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Civic Engagement, 2007.
This paper discusses nuclear weapons and looks at the influence of civic
engagement on arms control.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that an examination of civic engagement in global public policy demonstrates that citizens have increasingly joined transnational networks to try to influence policy and bring about change. The writer points out that some of these campaigns have been very successful, some have had mixed success, and some failed to achieve their goals altogether. The writer discusses that in the 1980's, the civic engagement of millions of people to reduce the nuclear arsenals of the United States and the Soviet Union was a mixed success, for significant nuclear arms reductions were achieved, but nuclear war is still a threat to the survival of humanity. The writer maintains that many aspects of this civic engagement need to be examined and analyzed, not only because these efforts helped to end the Cold War, but because similar efforts are needed today to prevent new nuclear arms races from developing, both regionally and globally.
The writer concludes that examining civic engagement in global public policy demonstrates that concerned citizens have increasingly participated in transnational efforts to try to influence policy and effect change. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper
"Criteria such as the signing and ratification of these treaties confirms the success of this civic engagement campaign, as does documented evidence that the nuclear arsenals of the two superpowers were reduced by fifty-percent in many strategic and tactical weapons categories, while other categories such as short-range and medium range nuclear ballistic missiles were eliminated entirely. This was all achieved without any direct participation by citizens in international decision-making forums, and was produced primarily through domestic political pressure."
"This campaign was legitimate, for the nuclear arms race had escalated for decades after the first atomic bombs were developed, and the nuclear arsenals of the two superpowers consisted of more than forty-thousand nuclear warheads by the early 1980's."
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New Public Management, 2007.
A discussion of G. Inwood's "Understanding Canadian Public Administration", which examines Canada's new public management (NPM) model.
909 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper examines G. Inwood's "Understanding Canadian Public Administration", which explores whether the model of new public management will suit the Canadian environment. The paper looks at Inwood's discussion regarding whether Canadian citizens will support these changes. The paper shows how in terms of Inwood's arguments, the new public management model is justified; Inwood maintains that even if Canadians object to these policy changes, in the end they will accept it.
Outline:
Introduction
What Has Gone Before
Usual Responses
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"What is being called New Public Management (NPM) is possibly long overdue in Canada but will have results that are unpredictable. In view of a changed global and national environment since the early 1990s, NPM is needed, as attempted in other countries moving towards neo-liberal finance and planning. However, it is unclear as to whether it will suit the unique Canadian environment. The study of Public Administration has always made much of three goals in effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. NPM, by borrowing from private sector, corporate ideals of management is claimed to promise greater effectiveness and efficiency in terms of delivering services to citizens who are conceptualized as clients. Accountability is particularly stressed. (See Inwood:2004: Ch 12) Nevertheless, NPM also means a shift from Canada's 'generalist' public service to a more 'technical' model as found for many years in the United States. This means a large but probably positive change in an immense, varied country."
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Systems of Government, 2007.
A comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
2,358 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 9 sources, APA, AU$ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the relative strengths and weaknesses of the parliamentary and presidential systems of government. It discusses various aspects of each form of government and compares their pros and cons. The paper specifically focuses on the issue of separation of power or the ability to limit the amount of power awarded to the head of state. The paper presents examples primarily from the United States and Canada.
From the Paper
"Another important difference between Presidential and Parliamentary systems of government has to do with the relative ease with which heads of state may be dismissed. As we noted, in a Presidential system of government, presidents serve for a fixed period of time. In practice, this tends to mean that a president must be utterly outrageous in order to be ousted - and even then, he may sometimes manage to cling onto power. For example, Richard Nixon is the only American president who has ever been forced to resign. Other American presidents have managed to survive massive scandals. These include President John F. Kennedy, who survived a scandal over the untimely death by drug overdose of actress Marilyn Monroe in 1962; Bill Clinton, a married man and president who weathered the embarrassment of being publicly exposed as having had oral sex with an aide, Monica Lewinsky (Sands, 2000); and currently President Bush, who not only survived but was able to be elected for a second term of office, despite having lied to his people about the existence of so-called weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. (Roper, 2004)"
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Taylor's Public Sphere, 2007.
This paper critically analyzes Charles Taylor's views about the public sphere in his book, "Modern Social Imaginaries".
1,106 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how Charles Taylor describes the nature of modern social organization in his book "Modern Social Imaginaries". The paper details Taylor's arguments of the public sphere in order to determine whether his descriptions seem to represent a realistic depiction of how modern political organization is constituted. The paper analyzes Taylor's argument based upon an analysis of Ursula Franklin's work describing the role that technology plays in modern life. The paper concludes that in light of Franklin's theories, Taylor's argument becomes almost irrelevant.
Outline:
The Relation between "Social Imaginary" and the "Public Sphere"
The Characteristics of the Public Sphere
A Critique Based on Technology
From the Paper
"In his book Modern Social Imaginaries, Charles Taylor describes the nature of modern social organization by defining its background understandings and its practical forms and characterizations. He argues that the public sphere is an extrapolitical, metatopical common space in which individuals come together to exchange ideas that serve to form their body politics, and then hold that political organization accountable for their common understandings of what they represent as a people. The public sphere, according to Taylor's formulation, is informed by and informing of a public's social imaginary, or its set of shared understandings about itself and its power relations."
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Social Policy Options, 2007.
This paper examines policy options regarding homeless African-Americans.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the issue of homelessness as it impacts African-Americans and provides some possible policy options that might alleviate this social illness. The paper examines a minimum wage policy and proposes efforts to turn local abandoned areas into sites for low-cost housing projects. The paper concludes that money can be diverted from public sector wages into the programs regulating labor practices and the subsidization of housing initiatives.
From the Paper
"To begin with, a budgeting policy must have proper checks and balances in place. In most college systems, budgetary overview is the responsibility of the Finance Committee of a Board of Management or the Finance Committee of a Board of Directors (Motherwell College 2000). In the case of a municipality that is attempting to successfully grapple with African-American homelessness, it seems intuitive that budgetary overview should be partly the responsibility of a Housing Commission or of a Sub-Committee devoted to addressing social ills."
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Canada and Malaria, 2007.
This paper discusses how Canada is lacking in its surveillance and control of malaria.
2,687 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that Canada has experienced an excessively high incidence of malaria in contrast to all other industrialized nations. The paper examines the host characteristics of the disease, the environment, the agent responsible and the natural history of malaria to highlight the problems that develop if a comprehensive epidemiological analysis is not conducted. The paper shows how in comparison with the United States, Canada appears to be unaware of how to undertake adequate surveillance and how to implement control mechanisms. The paper also emphasizes the importance of public health education related to malaria infection.
Outline:
Introduction
Prevalence
Host Characteristics
Environment
Agent
Natural History
Future Research
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Malaria is a parasitic infection with high prevalence around the world, including affluent nations. The focus of this paper will be Canada because this country has experienced an excessively high incidence of malaria in contrast to all other industrialized nations (MacLean & Demers, 2004). Canada's high incidence of infections corresponds to the deficiencies in its surveillance and public education programs. The two provinces most vulnerable to malaria infection are British Columbia and Ontario. It was only because of research conducted outside of the Canadian surveillance system that the source of two epidemics was identified."
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Policy Analysis, 2007.
A review of Eugene Bardach's "A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis".
804 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews "A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis," where Eugene Bardach discusses a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing public policy. The paper presents an outline of Bardach's argument and his eight steps to policy analysis. The paper is of the opinion that Bardach's book presents an accessible and useful tool for understanding the policy analysis and design process.
Outline:
Bardach's Eightfold Path
Assessment and Conclusion
From the Paper
"In A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis, Eugene Bardach discusses a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing public policy that is designed to challenge the profession of public administration so that policy is made through compromise and consensus-building with the public interest at the center. Bardach claims that it is necessary to maintain an "eightfold path" to policy analysis and design that is defined by the following steps: (1) Define problem, (2) Assemble evidence, (3) Construct alternatives, (4) Select criteria, (5) Project outcomes, (6) Confront tradeoffs, (7) Decide, (8) Tell story. After outlining the process he believes necessary, Bardach turns his attention to the proactive implementation, discussing data collection means and methods and best practices for administration."
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Executive Powers in Germany and the United States, 2007.
A comparison of the executive power awarded to the Chancellor of Germany and the President of the United States.
1,675 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the formation of the executive powers in both the United States and Germany. It looks at the power that the laws provide to each leader, as well as the limitations that exist in order to prevent the acquirement of excessive power. The paper compares the executive power of the Chancellor in Germany to that of the President of the United States.
Table of Contents:
German Government and Executive Powers
United States Government and Executive Powers
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Checks and balances in the United States begin with the formation of the United States Congress, comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Laws of the nation must be passed by a majority vote in both houses before they can be sent to the president for approval. However, the president also has the authority to veto any legislation that he or she does not approve of, creating a situation in which the Congress must redesign the bill and seek approval again. However, the Congress can "override" the veto if there are enough votes in both the House and Senate to do so ("Checks", 2006)."
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Homeless Families, 2007.
This paper explores the variables that increase the risk of homelessness.
1,589 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses political, cultural and health care concerns that impact families who either are currently homeless or are at risk for becoming homeless. It reviews literature that identifies how these factors affect the status of families and can contribute to or reduce the risk of families becoming homeless.
Outline:
Predictors of Homelessness
Health Issues Affecting the Homeless
Intervention Strategies
From the Paper
"Data indicates that the overall risk of homelessness can be predicted through the degree to which families experience specific conditions. The higher or more severe these variables are expressed in respect to the family, the greater the risk that the family will experience destabilizing effects in regards to their housing situation. Shinn et al. (1998) produced a comprehensive study into these variables. In a qualitative, longitudinal, interview-based assessment, Shinn et al. (1998) surveyed the data from 266 families seeking shelter from low-cost or free public shelter facilities within New York City. The authors then contrasted the data from this survey against responses from 298 families who had some form of permanent housing, and the majority of which owned or were able to rent shelter that was exclusively under their control."
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Policy Implementation, 2007.
This paper provides an assessment of strategies to promote public policy implementation.
2,281 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that the study of policy implementation is necessary in order to isolate strategies that have been effective in promoting policy change and effective policy implementation. The paper examines the works of three authors who have been active in improving the quality of the research on public policy; Charles E. Merriam, Michael Lipsky and Thomas R. Dye. The paper also describes the problems facing those responsible for public policy implementation and facing public policy researchers. To illustrate the scope of these problems, the paper uses the example of initial research into HIV/AIDS.
Outline:
Introduction
Three Noted Public Policy Researchers
Problems Facing Public Policy Researchers
Possible Reforms in Policy Implementation Research
From the Paper
"Study of policy implementation is necessary in order to isolate strategies that have been effective in promoting policy change and effective policy implementation. Persons who are prominent members of the policy change process are often classified as political activists, but there are numerous authors and analysts whose perceptions have helped facilitate a greater understanding of the policy change process. While not generally recognized as prominent social or political activists, such persons have nonetheless added a significant contribution to the overall study of public policy in general, and facilitating change and implementation in particular."
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The Iroquois Theater Fire, 2007.
This paper discusses the Iroquois Theater Fire which took the lives of roughly 600 people in December of 1903 in Chicago, Illinois.
977 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines the causes of the Iroquis Theater Fire, what regulations were violated and what corrective actions could have been taken to prevent the fire from having taken place. The paper contends that poor planning, derelict management and shoddy inspection work contributed to the tragedy.
From the Paper
"To begin with, the incident began at around 3:15 pm on December 30th. Inside Chicago's Iroquois theater roughly 1900 souls were crammed together to watch the popular musical, "Mr. Bluebeard, Jr.". The on-duty fireman charged with battling any blazes that broke out was armed with only two tubes of "patent powder" (which proved useless in combating the huge blaze) and the theater lacked fire hoses and any other means by which fires breaking out over the fireman's head could be battled. Furthermore, the asbestos fire curtain got "stuck" before it reached the full "down" position inasmuch as projecting lamps and/or cheap wooden tracks got in the way. These problems, coupled with others which will be discussed shortly, led to the inevitable tragedy."
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Public Administration, 2007.
A look at the problem of government services operating as a service industry or business with all the applications of business terminology and concepts, rather than a form of public administration.
1,328 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that public administration is not a profit-seeking business and the people it serves are not customers but rather invested citizens seeking access to programs and services which by their very nature should be considered innate, or in a sense a part of their birthright and their birth responsibility. The writer points out that just as it is the citizen's responsibility to vote in a democratic society it is also the citizen's responsibility to serve and access services in an environment where civil service is paramount to citizenship. The writer maintains that there is no one right answer to all the issues of public administration but there are many theoretical concepts that can work together to form a basis for the purpose of the development of the common goals of public administration.
From the Paper
"Seeking to understand this relationship between two citizens in service to one another and the common goal the individuals must utilize the concepts of civic social responsibility, so all parties understand that they are not different, that the service provider is not a representative of control and the citizen seeking assistance is not an "other," not crucial to the achievement of service and not privileged to understand the systems in place. Seeking to create a system where civic responsibility is the common goal, service will likely be improved, those who seek to be in positions of service is likely to increase, in number and the system is more likely to be conducive of group goals as those who seek services and those who seek provide a conduit for the provision of these services may have a greater empathetic relationship."
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A Career in Public Service, 2007.
This paper discusses Kenneth Ashworth's book, "Caught between the Dog and the Fireplug".
1,293 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that, in his book "Caught between the Dog and the Fireplug", Ashworth shares a lot of experiences and expertise on a variety of subjects in a user-friendly way; via letters sent to his relative Kim, who is starting a career in public service. The paper discusses how in these letters, Ashworth talks about a variety of topics, from taking risks and handling governing boards to public service ethics. The paper explains that Ashworth's goal is to give students of public affairs the knowledge necessary to see what life is like "in the trenches".
From the Paper
"He says that his goal is to give students of public affairs the knowledge necessary to see what life is like "in the trenches" (xi). According to Ashworth, having a successful career in this field requires more than "studying only theories and models and conceptual frameworks described by scholars and researchers of public affairs" (xii)."
"The title of the book, which sounds strange, is from advice he received from a previous board chair who said, "You don't understand. Your job description is to stand between the dog and the fireplug." In other words, a person in public service has to stand up for the elected officials and their policies, yet at the same time do what is best for the public interest."
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Hurricane Katrina, 2007.
An overview of the government relief initiative after Hurricane Katrina.
808 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Hurricane Katrina was the most financially devastating and deadliest hurricane in the history of the United States. In particular, it looks at how the nature of this natural disaster brought about one of the most complex and controversial disaster relief efforts in history and how the government spent billions in relief and organizations from local, state, and federal levels worked in unison with NGOs to attempt the recovery and help of Katrina victims.
From the Paper
"Katrina victims can be loosely defined as any individual who suffered physical, financial and emotional harm from direct, storm related causes. Katrina victims range far and wide, although the majority of the focus are upon those in New Orleans, many victims also were evacuated from South Florida and Mississippi. The victims of Katrina receive strong attention on the national level for several reasons, one of the primary reasons being the disparity between racial dynamics in those victimized by the storm. The majority of victims appear to be poor minorities, especially those residing within inner city New Orleans. The racial disparity among Katrina victims was strongly noted by media commentators within the Superdome. "
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District Development, 2007.
A look at some of the challenges facing district development planners.
1,492 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how several challenges face district development planners today and how issues of democracy and decentralization have made district planning much more complicated and challenging than the case was in the past. It looks at how communities today expect their power and participation levels to be fully concomitant with their ideals of democracy and empowerment as provided by the Constitution. It also discusses how issues relating to the nature of each specific community need to be taken into account for optimal planning. The most important element of district planning is community participation. Only in involving as much as possible of the community, can effective ideas come forward in setting community goals and targeted achievement.
From the Paper
"J. Norman Reid for example emphasizes the need for community participation in his focus for effective development and planning. According to Mr. Reid, active community participation is beneficial in several respects. This aspect for example results in greater community empowerment. This in turn creates a better economy for that community in that a participating community tends to apply for an receive more funding than a non-participating one. Thirdly, citizen satisfaction within a participating community is greater, as the sense and evidence of accomplishment can be appreciated by all participating parties."
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FDR's New Deal, 2007.
This paper re-examines the influence of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, during the era of the Great Depression, on the past and present social and economic climate of the nation.
6,350 words (approx. 25.4 pages), 27 sources, APA, AU$ 188.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that FDR's New Deal, which followed the onset of the disastrous Great Depression, represents the most significant expansion of the federal government's role and responsibility during the twentieth century. The author argues that these reforms, which are described in this paper, did not successfully end the period of Great Depression and only partly alleviated the suffering of Americans. The paper stresses that the legacy of the New Deal should be re-examined because this type of legislation and the creation of artificial federal government controls can stagnate the potential for real economic growth in a free market. The paper includes the extensive use of long quotations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
President's Reforms and Era of Depression
First and Second Series of Reforms
Consequences and Critical Evaluation
Economic Legacy of New Deal
From the Paper
"The centralization of government that was accomplished during this time has never been completely undone. The federal government's first systematic network for distribution of funds (Federal Reserve) to localities, with the inclusion of insurance of funds up to a certain amount (currently 100,000) was established during this time and still functions in much the same way as it has since its inception. Conservation efforts and federal administration of public policy also still remain a large part of the national picture."
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