Despite Having a Constitutional Democracy, America Has a History of Applying

question 41

Essay

Despite having a constitutional democracy, America has a history of applying different systems of law for different groups (particularly based on race). Give examples of how different systems of law have been applied to groups in the United States. How does this history diminish the concept of the rule of law in the context of the concept of natural rights?

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Definitions:

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that handles voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles, and conveys sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system.

Cognitive Appraisal

A mental process through which people evaluate the significance and meaning of events and situations for their well-being.

Richard Lazarus

A psychologist known for his research on stress and emotion, particularly for developing the appraisal theory of stress.

Robert Zajonc

A psychologist known for his theories on the interplay between emotions and cognitive processes.