Reference no: EM133576479

Question: This week's video titled "American Governance in Theory and Action" features a professor at Bowdoin College explaining how the Separation of Powers within the government was formed and the background explaining why. It was included in this class to help us understand more about behind-the-scenes government in its beginning stages and gives us insight into learning more about American vision and values and where they came from. The way Professor Rudalevige explained the creation of separation of powers was helpful, and I can more clearly see the need for it. I do question, however, when he stated, "When government representatives do not agree, nothing happens, which creates gridlock." Rudalevige inferred this is a good thing, but is it? It makes me think of the country's current situation, where we are faced with potential government shutdowns because the House cannot agree. As we all saw this week, this does nothing but harm the citizens of the United States and jeopardize the livelihoods of hard-working people, all because House leaders cannot agree with each other's inflated egos. Lastly, Rudalevige stated that "self-interest protects national interest," which I also question. Our House leaders are protecting their interests, and yet a government shutdown