| Papers [289-304] of 8556 :: [Page 19 of 535] | | Go to page : <— 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 —> | |
|
|
The Devolved Assemblies of Scotland and Whales, 2008.
A review of the history of nationalism and the devolution process in Scotland and Whales.
1,931 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 15 sources, MLA, AU$ 76.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the devolved assemblies of Scotland and Wales and at their relative achievements. It focuses on explaining why devolution has worked well for everyone and should even proceed further. The paper reviews nationalism and the precipitating historical factors which led to the devolution process in both lands. In the end, the paper argues that it is not at all a bad idea to continue the process - especially in Wales which (as of yet) still lacks the sweeping powers bequeathed to the Scottish assembly.
From the Paper
"Finally, besides the rather obvious fact that devolution in both Scotland and Wales gives "local" assemblies taxing powers of some significance, the devolutionary process also gives legislative bodies the tools they need to really affect meaningful change. In the case of Scotland, local executive councils, free of interference from Westminster, provide to the general public minutes, background notes, discussion papers and other items that are all part of an ongoing effort to connect the voting citizenry with the decision-makers. In effect, devolution in Scotland has filtered down from the national assembly to the local level, and that has been ultimately good for everyone, with progressive steps being taken in a number of areas ("Local Decision-Making and Public Scrutiny," 2007)."
| |
|
Controlling Health Costs, 2008.
This paper explores how the U.S. government has attempted to control rising health care costs.
926 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 40.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper looks at the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid, managed care and cost controls that have been utilized to lower healthcare costs. The paper argues that in order to achieve improved performance, the US needs to implement more effective strategies to measure health outcomes, ensure a higher degree of price sensitivity among purchasers and correct its administrative efficiencies. The paper maintains that the focus of legislators needs to be upon health as a value and on health priorities rather than on fragmented strategies for controlling healthcare costs. The paper includes graphs of Medicare and Medicaid statistics.
From the Paper
"The central problem with the US healthcare system appears to be related to perspective. Efforts to control costs have predominated over the delivery of quality health care. The goal of limiting government and private expenditures for health care while improving health outcomes results in health care productivity being a significant policy issue not only in the United States but across the globe. Although productivity is only one aspect of the performance of any health care system, improvements in productivity can make it easier to achieve other health system goals, such as greater access to care and protection from the financial losses resulting from ill health. Ever since the mid-1970s, the US healthcare system has been troubled with three major concerns: quality, costs and access (Odom & Garcia, 2005)."
| |
|
European Revolution of the Nineteenth Century, 2008.
A review of the European revolution of the 19th century, based on D. Mason's book "Revolutionary Europe 1789-1989-Liberty, Equality, Solidarity."
1,316 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the social and political movements that developed in the 19th century in Europe, which were based around certain ideas about human behavior and society and the relationship between the two. It argues that these various systems contributed to the rise of modernity by rejecting the older, more authoritarian systems and pressing more for a system based on reason and the power of ideas. The paper bases its arguments on D. Mason's book "Revolutionary Europe 1789-1989-Liberty, Equality, Solidarity."
From the Paper
"In international terms, though, the policy was not to let things be but to follow a policy of expansion, moving into parts of the world previously separate and often to impose Western control, as Britain did in India, the Dutch in South Africa, the French in parts of Africa, and so on. This has also been called the age of imperialism, and the growth of empire is the basic subject of this book, showing how the nations of Europe expanded into the Third World, imposed various levels of administration and control, exploited resources, and created a different relationship between Europe and the rest of the world. In the long run, this expansion did not so much alleviate regional tensions as expand these as well, spreading some nations too thin to maintain control of their acquisitions, and in other cases creating new battlegrounds for old enmities. The consolidation of European influence ended with the horrors of the Great War in 1914, later leaving a world divided on new lines, with the Soviet Union a different sort of counter force, and with the nations of Europe releasing themselves from colonial obligations over time."
| |
|
The US and AIDS in Africa, 2008.
This paper explores the United States' involvement in preventing and reducing the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
1,458 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 60.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses how the involvement of the United States in pursuing treatments for the AIDS dilemma has brought about regulation and a system for stronger future growth. The paper describes how Africa has been a place where companies, governments and individuals used unique and often cruel means to abuse and mistreat the population. The paper concludes that by acting proactively and seeking ways to end the epidemic, the U.S. is making the world a better, stronger and safer place to live.
From the Paper
"AIDS is on of the most ravaging diseases that Africa has known. Unlike in the United States, where a higher level of wealth and availability of treatment keep the disease largely at bay, it has been estimated that between twenty to forty fifty percent of Africans are infected with either AIDS or HIV, its precursor ("A Little Better Off"). As the world's poorest continent, Africa has little hope of getting out of this condition without outside help. In light of that, many nations have, in addition to their present humanitarian efforts, also provided help with AIDS prevention and reduction. The United States plays a large part in this effort, seeking to find ways to prevent and reduce the AIDS epidemic."
| |
|
Trans-Border Pollution, 2008.
This paper examines the policies of Canada and the United States vis-a-vis trans-border air pollution.
1,730 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, APA, AU$ 69.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper looks at the 1991 Air Quality Agreement between the two nations and the 2000 Ozone Annex. The paper briefly discusses some of the key measures implemented and to what extent each country is guilty of reneging on its environmental commitments. The paper concludes that both nations are pushing ahead, but shows how the pace of change could and should be increased.
From the Paper
"To start with, both Canada and the United States have worked cooperatively to reduce trans-border or trans-boundary pollution. To wit, as early as 1991 the two countries signed an agreement - the Canada-US Air Quality Agreement - wherein each pledged to reduce trans-boundary air pollution contributing to acid rain. Specifically, both nations agreed to implement measures reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide as well as nitrogen oxides. Both nations agreed to work together as well to develop the scientific and technical tools necessary for eliminating (or at least greatly reducing) acid rain levels in North America (Environment Canada, 2006). A little more than 9 years later, in December of 2000, the two countries also came together and signed an Ozone Annex that established benchmarks for reducing the "trans-boundary flow" of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as reducing the flow and production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (Environment Canada, 2006). Understandably, both of these measures deserve to be looked at more closely insofar as they appear to constitute the foundations of both countries' approach to trans-boundary air pollution."
| |
|
Media in a Democratic Society, 2008.
This paper explores whether the media in the United States, Canada and Mexico are effective in investigating government and sustaining democratic values in their societies.
2,278 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper provides a comparison and contrast of the societies and political cultures of the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as the media operations in each culture. The paper argues that while the U.S. model is influential in both Canada and Mexico, the similarities are closest between the U.S. and Canada in that corporate power blocks systemic media criticism of government. The paper contrasts this to Mexico where a more authoritarian political structure has historically resulted in more direct political control of media by government and political authority as opposed to corporate entities. The paper clearly shows how in neither of the three countries does the media - albeit in different respects - foster democratic values.
Outline:
Introduction
Media in the United States - Personality over Politics
Media in Canada - Politics and Culture
Media in Mexico - Absolute Convergence
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Political and media critics in the United States have argued that one of the defining features of American media's representation of government is its tendency to focus on personality over politics. This can be seen most clearly in presidents, as the recent presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have revealed an extraordinary level of focus on one individual personality rather than the complex processes of government itself. In fact, this was a process that began with the era of television in the 1950s, when politicians became celebrities and their political power was closely intertwined with their media images (Schickel 201). Since that time, American political campaigns have been oriented towards television and the importance of the thirty second "sound bite" (Jackson et al. 129)."
| |
|
Stemming Corporate Power, 2008.
An analysis of the ways that individuals can stem corporate political power.
1,593 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 65.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the ways to avoid having corporations gain too much power over the political process. The paper specifically focuses on the role of voting and its importance in helping to achieve the outcome that we desire. It also looks briefly at how actions at the micro level can change the structure of society and affect the political system.
From the Paper
"John Rawls offered a revision of Kantian theory so it could be used as a grounding in ethical theory. Rawls states that he is concerned with social justice, and he says that the primary subject of justice is the basic structure of society, or "the way in which the major social institutions distribute fundamental rights and duties and determine the division of advantages from social cooperation" (Rawls, 1971, p. 7). The major institutions of society to which Rawls refers are pervasive and have profound effects on behavior and the distribution of benefits. These institutions embody deep-seated inequalities that may be inevitable in the basic structure of any society, and any principles of justice must apply to these inequalities (Rawls, 1971, p. 7)."
| |
|
Regent Park Housing, 2008.
This paper discusses the history of the Regent Park housing project in Toronto and looks at its early success.
5,055 words (approx. 20.2 pages), 8 sources, APA, AU$ 159.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the Regent Park housing project is recognized as an area of crime, prostitution and low income housing that is in need of severe attention. The writer looks at the history of the project, noting that in the 1940's when the area was first being developed, it was seen as clean, healthy and a safe place to live for low-income families. The writer discusses that Regent Park was developed at a time when low-rental housing was in extreme demand, and when planners felt that to be successful meant the wider society should be blocked out. The writer concludes that this plan worked well and enabled Regent Park to remain successful for the first twenty years of operation, however, the area has fallen back into slum conditions and new construction plans will soon destroy this piece of history. The writer notes that it will be interesting to see what the outcome of the new housing will be and how effective it may become in the future.
Outline:
Slum Clearance
Construction of Regent Park Low Income Housing
Tenants in Regent Park
Community Relationships
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Before dwelling upon more recent occurrences which sparked the rise of today's Regent Park, a few final items must be added to what has already been mentioned about the turbulent 1930s in English-speaking Canada's largest city. Most notably, those men (and women) troubled by what was taking place in the poor neighborhoods of the metropolis surely knew that, until some kind of affordable housing and some kind of revamped urban renewal process were both unfurled in Toronto, the city would be forced to deal with issues of the most unsettling variety. Not least of all, over-crowding and an absence of indoor plumbing inevitably raised sanitation concerns and also concerns about the spread of disease. It is an unlovely image, but neighborhoods in which large segments of the population are bereft of indoor plumbing are neighborhoods in which the issue of human waste and where it is being deposited become acute matters of importance to everyone. Likewise, the spread of disease brought about by poor sanitation becomes a fearsome problem even for those who do not live in such environs. After all, a metropolitan setting is a metropolitan setting, and - however socially reified 1930s Toronto may have been - interaction and contact between peoples from all walks of life was fairly unavoidable. Thus, an outbreak in one part of the city had obvious health ramifications for another part of the city - leaving aside the fact that disease outbreaks among the poor compelled the use of finite medical resources which might be required by other members of the community. Needless to say, finding a way to make Toronto's poor neighborhoods more salubrious and sanitary was in the interests of all Torontonians."
| |
|
Just War Theory, 2008.
A discussion of just war theory as delineated by two main authors on the subject, Michael Walzer and Brian Orend.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper provides a basic outline of just war theory, drawing from Michael Walzer's book "Just and Unjust Wars" and Brian Orend's book "The Morality of War". Just war theory is used to determine whether or not a war is indeed justifiable. In simplest terms, a war is just if one country imposes moral and physical aggression on another country. The paper uses this theory to examine particular examples from contemporary history, such as the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the war on Iraq and terrorism. In conclusion, the paper maintains that determining whether a war is just or unjust remains complex and controversial.
From the Paper
"Just war theory begins with a theory of aggression and a consideration of the limits of aggression. Such an approach is not surprising to most people today as it might have been in the past. After the War in Vietnam, the issue of the just war has been much argued as political leaders and the press consider every potential military action and whether or not it can be justified as an ethical and moral decision. War as a defensive measure is more clearly an ethical action, for instance, while any sort of pre-emptive war has to be justified. The current war in Iraq was justified by the Bush administration as a pre-emptive act to defend against purported nuclear weapons (or weapons of mass destruction, as they were called), and such a defensive act would make this a just war. The fact that no such weapons were found after the fact raised numerous questions about the justness of the war, questions which the administration continues to gloss over while trying to justify the war on the basis of crimes committed by Saddam Hussein, or because of supposed terrorist ties, or for whatever reason works best. Orend would not accept such shifting territory as a real justification, and certainly Michael Walzer, the best known theorist on the subject, also would not."
| |
|
The Vietnam War, 2008.
An analysis of the foreign, military and economic factors that made the Vietnam War a necessity for American policy-makers and working class people.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at why the Vietnam War was necessary - at least to many American policy-makers and to many ordinary Americans in the 1960s. Specifically, it outlines the general sentiments which made many draft-eligible baby-boomers suspicious of the war and how their suspicions were not shared by literally millions of other working-class Americans. Finally, the paper discusses the foreign policy and the military and economic considerations that also made the decision to go into Vietnam so imperative - and kept the war a major priority for US policy-makers even when things began to go sour in the final years of the conflict.
From the Paper
"To close, this paper has looked at the factors which made the war in Vietnam so vital to so many. Not least of all, many Americans in that epoch took pride in the United States' pre-eminent role in beating back the forces of Communism, and many others believed that US institutions would come under increasing fire from outside the nation's borders if the spread of Communism was not stemmed in Southeast Asia. In the end, while it is easy to ridicule some of those decisions now, placing those determinations within the context of their times reveals that US fears were perfectly understandable."
| |
|
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", 2008.
An examination of L. Frank Baum's connections to the populist party and his references to it in his classic novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 94.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes the politics of the populist party that can be found within L. Frank Baum's classic novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." It provides a brief history and correlative analysis of the ideology of the populist party, in order to reveal Baum's influences in writing the plot for the novel. The paper also examines the correlation to Baum's own socialist ties with populist reform in the Midwest.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the involvement of L. Frank Baum in the Populist Party Movement is a major facet of the plot and character structure in his novel: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The symbolic use of Dorothy and her companions seeking to find the Great Oz, so that they can free the people is paramount to Baum's own quest to garner better living conditions and governmental regulations on the banks that were closing down and confiscating farms all over the Midwest. In this manner, Baum offers a parable of the Populist Party struggle in the Wizard of Oz, but also provides biographical and societal information about his involvement and propagandistic agenda for writing this classic novel for the turn of the 19th century in America."
| |
|
The Culture of Terrorism, 2008.
An analysis of how the culture of terrorism is used by the United States government and corporations to control politics and resources.
1,713 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 18 sources, APA, AU$ 69.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper argues that the attacks of 9/11 were the catalysts of a world culture of terrorism that is used by propaganda and censorship to blur the politics of globalization and technology and to restructure a totalitarian society. It describes the correlation between censorship and propaganda. The paper suggests that the culture of terrorism is the pretext for government and corporation control of politics and resources, including the Internet.
From the Paper
"The immense profits generated by globalization dovetail neatly with military and industrial expansion in the name of democracy and the War on Terror, and they keep the population surfeited with a plethora of goods. Globalization is the direct outgrowth of the remnants of 19th century capitalism which was stuck in the nation-state, piece-meal ideology. It is insufficient to power the new global economy because "capitalism needs to fight for its legitimacy all the time" (Glasbeek, 2002); that is not profit, it is more profit through deregulation and the flattening of global dominance, the branding of "us" [U.S.]" (Klein, 2000, p.31) on the planet."
| |
|
Ending Homelessness, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of homelessness in a social science analysis.
1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of homelessness is one that has been of pre-eminent concern in Canada, and indeed in much of the industrialized world in recent years. This paper attempts a positive or social science analysis of this issue, exploring not only the nature of the problem but also the state of critical debate among both social scientists and policy makers on the best avenues to address this matter. The writer argues that in order to address this problem one must detach homelessness from its historic connotations with anti-social disorder traditionally addressed through police authorities, and recognize the issue as a convergence of economic and social determinants.
From the Paper
"This fact has led many social scientists studying the problem of homelessness to argue that it is not so much a criminal problem, i.e., associated with drugs or anti-social activities, as primarily a matter of housing economics. While it must be acknowledged that a variety of factors contribute to homelessness - from changing patterns of employment and cyclical economic trends to the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill - the scholarly consensus seem to be that the most important structural cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing in urban areas. The current situation represents the culmination of a process that has been ongoing in North America for decades.."
| |
|
Homosexuals in the Military, 2008.
This paper discusses homosexuals in the military and looks at the United States Constitution as it relates to this issue.
803 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article the writer eplains that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) is a military policy where gay, lesbian and bisexual members are required to keep their sexual orientation private and not engage in any sexual activities or conduct that would purport a homosexual lifestyle. This paper analyzes how this policy has failed to integrate homosexuals in the armed forces and has instead exacerbated the issues surrounding the gay ban in the US armed forces. The writer maintains that the DADT, irrespective of whether it had good intentions, has failed. The writer concludes that there is a need for changes in the United States Constitution if gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgender are to be integrated in the armed forces, since Congress has the power to deny individuals these rights.
Outline:
Introduction
A Brief History: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass
The Failure of the DADT Policy
From the Paper
"The United States is considered one of the most economically advanced countries in the free world; however, they are lagging when it comes to changing policies that stand to benefit the overall economy. As stated by Belkin, increasing amounts of countries are allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the armed forces. Belkin shows that Australia, Canada, Israel, and Britain reversed its gay ban and have transitioned into countries that now have service members that are integrated into the armed forces, irrespective of sexual orientation. Unlike popular anti-gay individuals speculated there was no mass upheavals or unstable periods, when the gay ban was reversed, in fact many homosexuals still preferred not to share the fact that they were gay. With the DADT policy in place, it is unlikely that the United States will ever come close to the removal of gay bans in the armed forces as these countries have."
| |
|
Plato, Aristotle and the Ideal State, 2008.
This paper looks at the views of Plato and Aristotle regarding government and the ideal state.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 94.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that two of the greatest philosophers that emerged from Greece in the fourth century B.C.E., Plato and Aristotle, gave civilization some of its greatest philosophical discourses. The writer notes that both tried to envision the ideal state. The writer then points out that neither Plato nor Aristotle believed strongly in individual freedom. The writer concludes that both Plato and Aristotle have had a profound influence on philosophy since their own time. Further, the writer maintains that remarkably, these two men are remembered as figures in Athens, which is considered the source of modern democracy, but neither of them believed strongly in individual freedom.
From the Paper
"Much of what Aristotle wrote in Politics was a response to Plato's Republic. Particularly, he felt that Socrates/Plato had not presented a sound argument when contending that possessions, women, and children should all be held in common. To begin, this practice was intended to unify the state, but it would not do so. That which is owned by all is effectively owned by none and neglected by all. Economically, it would lead to under-work and over-consumption as everyone would feel a right to take from the common produce, but would resent having to contribute to it. This communism would destroy temperance and liberality in the citizens, but would only encourage covetousness and jealousy."
| |
|
Karl Marx's Estrangement Theories, 2008.
An analysis of Karl Marx's theory of estrangement and its application to the modern global economy.
1,545 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 63.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores Karl Marx's theory of estrangement within the context of the contemporary industrial and economic setting. It devotes a considerable amount of time to explicating Marx's conceptions of estrangement and alienation. The paper subsequently looks at how his concept of estrangement can be applied to the modern global economy.
From the Paper
"To begin with, Marx insists that the worker in the capitalist order is the most wretched of beings insofar as his or her power is in inverse proportion to his (or her) creative production. In other words, as Marx argues vehemently, the worker creates and someone else gains the wealth accumulated by the creation of that item. To elaborate a little further, the fruits of labor's efforts (the goods produced by steadfast toil) metamorphose into something that is literally independent of the producer; the laborers lose control over the means of production and the more products he or she produces, the less ability he or she has to consume those goods and the more he or she falls under the dominion of capital (Marx, 30-31)."
|
|
|
