As the United States of America has evolved from the original thirteen colonies into the great nation that it is today, political agendas have changed drastically. While politicians used to fight for what was good for the people of the country, it is often the case now that they focus narrowly on taking popular stances on the issues that are the most publicized and will get them the most votes in the upcoming election. One issue that continues to be debated by politicians and citizens alike is that of whether the death penalty is fair punishment for certain crimes or that it fulfills the criteria for "cruel and unusual punishment." Of course, every individual has his or her own opinion concerning the matter. I, personally, believe that the only suitable punishment for many violent criminals is a death sentence.
The founding fathers of our nation and the authors of the Constitution knew that as time progressed there would arise a need for changes in the governmental framework. That is why they created the amendment process to provide for these alterations which are necessary in the maintenance of a stable government. Often issues emerge that were not even discussed in past decades or the interpretation of existing issues change due to technological advancements or changes in social values and cultural patterns of society. Capital punishment is one of those issues that has emerged as we embark on beginning of a new millennium. The increase in violent crimes and repeat offenders has prompted government officials to focus more attention on breaking the trend of the increasing number of murders and rapes each year in the United States. Todd Proper
March 20, 1996
PS Constitution 130
Mr. Bedford
Capital Punishment
As the United States of America has evolved from the original thirteen colonies into the great nation that it is today, political agendas have changed drastically. While politicians used to fight for what was good for the people of the country, it is often the case now that they focus narrowly on taking popular stances on the issues that are the most publicized and will get them the most votes in the upcoming election. One issue that continues to be debated by politicians and citizens alike is that of whether the death penalty is fair punishment for certain crimes or that it fulfills the criteria for "cruel and unusual punishment." Of course, every individual has his or her own opinion concerning the matter. I, personally, believe that the only suitable punishment for many violent criminals is a death sentence.
The founding fathers of our nation and the authors of the Constitution knew that as time progressed there would arise a need for changes in the governmental framework. That is why they created the amendment process to provide for these alterations which are necessary in the maintenance of a stable government. Often issues emerge that were not even discussed in past decades or the interpretation of existing issues change due to technological advancements or changes in social values and cultural patterns of society. Capital punishment is one of those issues that has emerged as we embark on beginning of a new millennium. The increase in violent crimes and repeat offenders has prompted government officials to focus more attention on breaking the trend of the increasing number of murders and rapes each year in the United States.
