Abstract
The paper discusses how America is one of the greatest countries in the world but has fallen short of its purpose and potential concerning freedom and democracy. The paper looks at the United States' low levels of voter participation and its failure in protecting the country from tragedies like September 11th.

From the Paper
"How has the United States demonstrated that it is an exceptional nation from other nations? Has the United States fallen short of its original purpose? The United States was formed with the idea of democracy and freedom for all. Today, the United States is one of the largest countries in the world. "The US is the world's third largest country today (after only China and India) and projections suggest it will remain number Three in the decades immediately ahead" (Eberstadt). The United States in 1865 was a growing country where immigrants chose to come because they desired to have freedom and democracy. Today, in 2007, America is one of the greatest countries in the world with the United States being the most exceptional and powerful nations of the world. Unfortunately, the United States has fallen short of its purpose and potential concerning freedom and democracy."

Tags:voter, participation, immigrants, September, 11th, security

Abstract
The United States Patriot Act was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives soon after the attacks of 9/11 and was initially designed as one of the governmental measures taken in the fight against terrorism. The author contends that the measures stipulated in the act generated massive debates over whether or not the Patriot Act abridges essential freedom. The paper examines the measures and powers given to authorities by the act. The writer discusses the effects of these measures on the United States as a democratic nation.

From the Paper
"Through the Patriot Act the US government can constantly monitor any terrorism suspect and the people that he interacts with. For example, any phone that might at one point be used by a terrorism suspect can be legally supervised indefinitely and so even those that have no relation with a terrorist suspect and simply use a public phone or accidentally come in contact with a terrorist suspect can be supervised and their phone can be monitored. The biggest concern is that the government will have easier access to personal information of any citizen and that there is no guarantee that that personal information will not be used against individuals. There is a great risk of allowing governmental agencies easy and hidden access to private information as this would permit a great amount of unwanted control of governmental agencies over private life."

Tags:power security police spy snoop investigate, civil liberties, free speech, freedom totalitarian state government

Abstract
This paper discusses the theory of religious freedom and democracy in the United States and analyzes whether the country has lived up to the ideals that it was created with. The paper suggests that religious freedom and democracy in America today are more imperiled than they have ever been in the nearly four hundred years of the land's history and it discusses some of the issues that are affecting the ideals of the country.

From the Paper
"The interplay of individuals, each helping his or her fellow to achieve his dreams - with Divine Aid - that is so clearly depicted in A Prayer for Owen Meany is disturbingly absent from Rothko's work. Instead, it is the entrepreneur's America, a place in which the science that provided the know-how for invention and wealth has taken over our lives and reduced them to mere blocks of drab color. It is the industrial wasteland of the brooding Industrial Age philosopher, the deep thinker who has witnessed the carnage of two world wars, and America's battle to preserve its ideals in a world of violent ideologies and rampant technology."

Tags:Evangelical, faith, patriotism, terror

Abstract
This paper explains that the close ties between the United States and Great Britain are deeply rooted in common language as well as a long-running and deeply connected historical base of strongly tied economic as well as militaristic cooperation that has spanned since the era of World War II. The author points out that the United Kingdom is the United States' largest customer and the United States is the country that invests the largest amount, each year, in the United Kingdom. The paper relates that the commonly held values of democracy and the inherently held beliefs in the freedom of speech, human rights and a similar legal system are the ties that bind the two countries inevitably together.

Table of Contents
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Background and History
Common Initiatives - Joint Investments
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The United States was once under British rule and in fact the American Revolution was fought for the purpose of removing the U.S. Colonies from the rule of the British. The American Revolution was fought and independence was won establishing America as an independent and separate nation from Great Britain but only after a grueling war. Great Britain was determined to keep the Colonies under British rule and after an attack on Charleston and lives having been lost the colonists stated their intentions in a document entitled "Declaration of the Causes and Necessities to Take up Arms" and the action to break away from what most considered to be their mother country began. It has been stated in history that most of the colonists identified with the British and that many of the colonists considered themselves to be Britons."

Tags:language, independence, economy, democracy, rights

Abstract
This paper examines how the structure of the family has changed many times throughout history and modern times. It shows how over time, people have been socially influenced to value a concept called democracy and how because of this toxic ideal, we believe that everyone is entitled to a choice, a right, or a freedom of some sort. It discusses how for centuries, the ideal family has been one divided by gender roles and socially influenced abilities and how today, the changing employment of women and men and the changing economy have had a severe impact on the family unit.
Outline
The Past
The Present
The Future

From the Paper
"For centuries, the ideal family has been one divided by gender roles and socially influenced abilities. The picturesque model of a family has been a male breadwinner at the head of a household, a submissive homemaker wife, obedient children for both parents to appreciate their lives, and possibly a dog as well. The model, however, is flagrantly heterosexual. In a vastly changing time, the family structure cannot afford to be so concrete. There are three distinct modern images of what a family actually is. The family as a haven ideology contends that family is a refuge from our impersonal world. Here, the family is a place of intimacy, love, and trust for which individuals may escape the competition and cruelties in modern society. The two themes in this image are love and protection."

Tags:democracy, children, parents, employment

Abstract
Among the political justifications forwarded for the war on Iraq was one which argued that it was an attempt for the establishment of democracy in the Middle East, starting with Iraq. This paper argues that, while few can argue with the morality of the goal of establishing democracy, the fact of the matter is that this is an unbelievable claim. It is very difficult to believe that either the United States or Great Britain would sacrifice billions of dollars and an uncertain amount of military soldiers for the sake of bringing an Arab people freedom and democracy. The paper argues that, even if the aim was the establishment of democracy, it is unlikely that this democratic system would be a success in bringing stability to Iraq. If the Arab countries are to democratize, democracy must be developed from within those countries and not be forced upon them through military action.

From the Paper
"In conclusion, one might emphasize the fact that the failure of democracy in Arab countries does not imply that Islam is the obstacle to democracy. Similarly, the failure of Western style democracy to take root in Arab countries does not imply that Islam is fundamentally anti-democratic. Instead, what we may note at this point is that no political system which has been exported or forcibly imposed upon a people and is at odds with the culture of that people, can survive, acquire legitimacy and attain stability. Arab governments cannot democratize unless Arab leaders create the institutions for democracy first. Democracy in Arab countries will not stabilize unless that form of democracy is consistent with the culture of the masses and, above all, is consistent with Islam. Thus, the key to democratization in the Middle East lies in the adoption of an Islamic form of democracy, pending the creation of institutions that will encourage the growth of a civil society that will serve as the main supporting force for democracy."

Tags:censorship, Islam, secular, muslim

Abstract
This paper examines the value of voting as part of living in a democratic country. The paper discusses the tradition of voting and the necessity to demonstrate your right to vote, as it is a direct freedom that democracy allows us. The paper discusses the low voter turnout in the United States and suggests that US citizens need to place more emphasis on the importance of voting.

From the Paper
"As you can see, voting is a very important part of being a democracy. It is a very simple task to do and affect not only your life, but also the lives of everyone in this country. If we had elected the best officials to govern us, then the recent deterioration of our trust in the government should have never happened. Voting takes only a few minutes, and can even be done if you are not in town on the date of the election. We must continue to ask questions and to voice our opinion in the best way we can, and that way is to vote."

Tags:citizens, elections, government, leaders, rights

Abstract
This paper discusses Socrates' view of democracy and the democratic man as related in Book 8 of Plato's "Republic." In particular, the paper attempts to ascertain what specific problems Socrates has with democracy and democratic man. The paper then relates Socrates' criticisms - both those that the writer agrees with and those that he does not - to the state of affairs within the United States.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Criticisms of Democracy and Democratic Man
Freedom in Democracy
Equality in Democracy
Freedom and Equality in Democratic Man
Afterthought: The Democratic Ruler(s)
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Although it is clear that Socrates holds an uncomplimentary view of democracy, to say the least, it is equally clear to me that, conversely, in today's world democracy is largely respected and admired; countries strive to be "democratic" because of the positive connotations attached to the concept. What I have difficulty understanding is not the fact that countries today manipulate the definition of democracy to fit their own agenda, but rather why the concept, democracy, was chosen as the emulative term. Why isn't "socialism" seen as the "good" form of government? After all, in our country we are lacking a lot of the basic qualities that are supposedly essential to democracy. Yet at the same time the U.S. is arguably the most powerful, most economically well-off country in the world. There are many more questions like these that need to be explored, and I hope that throughout the course of this essay, through an examination of Plato's thought in the Republic, I have shed some light on some of the possible answers."

Tags:society, power, President

Abstract
This paper provides an American-centered look at the issue of democracy and how the United States has influenced other democracies in the world. It compares the United States to other "pure" and "impure" democracies" and draws on the recent September 11th attacks to show how America epitomises this political state.

From the paper:

"Democracy is defined as the "free and equal representation of people: the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the people" . Ever since King George tried to tax the colonies without allowing them a voice in the English political scene, Americans have fought mightily for their freedom, and for the ability to govern themselves. In doing so, they have also become a "beacon for democracy" around the world. Why? Because America's democratic system, although flawed, still works."

Tags:history, freedom, political, liberty, example, vote, terrorism, patriotism

Abstract
This paper explores the reasons "Democracy in America" is repeatedly quoted as a commentator on life in America and why numerous politicians reference the book in speeches as well as political and presidential campaigns. The author goes on to explain why candidates and incumbents consequently turn to one of its most perceptive analysts, Tocqueville, as he mixes a gratitude towards democracy with an acknowledgement of its flaws. The book is often considered a major source for anyone who wants to better understand America. The paper also addresses the author's views on democracy, freedom and the role of the government.

From the Paper
"The other danger Tocqueville acknowledged occurred when the people became so fixed in pursuit of material pleasures that they neglected their duties as citizens. "Under this system the citizens quit their state of dependence just long enough to choose their masters and then fall back into it."8 Democracy, then, could lead gently into a benign despotism, although there was no assurance that such a government would remain benign and much evidence to the contrary. In these elections, candidates typically remind the populace that voting is a key obligation as a way to preserve the essence of the democratic process. Candidates gradually begin to realize that the 21st century Tocquevillian America is not necessarily Republican, any more than Tocqueville's 1830s America inevitably voted for the Jacksonian Democrats. (The Whigs, when they escaped the thrall of their New England elites, won elections too, and in the 1990s Bill Clinton has shown that Democrats can win by convincing margins."

Tags:literature, democracy, united, states, government