Abstract This paper discusses the causes of the U.S. Civil War. The writer explains how, although the North never indicated it wanted to eradicate slavery, fear that the North might do so led to the South's secession from the Union. The writer describes political developments of the early 1850s, such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 and the violent outbreaks that it provoked, that began the divide between North and South. The writer discusses the Topeka Constitution, devised to make Kansas a free-soil state, and perceived as a direct affront to the South, and the South's response in the form of the Lecompton Act. Events leading up to the election of 1860 which resulted in victory for Abraham Lincoln and the Republicans without the support of a Southern state are also described. South Carolina seceded after the election and other Southern states followed. The paper concludes that if the South had understood the North instead of constantly combating it, perhaps the Civil War could have been avoided. This paper uses MLA style endnotes rather than a page with works cited.
From the Paper "To the North the institution of slavery appeared cruel and evil. Even though eradicating it completely was not a logical solution at the time, ending its expansion was taken seriously by many Northerners . The misguided institution could be allowed and concentrated to one region, however, expanding it would mean to encourage it. Leaving it alone where it was already present was deemed understandable. This is the reason the Act became a solid indication of division. It broke the fragile balance between two ideologies instead of uniting them. In understanding the complexities of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, we must analyze the man who created it."
This paper analyses modern Canadian issues taking a stance based off of J.M. Bumsted's writing in "In The Peoples of Canada: A Post-Confederation History."
Abstract The author of this paper argues that the vision of Canada, regarding Confederation, through government policies and initiatives, regional concerns and cultural development, took shape against the backdrop of a vast and sparsely inhabited nation, and set the tone, in many ways, for things to come, even into the 21st century. The paper then notes that the concerns that troubled Macdonald's government continue to pose problems today and the unique challenges of Canada's geography remain. This paper tackles these issues, and attempts to ascertain whether there really is such a thing as the Canadian approach to culture, government and the economy and how it is faring today.
From the Paper "It is important to note that this type of government initiative in support of Canadian industry was brought about by a perceived increase in nationalism, and serves to advance Barlow's suggestion that the 'historic balance in Canada between public and private enterprise...goes to the heart of our identity, our culture, and our very existence.' Indeed, Barlow traces this balance particularly to both the vastness and sparse population of Canada, as well as the proximity of the US and the danger of being 'absorbed into the United States.' It is because of these uniquely Canadian features that it was important that Canadian governments continually 'develop[ed] a mix of public and private enterprise to provide services in areas business alone would not have been able to enter or maintain profitably' and adds that this created a 'distinct economy' which also 'foster[ed] a different way of life in Canada.' It would seem, then, that social and economic policies which are protective of Canadian interests and culture are indeed a historical and distinctive feature--brought about by the specificities of our geography and population."
Tags: Canada culture nationalism nafta, j.m. bumsted, government
Abstract This paper discusses the compromises made in the wording of the U.S. Articles of Confederation that led to the creation of the US Constitution and explains the controversies that existed between the Federalists and the anti-Federalists regarding these compromises. The paper also mentions the controversy between the northern and southern states and explains their difference opinions regarding the slave industry in particular.
From the Paper "Compromise is part of life--and it is also woven into the wording of U.S. Constitution. During the birth of America as a nation, the Founding Fathers were forced to meld together many fractious states that were accustomed to obeying their own customs, and had their own local culture. However, to survive as a modern nation-state, it was essential that America develop a coherent set of laws and a functional centralized government. The first controversy existed between the Federalists, who wanted a stronger national government, and the anti-Federalists, who merely wished to slightly strengthen the Articles of Confederation, for fear of creating a 'new king.' Ultimately, "federal laws were declared supreme, and the courts were expected to strike down incompatible state statutes. The centralizers achieved a genuine national government in federal balance with the states--the key, they believed, to preserving the republican legacy of the Revolution" (Stern 2008)."
Abstract This paper recounts the drafting, implementation, amendment, and eventual rejection of the Articles of Confederation. The paper states that its main failure was that it was aimed primarily to prevent usurpation of power by the government, rather than provide for effective governance. A more effective Constitution was drafted as a result, which reduced state sovereignty and allotted greater power to the central government. In summary, the paper contends that the Articles of Confederation reflected the fear of governmental usurpation of power and created a government so powerless it could not function, while the Constitution gave the new government the power it needed to function.
From the Paper "In Federalist # 51, James Madison argued that the government was structured to preserve liberty. No one branch could hold sway over the others, and judge, appointed by the other branches, would be selected for quality, not popularity. (Federalist # 51) By creating the checks and balances, the government could control public excesses, but could not itself usurp power. The legislature, the most dangerous branch, was the most checked. Meanwhile, the size of the nation would prevent mob rule, because factions would check one another. (Federalist # 51)"
Abstract This paper provides a critique of an article, "The Language of Yankee Cultural Imperialism", on the implications of how Yankee-speech became recognized as the highest standard of American English.
From the Paper In "The Language of Yankee Cultural Imperialism" Frazer shows that the residue of original Puritan colonization pushed westward from Massachusetts Bay and beyond out of which developed what came to be recognized as Yankee culture ..."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the two important documents that shape America's political and social life today. The writer looks at the similarities between the two documents and shows how the founders who wrote the Constitution based many of the ideas on those of the Articles of Confederation.
Contents
Thesis
Social Comparison
Political Comparison
Economic Comparison
Conclusion
From the Paper The Articles of Confederation were composed during the Revolutionary War when the King of England had much control over the lives of the people living in the colonies in America. The need for a replacement government was felt and through this need there was created a a unification of the states with the authoritative power residing within the state government. The thirteen states considered themselves as thirteen different countries rather than one cohesive nation. As a result of this, there existed loopholes within the governments of the states.
Tags:government, history, u.s., civil, war, ammendment, nation
Abstract There is a strong traditional preference for local government over centralized government in the United States. This preference goes back to the beginnings of the nation and can be plainly seen in the debates between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists over the ratification of the Constitution. It can still be seen today in the never-ending cry of politicians to put an end to "big government." The paper shows that there is an obvious distrust for centralized government in America and its political history, and current political climate proves this time and time again. Yet what are the reasons for this preference for local government and distrust of centralized government? How can current public administrators use this information to their advantage? This paper examines and answers these questions.
From the Paper "One of the biggest problems the Anti-Federalists had with the Constitution was that it did not have a Bill of Rights to formally protect the rights of the citizens from being trampled upon by the government. The Federalists thought that such a Bill of Rights was unnecessary. They felt that the values of freedom and liberty that the nation was built upon were so well-ingrained into the hearts and minds of the people that there would be no question that these rights would be upheld by the government. The government, after all, was to be a government by the people and for the people. Further, the Federalists pointed out that the Constitution did not allow the federal government to do anything that was not specifically mentioned in the Constitution; since the Constitution did not state that the government could take away the rights of the people, the Federalists reasoned, then it could not."
This paper, presented by the writer as a talk-show interview, focuses on the pros and cons as well as the controversy surrounding the U.S.A. Patriot Act.
Abstract This paper details the events that led to the U.S. government's implementation of the U.S.A. Patriot Act. The writer discusses America's aggressive approach to combating terror post 9/11 and its resulting impact on one's personal privacy and individual rights. The writer analyzes the security measures conceded to the U.S. government by the uniting and strengthening of America by providing appropriate tools required to intercept and obstruct terrorism, better known by its acronym the USA Patriot Act. This paper delves into the hotly debated controversy surrounding the government's strict regulations pertaining to immigration, security and individual profiling amongst other issues pertaining to this particular topic. The writer contends and explains how and why the Patriot Act infringes on one's personal civil liberties while giving the government the right to violate a citizen's right to privacy.
From the Paper "Where are we to draw the line between these civil liberties that we hold so dear as a nation and the need to protect our nation against the insidious threat of terrorism, which can be perpetrated by one motivated individual? Logically, it makes sense to examine more closely the lives of individuals who fit a set profile of known terrorists, much in the manner that investigators can profile rapists or serial killers; if prior cases involved a white male in his twenties, no one will scream profiling when the police more closely investigate young white males. However, cases about terrorism where police investigate individuals who are fundamentalist Muslims, the religious group known to have produced the September 11 terrorists, are an almost immediate cry of "racial and religious profiling." Claims of racial profiling are complaints against what is an established police investigation method and are a last resort by accused individuals to divert attention away from their crimes and toward a more favorable outcome."
Abstract This paper discusses the advantages of a republican form of government in the United States, according to James Madison in "The Federalist Papers: No. 10." The paper discusses how it was that the new American republic would be able to control factions. It then describes why Madison's views were a powerful argument to Americans in 1788.
From the Paper "This argument was especially attractive in 1789, when the new nation was forming, because relations between Northern and Southern states were already quite tense regarding the status of slavery. The South wanted a loose confederation to keep its slave status, but the Founding Fathers believed a stronger federal authority was necessary. By having elected representatives, interests could be advocated on a state-by-state basis, rather than by sheer, numerical popular will of all of the states. This would satisfy the desires of Southern states for some regional expression of slave interests. But in a republican form of government, if one state had an interest that was at odds with the rest of the union, because of the nature of republicanism, it could not dominate all the other states. "The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States.""
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 This paper discusses the controversial issue of the United States government's long history of inflicting violence on populations in the 20th century. While much of this violence has been considered justified as a means of maintaining law and order among people, this type of control has received mass protest. The paper further discusses how violence erupted during the civil rights movement of the 1960s; violence was imposed to control protest; and violence has been Congressionally approved through the declaration of war, are all primary examples of the government's propensity toward violent acts. The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s was one the America's most violent times in the 20th century. Black Americans had been subjected to centuries of slavery and horrendous treatment because of prejudice.
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 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 The paper discusses Corporate Governance and states that McDonalds has a well-established and well thought out code. The paper explains that the code is successful due to the fact that executives of McDonald's are paid using an incentive based on a compensation scheme. The paper further states that the basis of McDonalds' entire business is that is ethical, truthful and dependable and that it has a solid, permanent and constructive ethical program. A compensation table of executive officers of 2006 is included with the paper.
Outline:
Company Profile
Corporate Governance at McDonald's
Board Composition
Executive Compensation
Proxy Results at last shareholder meeting
Conclusion
From the Paper ""The executive compensation for the executive officers at McDonald's is done by the Compensation Committee which is a standing committee of the Board of Directors. Its task is to determine the compensation of all executive officers as well as the compensation of other employees as the Committee may decide. It consists of at least three members who are appointed by the Board of Directors. Furthermore they should set up a meeting schedule for each year.''
Abstract The paper begins by exploring John Locke's biography as means of providing a better understanding of why he developed the philosophies that he did. It continues by presenting his philosophies, views on government, obligation of revolution, state of nature, and man's reason for establishinggovernment. Lastly, the paper discusses the influence of John Locke's philosophy on modern North America. Specific examples are drawn out from Canadian and American constitutional documents to show the impact that John Locke has had on North America.
From the Paper "As long as people have been able to think and reason, all sorts of different ideas, philosophies, theories and arguments have circulated in society. Some have been good and many have been bad and useless. The good ones have remained known and respected in societies throughout generations and have unsurprisingly impacted the way people live and think. The theories of one particular philosopher by the name of John Locke have had an everlasting impact on modern day North American politics and government. This will be proven through the analysis of John Locke's biography, his political theories, and the influence of his philosophy on the nature of the rule of government in the U.S and Canada."
