Rhetorical Analysis Of Donald Trump's Inaugural Address

From the early 1840s to the present day, a democracy can be described as a flawed establishment which has been shaped by the power of wealth and control, complex social relations, and most importantly the people’s desire to live a fulfilling life. Throughout this time period the principles of democracy, such as equality, protection of the people’s interest, and promotion of human rights were shifting in order to increase the democracy efficiency. Therefore the continued importance of the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and Constitution remain significant since, in American today, democracy is a system that is continuously being shaped by the people within it.

2. What are the fundamental values of American democracy? How are these values show in the

In two world wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, Americans fought and died so that democracy would prevail around the world. In the minds of many Americans, America is the bastion of democracy. But how democratic is America? Today’s America was “born” with the signing of the constitution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, it was determined how democratic America would be. And every American should ask himself how democratic America was made at that constitutional convention in Philadelphia.

In American tradition, the value of the individual, and individual opinion, is held in high esteem. Free expression is the means by which consensus is reached and central authority is balanced. In this democracy,

Refer to Table 1-1 of The American Democracy, and in 100 to 150 words, identify and explain America’s 3 core political ideals and the 3 rules of American politics.

President Clinton correlates with the core American ethos given by Declaration of Independence when he discusses American values being, “freedom, democracy, individual rights, and free enterprise” (Clinton, 149). His statement is exactly what the inalienable rights described in the Declaration are portraying. Freedom is what America was built on which goes hand in hand with democracy, rights, and free enterprise.

Democracy, as defined in American Government: Power and Purpose, is “a system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the selection of key public officials.” In the centuries before and since its founding, the United States has indubitably had undemocratic elements. In colonial times, the thirteen colonies’ government derived most of its authority from the elites, depriving many of those residing in lower socioeconomic classes from a voice in government. During the time of the American Revolution,

January 20th is an important day to all Americans; this is the day of the inauguration speech. Every four years the new president will announce their speech on this day. George Bush presented his speech 16 years ago, Barack Obama presented his speech 8 years ago and this year Donald Trump presented his speech. Each speech is expressed in their own style showing how the president is. For instance, Barack Obama uses numerous rhetorical devices, logic with emotions to perform a reassuring positive speech. In contrast to Donald Trump who lacked rhetorical devices but uses emotions to create a powerful straightforward speech. Both speeches revealed similar ideas yet were illustrated in very different ways.

At the beginning of the speech, he says that “”that your [the American people’s] union and brotherly affection may be perpetual;[and] that the free Constitution, which is the work of your [the American people’s] hands, may be sacredly maintained,” (Washington 1) The anaphora “that your” stresses that Americans, although individuals, are ultimately a nation united by liberty and a love of a republican constitution that he hopes will endure (Washington 2). Later in the speech, he focuses more on “we,” including himself in the description. This equalizes the speaker and the audience under a common identity, which acts as another appeal to patriotism. The repetition of “we” is used especially when talking about unity. He writes that “if we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance,” (Washington 6). He creates a common American identity that consolidates the emerging factions he cautions against, specifically quelling ideological and regional tension. This is an especially effective rhetorical tool, as it communicates the importance of staying united, and foresees issues America will

Abraham Lincoln conveyed his Second Inaugural Address to the divided nation on March 4th, 1865. In his Inaugural Address, the use of rhetorical devices allowed him to achieve his purpose to recognize the tragedy of the American Civil War, and his vision for the future He emphasized his purpose to “unite the divided country” through diction and tone. The biblical allusions used allowed him to express his views on reconstruction and refers to the bible to show his trust in God. Another rhetorical strategy used would be ethos.

In a time of transition for the nation, Trump tries to leave the audience with a lasting impression. By saying, “So to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words; you will never be ignored again” there is an undeniable sense of hope. Trump’s final words are the most important because it concludes the message of hope and unity (Trump Inauguration Speech, 2017).

Donald Trump, a once controversial political candidate, gave his 2017 Inaugural address on January 20th, 2017 when he was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States. Through appeals such as syntax and diction, religion and patriotism, and logic, Donald Trump was able to generate a unifying speech toward his audience. Amidst the growing violence and repercussions of the 2016 election, Donald Trump, in his 2017 Inaugural address, sends the message that he will put America and its citizens first to unite the country and change America for the better.

Despite the abruptness of Lincoln’s speech, he quickly and effectively evokes the feeling of a need for unity among the citizens. Through the use of rhetorical devices such as antithesis, anaphora, allusion, and polysyndeton, Lincoln stirs up a feeling of hunger for harmony. As President Lincoln sprouts his speech, he consistently reinforces the subconscious mind of the listeners in order to instil the idea of a single nation.

In 1865 president Abraham Lincoln gave his second inaugural speech in which he logically envisaged the effects of the Civil War and his vision for the future of the country. Throughout Lincoln’s speech he utilizes rhetorical devices to drive his message and what he has been considering. He strongly uses the point of unity, he places blame, and he upliftingly shares his visions for the future to bring attention what problems the nation has and what they should be looking forward to.

Another very effective rhetorical strategy used in this speech is allusion. The first allusion Trump makes is about The Marshall Plan. He mentions the pillars of The Marshall Plan: Peace, sovereignty, security and prosperity. He also states that “The Marshall Plan was built on the noble idea that the whole world is safer when nations are strong, independent, and free.” The reason he alludes to The Marshall Plan is