Does California Deserve a Position at the UN? - Essay Sample

Introduction

A nation is a sovereign group of people that are bound together by a common culture, language, ethnicity, history, and religion. They have a common flag and use the same currency.

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Federalism is the unique relationship and power distribution between the individual state governments and the national government of the US. The constitution grants both, state and federal government, certain unique powers. The foreign policies are decided by the national government, as well as the authority over the printing of money.

A state, in the American context, is also a self-governing entity in various aspects but it falls under the overall jurisdiction of a country. Federalism divides the powers of the states from those of the nation in America. States have many powers and things like libraries., police departments, driver's licenses, and school administration fall under their mandate. However other factors like printing of currency, entering into international treaties, and declaring war are determined by the national government.

The state of California owns the 10th largest economy of the world and a population that is greater than many independent nations. It has a major influence on popular culture and media as well but it falls short of the threshold of UN requirements. Despite the economic advancement of California, it is a part of the United States of America, which is a nation. To qualify for the UN, California would have to secede from the US and have its own systems to constitute it as a unique country with its own currency, flag, and military. As clearly stipulated, only sovereign countries are members of the UN according to the official Charter. California would need a referendum to amend the constitution and identify it as an independent nation.

The fact that California is a state in America means that it falls under the mandate of federalism. According to the UN, membership is only granted to the peace-loving states that oblige to the requirements in the Charter. The implication of peace-loving is a critical factor in determining how the UN defines a state. In essence, it is a nation that has the monopoly of violence, which is how countries are constituted. California has the economic and cultural diversity to match many independent nations around the world but in matters of peace and war, it must involve the national government.

States have their own judicial, executive, and legislative branches that run autonomously but in adherence to the national constitution. The federal government is in charge of foreign policies and making treaties with other independent countries and international bodies. The UN is a body that is concerned with the responsibility to maintain peace and responsibility on a global scale. It, therefore, means that only nations, which are concerned with matters of foreign policies and international treaties, can enter into any formal arrangements with the UN. California, like every other state, has its own constitution which is as elaborate as that of an independent country. With a far-reaching constitution, multicultural population, and a massive economy to rival many nations, it appears like California has the capacity to be included as a state in the UN.

Conclusion

California trumps many countries in terms of its economic power and huge population. It cannot, however, hold a position at the UN due to the way the laws are stipulated. Federalism has delegated various powers to the state governments while retaining others at the national level. It would have to secede from America before it can be considered for a position reserved for sovereign states.