Effects Of 2000 Elections On America Essay, Research Paper

The Election that Turned on the Lightbulb in America

The election process has finally ended, and out from the dust, a new president comes

forward. Like an old Western movie, the battle between two foes has prompted a new method of

handling the town’s affairs. As a result of the election, the country will benefit enormously from

the mistakes it had uncovered over the past month or so. We have found a new faith in our

judicial system. As well as a new found respect for the slogan, “every vote counts.” In addition,

the media has been forced to change their approach on reporting the election. Thus, the country

can only strive from overcoming adversity and gaining new knowledge.

The judicial system emerged to be a fair and powerful force during the final days of the

election fiasco. First, it gave a detailed lesson on the process of judicial review and constitutional

laws, that in effect, gave the American people a sense of fairness and truth. The exchange of court

battles from circuit courts, to appeal courts, to state supreme courts, to US Supreme Court,

seemed to bring no end to the conflict in the state of Florida. Finally, with the constitution on their

side, the Supreme Court of the United States made a decision that gave Americans a sigh of relief.

It gave the right to decide the election in the hand of the people, and more precisely, to the

secretary of state of Florida. The judicial system became the median between political parties that

were at warfare. At times, the decisions made by the courts favored both George Bush and Al

Gore. The election confirmed, our judicial branch was fair and not influenced by political belief.

Consequently, the courts came out of this election as a father figure that is not bias nor weak.

The voting process was affected heavily by the two thousand elections. Countless

problems with ancient voting ballots and machines, resulted in the media craze for the butterfly

ballots, the hanging chad, and the dimples. As a result, a push for a universal and modern

ballot has been expressed by the public. State funds will be invested to update the voting machines

and counters. The narrow presidential race has also proven the slogan, “every vote counts.” The

narrow victory in Florida for George Bush, will undoubtably motivate Americans to vote in the

next election. In fact, Americans will be encouraged to learn the issues and make an informed

vote. The election, which lasted for several weeks, will have a lasting effect on the future of this

country. Specifically, the election gave the country an informed and inspired voter.

The next election should bring a new form of election coverage to the American people.

The election night debacle of the Bush states, Gore states, and too close to call states, made that

night confusing and frustrating. The early predicted win by Al Gore in Florida had an influence on

the voters’ turnout in the west, which could have changed the outcome of this election. For this

reason, the media can make an improvement by holding their predictions until every last vote is

counted. The media also learned that night that being first in not important, but being right is

definitely important. Further media problems were discovered as well. For instance, pre election

polls were proven to be very misleading and inaccurate. George Bush had a 5% lead on Al Gore,

just a few days prior to the election. With Al Gore winning the popular vote of the country, the

polls were shown to be wrong and unnecessary. Therefore, the media has admitted to their

mistakes, and will redeem themselves in 2004.

In conclusion, the first presidential election of the new millennium, has brought a positive

change to America. During the countries time of crises, the judicial system kept itself strong and

assertive. Furthermore, Americans are now motivated to cast their vote in future elections. A

similar change can also be seen in the media. Its citizens will observe a media that is accurate,

patient, and responsible for years to come. The United States has overcome the mistakes left

behind by the election. The valuable lessons we have learned, will brighten the future for many

generations to come.