Abstract
This paper looks at the debate swirling around whether or not the Canadian Senate should be reformed. In particular, the paper notes how the current arrangement appears to exacerbate regional tensions while simultaneously undermining the legitimacy of the democratic, representative process. After discussing the arguments opposing some kinds of Senate reform, the paper discusses the Harper government's proposals and their relative strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the paper argues that the current ideas for changing the Senate have some merits, but they are compromised by the fact that proposed elections to the Senate are non-binding upon the government - and by the fact that a reluctance to "go to the people" might be seen as arrogant and elitist.

From the Paper
"The denunciations of the Canadian Senate do not end with the criticisms cited above. Particularly, opponents of the unelected Upper Chamber argue that the Senate really exacerbates the cleavages already tearing at the fabric of the Canadian union. For these scholars, western frustration and alienation is chiefly brought about by the collective sense that the territories west of Manitoba lack adequate representation in the decision-making processes of government (Lawson, 131). Without question, if the anger and frustration of the west continues to fester, there is the distinct possibility that western separatist movements and other difficulties could arise. As one final point, it surely cannot be overlooked that the Senate's unelected nature cuts deeply into any claims to legitimacy it may assert (Geddes, "All or Nothing," 32-33) and this too is undoubtedly another reason why western critics of the Senate find it so objectionable on those relatively rare occasions when it does do something substantive."

Tags:Canada, government, policy, democracy, representative, process, election

Abstract
This paper offers an analysis of the debate swirling around whether or not the Canadian Senate should be reformed. In particular, the paper notes how the current arrangement appears to exacerbate regional tensions while simultaneously undermining the legitimacy of the democratic, representative process. After discussing the arguments opposing some kind of Senate reform (there do not appear to be many) the paper discusses the Harper government's proposals and their relative strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the paper argues that the current ideas for changing the Senate have some merits, but they are compromised by the fact that proposed elections to the Senate are non-binding upon the government - and by the fact that a reluctance to "go to the people" might be seen as arrogant and elitist.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the debate swirling around whether or not the Canadian Senate should be reformed. In particular, the paper will note how the current arrangement appears to exacerbate regional tensions while simultaneously undermining the legitimacy of the democratic, representative process. After discussing the arguments opposing some kind of Senate reform (there do not appear to be many) the paper will discuss the Harper government's proposals and their relative strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the paper argues that the current ideas for changing the Senate have some merits, but they are compromised by the fact ..."

Tags:Quebec, government, politics

Abstract
This paper discusses introduction a flat tax reform in America's federal income tax law. To analyze the flat tax, the current income tax and the proposed flat tax structure is compared as well as a definition of progressive taxation. General points for and against a flat tax follow. A detailed flat tax piece of legislation prepared by United States Representative Dick Armey and United States Senator Richard Shelby are summarized and used as an example of a specific implementation of a flat tax. Finally the paper shows why a flat tax is more desirable than the current federal tax structure.

Outline:
Introduction
Flat Income Tax
Current Income Tax
Armey-Shelby Proposed Flat Income Tax
Tax Types
Progressive Tax
Definition
Example: Federal Income Tax Structure
Regressive Tax
Definition
Example: Social Security Tax
Current Income Tax
Problems
Complexity
Administration Cost
Increasing Tax Burden
Special Interest Lobbying
Flat Income Tax
"Ideal" Flat Tax
Armey-Shelby Tax Proposal
One Tax Rate
Simple Tax Form
No Tax on Savings
Elimination of Double Taxation
Zero Tax Bracket
Other Benefits
Other Definitions of Taxes
Consumption Tax
Sales Tax
Value-added Tax (VAT)
Wage Tax
Income Tax
Timing of Tax Collection
Best Choice - Flat Income Tax
Current Problem Solution
Ease of Administration
Encourage Savings and Investment

From the Paper
"There are two main reasons for mentioning that income is taxed "one time." Currently dividends paid to company stockholders are taxed both as profits for the company and dividend income for the individual who is paid the dividend. To eliminate this double taxation of dividends the company will pay corporate income taxes on its profits and the individual will not be liable for any taxes on the dividends he receives. A second reason is the elimination of taxing savings twice. If an individual puts a dollar from his paycheck that he has already paid income tax on in the bank, then any earnings on the savings is again taxed. Both of these situations inhibit savings and investment taking dollars out of the economy and recycling them through the federal government."

Tags:Dick, Armey, Richard, Shelby, progressive

Abstract
This paper examines the history of campaign finance and campaign finance reform for elected officials in the U.S. It discusses the main issues in the debate including corruption, disorganization, and mass media influence. it outlines the McCain-Fiengold Bill as well as the debate between Bush and McCain during the primaries of the 2001 Presidental Election campaign.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Campaign Finance Reform
3. Issues
4. McCain-Feingold Bill
5. McCain / Bush
6. Conclusion

From the paper:

"From the first democratic election, politicians, journalists, and the public have decried the high cost of campaigns. It cannot be disputed that political campaigns rely on money from filing until the election and well beyond. From the beginning of the democratic election process, politicians, journalists, and the public have individually and collectively viewed with horror the ever-increasing cost of campaigns. Each election cycle sets a new record for spending. The critics cite the cost of presenting a candidate or issue but fail to take into consideration the increasing number of voters, distribution of constituencies, competition to spend, cost of new technologies, and inflationary pressures."

Tags:Bills, elections, soft-money

Abstract
The paper asserts that the immigration reform social movement has made some progress towards achieving immigration reform, particularly in terms of generating greater public awareness of the fundamental flaws in current immigration policy and laws that are detrimental not only to immigrants, but to the rule of law in this country. The paper argues that much more progress needs to be made if a fair and just immigration system is to be formulated by the United States Congress, signed into law by the president, and implemented.

From the Paper
"The immigration reform social movement has made some progress towards achieving immigration reform, particularly in terms of generating greater public awareness of the fundamental flaws in current immigration policy and laws that are detrimental not only to immigrants, but to the rule of law in this country. But much more progress needs to be made if a fair and just immigration system is to be formulated by the United States Congress, signed into law by the president, and implemented."

Tags:immigration, reform, issues

Abstract
This paper examines the issue of senate reform in Canada, a major topic of political concern for a long while. The paper maintains that, despite various attempts, such as in Meech Lake and Charlottetown, there has yet to be any substantial improvements to the Senate of Canada. It argues that the Canadian Senate must be reformed to increase its effectiveness. The paper concludes that, although Prime Minister Stephen Harper can be seen to be pushing for improvements, Canada also look to other nations with similar governments as examples on how to effectively alter the Senate.

From the Paper
"A brief history of the Canadian Senate is necessary to fully comprehend the issues affecting it. The Senate became an official component of the Parliament of Canada in 1867 with the passing of the British North America Act. As Canada's system of governance is based on the British Westminster model, so was the Senate modeled after the elitist British House of Lords. John A. MacDonald referred to the Senate as a place of "sober second thought", intended to represent the interests of the people in various Canadian regions. Unfortunately, throughout the decades this has not occurred, and personal and party interests frequently override regional ones. Ordinarily the Senate consists of 105 members, although currently there are 93 sitting Senators . These members are chosen by the Governor General on the advice of the current Prime Minister . Once appointed, a Senator may serve until the age of seventy five years. Seats are assigned on a regional basis with each region supposedly receiving the representation of 24 Senators (Refer to Appendix 1). As is obvious in the chart, many parts of Canada are under- represented, an issue which will be tackled later in this paper. Those fortunate enough to obtain a position within the Upper House, receive a basic sessional salary of $122,700 (2006) . In addition to this salary, many senators receive additional salaries for various duties and a vehicle and residence allowance for certain Senators."

Tags:government, parliament, change

Abstract
This paper proposes a for and against argument on the issue of campaign finance reform. It examines how campaign finance reform has been raised as an important political issue for some time and there have been several recent proposals to deal with such reform. It looks at how these proposals deal with concerns about the growing amount of money needed for political campaigns and about how that money is acquired by candidates. It analyzes the McCain-Feingold Bill which addresses this issue and has been much debated for the constitutional issues involved. It evaluates how one side of the argument cites reasons why money is too prevalent in politics today and why the way campaigns are funded should be changed. It then cites the other side--that campaign funding is a matter of free speech and should not be changed in any way.

From the Paper
"For many people today, people who can be heard on talk shows across the nation, people who speak on television and campaign for change, people who refuse to vote or have anything to do with the political process--for these people and others, political corruption is such a fact of life that they cannot separate the idea of government and government officials from corrupt practices. One reason for this perception is the knowledge that politics is expensive and that running for office requires vast amounts of money, and people want to know what those giving large campaign contributions want for their money. Public funding is an alternative to the current system, and it would be enhanced further by caps on campaign spending. The scandal today, as numerous commentators have pointed out, is not what is illegal but what is legal, with distinctions made between "hard" money and "soft" money that serve the needs of the political parties and yet do not answer the concerns of the public."

Tags:mcCain-feingold, bill, constitution, government

Abstract
This paper aims at analyzing how health care reform happened in American politics together with the political processes that led to it. The paper analyzes the conditions in which the reform was proposed and then focuses at length on the congressional process and the reasons why the reform took such a limited form compared with Obama's proposal. In conclusion it looks at the current political and legal attacks that are challenging the law to see if they can really endanger its existence.

Outline:
General Context: Conditions in 2010
Democrats in Office and in Congress
Economic Context
Group Interests and Lobbying
Why was the Reform so Limited? Is it the Reflect of a Failed Leadership or of a Failed Political System?

From the Paper
"The Patient Protection and Affordable Act represents a decisive shift from the past politics and policy. The most obvious answer for the origin of that departure is the election of a Democratic President in 2008, but the Democratic capture of Congress in 2006 and the strengthening of that majority in 2008 also played a role by preparing the ground. Moreover, the reform was made possible because intraparty agreement already existed at this moment: the three Democratic candidates in the race for Presidency - Barack Obama, John Edwards and Hillary Clinton- had basically the same reform plan. This probably facilitated a congressionally centered process, even if it did not prevent Obama from facing many difficulties in his attempt to reach a common agreement in Congress. "

Tags:Supreme, Court, Democrats, Conress

Abstract
This paper explains California's current redistricting process and an alternative approach backed by Governor Schwarzenegger called Proposition 77. Redistricting is the legal process of redrawing the boundaries of the political districts. The aim of this proposal was to amend the state constitution to give redistricting duties to a panel of retired judges and require them to try to draw new lines in time for the June primary in 2006. Findings show that present-day redistricting has problems, but that the proposed solution is equally flawed. The positive effect that resulted from proposition 77 was to bring attention to current problems and some alternative suggestions that could have real impact. The paper discusses why Proposition 77 was defeated despite the fact that many recognize that redistricting is a flawed system.

From the Paper
"In the 1960's, the United States Supreme Court ruled, based on the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, that the states are required to reconstruct the boundary lines of the Congressional, State Legislative and other districts the year after the year in which the national decennial census is conducted to make certain that the population of each district is reasonably equal (Redistricting for activists 101). Article XXI of the California Constitution also requires that the boundaries of California's political districts be redrawn at this time. California law states that redistricting, the legal process of redrawing the boundaries of the political districts, be conducted through the legislative process. Redistricting legislation is introduced, moved through the hearing process, passed out of the Legislature and sent to the Governor much the same as other bills."

Tags:electoral, system, census, impartiality, competition, state, assembly, senate, reform, legislators, primary