Abstract This paper examines the role of the local fire department in responding to and planning for terrorist attacks. It describes paradigm shift in the way the department releases information to the public since September 11th, 2001. The paper states that a properly functioning master plan is essential to maintain order and lessen the effects of fear and panic from the terrorist attack.
From the Paper "In disaster response training and planning, it is said that the first people on the scene are the local fire department, but in reality, they are the second ones on the scene. The first person is the person who made the call. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, communities demanded to know that their government was ready in the event of another attack on the Federal, state and local level. They want to see concrete plans to handle such an event and a massive effort to assure that this does not happen again. Terrorism is unique from other disasters from an Emergency Response Perspective as it can take on many unpredictable forms. The following research will examine the role of the local fire department in responding to and planning for terrorist attacks."
Abstract This paper examines immigration to American in the early to mid-nineteenth century and looks at the causes and consequences of it from a historical, economic, political and geographic perspective. It describes the different periods and the different countries the immigrants came from and the variety of reasons why people from all over the Old World chose to come to America to start a new life for themselves. It outlines the development of various immigration laws and organizations over the years, which regulated immigration and excluded immigrants from particular countries which culminated in what is now known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
From the Paper "There was a variety of reasons why people from all over the Old World chose to come to America to start a new life for themselves. These reasons are known as either "push" factors or "pull" factors. War, unemployment, and famine are examples of push factors. The ability to get cheap, fertile new land in America was a pull factor. "To many, probably the majority, economic freedom made an even greater appeal than political freedom" (Hansen, p. 160)."
Abstract The paper shows how increasing national authority and the development of presidential power have at times complemented one another, yet at others have contradicted one another. The paper traces the history of authority in the American system and relates how this power has risen increasingly over the years and the resulting conflict between the two processes.
From the Paper "Ultimately, it is clear that national authority and presidential power have a tenuous but lasting relationship. As the United States has developed economically, socially, and politically, the need for a strong central government has intensified. As a result, national authority has strengthened, taking by legal means significant amounts of power away from state and local governments. Similarly, as the national authority increases, the power available for the President to assume increases proportionally, sometimes with dramatic results. The Founding Fathers, were they alive today, may not be comfortable with the extremely centralized power structure that defines our federal government. However, the United States of America, in spite of its transformations, continues to be the longest standing democracy in the world. In this, perhaps true power lies with the people after all."
Tags: constitution, executive, sovereignty, bill, of, rights, Nixon, Watergate, Congress
Abstract Compares the works of Woodrow Wilson, Frederick Taylor, and Graham Allison and their influence on the study of administration and the roles of public administrators.
From the Paper "Many voices have had profound influences on the development of public administration. The writings of Woodrow Wilson and Frederick Taylor were just two voices that identified many of the critical themes that would be permanent parts of this field of study. In Wilson's (1887) "Study of Administration," he expressed his idea of improving government efficiency by developing a management system free from political intervention. In "Scientific Management," Taylor (1912) explained scientific management principles"duties assumed by those in management. Both of their works can be compared to that of Graham Allison's (1979) "Public and Private Management: Are They Fundamentally Alike"" In it, he examined the characteristics of public managers and the characteristics of their environments. These three writings are similar in content; however, there are some portions where the ideas of the authors contrast."
Abstract This paper examines both sides of the debate to legalize marijuana, particularly in light of recent ballot initiatives to decriminalize or loosen marijuana laws. The first part of the paper evaluates the arguments of those who favor keeping marijuana illegal, focusing on arguments of the gateway drug concept and the health dangers of marijuana use. The second part of the paper looks at the arguments for legalizing marijuana, especially for medicinal purposes.
From the Paper "The similarity between the pleasure-effects of marijuana and heroin and the severity of its withdrawal symptoms lends credence to the controversial "gateway" theory. Critics of legalization argue that marijuana users who do not choose to stop can very well become inured to the drug's pleasure effects. This may lead them to seek the same pleasure effects from stronger and deadlier drugs such as cocaine."
Abstract This paper discusses the role and responsibilities of a police officer. The paper reveals that officers make a very positive contribution to their communities, seeing that they help members of the public in a wide variety of situations. More than anything else, a police officer helps in crime prevention and in protecting citizens from crime. The paper also touches on the importance of the police officer avoiding using excessive force and abusing his/her authority.
Abstract This paper explains that the lottery was to be used only for supplementary funding of education. The author points out that, unfortunately, Florida is using the lottery for basic funding; and, particularly in Florida, the lottery income is very meager and insufficient. The paper concludes that, nonetheless, when used as supplementary funding, lottery funding plays an important role in meeting the educational demands of the students.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lottery Funding
Florida Lottery Funding
Scholarships
Florida School Recognition Programs
School Capital Outlay Bond Program
Impact of Lottery Funding
Political Factors
Uncertainty in the Lottery Revenue
Conclusion
From the Paper "The reason for this aberration is the drastic cut down of the education funds by the government in total breach of the 1987 "Florida Public Education Lottery Act", which states that lottery revenue is only an additional source of money and that it must not affect the regular allocation on the part of the government. So instead of proving to be a boon for the students the lottery funding is now proving to be baneful solution."
Tags: supplementary, allocation, scholarship, recognition, income
Abstract This paper defines new legislation enacted under HIPPA and outlines concrete measures and steps managers and employees should take to ensure the new legislation is enacted correctly in patient and medical offices. It defines the HIPPA law, which provides certain protections that are guaranteed to citizens of the United States who have preexisting medical conditions.
From the Paper "On August 21, 1996 a new law was signed called the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act of 1996, which is abbreviated as HIPPA (HEP-C, 2003 & Regence, 2003). The law guarantees many things to American workers, including continuous healthcare coverage for people who are changing jobs (DC, 2003). HIPPA also includes a provision that details the manner in which health information can be disbursed, and also seeks to ?combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care (DC, 2003). Recently rules and regulations were developed by the government that mandate new requirements for creation, storing, transmittal and care of health related data manually and electronically (DC, 2003). Additionally, a Privacy Rule was enacted that regulates the manner in which private medical and health information can be shared or disseminated among health care entities and health plan providers, which includes employers (Regence, 2003)."
Abstract Walter Lippmann, an influential journalist of the first half of the 21st century, wrote extensively on democracy and the nature of ?the public.? This paper discusses one of his most influential works, "Public Opinion", published in 1922, which details his lack of confidence in any democracy based on the trust and direct influence of the public.
From the Paper "In short, Lippmann asserts than the average individual (and the collective public made up of those individuals), is wholly unqualified to make decisions about (or to exert pressure on their leaders concerning), public policy. This, he believes, is because public opinion is largely (if not entirely), based on internal stereotypes, and internalized external propaganda, factors that sway the very foundations on which any opinion is based."
Abstract Since NCLB legislation in 2001, schools have seen a drastic change in assessment methods for students and are under increased pressure to be held accountable. This paper details the current situation in which high-stakes testing is not congruent with state standards. The paper then goes on to suggest ways in which states and school districts can alter assessments to increase their validity. Also, issues of how to improve school accountability are discussed. The Nebraska STARS accountability system is also evaluated and recommended.
From the Paper "While assessment of school systems has been an ongoing issue in the United States for many years, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) created a controversy over accountability of schools and school districts. While NCLB has many admirable goals, such as attempting to provide equal educational opportunity to all students, there are weaknesses in its provision for assessments that plague schools that must not be held accountable for student learning. Spring (2006) notes that while states are able to create standards to determine what is taught and what state tests should contain, there is a requirement that fourth and eighth grade students must take the National Assessment of Educational Progress examinations (186). This legislation, in effect, creates a national curriculum because students from all states are expected to pass a national test. Additionally, NCLB's assessment requirements have already led to many states adopting other high-stakes assessments for students, and then holding schools responsible for failure or success on these tests. However, recent literature suggests that there are better assessment systems that can create a balanced approach to accountability."
Abstract The Federal National Mortgage Association or Fannie Mae, a government chartered company, provides mortgages for low-incomes persons. Following an introduction, this paper provides information about Fannie Mae, including background information on the corporate governance scandal where top executives manipulated accounting to hit targets and receive lucrative bonuses. Thirdly, recent changes in corporate governance including the Sarbanes Oxley Act are discussed. Additionally some recommended changes in corporate governance at Fannie Mae are included.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Background of Fannie Mae Scandal
Issue
Recent Changes in Corporate Governance Which May Help Elevate Problems
Recommended Changes in Corporate Governance for Fannie Mae
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Corporate governance, or the way a company is managed, can make or break that company as well as affect lenders, stockholders, and the market as a whole. Corporate governance is best defined as the means by which stockholders ensure that officers and directors will act in the best interest of the corporation instead of in their own best interest. Corporations set up a board of directors and appoint officers to run the company, although the true owners of the company are the stockholders whose money is at stake. It is the officers which play a substantial role in determining whether or not stockholders get a return on their investment. Stockholders entrust the officers to do what is right for the company as well as keep them informed of the financial state of the company through proper reporting. Although the corporation has significant control over the reporting process, there are strict rules which it is required to follow. Sometimes, however, accounting principles are violated by corporate officers in order to increase their own compensation in the form of bonuses".
Abstract This paper explains the history of charter schools, how charter schools are funded, the reasons that make charter schools a popular alternative to public schooling and analyzes the pros and cons of charter schools. Lastly, it examines a state that is currently running numerous successful charter schools and predicts the future of charter schools. Paper includes a one-page outline.
From the Paper "The charter school movement began when reformers from St. Paul and Scarsdale, Philadelphia, Arlington, Virginia, and the states of New York and Virginia began setting up experiment to seek better alternative public schools for students and parents (Nathan 500). The name "charter schools" originated in the 1970s when New England educator, Ray Budde, suggested that a small group of teachers be given a 'charter' or contract by their local school board to explore new approaches to the standardized public school system (500). The former president of the American Federation of Teachers, Albert Shanker, took the idea and suggested that the local school board could charter an entire school if the union and teachers agreed (CANEC and PRI). This contract for charter schools' goals, programs, method of measuring success and operational procedures is signed between the operators, local school district, and the county board of education of the state (CCSA). In many states, at the end of each term, usually five-years, the school board reviews the schools to ensure that the educational achievements of their students are met before granting another term of charter."
Abstract This paper explains that America is often referred to as "the greatest country in the world"; but, for approximately 44 million people, when it comes to healthcare, unlike other industrialized countries, America has not fulfilled its promises. The author points out that a majority of the American public have a misguided understanding that the uninsured are unemployed families or families that chose not to work, but more than eighty percent of the uninsured are workers or their dependents. The paper proposes various means of providing better healthcare such as Employer Mandates, which sets employer contribution requirements, or Individual Mandates, which mandates that everyone have at least basic health care coverage, which they could get it from a multitude of different sources, similar to every automobile driver being required to have at least liability insurance. Many charts.
Table of Contents
The Uninsured
Length of Time without Insurance
Why are They not Insured
Effects on the Uninsured
Why Our System doesn't Work
High cost and Waste
System Complexity
Health Care Compared
Single-Payer System
Expenditures
Infant Mortality
Life Expectancy
Other Options
Employer Mandates
Individual Mandates
Tax Credits
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Institute of Medicine reports that an uninsured person is less likely to get medical attention when needed due to the cost. There is much evidence that early detection for many medical problems could prevent further damage or at least arrest the problem in time to have a more positive and less costly outcome. It has been shown that people without insurance are less likely to be admitted to the hospital or receive the full range of services. The uninsured are 37% more likely to die of their injuries.
Abstract This paper explains that, prior to the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA - Public Law 94-142), upon which the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (Public Law 105-17) is based, over half the children with disabilities in United States did not receive appropriate educational services. The author points out that today IDEA ensures that every child with a disability is given a free and customized public education, with the least restrictions, granting of certain rights to parents; the law guarantees that the children are not segregated or removed from the classroom altogether on the basis of their disabilities. The paper stresses that the six principles of IDEA can not be truly implemented and benefited unless all affected parties including parents and the schools have an understanding of the law and implemented it fully.
Table of Contents:
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Appropriate Evaluation
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Parent and Student Participation in Decision Making
Procedural Due Process
Conclusion
From the Paper "It used to be a common scene for parents to be told by school administrators that they did not have any plan for their disabled children. But not any more. With the introduction of new amendments in the form of IDEA, all children (ages 3 to 21) with disabilities are entitled to a free, and appropriate public education. The state and local school systems are made responsible to organize and pay for the education even if it is provided in a private or residential school outside of the local public school system. "
