In what ways is the court system better suited to protect the individual, than are the elected branches of government (such as Congress and the President; or the Mayor of NYC and the NYC City Assembly)? Give an example to illustrate your argument.

The court system is better suited to protect the individual because it operates independently from public opinion and political pressure, focusing instead on the Constitution and the rule of law. Unlike elected officials, who may prioritize party agendas or majority interests to gain votes, judges—especially at the federal level—serve lifetime appointments and are insulated from political backlash, allowing them to make impartial decisions that uphold individual rights. For example, in Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that suspects must be informed of their constitutional rights during police interrogations, protecting individuals from self-incrimination and ensuring access to legal counsel—rights that might have been overlooked by elected officials seeking to appear tough on crime.

Think about how federal judges get to become judges – unlike Presidents, Mayors and members of Congress (and other legislatures), they are not elected, but rather appointed. Many Americans have thus called the federal courts system, and especially the Supreme Court, anti-democratic places in our government. Do you agree that the Supreme Court, for example, is an anti-democratic part of our government? What could be the reason for this way of choosing judges in federal courts? (HINT: think about our discussion of “Federalist #10”, and which social class plays a leading role in our government system.)

While it’s true that the Supreme Court and other federal courts are not democratic in the sense that judges are not elected by the people, this design is intentional rather than anti-democratic. The framers, as discussed in Federalist #10, feared the influence of factions and mob rule, believing that the judicial branch needed to be insulated from political pressure to fairly uphold the Constitution. By appointing judges rather than electing them, the system ensures that decisions are made based on law and principle, not popular opinion or short-term political interests. This structure gives the judiciary the independence to protect minority rights and check the powers of the elected branches, which often cater to the majority or powerful interest groups. While this may seem undemocratic on the surface, it actually reinforces a core function of constitutional democracy: safeguarding individual rights and justice even when they’re unpopular.

1. In the essay written by Patricia Williams titled, “This dangerous patriot’s game”, the author mentions that the war on terror is a new type of war. One of the reasons why this is a new type of war is because it is being fueled by grief. The grief and anger is causing Americans to lose sight of human rights and be in favor of torture and blatant racism.
2. “Roving Wiretaps” of the Patriot Act seem to violate a person’s right to privacy. This directly violates the Fourth Amendment because the government is watching people through their electronic devices without their consent, regardless if they aren’t doing anything illegal.
3. “Sneak and Peek” warrants also violate the Fourth Amendment. Allowing the police to obtain a search warrant without making the person aware is dangerous. It would allow police officers to misuse their authority. They would not only use the warrant for just possible terrorists, they would use the warrants whenever they wanted. This would only make America’s relationship with the police worse.

1. Two key concepts in this video are the means of production and labor. In your comment, explain how you understand the means of production and labor. Give an example of each.

After watching the video and my understanding on the means of production and labor, how I understand the means of production and labor is that it’s referred to one’s use of ability which is basically skills and tools being used to create something. For example “means of product”: Using my camera to record YouTube videos for me to post.

My understanding of what “Labor” means, it simply means your effort into applying to those means of production to create a value out of it, it is also measured with time. For an example “Labor”: After I used my camera to record a video for my YouTube channel, the more time I spend to edit and to make the video perfect in order for me to get the best value out of it at the end.

2) Another important concept in understanding social class is value. Based on the ideas presented in Video 5.1, what is value?  What give “value” to value, what makes something valuable? 

Based on the video in 5.1, Value is important and it is how much it takes to make something under normal conditions, time is money! Value of a product is determined by how much effort and time you take to work on the product, whatever time and effort being spent will equal the value of what you would get at the end. (My understanding after watching the video). What makes something valuable is the quality.

3) How are labor and value related? What’s the relationship/connection between the two?

From my understanding labor and value related based on the amount of labor that is required to produce a goods determines its value at the end. The more labor that is put into creating something, the better its value is considered to be at the end.

4) How do you understand the difference between labor and labor power? Hint:this is a key difference, give it your best shot based on what the video says about it, and your own ideas. We’ll clarify and develop it in our discussions, and in my video comments.

Based on my understanding and after watching the video being display in DB 5.1, the difference between labor and labor power is that, labor is the act of actually working and labor power is found only in people ( our ability to work ), the capacity of a person to work.

5) Surplus Value: what is it? Why is it important to know about, in our study of social classes? Think about an example of surplus value?

Based on my understanding and after watching the video,Surplus Value is produced over and above what is required for us to survive. It is important to know about in our study of social classes because it also reflects back on our past discussions whereas we we discussing about social classes and also comparing the upper classes with the lower and this Surplus Value is also important to know about In our study of social class since it is profit in capitalism, for am example of Surplus Value: Selling a used or second hand item for a higher price than what you actually paid for.

1) What Ideology means to me is a set of beliefs or different perspectives held by a group of people or individuals.
An example of Ideology is Socialism which believes in unity basically sharing equally ownership so that everyone doesn’t feel left out.

2) By understanding the differences between conservative and liberal ideology in the US policy, which we speak about conservative it’s mostly based on individualism values and Liberal is mostly about freedom of speech. An example would be, for Liberal they care about fairness and human rights which is important while conservatives caress about authority.

3) After watching Althusser video, his definition of Ideology he stated how ideology is important and he also speaks on fear how a-lot of people tend to use that as an example, he also made some really good points referring to as human rights and how almost everyone believes in it and everyone benefits from it even when they don’t believe.

1) A Repressive State Apparatus consists of the army that is being used to maintain order. He called it repressive because that’s the only way it was function, for an example the police or courts are considered RSA.

2) Ideological State Apparatuses are mostly like schools, religious institutions trade unions which support individuals with the values and beliefs. For an example religious institutions help us to understand each person’s beliefs and practices and most people usually go to the church.

3) The RST mostly focuses on the functions through violence while ISA functions by Ideology beliefs.

4) This is an example

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fchipkin-logan.medium.com%2Fin-defense-of-ideology-d6c34f20cf48&psig=AOvVaw1FD04LzF-2yWNP0nLLP1rX&ust=1739250255249000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqGAoTCLib656quIsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABCYAQ

1. Do you notice any similarities in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2? Do you notice any differences in the way these two readings DIFFERENTIATE between social classes?

The similarities in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2 is it shows the different classes, whether you’re placed in upper, middle classes, both gave a wider knowledge of understanding social classes and how they’re viewed. Both readings helps us to understand the importance of social classes and where people are being placed based on your location and how it affects Americans politics, Education levels and Incomes

The differences between 4.1 and 4.2, in 4.2 you can use the map and direct the lows and highs of social classes depending on using the Subway Station, it gives us a wider understanding of their salary, in 4.1 it helps us to understand Americans view on their social classes.

2) Pick the station closest to where you live. Using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood? Are you surprised (or not) by the answer? Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?

Middle and Working Class

No, I’m not surprised

Yes, I do feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in my neighborhood.

3) Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

Yes, I do notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC, they’re divided into several neighborhoods which helps us to understand the standards of income levels and educations. Even though some people tend to live in neighborhoods and doesn’t match their social classes, As in Manhattan you’ll see a lot of business people and how they dress and their neighborhood is different compared to someone that lives in Queens where it’s different, people are less likely to dress as a business wise and mostly crowded.

1. What is the distinction that Reading 4.3 makes between owners and employees? Give an example of each.

The distinction that reading 4.2 makes between owners and employees is that they mentioned employees gets treated like absolute nothing while the owners believes that they’re putting in the word when in reality the employees are getting paid less. Owners makes half the money that the employees worked for and workers get paid less than the value they created. The owners live off of the employees and doesn’t do anything while the employees does all the work. An example: I owned a gift from my grandparents, Employees working at Publix Super Market

2) How do you understand the quote by Adam Smith on pg. 28? What is it saying about labor?

It is saying about labor that it is important thing because it helps us to understand that it was original that weather is originally purchased.

3)What are your thoughts on the main argument of Reading 4.4 that class is NOT an identity?

My thoughts on the main argument of Reading 4.4 that class is NOT an identity, I strongly believe your social class position helps determine who you are, class is more in detailed as to how a person thinks of themselves In society where you’re high or low, so I agree on the fact that class is NOT an identity.

4)How do you understand the argument Reading 4.4. makes when stating that “class structures are built around a close form of dependency”? What is this close form of dependency, and can you think of an example?

I do believe with the argument reading 4.4 ” class structures are build around a close form of dependency”, they both depend on each other in order to keep the business going, without them they business won’t be available, when one relies on the other. An example is A student’s reliance on their teacher.

You did extraordinarily well in breaking down the main ideas! I always agree with your distinction between owners and employees. Owners profit via investments, property, and the efforts of others; whereas employees depend on their paychecks for an income. Your illustrative example concerning the construction worker is excellent: the owner doesn’t engage in the hard work but still gains money from the work of the employees. These are people doing the hard work and, in exchange, getting only a small portion of the reward. It essentially shows how the two groups are in completely different positions.

I also liked how you came to understand Adam Smith’s definition of labor. They’re true because things get converted into real value only if effort is involved in their actual making and not about their sale value. Labor is what gives true worth to something. Money is simply a measure of that value. In this sense, the argument that labor is the heart of economic value makes sense, because people’s work drives all, not just the trade of money.

Your thoughts on class also being an identity are fascinating. I agree that class can be quite an identity for some people, especially for those who have worked very hard to reach where they are today. As you also mentioned, class is not static. You can change classes but race never changes. That isn’t a very good point since moving up in class can be difficult for some people, especially black people. There are a lot of barriers even if changes around class can be made with the right opportunities. Class is a very complex issue much shaped by many factors.

The phrase “close form of dependency between laborers and capitalists” makes sense. Laborers rely on capitalists for jobs, and capitalists rely on laborers to make dollars as well. The tech startup is a good example. Here, the employees are doing the hard work of coding and erecting all these systems but do not share any profit. Capitalists need the workers to make the company operate well, but in turn, the workers rely on the capitalists for their paychecks. It illustrates how both groups are connected and interdependent in each way. 

Finally, I think this is your understanding of the argument in Reading 4.4. It isn’t class limited to how a person assesses himself but rather has to be where it counts-with an economic value that would, however, bring one’s recognition world’s slice between the reality of class versus self-identity. Under-earning from labor or return from investment defines your class. Thus, even when someone is middle class in his self-image, his description of class depends on his means of livelihood. Therefore, class is an economic reality, not just a personal belief. 

This is largely understandable as it breaks down those concepts into good lessons. The examples made it very clear in showing how these concepts work in real life. You got me pondering further about classes and how they affect our lives. Keep up the good work!

1. In the article titled, “What Determines How Americans Perceive Their Social Class” it discusses what social class is and how social class can be seen as a hierarchy within society . According to Gallup.com, an objective social class can be seen as a hierarchy within society. Objective social class can be determined by socioeconomic factors such as income and education. Subjective social class can be determined by the person. Using the socioeconomic factors they can determine if they are upper, middle, or lower class.
2. I live in the Bronx, specifically in the Highbridge area. The two stations in my neighborhood are the 4 train and the B/D station. The people and the area usually are in the lower class. I feel this is an accurate representation because the people in my area are mostly recipients of government assistance such as food stamps, section 8, and welfare.
3. I feel that the social classes in NYC have been an unspoken norm since forever. As a New Yorker myself, born and raised, I feel there is this weird segregation between the rich and the poor. For example, if you get on the 4 train, you notice you probably won’t see a White person until you get to 86th street. You subconsciously learn that the rich people (typically White) live in expensive areas such as 59th street. Ignorant people associate poverty with 125th street that is filled with violence, drug abuse, and Black and Hispanic people. Usually, if White people move into that area, then they must be rich and apart of the gentrification that is forcing life-long residents to move due to rent increases. Stereotypes and racism play a huge role in the social classes in NYC.

(I couldn’t load the 4.2 article)

1. Do you notice any similarities in the way social class is discussed in Readings 4.1 and 4.2? Do you notice any differences in how these two readings differentiate between social classes?

I’m a little confused because I can’t access the 4.2 reading, so I’m comparing Reading 4.1 with the readings in the 4.3 section.

The similarities I noticed between the way social class is discussed in Reading 4.1 and Section 4.3 are that both readings recognize that social class is determined by the amount and type of property one owns, and that positions in the social hierarchy are not fixed for life.

The difference lies in how the two readings define or differentiate the classes. In Reading 4.1, social class is determined by a wide range of factors and can vary significantly, with five typical social classes. People may not always recognize or agree on which class they belong to, even though they measure themselves using the same criteria. The value of these criteria, however, differs depending on perspective. In Section 4.3, the distinction between the two main social classes (the owning class and the labor class) is more straightforward. If you own wealth in the form of investments, real estate, stocks, bonds, or natural resources, you belong to the owning class. If not, you are part of the labor class, working for a living and earning a salary.

2. Pick the station closest to where you live. On the M train at Fresh Pond Road, using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood?

Middle and working class.

Are you surprised (or not) by the answer?

Not surprised.

Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?

Yes, it is an accurate representation of the people living there.

3. Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

From my experience, social classes in NYC tend to be separated into different neighborhoods, largely due to the cost of living, property values, and local job opportunities. For example, you’ll find two completely different classes living side by side but not interacting. In some areas, there are public housing projects, like Queens bridge Housing, which provide affordable housing for the lower class. Nearby, there may be warehouse manufacturing districts and commercial areas that create structural barriers between the lower-class neighborhoods and wealthier areas. A prime example of this is Long Island City, where luxury condominiums for the upper class are located next to office buildings, creating a clear divide between these wealthy residents and the lower-income neighborhoods just a short distance away.