Abstract This paper discusses why the constitutional checks and balances system is of such vital importance. It contends that Nixon's criminal presidency proved that power does corrupt, and that absolute power does corrupt absolutely. The author of the paper agrees with James Madison's opinion that in asserting that men are not angels, citizens are best served by a government in which power is divided and a system of checks and balances is established.
From the Paper "In relating Richard Nixon's fall from power to Lord Acton's and James Madison's statements about the corrupting influence of power, it is evident that Nixon's abuses of power provide a powerful example of why our constitutional checks and balances system is of such vital importance. Nixon's criminal presidency proved that power does corrupt, and that absolute power does corrupt absolutely. Consequently, James Madison was correct in asserting that because men are not angels, citizens are best served by a government in which power is divided and a system of checks and balances is established. James Madison understood that constitutions serve the purpose of limiting governmental power by establishing defined limits to what governmental entities have the lawful right to do."
Abstract This paper is a critical review of the book, "The Corruption of Power." It looks at the author's thesis that Caligula's corruption was not his own fault, and that ancient historians tainted his reputation, and that his life was never analysed fairly. The paper shows how this thesis was not entirely true, and how eventually, everyone had to acknowledge the deadly evil and violence that came to be associated with Caligula's rule.
From the Paper "Caligula also did hideous and crazy things to mostly innocent, household people. "Many men of decent family were branded at his command, and sent down the mines, or put to work on the roads, or thrown to the wild beasts" (Suetonius, 167). One of the worst things that Caligula ever did, and his favorite, was "inflict numerous small wounds; and his familiar order. Make him feel that he is dying!" soon became proverbial(Suetonius, 169). Actions such as these led to numerous conspiracies against Caligula."
Abstract This paper examines the social ramifications of police corruption as a suitable topic for investigation. It describes that numerous studies demonstrate that police corruption continues to be a significant issue in contemporary society. The author writes that integrity and social order go hand in hand, but human behavior can demean even the powers that be, e.g. police officers. The paper states that power can be a weapon and even among the law-abiding can be misused and abused. The paper analyzes the two types of corruption that are identified: monetary and bureaucratic corruption.
From the Paper "Since in any corrupt action the prospect, on the part of at least two actors, of a (personally defined) success of the interaction is what motivates the exchange to be undertaken, corruption is an attribute of a type of interaction. In corruption two or more people are involved who anticipate a successful outcome of the exchange relation. Since corruption involves at least one corrupter and one corruptee, it is the type of social action undertaken that constitutes corruption. This remark may seem rather superfluous. It is however important to keep in mind that corruption denotes a type of exchange relation because it explains one of its typical features in comparison with other (instrumental) illegal acts. Corruption is not a matter of 'partners in crime' but of 'criminal partnership' vis-?-vis a legal regulation of interaction. Consequently, the negative (victimization) effects of corruption are largely indirect. The victim of the corrupt interaction is often unaware of the harm done to him/her. However real the victimization as a result of corruption, it does usually not present itself immediately to the victim, but results 'secretly' in a loss of money or power (and is therefore often a source of fierce condemnation after the victimization has been revealed)."
Abstract The paper discusses the yearly Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International that is a good benchmark of the corruption levels in countries around the world. The paper focuses on Asia's two least corrupt/high integrity countries, Singapore and Japan, and Asia's two most corrupt/low integrity countries, the Philippines and Myanmar. The paper explores the disparities in their CPI and explains that if there truly is political will, like in Japan and Singapore, corruption can be curbed. The paper then contrasts this to the Philippines and Myanmar where those in power aim just to propagate their power legacy and enrich their pockets at the expense of those they are supposed to govern.
From the Paper "Globalization is not a truly new phenomenon in this day and age but rather has been with us since time immemorial. In fact, globalization is part and parcel of mankind's history since traders and merchants roam the land or sail the Seven Seas in search of unique goods or to trade/barter with others in far off lands. The difference with globalization then and now is the time and speed factors. Whereas before it could take months or years to travel and perform commercial activities with other nations; nowadays, it could be done in a matter of days, hours, minutes or even seconds. Thus, globalization changes the playing filed and the rules but throughout history, one constant has remained the same - corruption!"
Abstract From the beginning to end there is corrupting force of power in Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet". It begins with Hamlet seeing the ghost of his father who asks him to obtain vengeance for his death. It ends with all the main characters of the play dying. Each act points toward the goal of Hamlet to get vengeance for his father's death even when Hamlet pretends to be mentally ill. The character of Hamlet is one of strength and perseverance that is determined to obtain his goals regardless of whom may be hurt in the process. Each act in the play shows how the corrupting force of power leads to the final end as Claudius dies.
Abstract This is a positive review of Kevin Phillips's account of the history and evolution of wealth in the United States. The paper looks at historical figures that Phillips admires most, Phillips's ideas about income disparity and the concentration of wealth in the hands of few, the interface between politics and economics, and how Phillips handles the history of the economic development of the United States.
From the Paper "Phillips shows his unabashed admiration for political and economic progressives, including Teddy Roosevelt and Ralph Nader. Although he asserts his Republican background early in the text, Phillips ascribes more to the classical vision of Republicans like Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. These fine presidents endeavored to curb the unhealthy cancerous growth of American corporations. The seeds for economic inequality and political disenfranchisement were planted centuries ago; despite the measures proposed and enacted by progressive politicians in the past, the problems and its side-effects still remain. Remarkably, Phillips notes that many of the most outspoken and successful reformers were wealthy: Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and FDR. This does not, as some suggest, reflect class warfare, but rather an ideological one."
Abstract This essay examines the importance and difference of wealth in America and Europe. The paper uses "Howard's End" and "The Great Gatsby" to show how wealth relates to power and humanity as a whole.
Abstract This paper introduces and analyzes the books "The Prince" by Machiavelli and "Utopia" by Thomas More. Specifically, it offers some thoughts as to how theories and practices of the nature and the use of power have changed over the course of time. It reflects on how social circumstances, national conditions and/or moral considerations affect the view and the use of power in a specific time and place and how that conceptualization and use remain constant in different times and places. It evaluates how the use of power as a method for control and abuse has not changed in the world from ancient to modern times. Those who are most powerful seek to hold on to their power by any method necessary, and they threaten those who have less power. Powercorrupts and always has.
From the Paper ""The Prince" illustrates how power and those who wield it have not changed throughout the centuries. Power has always corrupted, and those who wield it tend to be those most easily corruptible. This is easily evident in the modern conflict between the United States and Iraq. Each state believes the other is corrupt and led by a corrupted and corruptible leader, capable of using deadly force against its enemies. These problems seem to have plagued nation-states for all time, and show no sign of elimination in our lifetime, which clearly illustrates that More's "Utopia," while an estimable idea, is simply not viable, today, in a world which is still seated on power and might. As Machiavelli so astutely noted, "men gladly change their masters, thinking to better themselves; and this belief causes them to take arms against their ruler; but they fool themselves in this, since with experience they see that things have become worse" (Machiavelli 8)."
Abstract This paper gives a factual account of the development of police corruption to the peak it is at today. It speaks of the social contract by which police are to abide, remaining small and dedicated to preserving the safety and law of the land. However, explains the author, as time went on the police force came to be increasingly relied on as an instrument of political and racial power. Recently, police brutality is especially directed to certain American racial and political minorities. This paper concludes that riots and outbursts against police brutality from the minorities will continue until the government puts an end to police corruption.
From the Paper "America's founding fathers were militant revolutionaries. This nation was built upon social contract theory, the idea that the government exists by the will of the people and that they are obligated to obey only so long as that government operates in a moral fashion and in the best interests of its subjects. For many years the police forces of this nation followed the spirit of a social contract, remaining small and dedicated to preserving the safety and law of the land. However, as time went on the police force came to be increasingly relied on as an instrument of political and racial power. World War I saw the beginning of the police as an anti-protest and anti-civil rights weapon. Their roles in putting down political and racial protest came to maturity during the 1960s, as they turned their fire against war protests and race riots. In recent years, the blatant racist and political nature of police power has hidden behind a shield of anti-terrorist and anti-drug action. The ACLU writes that, ?From the outset, the war on drugs has in fact been a war on people and their constitutional rights, with African Americans, Latinos and other minorities bearing the brunt of the damage.? Racial profiling and police brutality daily threaten the lives of American racial and political minorities, while the government turns a blind eye. ?The see-no-evil policy of the feds toward police violence comes at a time when the number of police abuse complaints has soared nationally. The Department gets about 15, 000 complaints yearly.? "
Abstract This paper analyzes the negative political impact that large powerful organizations can have. It describes the cycle of corruption, oppression and turmoil that produces terrorism, which in turn generates reactionary policies in the United States which are detrimental to democracy. Specifically, the paper looks at the consequences of the political and economic alliance between powerful international organizations and conservative-controlled governments.
From the Paper "The stark truth is that globalization is harmful to hundreds of millions of people around the world, and has produced destructive political blowback in the form of terrorism, dangerous instability and escalating violence in the Middle East, alarming restrictions on civil liberties in the United States, the outsourcing of millions of jobs in order to exploit cheap labor in Third World countries, and the degeneration of America's political system into an Orwellian system in which lies are peddled as the truth and the truth is degraded as lies.
"One of the biggest lies is that globalization benefits everyone. Monopoly capitalist dominance over the world's economy through globalization threatens to condemn undeveloped nations to permanent subservience and endless poverty. Under such conditions, it is hypocritical for the IMF to call for debt relief when the debts are conditioned on the very same economic policies that exacerbates indebtedness throughout the Third World. (Bull 261-263)"
Abstract A critical discussion on "Caligula - The Corruption of Power" written by Anthony Barrett in his attempt to show that this Roman leader was not the bloodthirsty, evil person that is depicted in many historical works. The paper takes the works of ancient historian Suetonius as an example of bias towards Caligula by depicting him as a monster, and illustrates how Barrett contradicts these claims in his book.
From the Paper Barrett's bias is to rehabilitate the image of Caligula. This is a huge conflict throughout the entire book, where Barrett only uses certain passages and ideas from Suetonius' book, but contradicts other parts of it. This is shown consistently with the image of Caligula. Suetonius shows how bad of an emperor Caligula was and how he had what was coming to him. As Barrett points out, there is no archaeological evidence to back up certain parts of what Suetonius says, accusing hearsay.
A comparative analysis of the power struggles that are depicted in William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra", William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" and the movie "Dr Strangelove".
Abstract This paper examines how William Shakespeare creates the tension between the ideal and the pragmatic in his play "Antony and Cleopatra", but ultimately approves of Antony and Cleopatra's imaginative power over Caesar's practical but corrupted political power. In comparison, it looks at how "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding questions the power of civilisation and altruism in the face of barbarity while the movie "Dr Strangelove", directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a product of its context and depicts the horror of the destructive nature of man, as a result of the power plays that are happening between the most "powerful" men in the world.
From the Paper "The Lord of the Flies (1954) by William Golding is an allegory on true human nature. The text questions the power of civilisation and altruism in the face of barbarity. Golding transforms the novel The Coral Island (1857) by R.M. Ballantyne, changing the optimism in civilized values of English society displayed in the novel, to questioning the ability of civilizations to cope with barbaric impulses, emphasizing this transformation in theme by direct reference to the novel: "Jolly good show. Like the Coral Island", stated by the officer at the end. To create this powerplay between civility and barbarism, Golding symbolizes the respective traits in Ralph and Jack, both characters take from The Coral Island with the same names. Ralph symbolizes the power of civility, democracy and order while Jack symbolizes the power of anarchy, savagery and innate evil."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" is very important to understanding whether truth or power is more important in life. The writer points out that Ibsen's work thoroughly addresses whether someone should tell the truth for the good of society, or instead should allow for power that society might see as more important. The essay then explores whether truth or power is more important. The writer concludes that the world would be a better place if more people were concerned with being truthful and less concerned with how much power they have.
From the Paper "This appears to be true, as the individuals in Ibsen's story took the truth that was given to them by one man, corrupted it so that they could have power over the town, and in turn made themselves into corrupt individuals. This was unfortunate, because people used power to harm a lot of other people just to feel powerful instead of being truthful, and not harming anyone. In Ibsen's work, the political system is corrupt, and there is a very irrational tendency that is seen in the masses of people that the politicians control. In other words, the politicians abuse their power rather than telling the truth, to make those they control believe basically whatever the politicians want them to."
This paper examines some of the virtues of giving officials free reign with their power as well as some of the drawbacks that can result from an abuse of that power, with reference to three Chinese plays from the Yuan Dynasty.
1,055 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 37.95
Abstract This paper compares three plays: "Rain on the Hsiao-hsiang" by Yang Hsien-chih, "The Mo-Ho-Lo Doll" by Meng Han-ch'ing and "The Lute" by Kao Ming. It explores the advantages of allowing officials to freely exercise their power. The writer asserts that the most important way in which this freedom can benefit the citizens is the ability to make judicial decisions based on the specific situation.
From the Paper "The power of officials to overcome the corrupt officialdom of others is shown in The Mo-Ho-Lo Doll. Chang Ting is able to use his influence with the Prefect to overturn the unjust ruling of the 1st judge. He was able to uncover the truth that had been obscured by the poor job of investigation that the 1st judge had done to discover the killer of Li Te-Ch?ang. In the Prefect's opening introduction he says: ?Now this area of Honan Fu is suffering under corrupt officialdom which has been snaring and harming citizens in every fashion. His Sage Presence appointed me Special Prefect here. I am to root out all evil and sustain justice; armed with the "sword of authority and the seal of power"?. By exercising this symbolic "sword of authority and the seal of power", the Prefect was able to correct the injustice done by the previous judge."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses political corruption. The paper uses the 2005 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as a guide to the world's most corrupt nations. According to the paper, the country believed to be the most corrupt nation of all, is Haiti. The paper also examines the issues surrounding political corruption in Norway and goes on to review the solvency in each nation and its relationship / linkage to political corruption.
From the Paper "NORWAY: Norway is ranked #8 on the CPI, behind Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. The CIA World Factbook records that in the 1960s, Norway discovered oil and gas in its offshore waters, which was a welcome addition to its list of plentiful natural resources (iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber and hydropower). Whereas in Haiti natural disasters come in the form of powerful hurricanes, in Norway there are far less destructive "rockslides" and "avalanches," the CIA explains. Also, as far as trade, Norway has the advantage of being "adjacent to sea lanes and air routes" in the North Atlantic region. "
