(idea) by moJoe Tue Sep 12 2000 at 10:43:01
It is worth noting that we (Americans) live in a Patriarchy only by circumstance and not by design, that is to say; it is possible for women to be elected in to any public office democratically. A true patriarchal political system would likely have a king or an emperor and the title would be passed down the the oldest male child. It would be possible to logically conclude that a democratic political system is "patriarchally oriented" were there laws against women holding office, but this is not the case in America.

America does, however, have a quasi-patriarchal social system in which families pass their name down the male side of the line but this is not in any way legally enforced. Participation in such activities is completely up to the marriage partners and is followed out of tradition, habit and practicality rather than any sort of strong social or governmental pressures.
I like it! 1 C!