| Papers [199-216] of 1362 :: [Page 12 of 76] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
The U.S. Government, 2006.
This in-depth paper examines the various branches of the U.S. government while also analyzing the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution.
4,327 words (approx. 17.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 114.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
Mayoral Control of Public Schools, 2005.
This paper analyzes the rationale for and against mayoral control of the public schools.
2,780 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 82.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, in recent years, the mayors of a number of large cities, including Chicago and New York, have asserted varying degrees of control over the schools in their cities, even though these cities often have independently-elected school boards, in an effort to improve educational quality. The author indicates that mayoral control can range from the mayor publicly supporting a slate of school board candidates to having the power to appoint several board members to having budgetary authority over the schools and the power to appoint the chief administrative officer. The paper relates that the research is not conclusive; however, in the cases of Chicago and Boston, where mayoral control has been in place the longest, the successes can be attributed to the right kind of mayoral takeover with clear authority and a highly motivated municipal leader.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Rationale in Support of Mayoral Control of Public Schools
Rationale Opposing Mayoral Control of Public Schools
Likely Impact of Greater Mayoral Control
From the Paper
"Citing the example of the first public schools system to adopt mayoral control, Chicago's public schools were by all accounts among the worst in the nation when Mayor Richard M. Daley received the authority to resolve the crisis - and a crisis it was: "By the time the Illinois Legislature gave Mayor Richard M. Daley control of the Chicago public schools in 1995," Merl says, "the system was by most accounts a mess. It was running a $1.8-billion deficit, schools were crumbling and student test scores were in the basement. A few years earlier, then-Education Secretary William Bennett had called Chicago schools the worst in the nation" Chicago in particular had invested much time and effort to reverse the trend toward big city government and a powerful mayoral office, so the Illinois legislature was clearly reaching for solutions."
| |
|
Elementary School Basics, 2006.
This paper analyzes the ins and outs of an elementary school in Tennessee, while also focusing on an interview with a K-5 principal.
2,126 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper details the history, as well as the curriculum, of the McFadden Elementary School, near Nashville, TN. This particular school also provides a magnet program which is geared towards academic excellence, in addition to its standard curriculum program. The writer of this paper discusses the school's accelerated academic programs in the areas of reading, art, guidance, music and physical education. This paper also focuses on the academic benefits of this and other magnet programs. The benefit of this particular program is that it permits the students to go through the regular courses of study, while at the same time they obtain special experiences in the skills of written, oral and visual communications. This paper examines the school's goal of maintaining a high ratio of teachers to students. The writer delves into the various resources made available to this particular school. Each teacher at the McFadden school has an advanced multimedia center, as well as numerous computers stations available for the students. This paper also cites the results of an interview with an elementary school principal in California. This paper explores the difficulties in communication between parents and faculty, as detailed by the principal. This paper discusses the various problems facing the education system today, including the fact that schools are becoming more like businesses, where increasing efficiency is the top priority, above academic achievement.
From the Paper
"The matters which parents have to find out from the students are regarding their friends, and the reason why these other children have developed into friends, and at the same time whether the child considers that he is also a good friend in turn. The next question to be considered is the values that are being taught by the family. This is difficult for many parents to talk to children as their parents keep changing their priorities every day. That is for the comparatively poor students whereas the rich students really do not know what is important for the family. This has to be known to the child. The third serious matter today is regarding the use of drugs, and they have to be restricted to only prescription drugs. Along with this is the use of tobacco as children often see adults smoking outside, but they have to be told that this is not good for them. This has to be clearly told to them. The other problem that the parents have to inform the children is regarding the development from a child to an adult, and this does not happen overnight."
| |
|
The U.S. School System, 2006.
This paper examines the current situation in the U.S. school system, while stressing the need for improvements and restructuring.
752 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper focuses on the school system's current trend of mainstreaming, which follows the one-size fits all philosophy. This paper details the various flaws and failures attributed to mainstreaming. The writer of this paper contends that if the school system is to improve, there must be a complete reevaluation and restructuring of the current system. This paper focuses on the importance of meeting the individual needs of the rich, poor, non-disabled and disabled students and anyone else requiring a more customized approach to learning. This paper also discusses the downside to standardized testing, which prevents students from using logic and reasoning. The writer stresses the need to implement an improved system, which encourages individuality and creativity, on the part of the students as well as the faculty.
From the Paper
"Our existing educational system does not work because it is indirectly and in many cases based on the concept of mainstreaming. Consider some of the many outcomes of this single line of reasoning. For example, the multiple-choice test that has become a foundation of the existing educational process. Multiple choice tests are the equivalent of fast-food restaurants and drive-through banks. And, as our world becomes more technologically advanced, standardized testing will remain a norm in our schools. "Despite widespread efforts to change the way students are tested in schools, the Educational Testing Service says multiple-choice exams are still educators' first choice."
| |
|
Temporary Aid for Needy Families, 2006.
This paper analyzes the workings of the Temporary Aid for Needy Families program, also known as TANF, which is a federal program of financial assistance for low-income families.
1,891 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper focuses on the main goals of TANF. TANF is a federal grant program intended to make significant reforms to the U.S. Welfare system by converting traditional welfare into a program of temporary assistance. The writer contends and explains why the TANF is an important transformation in welfare policy. This paper details the various ways in which the TANF aids low-income families. The TANF encourages the creation and maintenance of two-parent families as well as offering aid to families in order to end their dependency on the government. The TANF offers assistance in obtaining long-term employment, while also educating single women on the pitfalls of having children outside of marriage. The writer details the TANF's eligibility requirements, which depends on income, assets, marital status and the number of minor children in the household. This paper examines the views and opinions of those for and against welfare reform and the TANF program. This paper contains a table which lists state-wide TANF recipients over a span of seven years. The writer also presents a graph that illustrates the percentage of the U.S. population on welfare.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Debate Over TANF: Supporters and Opponents
Future Expectations of TANF
Historical Data
Graph
References
From the Paper
"TANF was enacted following a bitter debate regarding the characteristics of welfare dependency and the possible impact of culminating the welfare privilege and laying importance on work as an alternative. The conservatives were confirmed as correct that the welfare system itself led to dependence and that several welfare mothers as an alternative measure could hold down jobs or depend on others for help. A work supportive welfare system of narrow, short-term help efficiently took off several mothers off welfare. On a more basic note, the massive decline on dependency on welfare and the growth in work does not appear to have considerably modified the lives of these families. Prior to TANF, state leaders, the conservatives included, also stayed aloof from workforce program due to the expenses and administrative challenges concerned and the political disagreement they produced."
| |
|
The Presidency of Lyndon Johnson, 2006.
This paper examines the life and political career of Lyndon B. Johnson, whose presidency fundamentally changed American politics forever.
1,478 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes Lyndon Johnson's unique path to power and the presidency. The writer of this paper details the highlights in Johnson's personal life as well as his political career. Johnson was born on August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas and established himself in politics from an early age, by becoming secretary in 1931 to Congressman Richard M. Kleberg. The writer of this paper delves into Johnson's lengthy political career up until and including the events that led to his presidency upon John F. Kennedy's assassination. This paper details several events in Johnson's career which changed the face of politics forever, including his 1964 groundbreaking civil rights legislation. The writer contends that in spite of all the progress Johnson made in the area of civil rights, his legacy will be forever overshadowed by the Vietnam War. This paper examines the events that led Johnson's decisions regarding the Vietnam conflict which resulted in thousands of American deaths. This paper also delves into Johnson's actions which prompted legislation that placed limits on the power of the presidency.
From the Paper
"In spite of all the progress Johnson made in the area of civil rights, his legacy will be forever overshadowed by Vietnam. Less than three weeks after the Republican National Convention of 1964, the United States Navy was attacked by patrol boats belonging to North Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin. Johnson, not wanting to appear weak on defense, felt he had little choice but to respond forcibly. The result was a consistent escalation of the war from 1964 through 1968, which resulted in thousands of American deaths. Johnson was afraid that too much focus on Vietnam would distract attention from his Great Society programs, so the levels of military escalation, while significant, were never enough to make any real headway in the war."
| |
|
Housing Market Analysis, 2006.
This paper analyzes the nature of home ownership in America, which has drastically changed over the years.
2,086 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the dramatic shift in the U.S. housing market. The writer contends and explains why one's home is no longer viewed as an asset but rather an investment, which can be milked regularly for cash by way of second mortgages and home equity loans. The ease in the availability of money and its comparative cheapness has led to a inflation in real estate prices. This paper examines how the face of home ownership has changed and become a case of renting from lenders as opposed to direct and full fledged ownership. This well-researched paper details the process of home financing, which is handled by the Federal Home Loan Bank System, created by the government in 1932. This paper details the events the pushed the government to create both the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac organizations. This paper explores the manner in which these two leading organizations, in the field of secondary residential mortgage markets, package and sell loans to home owners, much the same way as stocks and bonds are traded on Wall Street. The writer delves into the governmental policies devised to increase home ownership, most of which include using Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
From the Paper
"The weakness comes from the feeling that contingent mortgage obligations are second only to treasury bonds and at the same time are not totally supported by the US government. When the interest rates change, as it happened in 1990s with a dot com share which went beyond all reason, the markets suddenly rose and fell. Then the Federal government team had to cut interest rates very sharply back to get the market thinking logically again. Yet the drop in interest rates makes the investors feel that they have lost money, and at that time they had concentrated on homes and real estate. The government has not been able to control the imagination of the people, and the next dream has been on its way. This is reflected in the statement of Chairman Greenspan to Congress in the last two years to control Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac better."
| |
|
?The Red Pencil?, 2006.
This paper reviews and analyzes the content in "The Red Pencil," written by Theodore R. Sizer, which is persuasive and powerful critique of the American education system.
1,616 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This comprehensive book review examines the views and opinions of author and educator Theodore Sizer, chairman and founder emeritus of the Coalition of Essential Schools. In Sizer's book, the author reflects on experiences from his life and career to offer a compelling critique of the American school system. This paper details the book's content as well as Sizer's contention that the current educational policy should be a product resulting from an amalgamation of family, school and government benefit. The author further discussed the failure in understanding the difference between teaching and learning while insisting that formal schooling must familiarize with and meet the strong influences found beyond the traditional classroom. This paper also discusses the author's concern about the attitude of bureaucracy, which he claims are the real evils that have not allowed the education system to flourish and realize its true potential. He criticizes the mindset of the bureaucrats who try to enfold this broad process of education by their lack of vision and backward attitudes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
About the Author
Summary & Analysis of the Book
Critical Review
Conclusion of the Book
Works Cited
From the Paper
"A dean, teacher, researcher, professor and principal; Theodore R. Sizer brings to readers an appealing and valuable critique of American education enfold in a chronicle. He draws attention on his fifty years by identifying three critical areas wherein policy discussion regarding public education has been seriously ignored. He recommended and argued that this ignorance and silence should be broken and all should rethink of educating this youth. He further discussed the unsuccessfulness of understanding the difference between teaching and learning, as formal schooling should be familiarize with and meet the strong influences found beyond usual classrooms."
| |
|
Media Conglomeration: A Monopoly, 2006.
This paper focuses on the telecommunications industry, which has seen an accelerating wave of corporate mergers and acquisitions that have resulted in the creation of multi-billion-dollar media conglomerates.
996 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the government's continuous deregulation of the telecommunications industry, which was intended to result in increased competition, however the exact opposite was in fact achieved. The writer of this paper discusses the growing trend by large media conglomerates that are continuously consuming their competition. As a result, the mega-media companies cited in this paper, produce and/or distribute the majority of television shows, radio programs, movies and print publications. This paper examines the makeup of several large media conglomerates such as AOL-Time Warner, which was formed in 2000 for $160 billion and the Walt Disney Company, which includes several television production companies and cable networks and more than 100 million subscribers. The writer of this paper detail the impact and control these companies have on today's media. The writer contends and explains how these particular monopolies control the traditional ideas of the free press. This paper also delves into the FCC's recently relaxed media ownership rules that allows large media conglomerates to grow even larger, resulting in a great deal of protest.
From the Paper
"The FCC recently relaxed media ownership rules that allowed large media conglomerates to grow even larger. Thus, they set off a great deal of protest. Americans did not appreciate the fact that a small group of powerful corporations are given more control of the most important element of our democracy: our access to information. They are right to feel this way. The media monopoly allows a small amount of companies power over media outlets (independent and corporate alike, including on the Web). This is far too much power for them to possess, but this is the future face of media consolidation."
| |
|
The Bush Administration's Ideology, 2006.
This paper analyzes various aspects of President Bush's administration in order to assess and determine whether or not it can be fully encompassed as belonging to the conservative ideology.
733 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper details the basic characteristics and ideologies of conservatism, according to views and opinions of theoreticians. From an economical perspective, conservatism pledges for a minimal implication of the state in national economic process or towards income equality. The writer of this paper contends and explains why President Bush's administration basically follows a conservative ideology. One example would be the military privatization policies, that are aimed at increasing the strength of the military arsenal through private investments, while at the same time increasing the power of certain lobby groups and major supporters of the administration. On the flip-side, this paper discusses various policies of the Bush administration that are viewed as liberal and non-conservative, such as: The Medicare Modernization Act, Social Security Reform and the No Child Left Behind Program, which do not have the individualistic characteristics one would expect from a neoconservative government. This paper also delves into the impact of the Patriot Act, which seems to be endangering some of the fundamental liberties of the American individual.
From the Paper
"It seems thoroughly strange to note, however, that many of the Bush policies could rather be classified as liberal or, at least, as not belonging to the conservative ideology. For once, the large federal spending, especially during the first term, is a classic measure that liberal governments use to stimulate growth and production. As a measure of governmental spending, it is by all cases an implication of the state in the economic processes, something which, as we have seen, is certainly not conservative. In turn, large governmental spending levels increase budgetary deficit, as was the case during Bush's first term. On the other hand, some social policies, including here the Medicare Modernization Act and the Social Security Reform, but also the No Child Left Behind program, certainly do not have the individualistic characteristics we would expect from a neoconservative government."
| |
|
A Day in the Life of a Member of Congress, 2005.
This paper examines the numerous aspects surrounding the political career of a congressman, much of which the public is generally unaware of.
1,737 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 56.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes the political makeup of a U.S. congressman or
congresswoman. There are many aspects surrounding the career of a congress-person, most of which the public is generally unaware of. The writer of this paper delves into the rarely spoken qualifications needed to obtain the support of a particular party which include: Financial backing, proper education, desirable religious beliefs, race and age. This paper details the daily life of a congress-person which is extremely demanding. If the representative is truly honest and qualified, it may be even more difficult than for those representatives who are simply going with the flow of the system. The writer of this paper also discusses the lack of black or Hispanic members in the House of Representatives as well as the Senate. This paper also examines the impact of the media on the effectiveness of elected government officials.
Table of Contents:
Outline
Congress Does Not at all Represent the American Population
Requirements of a Congressperson
Some Congressmen and Congresswomen are Genuine
Thesis
A Look at Congress
Footnotes
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Some of the requirements of congresspersons make logical sense for the profession, while others simply do not. Sufficient political experience is a sensible requirement of a candidate, but it must be weighed with the cost of electing representatives that are past their prime, bought into the status-quo, disillusioned, or even senile. One journalist described witnessing congressmen who were obviously too old to be competent in this job. The WASP requirements of congressmen are illogical in this desegregated, supposedly enlightened post-suffrage and civil rights era; one's gender, ethnicity, and religion have little or nothing to do with how well one can perform in Congress, apart from the fact that each representative will have to overcome all of the prejudices held against them."
| |
|
U.S. Trade Balance and Exchange Rate, 2006.
This paper analyzes the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its significant impact on the exchange rate in America due to the burgeoning trade deficit and declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies.
1,922 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate. The writer details the general rule of economics that states a negative trade deficit normally leads to a weaker currency while trade surplus results in enhanced value of currency, although there are exceptions to the rule, which are detailed in this paper. This paper discusses the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its effect on the exchange rate of the country's currency which is currently in the limelight due to the burgeoning U.S. trade deficit and the declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies. The writer of this paper delves into America's economy against that of China's and questions whether the U.S. dollar will retain its status of the reserve currency in the long run. This paper touches on the opinions and views of economists and U.S. treasury officials who contend that the current trade deficit is nothing to be alarmed about as the country's economy and the U.S. dollar survived a similar slide in the late 1980s. This paper also discusses the opinion of the U.S. administration that believes the alleged under-valuation of the Chinese Yen is a prime source for the deficit problems since there is a huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. exports and imports to China. The well-researched and well-written paper clearly define the terms: Trade balance, exchange rate and reserve currency.
Table of Contents:
What is Trade Balance?
What is Exchange Rate?
The Extent of Trade Balance Deficit in the U.S.
What is a Reserve Currency?
Can the U.S. Dollar Retain its 'Reserve Currency' Status for Long?
Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Sustainable?
Is China the Source of the Deficit Problem?
Possible Solutions to the Trade Deficit Problem
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"The key question is, can the US dollar retain its status of the resrve currency for long? History suggests that it may not. Before the advent of the dollar as the world's reserve currency, the British Pound had enjoyed such a status. Between the two World Wars and the post-World War II period saw the weakeing of the British economy. As a result, the British Pound was devalued by 30% in 1949, effectively ending its run as the world's reserve currency and the start of the dollar's reign. Dollar has been able to retain its status as the reserve currency since it was relatively stable, was backed up by the formidable economy of the US, low interest rates and the absence of an alternative currency."
| |
|
Traffic and Road Safety, 2006.
This well-researched paper examines the alarming rise in traffic related accidents, injuries and fatalities in the U.S., as well as the resources available to improve the current conditions.
2,800 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer of this paper analyzes the issue of traffic and road safety as a public health issue. This paper contains relevant statistics and data regarding traffic and road related injuries and fatalities. This paper examines the various options and strategies available to combat these traffic related accidents which kill 1.2 million people each year and injure between 20-50 million more. The writer contends that traffic safety is a fundamental public health issue and substantial resources are allocated to identify safety problem areas and ensure safety measures are implemented. This paper delves into the joint report on road safety issued by the World Health Organization and the World Bank which presented key facts and figures on which they framed their overall approach to this particular public health issue. This paper details various approaches to reducing the number of fatalities and injuries including a workable systems approach as well as action plans that involve the government, the public health sector, vehicle manufacturers, communities, civil society groups and private citizens.
Table of Contents:
Background
Proposed Methods
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The Vision Zero Programme in Sweden and the sustainable safety programme implemented in the Netherlands were examples of what could be designed and implemented to encourage more walking and cycling reduce dependence on motorized transportation, thus also reduce pollution and environmental wastes. The public health sector could collect and analyze data on injuries in order to demonstrate their impact; research on risk factors; implement, monitor and evaluate interventions; deliver appropriate primary intervention, care and rehabilitation; and advocate for greater attention to the issue. A particular society or country could design its own systems approach to emphasize the actual conditions of its environment and the use of roads and vehicles, beyond re-educating or motivating motorists and pedestrians."
| |
|
The Fire Department, 2005.
This paper discusses the history and organization of the professional fire department.
2,775 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, for generations, nearly every fire department especially in more rural areas in the United States was volunteer; however, within the last fifty years, coinciding with the advent of automobiles, fire departments were able to cover a wider radius and became paid, professional civil servants. The author points out that, with organization, centralized training and government involvement, firefighting changed from dowsing flames to covering a wide array of emergency situations, rescues, code enforcement and public education. The paper stresses that the fire departments across the nation form a very close brotherhood dedicated to saving lives and are committed to making use of whatever resources are available to accomplish their goals of providing for the public's safety in all types of emergency situations.
From the Paper
"Congress established the United States Fire Administration in 1974 within the same bill that created the National Fire Academy, which is managed by the USFA. Facing a dismal record of fire related deaths both to the general public and to the firefighters themselves, lowering the death rate became a primary objective. Almost thirty years later, the number of fire deaths has been reduced by half. The mission of the USFA continues to be "reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies." This mission is accomplished by providing public education, training to fire personnel, technology development, and data initiatives. The USFA is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and works with other federal agencies and community fire protection and emergency services to protect the public. They maintain the National Fire Data Center and operate the National Fire Academy, which offers both residential and distance education classes."
| |
|
The Inability of the Police to Prevent Crime, 2006.
This paper focuses on the lack of resources available in police departments around the U.S. resulting in their inability to function effectively and prevent crimes.
1,342 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the inner workings of police departments in America as well as the lack of resources available to effectively prevent and reduce criminal activity. This paper cites several major problems that impact on a police officer's ability to function effectively, including the practice of regularly asking officer to deal with social situations that are chaotic and confused. Police officers often find themselves in the middle of domestic disputes between spouses and partners, landlords and tenants, proprietors and customers and countless others. This paper also discusses the feasibility of hiring additional officers, while the author of this paper cites research studies that clearly conclude that increased police will not decrease crime and that other alternatives must be sought. This paper discusses the recent practice of local governments that hire private firms for a wide array of traditional police functions. This paper also examines the matter of private citizens who have taken it upon themselves to provide their own protection.
From the Paper
"A major problem is that police officers are regularly asked to resolve social situations that are chaotic and confused. They find themselves in the middle of disputes between spouses and partners, landlords and tenants, proprietors and customers, and countless others, and are subjected to loud and complicated claims and counterclaims. When they are faced with these situations, police must act quickly, decisively, and, hopefully, fairly. In most cases, officers have other calls pending and cannot afford to attempt to understand the innards of the dispute, even if they were inclined or skilled enough to do so. If the parties' stories differ, as they often do, then officers must make instant decisions about whose character is more worthy of respect, and thus which version to treat most seriously. Thus, "(t)he mission of the police is limited to imposing provisional solutions to uncontexted emergencies."
| |
|
"Dance of Legislation?, 2006.
A pertinet review of "Dance of Legislation" by Eric Redman.
1,531 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this review of Eric Redman's "Dance of Legislation" the author tells us how the book explores the complex and convoluted avenues of Congress. He points out that this book reveals startling facts about the structure, process and the overall culture of Capitol Hill. The author relates how Redman explains that bills must literally go through the most arduous scrutiny, to determine its benefits and harms to both the politicians who sponsor the bill, and the people it affects on a national level. The review further examines these points made in Redman's book. In conclusion, he points out that "The Dance of Legislation" is crucial to the understanding of the political process. The author recommends the book as giving the reader a revealing look into the process of how a bill comes to life.
From the Paper
"The culture on Capitol Hill is a uniquely savage one. While no bullets or machine gun bursts rain down on Capitol Hill it is still no doubt a war zone. In this atmosphere everyone has their own agenda and works only to further their own plans. On the back of the mind of every Congressmen or Senator is the prospect of reelection. With these thoughts always in mind they tend to be singularly intent on what helps their own image and chances for reelection. When Magnuson's staff attempted to make the National Health Service Bill a law, it required the political maneuvering of an experienced politician. For instance, for such a bill to have actual merit in Congress, it requires not only the structural backing of the political system, but also bureaucratic support from an agency such as the HEW. The constant swordplay between Redman and the HEW leads the reader to understand that politics is much more intricate than anyone anticipates. Redman ironically states, "We hand spent four Fruitless months trying to extract a draft from the "experts" at HEW. It took us precisely an hour to write it ourselves".
| |
|
Firefighting, 2006.
A look at how firefighting has changed throughout history.
2,022 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper details how firefighting has changed in America since the first settlements nearly four hundred years ago. The paper explains that, while the goal of firefighting has remained the same, the scope of firefighting has changed drastically and now includes fire prevention, public education, rescue calls and safety inspections. The paper also looks at the progression of paid fire departments and volunteer departments and examines how both types of departments have evolved over time.
From the Paper
"Fire codes of various degrees have been in this country since the early days of the settlement of Massachusetts, when it was determined that "no man shall build his chimney with wood, nor cover his house with thatch." As more materials, conditions, and building materials began to be recognized as fire hazards, more fire laws were adopted. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a proliferation of fires in cities, as manufacturing facilities became more common and housed flammable materials. Fire codes became more popular and widespread. In this area the adoption of fire codes did not depend upon whether the units called to fires were volunteer or paid forces. In September of 1887 the county seat burned with nearly half of the town's structures destroyed or damaged. Although prior to this some initiatives had begun to establish fire protection ordinances, this fire was the impetus for a county wide move to establish a uniform fire code both for building construction and fire protection of existing buildings. Over the next several decades, portions of the fire code were adopted and enforced. By the time the county hired paid firefighters in the early 1960s, the code was quite extensive and encompassed all of the major areas of concern. Both departments adhere to the safety requirements of the fire code and conduct safety inspections based upon its requirements."
| |
|
Affirmative Action, 2005.
This paper argues against the continuation of affirmative action racial preferences policies.
3,005 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper argues that, while some people believe that affirmative action is necessary in the United States to ensure equal opportunities for minorities, the real outcome is reverse discrimination and injustice because racial quotas foster racism. The author points out that affirmative action was not supposed to last forever but was intended only to jump-start the machinery of tolerance and reason and then to be removed. The paper relates that affirmative action polices continue because of support (1) from the American politicians who understand that preferences are problematical but still want to be favorably viewed among the general population and (2) from potential grievants and the lawyers who represent them.
From the Paper
"The traditional solution to the problem of racism is colorblindness, or individual awareness. For example, in the job sphere there are only three essential things an employer needs to know about an individual applicant. First, the employer should question whether the applicant has the relevant ability and knowledge or the capacity to learn readily. Second, the employer needs to know whether the person is willing to exert the needed effort. Finally, the applicant should be judged on his character, including traits like honesty and integrity."
|
|
|
