Abstract Contrasts the views and actions of the two political groups. Their ideas of what the powers of the federal government should be. Federalist believers James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. Madison's concept of a system of checks and balances. Anti-Federalist mistrust of republican form of government & a powerful central government.
From the Paper "FEDERALISTS AND ANTIFEDERALISTS
In the early days of this nation, two sides attempted to put their ideas into action. Federalism is, more or less, a sharing of powers- with certain powers delegated to a central government, and those not so delegated, belong to the states that make up the federation.
Given that there are various types of Federalism, they should be defined. At the time the country was constitutionally organized, many people believed in Dual Federalism. ?Dual Federalism originated in what may be called "the Rural Republic" immediately after the Constitution was adopted. This form "enumerated powers, sovereign and equal spheres" (Walker, 1995, p. 1). It was the beginning of a new government. At this early time, the federal government was limited. America had a basically rural ..."
Abstract The writer traces voting trends in United States elections and how they reveal that there are two major categories: those who vote, and those who don?t vote. In order to understand the nature of who it is that is choosing to vote, the group that votes can be analyzed in terms of demographic elements such as: socioeconomic status, including income, education, and occupation; age; race; gender; and whether they live in an urban, suburban, or rural location.
From the Paper "Those voting can be further analyzed in terms of whether they are actually qualified to vote. Definitely, an examination of the qualified voter shows that they share certain characteristics: they are informed; they are active; and they are rational. However, it is only a small percentage of the general voting population that possesses all of these characteristics. While others may vote, they do so for less rational reasons. These data then can be used to generate some indication of the level of qualified voters in each category. This follows the assumption that the characteristics of being informed, active, and rational are what make up the most qualified voters. The assumption is based on discussions by political scientists as to what is important in an effective electorate. Although this group is small in number, they are considered to be the voters most qualified to be a part of the political process of government."
Tags: voting, elections, United, States, government, politics
Abstract The paper discusses the history of hegemony and the economic theory that holds that the world is the most stable and prosperous when a hegemon exists as an organizer of the world economic and political systems. The paper looks at the United States as it historically filled the role of hegemon.
From the Paper "The theory of hegemonic stability offers an overview of world economic history as influenced by major powers: the Dutch (1620 ? 1672), the English (1815 ? 1873) and the Americans (1945 ? 1971). Naturally following is the theory of hegemony fatigue as put forth by Paul Kennedy and others: hegemony is a self-limiting system since the other countries (free riders) which use and benefit from the system put such a burden on the hegemon (who must bear the cost of the system) that sooner or later the system collapses. When the hegemon becomes unable to bear the burden of cost of the other countries, it either turns inward and puts its domestic issues first, or collapses under the strain. Frequently cited examples of hegemony fatigue and decline are that of England at the end of the 19th century, the collapse of the Bretton Woods system (the mechanism of US hegemony) and the collapse of the Iron Curtain which was the mechanism of the hegemony of the Soviet Union over Central and Eastern Europe."
Abstract Discusses the major differences between Athenian democracy and modern democracy. Differences include voting and citizenship rights, gender and background bias in the Athenian social and economic system, the type of representation that each society offered and the 'participation factor' in Athens.
From the Paper "There are several significant differences between modern constitutional democracies and the democracy of classical Athens. Even though the classical Athenian democracy was a major step forward in political thought, at its height there were still many areas in which it was decidedly unlike any democracy existing today. These differences fall into three major categories: differences in who could vote, in the type of representation, and in the overall participation factor.
One major and clearly recognizable difference is that in the Athenian democracy there was only a certain selected element of the population that was allowed to vote. This difference in voting behavior stems from the fact that the Athenian social and economic system was supportive of the suppression of groups of people according to gender and background in ways that are not acceptable in today's western cultures.
For example, women were not given full rights of citizenship. They were also socially and economically kept in a subservient role to men. Women's function was seen as primarily that of propagation and managing a household. Women were not allowed access to the marketplace of ideas that was so important to the Athenians.
These conditions set up an interactive cycle between the social and political institutions; since women were regarded as inferior and not deserving of full citizenship, they were not allowed to vote. However, without the ability to vote, it was very unlikely that any of these restrictions would be modified or lifted. The role of women in Greek society was too firmly entrenched to be easily changed."
Tags: Difference, rights, social, economic, society
A paper discussing the effect of globalization on the nation state, and viewing the change through the theoretical perspectives of institutionalism, pluralism and Marxism.
Abstract This paper discusses globalization and uses three theoretical perspectives from which the phenomena can best be described - institutionalism, pluralism and Marxism. It examines each of these theories in depth in order to establish which offers the best explanation for globalization. The paper concludes that no theory is adequate to explain the effect of globalization, but that pluralism offers the best chance to ward off some of the negative affects of globalization.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most meaningful explanation of these diverging interpretations of what globalization is and how it should be defined is the result of the varying theoretical stances of academics on how best to conceptualize a nation-state. Specifically, the nature of the challenge that that globalization will have on a state, and the correct prescription for action, depends on what theoretical interpretation of the state to which one subscribes. Institutionalists note the proliferation of private and often oligopolistic networks of trans-governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the issues which they both address, and fail to address. For Marxists, globalization is a process of "hollowing-out" the state and enhancing the power of trans-national capital. Finally, the closed and intergovernmental model of trans-national relations appears to frustrate attempts at plural influence, removing many issues for the preview of domestic democratic governance. It will be suggested that no theory is sufficient to solve the problems associated with globalization, but that pluralism offers the best prospect for incremental progress."
Abstract This paper uses Kai Nielson's writings to define the theory of egalitarianism and critique it. The paper shows how, of all the substantive political theories, egalitarianism offers the least support for its position. Aided by the views expressed in Kai Nielson's ?Radical Egalitarianism", this paper first gives a brief synopsis of the theory and then points to some of its shortcomings.
From the Paper "According to Nielson, one of the main proponents of egalitarianism, equality of condition should be the goal of any responsible society. One of the assumptions underpinning this idea is that people are equal in the only important respect in which the doling out of rights pertains. That is, when available resources are limited, "we should first, where considerations of desert are not at issue, distribute according to stringency of need" (202) for "it is only fair" (205). Further, Nielson urges, while aiming at equality of condition, we must preserve as a parallel goal autonomy for all and "at a condition where everyone alike, to the fullest extent possible, has his or her needs and wants satisfied" (202)."
Abstract The author believes that one of the ideas most expounded by John Locke was his belief that all men have been created free and equal by God. The paper points out that Locke said that God gave man "certain rights that shall not be taken away from him, those rights being life, liberty, health and possessions; but, in the "Declaration of Independence", the pursuit of happiness is mentioned instead of possessions. The author concludes that men tend to remain passive in times when action is necessary on the assumption that someone else will instigate a change. Table presentations.
From the Paper "Men give their consent to be governed: therefore, the true power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, as no people can be suppressed unwillingly for too long a time when freedom stirs in their souls. Once a man enters into a united political society, thereby submitting himself to the power, which he and his fellow citizens have bestowed upon his government; he is bound by obligation to uphold the laws that have been established by the government for the benefit of the community."
Abstract Acting on the statement of John Locke that "In the beginning, all the world was America?, several explorers set off to discover the paradise known as the New World. This paper follows the travels of John Smith, one of the the early eighteenth century's most notable European travellers and William Bradford who served as governor of the successful Plymouth Plantation for over 30 years and wrote about the New World through the eyes of his colonists. Using quotes from texts written by these two men, the paper shows what they actually found on their journeys.
From the Paper ?With no one wanting to work, there would have to be someone to take the blame for the trials they endured in the New World. This person would have to be the leader, John Smith. He refuted the thoughts of the colonies demise, due to thoughts of erroneous leadership by writing, ? I will not say, but by ill providing and undue managing, such courses may be taken [that] may make us miserable enough.? (p.43) Did the demise of the New World rest upon the strength of the leaders in the colonies? Colonists had to tolerate John Smith in order to survive. John Smith strove through so much, to accomplish so little. Those in the colony of James Towne knew so little about how to succeed in such a vicious world, but those who would trust in their leader would go on to experience John Locke's paradise in the New World."
Tags: indian, pocahontas, puritan, Garden, of, Eden
Abstract The writer looks closely at the events that began in May 1958, when the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Liu Shao-ch?i, announced a "Great Leap Forward" (dayuejin) in which China would "overtake Britain in iron and steel and other major industrial production in fifteen or more years". The paper traces the disastrous effects of this decision.
From the Paper "The movement launched as the Great Leap Forward did not have the backing and support of the whole Party, but was initiated and promoted by its chairman, Mao Tse-tung, with the blessings of a largely radical faction within the Party. Because of the opposition he had encountered from his own colleagues within the Party leadership, Mao had spent January of 1958 travelling around China gathering the support instead of provincial party secretaries and cadres. The leading provincial cadres of East China met in Hangchow and, at the end of the month, those of South China met in Nanning. At both conferences Mao gained support for his "Sixty Points on Working Methods" and was followed in March by a similar demonstration of support for his line at a conference in Chengtu."
Abstract Since 1956 the Georgia State flag has had the Confederate emblem incorporated into it. This remains a contentious issue in the state that considers itself both to be the heart of Dixie and also the heart of the new, enlightened, progressive South. This paper examines the history leading up to the current protests over the state flag and the particular tenure of the most recent debates, ending with arguments over why the flag should remain.
From the Paper "The flag was raised in part as a measure of defiance against Civil Rights laws, but also to commemorate the Civil War centennial. In 1962 it was an act of defiance toward a federal government forcing an end to the segregated South. But now, for many in the state it is no longer a symbol of slavery, which is something for the history books, or segregation, which too is being pushed into the history books as well. The flag for these Georgians is not a symbol of slavery but of loyalty to a shared heritage only they can truly understand (Buckley B7). It is also an emblem of the fact that the South still possesses a local and distinct sense of identity that has been lost to the homogenizing forces of mass media and modern culture in so much of the rest of the country (Los Angeles Times A18)."
Abstract This paper describes the history and function of the Federal Reserve, one of the two most important central banks in the world, along with the Bank of Japan. The paper explains the real policy-making body for the Federal Reserve is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which fixes the federal-funds rate, or the rate at which banks lend to one another, and decides monetary growth targets. The author states that the Federal Reserve is an independent entity, though there are those who doubt that it is as politically insulated as it is supposed to be.
From the Paper "The Federal Reserve System was formed by an act of Congress in 1913 and was to function as a central bank for the government and the people of the United States. In these functions, the Federal Reserve remains one of the most powerful institutions in American society, influencing the growth of the money supply, affecting interest rates, and playing a large roll in the pace and direction of spending by every citizen and every business. In addition to the 12 district banks, there are some 5,500 private member banks in the Federal Reserve System. Member banks elect six of the nine directors of their district bank, and they in turn recommend some of the people who sit on the two committees in Washington to make or advise on policy for the entire system."
Abstract This paper, using Pennsylvania as a model, demonstrates the differences between state budgeting policies and federal budgeting policies. It shows how the budgeting techniques in the federal government have some major differences, when compared to those in the Pennsylvania State government; these differences include a lack of a separate capital budget, different budget cycles and timelines, and budgetary policy differences.
From the Paper "The federal government uses only one budget to lay out its financial obligations, whereas Pennsylvania uses two separate budgets. The single operating budget used by the federal government is required to outline federal expenditures from purchases to service contracts. Pennsylvania, however, has one budget that outlines services, entitlements and education expenses, and a different budget to make new purchases on capital improvements. The former is called the General Fund, and the latter is the Capital budget. Pennsylvania uses two budgets because the General Fund is used for purchases and contracts that will take place within that fiscal year, and the Capital budget is used to forecast capital purchases in the next five years. In this manner, Pennsylvania can keep better track of its assets and have a tighter grip on where its money is spent. The biggest advantage to having a separate budget for capital improvements is it allows the possibility of change. When funding is appropriated on the federal level, the department gets its money all at once and builds whatever it needs. For a state, though, a program may be feasible at the time of its announcement, but may have to be restricted due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. September 11th and the economic downfall.) "
This paper describes the role of student activists in the quest for civil rights during the 1960s, emphasizing their role in the "sit-in" movement, Freedom Rides, the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964 and the rise of Black Power.
Abstract This paper states that, regardless of whether student activists were rioting or peacefully sitting-in, they played a fundamental role in encouraging social reform in civil rights in the 1960s. The author believes that their volunteerism inspired other youths to more actively participate in their communities and supported a great liberal tradition in colleges and universities. The author feels that, most of all, the activism and gains produced the foundations for many other movements that occurred in the 1960s: The free speech and anti-establishment movements, the anti-war protests and women's rights.
From the Paper "The social and political conditions of 1960s America spawned a revolutionary attitude. This emerged from the new humanism, a mood that materialized from a deep felt revulsion to man's inhumanity against man. The era's movements were grounded in a democratic vision; the belief that all people should be full members of society, that individuals become empowered through meaningful social participation and that politics should be founded on respect and compassion. The activists attempted to express the voices of those society treated as "other": racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, women, homosexuals, and Vietnamese peasants. Students particularly caught on to this movement and spread it to the general public through protests, demonstrations, and activism within the community."
Tags: reform, example, volunteerism, participation, liberal
Examines the parliamentary systems of France and Great Britain, comparing and contrasting them. Presents an argument that they are both not effective forms of government.
Abstract This paper argues that the political systems utilized in the UK and in France are ultimately recipes for failure. They are each inherently fractious systems which produce divided, multi-party governing bodies. It argues that, as a result, they are unstable, creating governments of short duration, and they are inefficient, poorly fulfilling the representative objectives to which they aspire.
From the Paper "Great Britain is a parliamentary democracy in which citizens have the right to vote for the parliament and government of their choice. The British Parliament has three components: the House of Commons (1), an elected body consisting of 659 paid members, the House of Lords(2), an unelected body consisting of hereditary members, senior bishops of the Church, and others nominated mainly by the major political parties, and the Monarchy(3), an unelected post- largely ceremonial and necessarily impartial. Jointly, the three governing bodies pass laws, provide the government with funds, and(in the House of Lords) debate policy and relevant issues of the day(Britain in the USA, 1999)."
Abstract Explores the question of the legitimacy of the United States government using Locke's political philosophy of Contractarianism and his Principle of Legitimacy. This explanation includes a definition and a discussion of the purpose of government, Locke's Principle of Legitimacy, the idea of consent and why consent leads to a legitimate government.
From the Paper "In order to discuss why a government is a legitimate one, the definition of government must first be established. A dictionary definition of the word government reads as: "The organization or apparatus through which a governing individual or body functions and exercises authority". The United States government fits this definition simply by having authority and exercising it over a group of people through being an official organization. The government of the United States was set up and laid out by the Constitution for the intention of ruling and benefiting it's citizens. In the specific example of the United States a governing individual does not rule, but a governing body with an official head rules. The three branches of the government, executive, legislative, and judicial, serve as an organization through which authority is exercised. Government, according to Locke, also has a specific purpose. The purpose of Locke's legitimate government is ?to protect property, which means it must supply the three things that are absent in the state of nature: settled law, judges, and enforcement power. "
