Abstract
Canada is internationally recognized as a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes the concept of "The Mosaic." No other country in the world encompasses inhabitants from so many different backgrounds who exhibit strong loyalty towards Canada, while still preserving their cultural heritage. This is contrasted to the American ideal of the "Melting Pot," which attempts to shape all of their citizens into a set mold. Canada's philosophy is believed to be more effective and respectful than that which is possessed by our American neighbors. The following discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, and analyzes the impact of the structures on each country's society.

From the Paper
"Canada is world renown for being one of the most tolerant, welcoming, and democratic countries in the world - a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony. Over the past 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada, with 16% of the 30 million citizens being first-generation immigrants. The Government of Canada is committed to a policy of diversity designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians, while striving to achieve equality in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of Canada. In 1991, the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship conducted a survey, which revealed high levels of Canadian values and identity. Six out of ten interviewees portrayed a "deep emotional attachment to Canada" and 95% believe they can be proud of being a citizen and of their ancestry simultaneously. As a nation, Canada is continually becoming more diverse in its practices, which requires residents to expand their knowledge and appreciate other cultures."

Tags:americans, ancestry, canadian, citizen, country, culture, democratic, diversification, ethics, foreign, globalization, government, heritage, identity, canada

Abstract
This paper analyzes the symbolic and formal powers of the president of the United States as well as his relationship to the legislature and judiciary. It then looks at the power of the Canadian Parliament and the role of the prime minister within this system. Finally is compares the two in terms of "real power", which for the purposes of this analysis, is defined as the ability to effectively exert their influence to the extent that they can alter or control the political direction of their nations.

From the Paper
"America was founded on an intense distrust of government. The Revolution left them with a caustic distaste for a centralized system and thus is the basis for the underlying principle of their polity; which binds politicians and political bodies alike, not to a national government but to the Constitution. By contrast, Canada was founded on more peaceful circumstances. They did not share the Americans venomous hatred toward the Crown, rather their independence stemmed primarily from internal conflict. Ironically, the major external force that was a critical factor in their decision to confederate was the Americans themselves (since as it became apparent that the North was going to win the Civil War, the citizens of the provinces feared that the Americans would seize this opportunity to expand on their territory)! "

Tags:act, bna, constitution, political, politics, power, science

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the United States remains one of the only nations to openly welcome immigrants as a national policy; Canada is another. The writer looks at the beginnings of immigration to the U.S. and notes that immigrants to the United States arrive for personal, financial, or political reasons. The writer points out that for centuries the United States has relied on immigrant labor to fuel industry and add nuance to the nation's cultural fabric. The writer maintains that the United States is no longer viewed as a melting pot because of the increased pride among immigrants in their native cultures and languages. Balancing assimilation with preservation of culture is still the most difficult task for immigrants, many of whom hope for a more stable life in the new world while still retaining the values and lifestyles of their ancestors. The writer concludes that refugees continue to hold a unique social, economic and political status in the United States.

From the Paper
"The United States is a country populated primarily by immigrants; in fact, the nation was founded by European settlers fleeing the Continent for various reasons including perceived persecution and financial opportunity. Although the vast majority of immigrants to America arrived in search of economic opportunity or personal freedom, a large number came strictly as refugees. Immigrants arriving on American shores due to war or extreme poverty in their homelands comprise a far different demographic base than those who left their homelands voluntarily. Refugees are thus granted separate status in United States immigration policy. Regardless of the conditions of their countries of origin, immigrants also assimilate differently or at different paces. Some expatriates form ethnic enclaves within urban or suburban centers that preclude total assimilation, allowing individuals to retain elements of the culture of origin including religion and language. Other immigrants integrate into American society almost seamlessly. Interestingly, language and culture do not necessarily have a bearing on how completely a particular culture assimilates into American society."

Tags:refugees, melting, pot, social, class, assimilation

Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate. The writer details the general rule of economics that states a negative trade deficit normally leads to a weaker currency while trade surplus results in enhanced value of currency, although there are exceptions to the rule, which are detailed in this paper. This paper discusses the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its effect on the exchange rate of the country's currency which is currently in the limelight due to the burgeoning U.S. trade deficit and the declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies. The writer of this paper delves into America's economy against that of China's and questions whether the U.S. dollar will retain its status of the reserve currency in the long run. This paper touches on the opinions and views of economists and U.S. treasury officials who contend that the current trade deficit is nothing to be alarmed about as the country's economy and the U.S. dollar survived a similar slide in the late 1980s. This paper also discusses the opinion of the U.S. administration that believes the alleged under-valuation of the Chinese Yen is a prime source for the deficit problems since there is a huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. exports and imports to China. The well-researched and well-written paper clearly define the terms: Trade balance, exchange rate and reserve currency.

Table of Contents:
What is Trade Balance?
What is Exchange Rate?
The Extent of Trade Balance Deficit in the U.S.
What is a Reserve Currency?
Can the U.S. Dollar Retain its 'Reserve Currency' Status for Long?
Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Sustainable?
Is China the Source of the Deficit Problem?
Possible Solutions to the Trade Deficit Problem
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The key question is, can the US dollar retain its status of the resrve currency for long? History suggests that it may not. Before the advent of the dollar as the world's reserve currency, the British Pound had enjoyed such a status. Between the two World Wars and the post-World War II period saw the weakeing of the British economy. As a result, the British Pound was devalued by 30% in 1949, effectively ending its run as the world's reserve currency and the start of the dollar's reign. Dollar has been able to retain its status as the reserve currency since it was relatively stable, was backed up by the formidable economy of the US, low interest rates and the absence of an alternative currency."

Tags:economy, currency, china, america, u.s., international, debt, trade, deficit

Abstract
The paper examines through analysis what measures the U.S. can take in this situation to mitigate against this risk while simultaneously not making the tense situation significantly worse. The paper explains that the heart of the matter is what the U.S. should do about the possibility that this technology will be applied to the creation of nuclear weapons that Iran can use to position itself as a regional authority, or employ to threaten U.S. interests and allies in the region.

From the Paper
"With the Iraq War approaching its sixth anniversary, and the recent change in administration at the White House, there is increased speculation about what, if anything, the U.S. should do about the possibility of Iran developing nuclear technology. Of course, to a significant degree, Iran already has nuclear technology, including centrifuges for processing uranium and other necessary technical components. The heart of the matter is what the U.S. should do about the possibility that this technology will be applied to the creation of nuclear weapons that Iran can use to..."

Tags:iran, nuclear, u.s.

Abstract
The paper argues that there will not be a military conflict between the U.S. and China by the middle of this century because: since 1947, the great powers have been constrained from warfare by the development of nuclear weapons, which create a permanent balance of power between all those who possess them; the interdependence between the U.S. and China renders conflict impossible in a global neoliberal regime; the offense-defense imbalance renders the cost of even limited engagement impossibly high; and the possibility of conflict arising out of misperception is slight in both the U.S. and China.

From the Paper
"There will not be a military conflict between the U.S. and China by the middle of this century because: since 1947, the great powers have been constrained from warfare by the development of nuclear weapons, which create a permanent balance of power between all those who possess them; the interdependence between the U.S. and China renders conflict impossible in a global neoliberal regime; the offense-defense imbalance renders the cost of even limited engagement impossibly high; and the possibility of conflict arising out of misperception is slight in both the U.S. and China. To the extent that these reasons are theorized within neorealism,..."

Tags:u.s., china, conflict

Abstract
The paper discusses the conflict that has been brewing between the United States and Iran, which has revolved ostensibly around Iran's possible violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The paper shows that the conflict between Iran and the U.S. has been evident in the international policies of both nations. Iran has engaged in a series of political and economic actions that are directed squarely at undermining the U.S.'s international authority. The U.S., in turn, has tried to rally international support, largely through the United Nations Security Council, to control Iran's actions.

Tags:iran, u.s., nuclear

Abstract
This paper examines both sides of the nuclear issue by stating Iran has concerns regarding the attainment of nuclear technology but wishes to appear to the world as an advanced and well-developed nation. With nuclear weapons, Iran's influence in the Middle East could be increased which could entail an alliance with Iraq that would promote anti-U.S. sentiment resulting in undermining U.S. efforts in the Middle East in general. The writer of this paper focuses on the behavior of the U.S. towards Iran on the matter of nuclear non-proliferation and explains in-depth how the U.S. is using a web of approaches to maintain its world wide hegemonic presence.

From the Paper
"The behavior of the United States towards Iran regarding the issue of nuclear non-proliferation could be viewed through a number of theories, but the most proficient analysis of this situation is achieved through regime theory. Foremost, we must understand the issues surrounding why the U.S. wants to halt Iran's desire for nuclear technology. Since Iran does not currently have nuclear capabilities, it would be nearly impossible for them to launch a trans-Atlantic attack for a period of 5-10 years. Although that possibility seems unlikely, the U.S. is promoting the prevention of such a future assault. Another possibility is that if Iran was able to hone nuclear technology, other Arab states such as Egypt and Syria would feel threatened by this considering the negative relations of Iran and Israel, and would not want to be caught in the middle."

Tags:U.S., nuclear, weapons, politics, middle, east

Abstract
This paper explores the growing cocaine and marijuana market in Latin American countries and the lack of local resources available to prevent this valuable and profitable industry from expanding even more. The writer of this paper details the U.S. military's role in aiding these countries, as well as the cost to the American people, while pondering if the American military should even be involved in drug related issues outside the U.S. The cost for the military intervention in the war on drugs continues to rise and has created entirely new perceptions about money and the military both within and outside the U.S. This paper discusses the military involvement in the war on drugs and cites the leading recipients of aid, military equipment, training and personnel. This paper also delves into a program, involving military participation, which was recently introduced in Congress, called the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act. This act would authorized $2.3 billion over three years for military hardware, personnel, training and a small amount for alternative crop development in various Latin American countries.

From the Paper
"Even though the House and various representatives have called on military action, the Pentagon was reluctant- albeit, it finally was dragged into it. Even though the Pentagon budget continues to grow, year after year, there are still concerns that legislators who dole out the tens of millions of dollars are underestimating the total cost. In a recent report to the House and Senate armed services committees, the Department of Defense estimated that "24-hour surveillance of the U.S. 'southern fence', the border from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Diego, full interdiction capability, and C13 programs, would cost between $480.4 million and $760.5 million annually, depending on the equipment mix ." All this money without a single soldier leaving the continental U.S.- even though advisers may now be operating in the various targeted Latin American countries. All that has been publicized, and strongly so, are planes and equipment, everything from helicopters to flame throwers which are supposed to be used by the local troops."

Tags:drugs, congress, government, military, american, u.s., columbia, financial, aid, cocaine, marijuana, narcotics

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."

Tags:congress, voting, senate, u.s., american, government, election, history, adminstration, presidency, political