Abstract This paper examines the basic functions of the institutions of American government. The paper addresses among other things the formal responsibilities of the national governmental institutions, the development of each branch of government over the past 200 years, and how each branch of government specifically relates to and interacts with the other two branches. The presidency is also examined in terms of public perception. Lastly, the court system is analyzed with specific attention paid to the Supreme Court. Judicial review and the different ways justices perform this function of the Supreme Court are discussed in detail.
From the paper:
"With the birth of this nation the framers set up a government that they believed would be effective while completely preventing one person from possessing too much authority. Nonetheless, government under the Articles of Confederation showed the need for a relatively strong centralized government. Therefore, the framers established a separation of powers in the Constitution where three branches of government would split the power. Each branch has defined responsibilities and at the same time the branches cooperate in order to ensure the country runs smoothly."
Abstract This paper is a biographical overview of J. Edgar Hoover and his role as director of the FBI. The author details his five decades of reform, power and how he abused it. The paper also examines his controversial personality and lifestyle.
From the paper:
"The life and legacy of J. Edgar Hoover is a subject of countless books, files and theories. Rumors surrounding this man run rampant. He single-handedly created the FBI we know today, but through a scheme of illegal and amoral activities. Hoover was the most effective and powerful director of the FBI, from 1924 to 1972. He created the FBI as a separate and distinct faction of the Department of Justice, and garnered public support for his activities. He fought communism, espionage, foreign sabotage, and organized crime. Ruthless in his ways, cunning in his schemes, Hoover's influence on past and current laws and enforcement goes unchecked and unmatched by any other."
This paper traces the evolution of America's identity using elements of the musical 1776. It concentrates on the Founding Fathers and their drive for freedom and the large role that an American identity played in independence.
960 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, 2002, $ 34.95
Abstract This paper uses extensive information about colonial America and discusses the issue of an American identity. Analysis of the film 1776 and Thomas Paine's Common Sense is used to demonstrate the strength of this identity. The thesis is as follows: As the film 1776 clearly demonstrates, during the American Revolution an American identity was stronger than it had ever been.
From the paper:
"Early American colonies were viewed as very individual and indeed in many instances had much closer ties to England than they did with each other. However, ties with England began to fray due to the poor of the colonies by England. Early examples of this were the Navigation Acts of 1660, which regulated commerce and ensured that ?everything went through England.? From this time, an American identity began to form. As tensions between England and the colonies grew stronger other factors arose to further the development of an American identity. "Choice" in shopping and material possessions and the "standardization of consumer behavior" (similar goods being available throughout the colonies ) enhanced unity throughout America. As the film 1776 clearly demonstrates, during the American Revolution an American identity was stronger than it had ever been."
Tags: 1776, american, common, fathers, founding, independance, revolution, sense
Abstract This paper is a detailed discussion of Islamic criminal law, its sources, its application, and its conflict with international law and human rights. The author examines both primary and secondary sources of Islamic law, and describes Hudud, Tazir and Qesas crime and punishment. The paper also focuses on the historical background of Muslim law.
From the paper:
?Islam means "submission" or "surrender" to the will of Allah. For the more than one billion Muslims of the world, this means submission to a comprehensive code of law governing every arena of life: social, political, economic, and religious. In Islam there is no separation of church and state, no distinction between religion and politics; Government, law, and religion are unified. Some would argue that Islamic law is not fully practiced in any part of the Islamic world. While this may be true, twenty-three nations have either declared Islam to be the state religion or declared the religious writings of Islam to be the principal source of law.?
Abstract This paper concentrates on the evolution of American government since the beginning of the republic. The historical model is discussed as well as the transition to the modern form of government. Subsequently, the modern form of American government is analyzed with particular attention paid to the differences between the traditional and modern forms of government. Each specific branch of government is explored as well as interest group politics.
From the paper:
?Although a relatively new country, the United States of America has a political system rich in history. In many ways the Founding Fathers were political pioneers, attempting to establish a form of government that would successfully balance the desire for strong personal liberties with the obvious need for a reasonably strong central government. The system they established was unique and, although very resistant to change, continues to provide solid guidance for government 200 years after its origin. Nonetheless, the United States political system has necessarily evolved to meet the changing needs of the Republic. This evolution of government can be clearly seen by examining the old system of politics as well as the new era of government.?
Abstract This paper argues that the American school system would be of better quality if it were privatized. The author discusses why the education in private schools is superior to public schooling, looks at the war on drugs, sex education, censorship, and dress codes.
From the Paper "The reason censorship is such a huge issue in a public school system is that a school must strive to please everybody in the community. It must grapple with abiding by the rights of free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy, while at the same time trying to appease the demands of a variety of parents, all with differing opinions on how their children (and everybody else's) should be educated. The problem is exponentially enlarged in a large school with students numbering in the thousands. With large public schools becoming more common as the population grows, the debating has intensified. Common sense dictates that it is impossible to satisfy everyone in the community. Disgruntled parents do have the option of sending their children to private schools or home-schooling them, but the short supply of private institutions and private tutors puts alternative education at a high price, which many parents are unwilling or unable to pay."
Abstract This paper details of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and how and why it was a show of power and superiority. The author looks many different aspects of the space race including, its purpose, how it was used to show the other country its weaknesses, how it enabled both countries to explore the uncharted vastness of space and find for it new military and how they attempted to use the moon as the ultimate propaganda tool.
From the Paper "Even though Sputnik had no direct military impact, it showed the progress of the USSR in science and military and prompted the US government to pay more attention to its own missile operation (McGhee 331). The media played a major role in spurring the government to take action. Sputnik was front-page news on all the papers and it had all of America wondering how something like that could happen without anyone knowing (Schefter 23). At first the US government was not impressed by the Soviet's accomplishments. President Eisenhower felt that the U.S. people had acted like children and that no response to Soviet actions was necessary (Burrows 200). He felt that the US needed to toughen up for a long war they may have in the future and did not see the US as being in any competition with the Soviets (Burrows 200). He even went so far as to congratulate the Soviets on their accomplishments (McGhee 330)."
Abstract The paper discusses possible international relations involving the US, Europe, and third world countries in light of today's trends and events. The author speculates that Europe is set to eventually rise and outpace the U.S.
From the Paper "A look into the future of international relations, I believe, will reveal progression toward a true global community. This single-team approach will reach into such issues as protecting the environment, government, trade and civil right. But international relations will be multi-polar. We see evidence already of powerful government entities sprouting up alongside the United States, vying for a piece of the power pie. The bipolar international order came to a close with the end of the Cold War. At that point, the world began to move toward a multi-polar order. This, in turn, made way for the creation of a new, rational and fair international political and economic system - one that will foster international peace and security in the future."
Tags: politics, bipolar, emerging, nations, third, world, global, europe, united, states
Abstract This paper explains the methodology promised and employed in order to mollify the tragedy and indignity of the depression, known as the New Deal, Roosevelt's grand plan, to drag a struggling nation out of financial ruin and into what would become the world of modern politics.
From the Paper "The New Deal divided the nation into the fairly distinctive categories of pro and anti New Deal. New Deal policies set an as yet unseen precedent for partisan politics as the notions of liberalism and conservatism came into direct conflict. Roosevelt followed the immensely unpopular Herbert Hoover, whose policies in dealing with the depression were of the "stay the course-a thousand points of light" variety. The political philosophy that, through hands-off government activity and minimal intervention, even the most dire economic situation will correct itself, was a distinctly republican one that perpetuates in republican policy making today."
Abstract This paper discusses the three presidents: Lincoln, Roosevelt and Nixon and their use of their executive powers during their presidency. The extension of executive power has typically created a positive for a president. For example, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, despite the extension of their executive powers, are considered great presidents. However, Richard Nixon's abuse of this same power, proving his imperial tendencies, showed the necessity of curbing this potential force. The paper details the ways in which executive power was extended by these three presidents, and argues that President Nixon not only abused his powers but tried to cheat the American people and therefore was not considered a great president and was impeached.
From the Paper ?Human beings, Abraham Lincoln noted, wished to protect both life and limb. ?Yet often a limb must be amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb.? If the execution of the of the whole of the laws should require the violation of a single law, "are all the laws but one to go unexecuted, and the Government itself to go to pieces, lest that one be violated"?? (Schlesinger 59) Over the past hundreds of years, many presidents of the United States have extended their executive powers. The extension of executive power has typically created a positive for a president. For example, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt. These two men, regardless of any of their actions that could be considered an extension of executive powers were great presidents. However, Richard Nixon's abuse of this same power, proving his imperial tendencies, showed the necessity of curbing this potential force. If no actions had been taken against Nixon, what would the next president have done? Richard Nixon extended his executive powers too far, and had to be made an example of."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and military service of Robert E. Lee, Commander of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. The author examines his rise to revered general, but also discusses flaws and misjudgments in Lee's leadership. The paper looks at Lee's aggressive military strategies and his intense loyalty to the southern cause.
From the Paper "By the summer of 1862, a distinctly divided America was entering the second year of the fierce and bloody conflict known as the Civil War. The spring of 1862 had taken a heavy toll on the South, marking the loss of most of the Mississippi Valley, almost the entire state of Tennessee, and the large and strategically important city of New Orleans. In addition, Joseph E. Johnston, commander of the Army of North Virginia, had been severely wounded and the Union troops of the North had advanced to within five miles of the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Low on both supplies and morale, the condition of the Confederacy in the summer of 1862 has been described as "on the verge of collapse", and many modern historians believe that the Civil War might very well have ended by autumn of that year if not for one defining and catalytic event. This event was the installation of General Robert E. Lee as Johnston's replacement as the Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. "
Abstract The paper discusses the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and examines the possibility of either the Mafia or the CIA to conspiring to kill President Kennedy. he author writes that the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, discrepancies in the Warren Report, use of different firearms and ballistic information and key things missing in autopsy photographs all suggest a cover-up.
From the Paper " On November 22, 1963, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated. Seven days later on November 29, 1963, the newly sworn in President, Lyndon B. Johnson, formed a commission that would investigate the assassination. The Warren Commission, as it would later be known, was to evaluate all leads and facts surrounding both the assassination of the President and the assassination of his alleged assassin. After the investigation was complete, the information found was to be reported to the President. The Commission gave their findings to the President in the form of the Warren Report, as the chairman of the Commission was Earl Warren. President Johnson had appointed Warren, the former chief justice of the United States, to head up the Commission. The Commission was able to compile much of its information with the help of Federal agencies, the city of Dallas, and thousands upon thousands of testimonies from people associated with the case. The Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin of President Kennedy and that Jack Ruby had killed Lee Harvey Oswald."
Abstract After a brief review of the colonization of Africa, the essay describes the social phenomenon of neo-colonialism, in which African nations are free from direct foreign rule but the economic infrastructure is still in the hands of the former colonial country's companies and institutions. The result of this is that decisions by indigenous African leaders have to be carefully made so that they remain non-threatening to the institutions that control the natural and financial resources of the country. The essay focuses on the effects of neo-colonialism and refers to three possible ways of rectifying the situation.
From the Paper "In the wake of ?independence,? after Colonialism ended, the social phenomenon of "Neo-Colonialism" began. At the 1961 All-African People's Conference held in Cairo, neo-Colonialism was defined as "the survival of the colonial system in spite of the formal recognition of political independence in emerging countries which become the victims of an indirect and subtle form of domination by political, economic, social, military or technical means." Many African nationalists and critics of Colonialism see the independence gained from the withdrawing colonial powers as only partial liberation. Some call it ?false independence.? Full or real freedom, they believe, would come with economic independence. The neo-colonialism is a vague, mirage-like state of government still largely influenced by the colonial powers to simply give the colonized people the illusion of freedom."
Abstract This paper analyzes and examines Thomas Paine's call for revolution in his treatise, "Common Sense". The author discusses Paine's philosophy regarding the origin and design of government in general; monarchy and hereditary succession; as well as the present state of American politics.
From the Paper "The commitment to liberty that dominated America's key revolutionary thinkers like Thomas Paine was extended and re-affirmed by the writers of the Jacksonian era. Whereas America's key revolutionary thinkers defined liberty in terms of individual freedom, the writers of the Jacksonian era extended this definition of liberty to include economic equality and equal protection under the laws. A belief in individual freedom and limited government link the revolutionary thinkers with the writers of the Jacksonian era, i.e., these individuals argued that government should derive its power from the consent of the people and that government should be protecting individuals from harm. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the threats to liberty from government and the nature of individuals, history has proven that a strong commitment to liberty by the people and the wise institutional design of government may facilitate the development and protection of liberty."
