..."State and Local Governments" Terence Bolt State & Local Government August 26, 2011 State and Local Governments The differences in culture of the early Americans played a significant role in shaping state government. It affected the level and type of role that its citizens participated in politics, the reach of the government governed its people and the direction of its public policy. The three aspects of the influence of culture on politics were determined by its newly formed citizenry. As the United States was being formed, immigrants from Europe and other countries with similar perspectives grouped together to form different political subcultures. Daniel Elazar, a distinguished political scientist at Temple University, has been one of the leaders in this school of thought. Elazar (1994) argues that, "... the nation has one general political culture, but that within it are three important subcultures, which he describes as individualistic, moralistic, and traditionalistic." (pg 28) The Individualistic subculture relies on the marketplace. Government's role is limited and was instituted to accomplish the demands of the people. Elazar (1994) says that, "government need not have any direct concern with questions of "the good society"; except to further economic prosperity of the market place. In other words, government should primarily be limited to, "...areas in the economic realm, that encourage private initiative...
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...The influence of Caribbean Islands to the US Progress. Haiti became under two European colonizers such as French and Spanish. Haitians also suffered from slavery, from forced labor both under the French and Spanish colonization. During those years, many of their native leaders had attempted several revolts but failed many times. With great effort and unceasing determination for freedom, Haiti gained their independence at last in 1804. Haiti thus emerged into the world as the first black independent republic on January 1st, 1804. It’s revolution against colonialism and slavery was the first successful black movement resulting into an independent state headed by blacks, . On January 1, 1804, the heroes of the Independence, to honor the memory of the Indians who had been massacred by the Spanish renamed the island under its original Taino name, Haiti. Haiti in Taino means “High land”, “high ground” or “mountainous land” (Synopsis of Haitian History, 2007). Many would think that since Haiti was entirely independent from any European influences, it would be smooth sailing for Haiti with regard to its governance. On the contrary, this did not happen. Many Haiti emperors/leaders in succession became tyrants and they served like their masters – Spanish and French leaders. Others became greedy for power that they clung to their post for quite a time that the Haitians themselves once again espoused their ancestors’ being militants by forcefully ousting them from their post. It was only...
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...Economic integration, process in which two or more states in a broadly defined geographic area reduce a range of trade barriers to advance or protect a set of economic goals. The level of integration involved in an economic regionalist project can vary enormously from loose association to a sophisticated, deeply integrated, transnationalized economic space. It is in its political dimension that economic integration differs from the broader idea of regionalism in general. Although economic decisions go directly to the intrinsically political question of resource allocation, an economic region can be deployed as a technocratic tool by the participating government to advance a clearly defined and limited economic agenda without requiring more than minimal political alignment or erosion of formal state sovereignty. The unifying factor in the different forms of economic regionalism is thus the desire by the participating states to use a wider, transnationalized sense of space to advance national economic interests. Forms of economic integration Although there are many different forms of economic integration, perhaps the most convenient way to order the concept is to think of a continuum that ranges from loose association at one end to an almost complete merging of national economies at the other end. Although it is far from a given that positive experiences in the simpler forms of economic integration will lead to a deepening of the process to increasingly integrated shared economic...
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...For the first half of the 20th century, China faced political chaos. Following a revolution in 1911, which overthrew the Manchu dynasty, the new Republic failed to take hold and China continue to be exploited by foreign powers, lacking any strong central government. The Chinese Civil War was an attempt by two ideologically opposed forces – the nationalists and the communists – to see who would ultimately be able to restore order and regain central control over China. The struggle between these two forces, which officially started in 1927, was interrupted by the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, but started again in 1946 once the war with Japan was over. the results of this war were to have a major effect not just on China itself, but on the international stage. Long-term causes of the Chinese Civil War[edit] Socio-economic factors[edit] Summary of Socio-economic factors In 1900, China was ruled by the imperial Manchu dynasty. The vast majority of the population were peasants. Their life was hard, working the land, and most were extremely poor. It was the peasants who paid the taxes that in turn paid for the great Manchu imperial court.It was also the peasants who faced starvation during floods or droughts, as their subsistence farming techniques often left them with barely enough to feed their families. The population in China grew by 8 per cent in the second half of the 19th century, but the land cultivated only increased by 1 per cent. This imbalance made famines...
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...Brazilian Regionalism and Patriarchy in the 20th Century Since early on in its colonial history, Brazilian society has been dominated by explicit hierarchical constructs and staunch regionalism. The patriarchal system that is found in Brazil has its roots in the colonial government set up by the Portuguese in the 1500’s. The rugged terrain and dispersion of resources resulted in only certain areas, mostly along the coast, being developed early on, developing a lack of strong centralization leading to the emergence of deep-rooted regionalism. As Brazil advanced into the 19th century it usurped Portugal as the seat of their colonial empire, effectively gaining its independence. During this time Brazil’s institutions of patriarchy and regionalism further cemented themselves into the culture of the country, becoming part of its identity and can still be seen in Brazil to this day. These institutions were so deeply ingrained into Brazilian society as the country moved into the modern era and came under the rule of a military dictatorship, though they still exerted a lot of influence in terms of political and social decision making, patriarchy and regionalism underwent some alterations to adapt to the changes of the times (i.e. the abolition of slavery). In 1930 Getulio Vargas staged a military coup and seized control of Brazil for himself, beginning the dictatorship that would last until the 1980’s, with the exception of the countries brief experimentation with a democratic...
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...of each and analyze the tension between the individual and the environment for chosen works by authors of each writing style. From 1860-1890 realism was prominent, developed as a reaction to romanticism as folks believed life was no longer seen through rose colored glasses. This was the civil war, the urbanization and industrializing of America and the emerging middle class as well as the upheaval and social change in the latter half of the 19th century with increasing rates of democracy and literacy. The characteristics of realism are reaction against romanticism and neoclassicism, factual is more important than intellectual or emotional, life is driven by fate. An example of realist writers includes Mark Twain, William Dean Howells, and Edgar Lee Masters. From 1865 -1895 regionalism was prominent and was also referred to as local color. It focuses on characters, dialect, and customs specific to a certain region. Regionalism is coincided with realism and sharing many of the same traits. Regionalism was developed due to the civil war and the building of a national identity, and the dual influence of romanticism and realism. An example of regionalist writers includes Kate Chopin, Mark Twain, and Willa Cather. From 1880-1920 naturalism was prominent and is the view that nature is all there is and the basic truths are truths of nature. Naturalism applies scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to the study of humans; it is influenced by Darwinism and psychology. It...
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...State Sovereignty and Regional * Institutionalism in the Asia Pacific Shaun Narine Working Paper No. 41, March 2005 * A revised version of the paper is scheduled to be published in The Pacific Review later this year. Recent Titles in the Working Paper Series No. 28 The Revolution in Military Affairs and Its Impact on Canada: The Challenge and the Consequences, by Andrew Richter, March 1999. No. 29 Law, Knowledge and National Interests in Trade Disputes: The Case of Softwood Lumber, by George Hoberg and Paul Howe, June 1999. No. 30 Geopolitical Change and Contemporary Security Studies: Contextualizing the Human Security Agenda, by Simon Dalby, April 2000. No. 31 Beyond the Linguistic Analogy: Norm and Action in International Politics, by Kai Alderson, May 2000. No. 32 The Changing Nature of International Institutions: The Case of Territoriality, by Kalevi J. Holsti, November 2000. No. 33 South Asian Nukes and Dilemmas of International Nonproliferation Regimes, by Haider K. Nizamani, December 2000. No. 34 Tipping the Balance: Theatre Missile Defence and the Evolving Security Relations in Northeast Asia, by Marc Lanteigne, January 2001. No. 35 Between War and Peace: Religion, Politics, and Human Rights in Early Cold War Canada, 1945-1950, by George Egerton, February 2001. No. 36 From Avignon to Schleswig and Beyond: Sovereignty and Referendums, by Jean Laponce, June 2001. No. 37 Advancing Disarmament in the Face of Great Power Reluctance: The Canadian Constitution...
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...Clash Of civilisation The Clash of Civilizations (COC) is a hypothesis that people's cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world. It was proposed by political scientist Samuel P. Huntington in a 1992 lecture at the American Enterprise Institute, which was then developed in a 1993 Foreign Affairs article titled "The Clash of Civilizations? in response to his former student Francis Fukuyama's 1992 book, The End of History and the Last Man. Huntington later expanded his thesis in a 1996 book. Huntington began his thinking by surveying the diverse theories about the nature of global politics in the post-Cold War period. Some theorists and writers argued that human rights, liberal democracy, and capitalist free market economy had become the only remaining ideological alternative for nations in the post-Cold War world. Specifically, Francis Fukuyama argued that the world had reached the 'end of history' in a Hegelian sense. Huntington believed that while the age of ideology had ended, the world had only reverted to a normal state of affairs characterized by cultural conflict. In his thesis, he argued that the primary axis of conflict in the future will be along cultural and religious lines. As an extension, he posits that the concept of different civilizations, as the highest rank of cultural identity, will become increasingly useful in analyzing the potential for conflict. In the 1993 Foreign Affairs article, Huntington writes: ...
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...Disclosure Authorized Regional Trade Agreements Caroline Freund Emanuel Ornelas Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized The World Bank Development Research Group Trade and Integration Team May 2010 Policy Research Working Paper 5314 Abstract This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on regionalism. The formation of regional trade agreements has been, by far, the most popular form of reciprocal trade liberalization in the past 15 years. The discriminatory character of these agreements has raised three main concerns: that trade diversion would be rampant, because special interest groups would induce governments to form the most distortionary agreements; that broader external trade liberalization would stall or reverse; and that multilateralism could be undermined. Theoretically, all of these concerns are legitimate, although there are also several theoretical arguments that oppose them. Empirically, neither widespread trade diversion nor stalled external liberalization has materialized, while the undermining of multilateralism has not been properly tested. There are also several aspects of regionalism that have received too little attention from researchers, but which are central to understanding its causes and consequences. This paper—a product of the Trade and Integration Team, Development Research Group—is part of a larger effort in the department to understand how regional trade agreements are affecting trade patterns and external...
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...Inside Southeast Asia Internal Political Challenges, Inter-State Conflicts and Regional Security Southeast Asia has been one of the most vibrant regions in recent years. This resilient and dynamic region is one of the major hubs at the heart of Asia and is likely to play a significant role in the rising Asia. It can help shape and evolve the larger regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. Inside Southeast Asia, the internal political and social systems and the interaction between the two have created an interesting mix of hope, challenges and threats at the national, bilateral and regional levels. Besides, with the ongoing economic integration and political and security cooperation with regional powers, the regional organization-ASEAN seeks to balance these relations with the proliferation of new powers. The Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies (IPCS), as an independent research institute and a leading think-tank, explores what is happening in Southeast Asia today. The Southeast Asia Research Programme (SEARP) at the Institute monitors these internal issues in the region on a regular basis and further intends to convert the process into a annual meet to understand the dynamics of the current issues, challenges and problems in Southeast Asia. Three themes have been identified in the region which need immediate attention– Internal political challenges, inter-state conflicts and ASEAN and regional security. Theme-I Internal Political Challenges The primary security...
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...oduction B. − − − Are governments prepared to operate effectively in an international policy environment? How can the impacts of globalisation on democratic processes be managed to protect core values such as accountability, responsiveness, and transparency? What future do governments envisage for "global governance"? From Autonomy to Influence -- preparing for a global policy role THE IMPACTS OF GLOBALISATION ON POLICY-MAKING 1. Globalisation has changed the context in which governments operate. Even traditionally domestic issues are increasingly influenced by international actors and international events that are beyond national governments' ability to control, either individually or collectively. This has evoked a good deal of hand-wringing and fears that national policy autonomy -- or even national sovereignty -- is being undermined. These fears, while important, may be short-sighted. While globalisation poses many challenges for national governments, it also holds many opportunities. International co-operation offers new opportunities to improve overall policy effectiveness and to address common policy dilemmas. But are national governments adequately equipped to manage the problems and reap the benefits of globalisation? 2. The following discussion examines the impacts of globalisation on policy making1. It raises questions related to three main themes: 3...
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...they invaded or occupied. This explains why: • almost uniquely in the world, Britain has no written constitution (the only other such nations are Israel & New Zealand) • the political system is not neat or logical or always fully democratic or particularly efficient • change has been very gradual and pragmatic and built on consensus To simplify British political history very much, it has essentially been a struggle to shift political power and accountability from the all-powerful king - who claimed that he obtained his right to rule from God - to a national parliament that was increasingly representative of ordinary people and accountable to ordinary people. There have been many milestones along this long and troubled road to full democracy. A key date in...
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...The European Union and its power over opinion: what can Belarus tell us about the European identity? Contents Abstract Page 4 Introduction ` Page 5 Chapter 1: Constructing a European identity Page 8 Chapter 2: The European Union as a normative actor Page 21 Chapter 3: The Belarusian problem Page 30 Conclusion Page 49 Bibliography Page 52 Abstract Europe has embarked upon an unprecedented process of state integration witnessing the widespread deferral of policy making to intergovernmental institutions. The European Union’s institutionalism has facilitated an assimilation of values into an increasingly coherent, if complex regional identity. A normative self-conception has emerged that Brussels has sought to project onto its external relations through the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Brussels increasingly considers itself a transformative actor in global politics offering an alternative to great power realpolitik. This paper finds that while European multilateralism offers an environment conducive to a normative foreign policy, the extent to which it is able to exert any ideational influence is constrained by the level of engagement it is willing to pursue. Europe maintains a policy of isolating the Lukashenko regime and has failed to engage Belarusian civil society. As a result it has had a negligible impact on Belarusian political culture. Europe’s failure to adequately engage Belarus also...
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...------------------------------------------------- Trenčianska univerzita Alexandra Dubčeka v Trenčíne ------------------------------------------------- Katedra politológie Multiculturalism in Belgium Trenčín Michaela Cifrová 28. 11. 2014 Ročník : 1. Mgr Krúžok : 02 Introduction Multiculturalism is the thought and the political direction, built on the assertion that in one democratic state can work together seamlessly to live a group of people with different culture. Highlights the utility of cultural diversity for the company. The goal of multiculturalism is to unite all citizens regardless of their origin, race, religion. Multiculturalism in Belgium „ Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, with a short coastline on the North Sea.“ „ Belgium became independent in 1830. Between 1970 and 1993, the country evolved into a more efficient federal structure. The power to make decisions is no longer the exclusive preserve of the federal government and the federal parliament. The leadership of the country is now in the hands of various partners, who independently exercise their authority within their domains. The Federal State nevertheless retains important powers, for example in the area of foreign affairs, national defence, justice, finance, social security, important parts of national health and domestic affairs...“ Full name is the kingdom...
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...India of my dreams is a place where there’s an IIT for every Harvard and a Narayan Murthy for every Bill Gates. Where youngsters don’t hop aboard a plane to US for their dream job, rather stay back in their homeland and work for its welfare. An India, where those not related by blood are united by beliefs. By their love & not separated by faith or color; where it’s not a crime to wed out of ones community, where millions aren’t stashed in Swiss accounts rather with every individual. India of my dreams is such a place where each Indian truly believes that ,”Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Humara.” “Be proud that you are an Indian, proudly claim I am an INDIAN”, these are the words of Swami Vivekananda. India-my motherland, with its mighty Himalayas looks like a golden bird flying high all above the sky with its cultures, traditions and with many advanced developments in science and technology. I am very proud to be an Indian. I love my country and I want to be the best in the world. I wish that my country should become a great nation with its talent and capability. I have a sweet little dream for my motherland. People in India should be self-sufficient in food for which we have to make the barren lands productive. New varieties of seeds and modern tools should be used for agriculture which is the backbone of Indian economy. The India of my dreams is a corruption-free nation. Beggary should be abolished; government should be people-friendly and citizens should...
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