be punished and the wrongdoer must suffer the consequences of his/her wrong doings (Newman, 2010). Therefore, the penalties and the verdicts concerning the case OF Rangel impact my trust towards the Congress positively as it depicts that the Congress can punish wrongdoers.

Third Party Candidates

In the United States, the Third parties face many hindrances and obstacles. Apparently, in every State, the Republican, and the Democrats candidates always get on the ballot, while the third party candidates require obtaining a lot of signatures on petitions so as to be listed on the ballot papers (Domhoff, 2005). Conversely, the federal government that has the power to make rules which govern the elections, as it comprises of the Republican and Democrats officials who contain a high spur and incentive to safeguard the duopoly. With that reason it is difficult for the third party candidate to win successfully presidential elections as they often face financial challenges since for an individual to qualify for federal funds, it has to receive five percent of votes from the previous election.

The Significant Responsibility of the Third Parties

Although the third party candidates don't succeed in the polls, they have a potential to affect the United States politics in various ways that include:

Introduction of new ideas:

The Third parties have the capacity to suggest and recommend many government practices and policies. For instance, the Populist Party initiated ideas that affected various economic policies of the New Deal. Also, the Anti-Masonic party was the first party in the United States to use a conference to nominate its candidate.