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 The role of the federal government in determining policies and practices in the nation's school is traced. The author contends that the federal agency's role is limited, and may involve little more than seeing that applications for funding are properly submitted, compliance or audit issues resolved and money disbursed in timely fashion.
From the Paper "Critics of federal involvement in public schools say that state and local authorities understand better what kind of standards and practices their school districts need. Some also believe that national standards or testing will inevitably lead to a national curriculum, the contents of which may be fiercely opposed by some local school boards. Finally, critics say that increased federal involvement adds another expensive bureaucratic layer to the educational system. In the United States education is supposed to be a responsibility of the sub-national governments. However, the federal government intervenes often to define curricula and standards, to grant research money, to regulate, to allocate scholarships, and so forth. This problem is, of course, not limited to the United States."
Abstract This paper discuss the role of inter-governmental relations between the Federal, State and Local governments and various issues that impact this working relationship. Among the areas that are discussed are: How inter-governmental programs should be implemented and the economics of scale and shared services. It further analyzes different theories and models of federalism, how these structures can be established and the role that each level of government should play during this process. While the goal is to give each level of government its own power, the objective here is to develop a system so that services can be best delivered to the citizens.
From the Paper "The state of intergovernmental relations can be identified in many ways. Historically, dual federalism is the theory that best defines the American system of government. The writers of the Constitution wanted a system of government with shared powers between the states and the federal government. Each level has their own independent authority. While this theory best identifies our system of government, overtime other theories have developed, responding to the economic and social problems that have developed (Knudson, 2003).
Today the federal, state and local levels find themselves in dispute as to who should be paying for and implementing certain programs. The states and local levels believe that they can do a better job of implementing domestic programs because they are closer to the problem then the federal government. A standard national program may not be able to meet the needs of every state. This model called the State- Centered Federalism whereby the states make the decisions, with the federal government there on a minimal basis, to provide the resources. The state government is more responsive, because they can best understand their own needs (Mc Guire, 2001).
This model can be seen in the new Welfare Reform Plan. Whereas under the old welfare system the national government established the welfare policy and the states had little discretion to tailor it towards their individual needs. These objectives and rules sent to the states from Washington DC may not have helped because money was being spent in areas that did not need it. At the same time other, urgent aspects of a states welfare needs were being overlooked by Washington (New, 2002)."
Tags: constitution, federal, government, local, relationship, state
Abstract This paper first provides a brief overview of Milton Friedman's and Arthur Okun's views on the economic role of government and then addresses their differences. One of the main topics of the paper, however, is the way in which the scholars actually agree, which is only apparent after scratching below the surface a bit.
From the Paper "Milton Friedman and Arthur Okun are considered by many to be on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to ideas about how to redistribute income from the rich to the poor. Friedman is by most definitions a conservative in this context, while Okun is usually placed in the liberal camp."
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 This essay discusses the shape and nature of a potential utopian society by examining briefly three concepts hotly debated by philosophers and political scientists. These topics are personal property, social classes, and the distribution of wealth. The paper concludes by saying that the best society closest to utopia will be the one in which the government plays the least significant role.
From the Paper "The Shape of Utopia Philosophers have examined and proposed ideal societies for thousands of years, with written examples as old as Plato's Republic. Despite this preponderance of theory, the practical realization of the utopian ideal has remained fleetingly out of reach. To presume to have the ability to imagine a utopia, where so many others have failed, might betray one's own arrogance. Nonetheless, the promise of a finer world is too enticing to ignore. In "Civil Disobedience" Henry David Thoreau wrote, "There will never be a really free and enlightened state, until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly" (Thoreau 31). It is with this statement in mind that we shall visit the possibility of a utopian society. "
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 paper argues that government support for the arts can have a negative impact on artists, audiences and market sectors. It discusses the problem of the government considering artistic merit based on the artist's ideology. The author also mentions the role of the National Endowment for the Arts.
From the Paper "Should governments control public funding in order to shape the arts world addressing diverse audiences and determining not only what art events are offered but also who should attend. Opinion on this issue is divided ..."
Tags: Arts, Government support, National Endowment for the Arts
Abstract This paper talks about how the American government has ruled the country since its founding fathers and how it has provided a solid, reliable anchor for its citizens. The paper concentrates on the three ways in which the people of the U.S.A. use their government: defense of its citizens, services for the citizens, and provisions for its needy citizens.
From the Paper "'The role of government has remained relatively constant since the days of our founding fathers; however, the scope is now vastly increased. With the US at a peak of world domination, it is time to reconcile the difficulties and vast divides separating social classes in the United States. Only with a truly equal opportunity for everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, or economic background, can we call ourselves the "land of the free." Otherwise, we will forever be slaves to circumstance."
Abstract This essay examines to what extent government should play a role in controlling a country's economy. The paper shows how the old discredited communist command economy model is still practiced in modest form in specific markets in the short-term by developing countries, such as Qatar, to ensure rapid growth and diversification in otherwise free-market-oriented national economies.
From the Paper "Even "Laissez-Faire" Capitalism, the purest form of a "free" market economy, could not function without at least a modicum of governmental control. For contracts have to be enforceable to ensure that goods and services paid for are delivered. Money, what's more, has to be printed and the amount in circulation carefully controlled, as it is the medium of exchange that underpins all economic activity in industrial and post-industrial societies. Governments must also regulate financial markets to ensure that investors aren't bilked by fraudulent or misleading stock-offerings. In every other respect, however, the Capitalist credo is that governments should adopt a "hands-off' approach to the day-to-day workings of markets. For left unfettered, they naturally achieve an equilibrium between buyers and sellers that guarantees the most efficient and product use of a country's resources. (Waud 1989)"
Abstract This paper examines how gender roles of women vary greatly between cultures. Specifically, it looks at two that stand out the most - gender roles of women in the country of Afghanistan of Taliban culture, and the working class woman of the western culture, namely the United States. It analyzes how these roles are constantly evolving and adapting based on individual circumstances, ongoing global conflicts, and cultural adaptation.
From the Paper "By comparison American women do not have the limitations set forth by an evil dictating government or a society that views them as lesser individuals. However, that is not to say that women in the United States haven't had it rough through the course of history. Even our society has viewed women as lesser and not as great as man. One of the more prominent examples of this, is the American woman's right to vote. This right did not come into written law until the 1920s, led by skilled organizers by the names of Carrie Chapman Catt and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Stanton once said, "Resolved, that it is the duty of the women of this country to secure to themselves their sacred right to the elective franchise." (Krasner-Khait, 2004, 6p,) In addition to the right to vote, many African-American women in the United States were slaves and led a rough abusive life. "
Abstract This paper discusses the role of the media as watchdogs and the impact that it has on democracy in the United States. The paper describes various films and how they show the impact that the media can have on educating the public. Finally, it discusses the media's role in exposing Congressman Mark Foley and the inappropriate e-mail contact he had with Congressional pages.
From the Paper "Much concern has been expressed in recent years about media consolidation, creating larger and larger media entities and perhaps reducing the number of independent voices as a result (Campbell & Martin, 2007, Chapter 13). This consolidation has been supported by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which removed limits on media ownership and so allowed large companies in a given market to own more stations and more newspapers, showing again how Congress often favors business over the public interest. At the same time, though, the definition of "media" has expanded because of the Internet, with an explosion in websites, bloggers, traditional media sites online, and much more increasing the number of sources of information and, in many cases, serving as a watchdog not just on government but on the media itself."
Tags: watchdog, criticism, information, government
Abstract This paper examines how advertising has affected the role that the media plays in our lives. The paper examines the affect that the market has on the effectiveness of mass media. Some of the different issues discussed are the evolution of many newspapers from family-owned, to corporate-owned, deregulation, changes in the laws and how advertising has affected the need to increase revenues and how the type of advertiser approached influences the content of the materials. The author presents information to illustrate how different publications or even television programs attract a certain audience and this influences the type of advertisements that are found. The author also feels that in some cases too much emphasis has been placed on advertising and revenue dollars generated and this is having a negative impact on the freedom that the media, especially the newspapers have in reporting events. The paper reviews some studies that have been conducted in order to support the theory that today's mass media is unduly influenced by the need to generate revenue through advertising and as a result the message that the public is receiving is also being influenced in a negative manner.
From the Paper "There are continual attempts to control the form and content of mass media. Deregulation of FCC limits on advertising time on radio and television in the 1980s fundamentally changed the nature of the mass media product that all of us are now served, and this deregulation came about because of very direct federal governmental (i.e. political) activity in the realm of mass media. Thus what seemed to be a political matter (the federal government wanted to reduce the level of regulation of as many industries as possible) was also very much an economic one (more minutes of advertising on radio and television shows meant that the marketplace ? and individual companies ? had more control over the content of television and radio programs."
Abstract This paper examines and compares the role of religion in the United States and Saudi Arabia. It discusses the importance of religion in daily life in Saudia Arabia and how religion influences business dealings and way of life. The paper then describes the concept of the separation between Church and State in the United States and the freedom of religion that is enjoyed there.
From the Paper "The United States was founded by many seeking freedom from religious oppression. In fact, the very idea of freedom to practice whatever religion one chooses, and have that Church or temple or synagogue separate from the government is one of the essential frameworks of our Constitution and what we call "The American Way of Life." While there are many religious conservatives who often believe (mistakenly) that the U.S. is and ought to be a "Christian nation", this cannot be the case, under our laws. Islam, the state religion of Saudi Arabia, offers no freedom to worship. And, far more than in the U.S. the Koran's teachings and the pronouncement of Mohammedan imams and other clerics literally rule the social and political structure of Saudi Arabia- almost as close to a theocracy as Iran was under the Ayatollah Khomeini years ago."
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.?
