Abstract This paper discusses the origin, extent and end of civil government and compares the views of Aristotle, John Locke, and Montesquieu on why we need civil government, what that civil government should be, and what that civil government does for us. The first part of the paper is very specific in describing what each philosopher thinks of the origin, extent, and end of civil government. The end examines the extent to which our Constitution was found on the political philosophies of the liberals.
From the paper:
?Nearly 2000 years elapsed between the time that Aristotle expressed his theories on political philosophy and the time that Locke and Montesquieu expressed theirs, this accounts for many of the differences in their thinking. Aristotle wrote his philosophy from an ancient point of view and when Hobbes came along during the Enlightenment, he changed political philosophy forever. Hobbes influenced both Locke and Montesquieu this is probably why they both differ so much from Aristotle. The liberals, as Locke and Montesquieu were, hold in common one fundamental premise: the freedom and equality of human beings. This is why they back away from Aristotle's emphasis on virtue. Aristotle spends much of "The Politics" discussing regime, while Locke and Montesquieu are simply more concerned with establishing some for of civil government.?
Abstract The paper explains the concept of E-Government as a strategy used by governments in and around developing countries to use new technologies to provide people with more convenient access to government information and services. These are for the improvement of the quality of services and to provide greater opportunities to participate in the democratic institutions and processes.
The paper provides an in-depth, critical appraisal of the opportunities and threats ushered in by the new concept and practice of E-Government as transferred to developing countries. Ways in which developing countries may cope with the phenomenon of E-government as well as advances in information technology and governance, are discussed. In addition, it also examines the strategies and tools that policymakers use to preserve the benefits as well as to avoid or lessen the costs involved.
From the Paper "The issue of Electronic Government (E. Government) , with particular regards to the advantages and disadvantages of its implementation and use, has been the subject of considerable debate and numerous studies in both the developed and the developing worlds. This paper seeks to explore the capacity of the developing world to fully utilize the opportunities E-government presents. However, to obtain maximum effect it is also necessary to determine what negative impacts might be and how best to approach them. In the discussion, an attempt will be made to explain why many of these negatives may not be totally eliminated as some are intrinsically intertwined with the benefits to be gained, while others derive from social conditions such as cultural differences, lack of resources, training and education. Consequently, development managers and policy makers in the developing world have come under severe pressure as it is their duty to find ways to sustain the opportunities presented by E-government while at the same time reducing the harmful effects. The paper postulates that this can only be achieved through technical changes such as trained personnel, increased availability of technology and conditional changes such as rules and regulations, social capital, capacity building etc."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of Timothy Cook's 1998 book "Governing the News". It discusses the author's major theme of the interconnectivity between the U.S. government and the news media and the history of how this came about. The paper examines how the news media and news products are shaped by the government and the media as a fourth branch of the government.
From the Paper The close relationship between newsmaking and the government has become a hot contemporary topic due in large part to news coverage of U S involved wars as well as the American political process.s In Governing the News Timothy E Cook examines the ..."
Tags: News, Governing, Media, Cook, Government, Political
Abstract The paper discusses the effectiveness of corporate governance in banking and financial systems in Malawi, an African developing economy. The paper begins with a discussion on the history of Malawi combined with a short explanation of its economy and past laws affecting the banking industry. The banking industry in Malawi is then critiqued along with a general discussion of the manner in which banks operate and affect a country's economy. Next, the paper analyzes the larger financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the context of Malawi's economy. In addition, the available literature on the topic is outlined, broken down into different sections. Furthermore, the paper assesses the effectiveness of corporate governance in Malawi's financial sector and proposes a study for future work. Finally, predicted results of the study are outlined, and well as recommendations for implementing and establishing better guidelines for corporate governance in Malawi's financial services and banking industry.
Outline:
Proposal
Introduction:
Corporate Governance in Malawi
Proposal Conclusion
An Overview of the Role of Commercial Banks
Malawi's Financial Services & Banking System
Literature Review
Public Sector Management
Public Policy Formulation
Decentralization
Corporate Governance Purpose of the Study & Methodology
Proposed Study Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "The effectiveness of corporate governance in Malawi's commercial banks is an important issue given the essential role banks play in the financial systems of developing economies and the widespread banking reforms that these economies have implemented. Although the subject of corporate governance in developing economies has recently received a lot of attention in the literature, the effectiveness of corporate governance of banks in Malawi has been almost ignored by researchers. In developed economies, the corporate governance of banks has only recently been discussed in the literature. In order to address this research deficiency, this paper discusses some of the key concepts and issues for the corporate governance of banks in Malawi that can be applied to other developing economies. In many developing economies, the issue of bank corporate governance is complicated by extensive political intervention in the operation of the banking system. Malawi is a low income country where economic development is a priority for a future stable economy. Economic development consists of capacity building, good governance and economic reform. Acquired skills cannot be utilized fully and institutions cannot operate efficiently without good governance; similarly, economic reform cannot be implemented properly without institutions that are functioning well ."
Abstract The appropriate role of government in the economy is an issue that has been long debated. Several hundred years into the debate, no solid answer exists. Throughout the 20th century alone, several different forms of governance have been attempted, and while some have been more successful than others, the prevailing mixed economy (limited laissez faire) used in most developed countries seems to offer a reasonably decent solution. The key to this form of economy, it seems, is flexibility; with the government more active at some times than others. Good leaders know where the strengths of capitalism lay and what its limitations are. The proper role of government, in this broad sense, is to maximize the benefits of capitalism by staying out of the economy, but exerting some influence in areas where capitalism is deficient.
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 American government 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 This paper reviews seven articles regarding e-government, i.e. the role and scope of the Internet in providing public service and governance. Issues covered by the paper include the rhetorical and reality of e-government, global considerations, and site liability.
Tags: E-Government, Internet, governance, public service
Abstract In this essay, the writer discusses the policy of the BC Government regarding gambling. The writer notes that in some countries gambling is not permitted and that the BC Government has however allowed the gambling pursuit. In this paper the writer examines the policies of the current liberal BC Government and discusses that gambling practices have in fact expanded, in spite of government promises to the contrary.
From the Paper "Many people object to gambling on the basis that it is immoral, or that it encourages people to develop problem gambling behaviors. Due to this fact, some governments permit gambling and some do not. The BC Government does permit it, but under regulated conditions. The current Liberal BC Government promised not to allow gambling to expand, but as one can see from an examination of its policies, it has allowed gambling to expand, contrary to its promises. The current Liberal BC government campaigned on the issue of gambling, vowing to stop it from expanding further."
Abstract This essay looks at the importance of local governments particularly in Canada today. It focuses on the aspects of local government that the author considers most important. It also looks at the best approach or framework for studying local government in relationship to the important aspects identified. Finally it looks at how history of urbanization can help in better understanding local government today.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the factors that contribute to a stable government and, in contrast, those factors that inhibit a stable government. The paper also looks at the United States and Great Britain as examples of countries with long-standing, stable governments.
From the Paper "The stability of a democratic government appears to derive from the sovereignty, that is, the people themselves who elect or choose their leaders (Zoarman). That is their sacred right and duty, their only way to voice out their will. But not every qualified citizen registers or casts his vote during election and, therefore, loses that right to run his own government or air their complaint. The establishment of a stronger political will among the people should put that sovereignty in their hands and fulfill the obligation to vote. That really strong political will should lead them to intelligently and assiduously look into the qualifications of candidates for public office in reaching a decision. The choice should not be left with destiny, the leaders and other citizens. Everyone has a supreme moral obligation to himself and his society to make that decision. Yet, even this privilege, duty and obligation of investigating a candidate's qualifications cannot just happen, not only because citizens or voters are not inclined to do so but also because the government discourages or prevents this act (Zoarman). It is, however, the citizens? right to resist that discouragement and prohibition."
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 discuses the transition from public administration to public governance. The author examines specific issues relevant to the practice of public governance. The paper highlights the application of public governance concepts, techniques and practices to strengthen accountability in public service and to maintain the integrity of public funds.
From the Paper "From the recording clerks of ancient Egypt to the bureaucracy of Weber to formalized public administration, the process of government is undergoing a new metamorphosis into public governance. The future of governance ..."
Abstract In this paper, several different governance models are compared and contrasted with the intent of providing a rough conception of each one of them, particularly their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the writer examines one governance model, the synergistic model, in greater depth and detail in order to provide readers with a better understanding of this type of governance and its especial usefulness to managers within a health care context.
From the Paper "Establishing appropriate governance structures in any organization can be difficult. It seems that every few months another expert devises another new way that organizations can best be structured in order to maximize positive benefits, all the while reducing the negative consequences of previous models. Choosing among these governance structures can be a trying task, indeed. The difficulty is magnified, at least perceptually, when one attempts to weight the relative benefits of governance structures within the context of the health care industry. In a health context, lives can quite literally be at stake. Likewise, ballooning health care costs have forced many hospitals and health care providers to streamline their services. Selecting incorrectly can lead to further reductions in service or magnification of costs."
Abstract This paper is about the Executive Powers of the United States Government. The author details a few presidencies and describes the actions and duties of the U.S. government.
From the Paper "The constitution of the United State provides that the "executive power" of the federal government ? shall be vested in a president.? Therefore, the president is the principal officer of the executive branch of the government. Two other branches of the federal government- the legislative and the judicial- are constitutionally equal. However, the president, who resides and works at the White House in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., has most often been regarded as the most powerful figure in the government and as the leader of the nation. In looking for ideas applicable to a new national executive, the founders turned to the New York Constitution of 1777, where the governship had several attractive features. "
Tags: executive, government, powers, states, united
Abstract The following paper discusses the government of the United States as one that wields a considerable amount of power, through the allocation of financial resources and the passing of legislation. This paper focuses on the tension between the need for unitary controls and the unique ability of states to address local concerns in the American political discourse.
From the Paper "In the form of a social contract, written or unwritten, explicitly stated or unstated, wrested by consent of the governed or given freely, a government is vested with the power under which it has the right to make laws. A government also has the right to enforce these laws. A government may be said to be s a particular group or organizations present in a society possessing these unique abilities. There are many ways to classify forms of government. According to the classical formula, governments are distinguished by whether power is held by one man, a few individuals, or a majority."
