Abstract This paper examines the basic functions of the institutions of Americangovernment. 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 concentrates on the evolution of Americangovernment 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 Americangovernment 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 reviews and examines the writings of John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" and Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan." This paper asks and attempts to answer the question: Does the structure of the Americangovernment glorify God? The writer analyzes the similar logical arguments of both philosophers, relating to God and theology, while also detailing their various differences in relation to their views on the government and politics in general. The writer contends and explains why Locke's opinions are more convincing. Locke's view depicts a system of government more suitable, not only for Christians but for all mankind which places a higher value on human rights and personal beliefs. This paper also analyzes Hobbes' opinion which basically states that people are naturally evil and must be ruled and controlled in order to prevent chaos. This paper discusses Hobbes' contention that in order for mankind to be controlled there must be a political society to oversee and instill order.
From the Paper "Hobbes in his book, Leviathan, says that people are naturally wicked, and they most be ruled and controlled in order to prevent chaos. In order for them to be ruled, the people must enter into a political society. To enter into a political society, the people must make an agreement or contract with the other members of society in which they all equally give up their rights to a common superior. The common superior has to be an outside party, indifferent to everyone else, and not having a contract with the people. Once the people are in this common wealth, they cannot leave, and the person they put in control has indefinite, total, and absolute power over them. In the event that the ruler no longer works for the benefit of the people, they still do not have the right to leave or to replace him. In this system of government, Hobbes does not give people another chance if they make a wrong choice."
Abstract The following paper examines the factors that contributed to socio-economic problems in Latin America in the past , as well as looks at the sustainability of democracy in Latin America. This paper discusses the significant socio-economic difficulties based upon the faltering economies of larger trading partners, income inequality, political polarization and corruption. The writer examines how in the past dictators cared more for maintaining their own power and the privilege of their own supporters than they did for the welfare of their people and countries. The writer argues that the success and continuation of democracy depends on the patience of the people to see the long-term results of regional initiatives. This paper contends that if people support the type of government that promotes the satisfaction of the most basic of needs, well-fed and employed people will not initiate revolutions.
From the Paper ?Going into the new millennium, Latin America seems to be poised for active participation as a part of an increasingly global social and economic environment, perhaps more than other developing regions. According to the current Bush Administration, it is virtually all democratic, there are no cross-border disputes, no ethnic conflicts, and there are no immediate threats of terrorism to the West coming from the area (Associated Press, 2002).Security cooperation has been shown in confidence-building measures among historical rivals in the region and peacekeeping operations in Central America and the Caribbean. Terms such as multilateralism, regionalism, consensus, and convergence appear in descriptions of hemispheric relations released by the World Bank and other entities sharing a belief in the positive potential of these factors.?
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in generations gone by, medical treatment in America was little else than a local doctor, while small, regional hospitals existed to take care of surgeries and major medical issues, but in both cases, the options for treatment were limited, and in many cases, patients did not fare well. Luckily, as technology has advanced, so too has the American medical system to the point where many consider the American medical system to be among the best in the world. The writer discusses that this progress has come with a heavy financial burden, however, turning American medicine into an industry, and like most industries, the federal government has taken up a role. In this paper, the federal healthcare agenda is discussed and explored from several points of view in an effort to better understand the many facets of the topic. The writer concludes that American healthcare has in some respects been the barometer of social and economic change in the nation.
Outline:
Introduction
Healthcare Becomes Part of the Federal Agenda
Proposed Alternatives to Address the Issue
Successful and Potentially Successful Alternatives/Who Developed the Alternatives?
Concessions in Developing the Alternatives
Conclusion
From the Paper " Introducing this paper, the assertion was made that American healthcare has become an industry and part of the federal agenda. Better understanding of how this came about requires an explanation of the evolution of the American healthcare "industry", and to look at that requires a glimpse into post Civil-War America, of the late 1860s. In that period, two very important events took place-one in America itself and another in Europe- which set the pace for the birth of the American healthcare industry. Domestically, America entered into a period of economic and commercial advancement that would in retrospect become known as the Industrial Revolution, attracting millions of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of work, which led to the demand for organized healthcare in the cities where industrial accidents and the disease associated with large numbers of people living in cramped areas became commonplace. In Europe, scientific discoveries into the nature of germs helped to develop more medicines which could be offered to the sick- at a price, of course."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough summary of this chapter. It shows how the author, Peter Edelman, examines what he believes are the major economic and societal shifts that significantly changed America's view of youth. Through a linear examination of time periods over the last century Edelman focuses on the various forces that shaped our views of adolescence and policies addressing youth and policy today. The paper explains how, by examining changing cultural, political and racial attitudes toward adolescence, Edelman continually connects them to economic forces instrumental in shaping these attitudes. In the end of his examination he laments that there is an inconsistency between states and state agencies and that policy is fragmented along class and racial lines, a bifurcation of policy.
From the Paper "Edelman begins his linear examination of the time periods and period forces that shaped today's policies in the section titled, ?Youth in the Early Twentieth Century.? During the first third of the century initial attempts at protecting and prolonging childhood were undertaken. He states, ?The child savers of the time invented a series of institutions and policies that focused more public policy attention on children and responded to economic changes that reduced the demand for work by children.?2 He notes that before the 1900s the terms "youth" and "adolescence" were not in common usage and that young people commonly assumed adult responsibilities at younger ages.3 Per Edelman, the notion that childhood had come to include a period of ?Strum and Drang,? in which the young struggled to define their own personal identities, was first purposed in a study by G. Stanley Hall and led to public discussions on the role of children and childhood in society. Edelman points out that most jobs of the period did not require a high school education and most people entered the work force while still in their adolescence.4 As America moved through the early 1900s economic opportunities, a reoccurring theme by Edelman, along with demographic changes, provided increasing opportunities for America's young to spend more and more time in the outside world. As a result socialization was sought less from the family and more from the outside world. While young men were the primary beneficiaries of these changes, larger numbers young women began working outside of the home during this time period as well. Edelman states that public social behavior, typical adolescent behavior today, was considered to be on the brink of prostitution. Public concern resulted in many states raising the legal limit of consent.5 Responding to a surge in unattached youth in the cities, children of immigrants and a general perception that increased moral guidance was needed local communities started assuming greater responsibilities in socializing the young. Organizations like the Boy Scouts, YMCA, Campfire Girls, etc. helped meet these needs. The idea of "youth" became much more meaningful, Edelman states during the early 20th century.6 While public policy did exist that concerned the adolescence years at the turn of the century they addressed mostly issues of child labor, compulsory education and the juvenile court itself. But these issues were overshadowed by a growing concern of the way young children were being dealt with through orphanages or other residential institutions.7 Policy shifted during this time to address the idea that young children were better off staying with their mothers then being shunted off to the various child institutions. Early attempts by the federal government to address public concerns about children resulted in the creation of the Children's Bureau. These early activities focused on infants, children and young teens but failed to address the needs of older youth."
Abstract This well-researched paper explores the term democracy, while focusing on the general makeup of the U.S. government. The writer contends that democracy is a government by the people, for the people, run directly by them or through their duly elected representatives. This paper details the history of the American voting system, which is a key activity of a modern democracy. The writer of this paper discusses and cites various portions of the the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which establishes the legislative branch of the government. This paper examines the historic events that led to the 1776 War of Independence between America and Britain. This paper briefly discusses the current political climate in America, while also supplying a brief overview of the democratic and republican platforms.
From the Paper "The downward trend of less party affiliation and less party voting proceeded from the simple argument that one did not need to be a Republican or a Democrat to pave a road. Those who favor nonpartisan elections claim that the job of a member of the city council is not to debate on national issues but to maintain the neighborhood part, keep it clean and fix occasional potholes and these functions do not need partisan solutions. Nonpartisan election was a reform introduced by the Progressive Party at the turn of the 20th century. The Progressive Party wanted city governments to respond more to community needs and less to self-interested party manipulation. Non-partisan elections would remove party influence from the race; allow candidates who do not need to adjust their ideas to the approval of parties to run; and compel voters to search out more information on a candidate. Advocates say that a more active and informed citizenry would increase voter turnout."
Abstract This paper discusses how throughout history, politics and economics have always affected each other in a variety of direct and indirect ways, for political ideologies are often based upon economic theories and economies have thrived or stagnated in accordance with contemporary governmenteconomic policies. In recent years, this close relationship between politics and economics has been demonstrated by the emergence and development of globalization, which is primarily based upon free trade and the political promotion of global business interaction. The paper notes how political proponents of globalization and many economic theorists contend that global trade creates enough economic gains that everyone involved can benefit, as long as the gains are widely redistributed between national trading partners.
Abstract This paper discusses the nature of Islamic finance and economics, as well as the principles derived from the Koran that governeconomics in Islam. The paper notes that modern Islamic economics is based on several religious laws set forth in the Koran, as interpreted by various scholars, and modern economics in particular have been shaped by readings of the Koran beginning in the 1940s.
From the Paper "Islamic economic practices are governed by tents from the Koran and are embodied in Islamic law, known as shari'ah. These tenets govern business, economic decisions, and other aspects of social discourse in Islamic societies. Islamic economics is based on several religious laws set forth in the Koran, as interpreted by various scholars, and modern economics in particular have been shaped by readings of the Koran beginning in the 1940s. Analysts note the way society expresses its form in Islamic theocracies and the power of shari'ah, or Islamic religious law."
Abstract This paper takes a look at what is considered to be one of the best examples of democracy in the contemporary political system, the Americangovernment. The paper discusses various issues of debate regarding the US system of government, such as the two party system.
From the Paper "There must be a differentiation between the two types. On the one hand, according to Janda, Berry and Goldman, "a political party is an organization that sponsors candidates for political office under the organization's name. These political parties nominate candidates for election to public office, by designating individuals as official candidates for the party." (Janda, Berry and Goldman 263)At the same time, an interest group is "an organization who share common attitudes and interests and who attempt to influence the decisions made within the political system" (Volkomer 256). The political parties are set in place to nominate candidates, structure the voting choice, proposing alternative government programs and coordinating the actions of government officials (Janda, Berry and Goldman 264-265), thus they have the upper hand concerning legislation; interest groups are either "formed in response to a single political issue or candidate, and thus are active for a short period of time, or they are established to represent the continuous interests of their members." (Volkomer 258) Consequently, the former have the power to decide, while the latter fight for influencing the decisions taken. "
Abstract A paper which shows that, by calling it propaganda in the form of patriotism, the Americangovernment has been successful in influencing its people on many matters, both politically and socially, with the use of media. The paper uses America's change in its isolationist policy during WWI as an example. It also shows how the movie industry was used to influence the public.
From the Paper "But the films were even more effective. It wasn?t necessarily that movies like "America's Answer" ? a documentary in 1918 about the sending of the first 500,000 American troops to France ? were great art. The were professionally made, certainly, but their power to persuade Americans in the importance of U.S. engagement in Europe relied not on artistry per se but on each film's possessing a simple, clear message. The force of this repeated, focused message (a hallmark of effective propaganda in all media) combined with the immediacy of film won over many Americans who ? had they simply been reading about the war in the newspaper ? might well have remained convinced that isolationism was the best policy."
Tags: communist, World, War, I, Woodrow, Wilson, Committee, Public, Information, Our, Bridge, of, Ships, Mary, Pickford, Charlie, Chaplin
Abstract An analysis of early government in America and how the Founder Fathe's might have seen some of the early paradoxes of the Constitution. By understanding some of the principles of federalism, as well as Constitutional analysis of the pro and cons of this famous governmental treatise, we can see where it stands in the politics of a democracy.
Abstract An analysis of early government in America and how the Founding Father might have seen some of the early paradoxes of the Constitution. By understanding some of the principles of federalism, as well as a Constitutional analysis of the pro and cons of this famous governmental treatise, we can see where it stands in the politics of a democracy.
Abstract This paper presents a concise background and history of the electoral college in Americangovernment. The author discusses why there was a need for this institution, citing the original sources. A brief history of the electoral system in America is also presented. Finally, the author examines current debate over the electoral college and its potential pitfalls, such as elections polarized along racial lines.
From the Paper "The Electoral College, a body of electors that chooses the President and Vice President of the United States, is provided for in the U.S. Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, which states, "Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress" (Electoral). The electors, which cannot be a senator, representative, or officers of the U.S. government, are directed by the Constitution to vote within their respective states, while Congress is authorized to count their votes (Electoral). A presidential candidate must have a majority in the Electoral College in order to win (Electoral). "
This paper discusses three topics in Americangovernment and their relationship to modern political behavior: Representative democracy, federalism and the presidential process.
Abstract This paper explains that many Americans overlook the distinction that the United States operates as an indirect or representative democracy, which means that a select group is elected by the whole to serve as representatives, in contrast to a direct democracy, which holds that all eligible members of a society can personally direct public affairs. The author points out that federalism developed out of necessity as prominent colonists recognized a need for some centralized control while maintaining the integrity of individual states; today, the U.S. continues to struggle with issues of state's rights. The paper reports that reforms in the presidential processes, such as the primaries should be more inclusive and the Electoral College should be eliminate, have been proposed.
Table of Contents
Representative Democracy
Federalism
The Presidential Process
From the Paper "The Articles of Confederation attempted to balance the powers of local and national government. They allowed the national government to coin money, manage the post office, declare peace, and select crucial military officials. However, the Articles of Confederation were lacking in many respects. The national government was not given power to tax. Additionally, state and foreign trade was not under its jurisdiction. Consent from nine of thirteen states was required to pass legislation and amendments were approved only with unanimous consent."
