This paper compares the differing theories of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber on religion, which demonstrates that religion is an esoteric concept enhanced or modified by personal experiences.
Abstract The paper explains that Durkheim believed religion, originating from the society or the needs of the society rather than from the human mind, is essentially a moral force that determines and codifies what is good and bad for a society. The author points out Karl Marx's statement that "religion is the opium of the common people" and his opinion that it is not a necessary factor in the development of the society. The paper states that Max Weber's views on religion are more sociological than an analysis of religion itself; however, he acknowledged that religion has a strong social effect that helps in the development of the society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis
Comparison
From the Paper "Marx on the other hand did not believe that religion was a necessary force. While he did not negate the view the religion had a unifying quality, he believed that religion was a force that unified people only to exploit them. In his views, religion deepened the social division between the rich and the poor by enforcing deviant interpretation of morality on the public. He believed that the economic forces in a society are far more powerful than the religious forces of a society because religion is in turn dependent on the economic status of the society. Marx believed that religion is just an illusion that ensured that the society operated in a manner that was beneficial to the society."
Abstract This paper explains why the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The explanations range from Russian history and faults in Marxist theory, to Stalin, Gorbachev, and others. It explains why the collapse was inevitable, stating that, from the beginning, Russia was isolated and backwards and that Marx never had Russia in mind for reformation. It also examines the role the U.S. played in the collapse and what the Soviet Union's leaders did wrong.
From the Paper "Even though the Soviet Union survived events such as a civil war, the Russo-Japanese war, and both world wars, it finally collapsed in 1991. This happened despite the benefits communism gave it. The failure of the USSR to remain a world superpower was attributed to many factors. Some factors include faults in Marxist theory and those of the Soviet Union's leaders. Others include Russia not being suited for communism, and external forces determined to bring down the Soviet Union."
Tags: communism, gorbachev, marx, russia, soviet, stalin, states, union, united
A study of the methods used by the two most populous nations on earth, emphasizing the difference between China's coercive policy and India's voluntary policy.
4,122 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 23 sources, 2000, $ 110.95
From the Paper "Overpopulation is perhaps the single most pervading force of today's society. Transcending boundaries of political science, economics, sociology or any other field working with issues relevant to contemporary society, the mathematical certainty of exponential population growth is simple; By the time we begin to sense overpopulation, it is only a short time until the problem reaches mammoth and uncontrollable scale. Particularly in the third world, where resources are scarce, the imperative for action for clear. China and India are the two most heavily populated nations of the world, yet have taken radically different approaches to population control. India has maintained a strictly non-coercive population policy, and indeed the population has skyrocketed. China, on the other hand, has succeeded in curbing the population growth rate quite significantly by taking a much more proactive stance. While pragmatically effective, China's policies are so authoritarian and coercive that they lead to consequences considered simply inhuman by many."
From the Paper "Although the need for government to have leadership that provides direction is universal among states, the form that the government leadership assumes varies. Government structure varies significantly between the United States and Great Britain, despite that each is a democracy and share a common history. In fact, the common history of the United States and Great Britain suggests reasons to explain the broad differences between the governments of each respective state. In the wake of the American Revolution, the people of the United States rejected the forms and institutions, most notably a monarchy and Parliament, of British government as well as British sovereignty. Possessing a democratic presidential government, the United States has two separately elected agencies of government. The executive and legislative branches of the United States, the President and Congress, respectively, both derive their power from the people, whereas in Great Britain only the legislative branch, Parliament, derives its power from the people, as the executive is elected by Members of Parliament, thus effectively combining both branches within a single institution. The Parliamentary system in Great Britain and the Presidential system in the United States both have histories marked by an absence of abject failure, yet neither system can be considered truly perfect. Consequently, the analyst cannot conclude that either system is better; rather, he must recognize that there are merits and faults in both systems. The Parliamentary system tends to legislate efficiently, whereas a presidential system tends toward gridlock. However, the presidential system grants both elected representatives and citizens greater influence in government. The Parliamentary system tends to favor Prime Ministers who have much experience, whereas the Presidential system favors Presidents who are responsive to the general will of the people."
Tags: comparative, kingdom, politics, states, united, britain, politics
From the Paper "The 1960s were a time of social upheaval in American history, a time of protest against established institutions. Several groups perpetuated this upheaval with organized movements. The most widely known and supported were the blacks, women and students. Certainly, the organized movements represented a larger protest of certain sections of society against society's standards and established institutions, though each of the groups manifested this protest with reference to different issues. "
Abstract This essay discusses the history of expansion of the power of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) jurisprudence over the legislation of European Union member states, and examines several explanations for this expansion. The author then considers how this application of ECJ law impresses on the integration of the acquis communitaire into the administration of both the existing member states and the accession states. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications that the expanded role of the European Court of Justice may hold for the future of the European Union.
Introduction
Expanding Role of the European Court of Justice
Role of the ECJ in the Integration of EU Policy
into "Sovereign" States & Implications for the Future of
the European Union
Conclusion
From the Paper "Since the 1950's the European Court of Justice's role in European society has grown dramatically. This growth has perhaps been unnoticed by politicians in the various member states of the European Union. Additionally, most political scientists have largely ignored the European Court of Justice.[1] The expansion of the ECJ has reached a point where ECJ jurisprudence is being used by national courts to overrule some laws promulgated by national legislatures![2] Given that no existing treaty within the EU provides this sort of autonomy or authority to the ECJ [3], one would not be silly to question how such a situation has come about."
Tags: community, court, european, union, enlarge, effect, law
Abstract This paper investigates the implication of how a media oligopoly affects the American media audience in terms of which stories are chosen for broadcast and the implication of control that accompanies the presence of joint media control. There is a focus on how a single media force could potentially affect the political spectrum.
From the Paper "The concept of a media conglomeration is simple to define yet difficult to prove. The image of a "media conglomeration" smacks of outright conspiracy, where the image of several angry, older Caucasian males sitting in a room and determining the fate of the media comes immediately to mind. However, there is a growing amount of evidence that serves to indicate that there is indeed some growing form of an outright central media that is owned and operated by a core group of companies. If this is indeed the case, then this provides grounds for concern where the media is no longer seen as an impartial witness to major events and less-newsworthy social happenings."
Abstract This paper examines Rosa Parks and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The author analyzes the consequences of her actions and shows how civil disobedience and the refusal to obey an unjust law, was an effective method of dissenting protest. Included is an examination of the effects of these events upon the Civil Rights Movement.
From the Paper "In 1955, Montgomery, AL had a municipal law that required black citizens to ride in the back of the city's buses. That year, Mrs. Rosa Parks, a forty-two year old seamstress, boarded a city bus and sat in the first row of seats in the black section of the bus. The designated white section of the bus was quickly filled and when more white passengers boarded the bus, the driver ordered Mrs. Parks to give up her seat and move back. She refused, and was arrested. When questioned about her actions, Parks replied, ?When I declined to give up my seat, it was not that day, or bus, in particular. I just wanted to be free like everybody else. I did not want to be continually humiliated over something that I had no control over: the color of my skin.? Her courageous act touched off a 381-day bus boycott led by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and helped spark the civil rights revolution that followed."
Abstract This paper is about the Great Depression that hit Americans during the 1930's. The author goes into depth about FDR's "new deal" and how it helped get America out of the depression. Includes information about each program and how it worked.
From the Paper "During the 1930?s, Americans witnessed a breakdown of the Democratic and free enterprise system as the US fell into the worst depression in history. At the depth of the depression, in 1933, one American worker in every four was out of a job (Conkin 136). During these times the people looked to the federal government for solutions. The president then, Herbert Hoover, did little for the country to get out of the depression, because he believed that the country did not have the power or money for social programs and many people blamed him for the depression. With the economy at an all time low people wanted change, change which Franklin D. Roosevelt offered through his legislative program. This program represented a new way of government for capitalism in America. Roosevelt first used the term "New Deal" when he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in 1932. He said "I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people," (Morgan 36)."
This paper examines how hip hop and in particular rap music gives African Americans on the margins of society a powerful voice to express political discontent.
4,135 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 23 sources, 2001, $ 110.95
Abstract This paper discusses how the musical styles of hip hop and rap create a powerful venue for African Americans to express their feelings regarding politics, racial discrimination and society in general. To compliment the main thesis, this paper includes an in-depth history of the origins of hip hop, analysis of politically significant songs and the effects of mass media on hip hop.
From the Paper "In the United States of America we pride ourselves as being the freest nation in the world. Unfortunately, there are times in our history in which certain groups have been unrightfully deprived of their freedom. This can be said for African-Americans who endured 244 years of slavery and another century of institutionalized racism. As Ralph Ellison has suggested, "Afro-Americans have had rhythmic freedom in place of social freedom, linguistic wealth instead of pecuniary wealth" (West, 1999, p. 474). The late 1970s signaled a new era of rhythmic and linguistic wealth: rap music. Hip hop and in particular rap music gives African Americans on the margins of society a powerful voice to express political discontent, but these messages are being obscured by the violence and sexism in some rap music. While political discontent is expressed through all the elements of hip hop, rap music has become the most powerful, creating a link that transcends location, age, religion, and race."
Abstract This paper examines the government's different fiscal policies and their affect on the national economy of the country. The paper begins with a definition of fiscal policy and continues with a discussion of the different ways a government finances its programs, or policies as they are known. Some of the topics covered include taxation and the affect of borrow on a government's ability to protect its natural resources. The author also discusses the affects of these policies in today's world, where a government's actions not only affects other governments, but can influence the success or failure of individual companies worldwide.
From the Paper "In addition to this, the borrowings made by the government are also a part of the government's policy to mange national resources. These policy variables have profound implications on country's monetary policy and on the GDP growth rate as well. In developed societies like that of the United States, governments are facing a number of challenges and solutions to most of these challenges are in conflict with each other. At one hand, it may be trying to minimize the effect of a recession and to smooth out the national income and at the same time it will be taking initiatives intended to achieve particular social objectives but need some additional resources that may further bring down the national income."
Tags: policy, fiscal, Macro, economics, national, taxation, borrowings, financial, revenue, gdp, goods, services, united, states, society
Compares conceptions of human nature as proposed by Marx and Freud. Marx's conception is based on economic interactions and the relationship of humans to labor, Freud's conception is rooted in theoretical constructs of the mind producing observable beh
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, 1990, $ 31.95
From the Paper " Differing views of human nature are found in the theories of Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud. The two writers address diverse aspects of human life, with Marx centering on the economic and political and Freud on the inner life of the mind and the ways in which that manifests itself in human behavior. The two men have as their starting point a conception of human nature which shows why human beings behave as they do, and for both men the reasons for human behavior are hidden from view, hidden from the understanding of the majority of people responding to them. For Marx, the hidden force is economic and involves the relationship of the human being to labor, while for Freud the hidden force is found in theoretical constructs of the mind which govern different aspects of thought and behavior and whose interaction produces the behavior we can see..."
Abstract Analysis of the January 20, 1961 speech. Discusses the setting, purpose, and components of the address. Choice of language and delivery. Use of commonplace vocabulary. Kennedy's argument that the rights of man were historically given by God. Relevance of speech to contemporary world in light of 9/11. Quotes significant passages.
From the Paper "Analysis of John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address,
Delivered Friday, January 20, 1961
The Situation
President Kennedy beat out Richard Nixon by an extremely small margin, and the campaign was a bitter one. The nation was also at war in Vietnam, there was a strong Cold War going on with Russia, and there was also some fear that Kennedy, the first-ever Catholic president might create a non-secular government. On the morning of the inauguration, it was snowing in Washington, and many people wanted to cancel the outdoor swearing in. Kennedy demanded that it be held outdoors as tradition dictated.
The Speech
The Beginning
The first part of the speech was designed to acknowledge and embrace a ..."
Abstract An examination of homeland security in the United states from a federal level, identifying a need for strengthened security following the September 11th attacks. The writer discusses decisions planned to strengthen security at the nation's borders and what is used to establish the need for a new homeland security system. It indicates that the protection plan of the nation's boundaries as well as its infrastructure, is the focus of the Homeland Security system.
From the Paper "Before one can understand the new homeland security measures that are being taken one must have a grasp on what homeland security is and how it affects populations. Homeland security is the process by which the nation's borders are protected. It is a complicated process that involves many agencies working with the federal government. Those agencies can include other federal agencies as well as state and local agencies. The need for stronger homeland security has been debated for the last decade. ?No one in Washington thought a Homeland Security Department was the answer in 1993 when a truck bomb in the World Trade Center's garage killed six people. It was never suggested that U.S. law enforcement needed to be overhauled in 1995 when Timothy McVeigh murdered 168 people in Oklahoma City."
Tags: terror, united, states, system, border, goverment, bush, safe, federal
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of legalizing marijuana. Specifically, it discusses the current United States' policies, the uses of marijuana, and the arguments for and against legalizing marijuana. Includes an outline.
Legalization of Marijuana
I. Current U.S. Policy regarding legalization of Marijuana
a. State law overview
b. Penalties
c. Pending legislation
II. Uses
a. Medical
b. Recreational
c. Environmental
III. Arguments
a. Pro legalization
b. Against legalization
c. National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
From the Paper "The legalization of marijuana is one of the most controversial and volatile topics facing Americans today. In 2001, 34 percent of adult Americans believed marijuana should be legalized, the largest percentage since 1969, and up to 70 percent of adults approve of the use of medicinal marijuana (Cauchon, 2001, 01A). However, in November 2002, voters in Nevada turned down a measure to make the drug more readily available in the Silver State. Opposition is strongest among conservative Americans, while younger adults favor decriminalization. "The USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll found that support for legalization is highest among 18- to 49-year-olds, people in the West and independent voters. Opposition was greatest among the elderly, regular churchgoers and Republicans" (Cauchon, 2001, p. 01A)."
