Abstract
The paper explains how state constitutions tend to show deviation from the structure of federal rule maintained by the U. S. Constitution. The paper describes how, in the case of the Nevada State Constitution, there is ample evidence that this document sets forth a policy of law that is far more democratic in tone and in application than the constitution. The paper further discusses how there are strong similarities between the two documents, both, for example, stress the rights of the citizenry and even focus on issues such as the right to assemble and a citizen's ability to refuse to quarter other citizens in their homes upon order from the government.

From the Paper
"It is generally understood that the United States is built upon the principles of democracy, in which the majority consensus of the citizens helps to define the shape of issues or elections. However, in assuming that the Constitution - the document upon which such practices are founded - is inherently democratic is only partially accurate. Indeed, it has been frequently argued that the U. S. Constitution is representative of the rule of law from a federation as opposed to a pure democracy; in a federation, elections occur among the majority of the citizenry but this process results in elected officials who then determine the direction of the country. In short, a federation transforms a democracy from the rule of the many back into the rule of the few, with the "few" in this sense being the elected officials selected through an elections process."

Tags:constitution, nevada, democracy

Abstract
This paper presents a discussion about the nature and purpose of constitutions. Using the British and United States constitutions the author of this paper uses examples to illustrate the meaning, purpose and nature of constitutions in general.

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the United States Constitution with the German Constitution that was adopted in 1949. The paper discusses the historical background of the German constitution, that being one in which the victorious Allies essentially saw that the ideals of democracy and freedom were to be installed into law so that there would be no repeat of political groups circumventing the law to meet their own desires. The paper first discusses the variety of other constitutions that existed in Germany before World War II and the main points behind them. The cultural pride of Germany tended to be the focal point of these legal documents, so the 1949 constitution that was written for Germany sought to incorporate the peaceful cultural tendencies of the German people while at the same time promoting a United States-like democracy in the country. The second part of the paper cites both documents frequently and shows that there are key differences between both constitutions. It is also touched upon that the original German constitution was only adopted by West Germany prior to the collapse of communism in the late 1980s, and there is a brief description of how East Germany functioned before reunification.

From the Paper
"The most notable similarities between the two constitutions are the predominant emphasis on basic human rights and freedoms of the people. The German constitution's first five articles all revolve around the concept of liberty and justice. Article 4 of the German constitution reads, "Freedom of creed, of conscience and freedom to profess a religious or non-religious faith are inviolable". This is directly a reflection of The American Constitution's Amendment One, in which it claims that all citizens have the right to freedom of religion. These human rights from the American constitution were adopted readily by the German public, and the two constitutions share the ideas of human dignity, liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, the inviolable of the home, and rights of property. "

Tags:democracy, east, europe, freedom, reconstruction, rights, war, west

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the 1861 Confederate Constitution with the 1787 United States Constitution. The author includes citations from the two constitutions that support her thesis that the Confederate Constitution was simply a modified version of the 1787 Constitution.

Abstract
The paper explains the biggest change in local government legislation over the past thirty years,namely, that British local authorities must now have formal constitutions, designed to streamline decision-making and make the process more open and accessible to the public. The author points out that, in addition to basic rules and regulations, the constitution describes the four basic elements through which the Council operates: the full Council, Council Committees, the Executive and Overview, and Scrutiny Committees. The paper relates that, within most London boroughs, services must cater to exceptionally diverse resident communities where social exclusion remains a daily reality, and the need to attract business and investment is a priority.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Council
Council Committees
Executive
Overview and Scrutiny
Rules and Regulations
Livability and Leadership

From the Paper
"Livability is a local issue, however, and it remains for local government to take the initiative on an agenda that has tended to sit relatively low on the managerial priority list. As an issue that is key to people's awareness of their area and the delivery of their local politicians, it should be a priority for the perception-bound politician concerned with his mandate. High profile elected mayors in the US have built their 's "zero tolerance" approach to street crime in New York, or Daley's "urban renaissance" in Chicago, achieved through new partnership working and the injection of new sources of funding."

Tags:council, livability, leadership, accessible, committees

Abstract
This paper reports that a preliminary assessment of the impact of economic globalization and the proliferation of the free market economy indicates that constitutions of nations are directly or indirectly influenced by globalization. Whereas the earlier model of convergence was transcendence of the principles of constitutionalism and human rights, the author uses the model of neo-convergence as as a corollary to the economic globalization as the hypothesis for the proposed dissertation. The paper indicates that a qualitative methodology will be used and describes the plan of study.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Convergence and Neo-convergence Explained
Problem Statement and Hypothesis
Hypothesis
Objectives and Methodology
Objectives
Methodology
Plan of study
Chapter Outline

From the Paper
"Convergence in the constitutions of the past phase is most glaring in the post-colonial nations. The organization of states in Europe, the nations liberated from the colonial and despotic regimes, could be identified as having homogenized fundamental principles in developing their Constitutions. The principles of constitutionalism and its perceived universal character were the driving force for unification strategies in the early phase of convergence. Rule of law, separation of powers, limited government, entrenched rights and independence of judiciary were the major features that sought replication."

Tags:reform harmonization post-colonial historical, case study

Abstract
This paper discusses how in the early 1830s, as Mexico became entrenched in its own civil war, ideas began forming for new laws and independence for the state of Texas. This paper contains dates and pertinent facts regarding the annexation and the drafting of Texas' first U.S. state constitution as well as explaining how through its long legacy of settlement, Texas became a land that fought forces battling for its soil and resulted in a state that was known for adopting new forms of government.

From the Paper
"In the early 1830s, as Mexico became entrenched in its own civil war, ideas began forming for new legislation and independence for the state of Texas. Representatives Stephen Austin and Sam Houston were the most prominent lobbyists to the Mexican government for these rights. As the 1830's progressed, however, revolutionary sentiment began brewing throughout Texas as Santa Anna continued to ignore their requests and began to transform the government into an open dictatorship. By mid-1835, Texans had had the last straw. In a bloody battle in San Antonio, which ended in Mexican defeat, the revolution began. It would result in the famous showdown at the Alamo, in which 183 Texans were killed, and further spark their desire for independence."

Tags:history, law, Mexico, U.S.

Abstract
The paper examines how the U.S. government, under the Articles of Confederation adopted by the Thirteen Colonies in America, soon began to show serious faults and how Congress was powerless to enforce its legislation and was unable to obtain adequate financial support from the states. It looks at how at the Constitutional Convention met at Philadelphia in May, 1787, and while there was general consensus for the creation of the Constitution, opinions concerning how the United State government should be managed differed dramatically from state to state. It discusses the plans presented at the convention, and how the Connecticut (Great) Compromise was finally reached to bridge the desires of states with different political objectives.

Outline
The Virginia Plan
The Pinckney (South Carolina) Plan
The New Jersey Plan
The Hamilton (New York) Plan
The Connecticut (Great) Compromise
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Wiliam Paterson proposed the New Jersey Plan on June 15, 1787. The New Jersey Plan was essentially a rebuttal to the Virgina Plan. Paterson and many of his small-state colleagues were concerned that the Virgina Plan favored larger states because everything it specified was proportinate to population. Smaller states such as New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut and New Yorked feared that larger states such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts would limit equal suffrage. Smaller states also believed that Southern states would soon become larger states with more voting clout. At the same time, the smaller states wanted just as much as the larger states to put an end to the rebellions and disorders that had arisen from the current state of the national government."

Tags:colonies, congress, conneticut, compromise, virginia, new, jersey

Abstract
This paper discusses the Constitution of Texas. The paper also discusses the factors that influenced the creation of the Texan Constitution and points out that it both differs and resembles other state constitutions. The paper then attempts, through a close examination of the Texan Constitution, to determine whether those differences are positive or negative.

From the Paper
"But why these major attempts to re-write the current Constitution? As described in brief, the governor of the State of Texas is one of the least powerful of all American state governors. The strict limitations placed on the exercise of gubernatorial power means that there is no single, strong hand that directs the state administration. Power is divided among the governor and other elected officials, creating the unusual situation of a plural executive. The State is like a ship with several captains, each vying for control, each attempting to set the course of the vessel. It is easy for these officials to agree only on the most basic and straightforward of ideas and policies. The dividing up of the executive limits the chances that any one official will assuming absolute control, but it also works against any dramatic change - no matter how sorely needed. In effect, the entire Texas executive is an assembly; an assembly without any clear leader."

Tags:system, government, land, territory, reflects, culture, united, states, traditions, ideals, american, people

Abstract
A detailed comparison of the Articles of Confederation effective between 1781-1788 and its replacement, the U.S Constitution. The author discusses the need to replace the Articles of Confederation with the constitution and then analyzes these constitutions point by point finding that the number of differences are more than the number of commonalities.

From the Paper
"The United States has worked under two constitutions. The first was the "The Articles of Confederation" which was ratified by Maryland, and was effective from March 1, 1781 till June 21, 1788. The second was "The Constitution," which replaced the Articles of Confederation when New Hampshire upheld it. A day, which changed the history of the Americans, is July 4, 1776. This is the day on which the members of the Second Continental congress signed the Declaration of Independence, which is not very commonly known but has its own importance. It is on this date the September 17, 1787 on which the constitution was signed. So it is this Constitution that actually founded the government that we are familiar with today. But surely there was a government in the years in-between."

Tags:declaration, government, comparison, history