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Philosophical Roots of American Government Essay … Paper Icon

Philosophical Roots of American Government

The philosophical and political resources that early American political leaders turned to as guidelines to be used in order to form "a more perfect government" will be reviewed in this paper.

Some of the Hallmarks of the American Government

When the founding fathers were working to create a new government -- independent of the British -- they used theories and philosophies from great thinkers in the past. The principal concern for the founders was the relationship between the government and the people. In the text, American Government (Heineman, et al.) the author explains that during the Constitutional Convention the Federalists (who supported the proposed Constitution following the convention in 1787) and the anti-Federalists (who did not support the proposed Constitution)… read more

Essay 2 Pages (619 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Government / Politics

American Government and Its Influence and Control on Society Term Paper … Paper Icon

government has a perfect right to influence behavior to the best of its ability if it is for the welfare of the individual and the community as a whole.

This quote, by former Surgeon General of the United States C. Everett Koop, epitomizes the view that government is in place to act as a type of benevolent watchdog for society. The essence of the quote was made in a public health viewpoint, but is both paternalistic and arrogant in that it says that the government has the authority and expertise to judge what is good and bad for the populace. In the context of his speech, Koop was referring to the government's efforts to discourage smoking, mandate childhood vaccinations, and limit risky behavior. This, of… read more

Term Paper 4 Pages (1525 words) Sources: 4 Style: MLA Topic: Government / Politics

WWII to the 60s the APA Article Critique … Paper Icon

WWII to the 60s

The APA and Administrative Law -- Public administration in America can be traced back to colonial days and the organizations that were necessary to put into place in order to give the citizenry some semblance of safety and organization. As the population grew, so did the need and complexity of the administration -- as well as the public's need. After the Civil War and resultant industrial boom, so many mega-corporations grew that by the first few decades of the 20th century, new regulations were required simply to keep pace with the expanding grey areas of administration and legality. Clearly, men like Frank Goodnow and others saw the necessity for balancing the needs of administrative efficacy with those of authority and public… read more

Article Critique 4 Pages (1427 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Government / Politics

Ethical Principles in Government Policy in Modern Thesis … Paper Icon

Ethical Principles in Government Policy

In modern society, societal ethical values are codified in the formal rules, laws, and regulations administrated by local and national governments. However, different contemporary societies uphold very different standards of behavior and ethical definitions and criteria. Throughout human history, dictatorships and autocracies imposed laws of behavior based strictly on the whims and interests of government authorities with little regard for any objective moral ethics or values. Even in the most democratic societies in which government authorities are elected by the citizens to represent their interests may not necessarily distinguish objective ethics adequately from subjective beliefs and values.

In principle, the United States government may be the most democratic systems in human history; nevertheless, even in modern times, various elements of… read more

Thesis 8 Pages (2214 words) Sources: 4 Style: APA Topic: Government / Politics

Intellectual and Philosophical Roots of William Miller's Hermeneutics an Analysis and Assessment Term Paper … Paper Icon

INTELLECTUAL and PHILOSOPHICAL ROOTS of WILLIAM MILLER'S HERMENEUTICS: AN ANALYSIS and ASSESSMENT

The objective of this work is to examine the development of Seventh-day Adventist Theology and will do so through an extensive review of literature in this area of study.

Hermeneutics is defined as "the science or study of interpretation" which is said to derive "from the Greek word for interpret." (Andrews, 2007) Millerism is described in the work entitled: "Theological Context in which Adventism was Born Millerism" as "The top root of Adventism..." (2008) Miller held that the Bible "is a system of revealed truths, so clearly and simply given, that the wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein." (Apology and Defense: Prophecy Schools of Interpretation as cited in Andrews, 2007)… read more

Term Paper 14 Pages (3994 words) Sources: 10 Topic: Religion / God / Theology

Compare and Contrast Two Minority Cultures in NM Essay … Paper Icon

New Mexico: Mexican-Americans and Native Americans

New Mexico is particularly recognized for the multitude of cultures residing within its borders. Although a great deal of people cannot tell the difference between Native Americans and Mexican-Americans, these two ethnic groups are actually very different in culture and traditions. The most plausible reason for which the masses find it difficult to distinguish between Mexicans Americans in New Mexico and Native Americans in New Mexico is because the two ethnic groups are very similarly in genetics. Also, the fact that both groups have their origins on the American continent contributes to their association.

In order for most people to understand how Mexican-Americans are different from Native Americans one can take into consideration Hispanics and Amerindians. Mexican-Americans are Hispanic… read more

Essay 3 Pages (1015 words) Sources: 12 Topic: Native American Indians

Theory and Grand Strategy Essay … Paper Icon

Grand Strategy

Liberalism and how it sheds light on the American grand strategy as applied to the world war

The theoretical aspects of realism, liberalism and constructivism exemplify a political undertaking that considers the idea of liberty and equality among people in the society. The general aspect of liberalism is realized when there is a confirmed state of liberty and equality in the country. This theory of politics takes much consideration of the fact that it is very important to have all the major avenues of leadership and governance within the states in the social stratifications. For instance, it has been explored that the occurrence of the American grand strategy has its roots dated to the evolution and functionalism of the liberal state. This aspect… read more

Essay 4 Pages (1893 words) Sources: 4 Style: Chicago Topic: Government / Politics

Causes of the United States Civil War Essay … Paper Icon

Civil War

The American Civil War: Causes and Repercussions

Although today for most Americans the existence of a united union is taken for granted, this was not the case for most of the antebellum period. In 1832, South Carolina even went so far as to suggest that a state legislature had superior authority to nullify the laws enacted by the federal government. The Confederate General John B. Gordon raged: "The South maintained with the depth of religious conviction that the Union formed under the Constitution was a Union of consent and not of force; that the original States were not the creatures but the creators of the Union; that these States had gained their independence, their freedom, and their sovereignty from the mother country, and… read more

Essay 4 Pages (1537 words) Sources: 4 Style: MLA Topic: American History / United States

Conservative Intellectual Movement Term Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] This work was "a manifesto, akin in impact to what C. Wright Mill's The Power of Elite was for left-wing students." Buckley, in attacking the "atheism and collectivism" in his religion and economic courses at Yale, drew national attention to the conservative intellectual movement of the 1950's.

William Rusher played a similar role in the development of the conservative intellectual movement. As publisher of National Review and first president of Harvard's Young President's Club, Rusher was further able to bring attention to the principles of the conservative movement. However, in contrast with Buckley, who had been deeply rooted in conservative ideals since childhood, Rusher claimed that, "the atmosphere of the Cold War and particularly the Korean War brought about his transformation to staunch anti-communism."

The… read more

Term Paper 23 Pages (6252 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Government / Politics

Noble Savage..." Etc. Term Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] " (Johansen)

Locke's claims, which were born out by the more politicized Indian tribes such as the Iroquois, were that the state of nature was defined by mutual assistance and preservation among individuals, mutual good will and peace, and the individual defense of life, liberty, and property. He suggested that government arose to create an organization capable of protecting and enforcing natural rights and peace. According to European tradition, he suggested that such an organization would naturally develop fixed laws and penalties including the death penalty. Interestingly, the Iroquois at least did indeed create their Council in order to protect the peace of their nations, particularly in order to prevent war. However, this council did not create fixed laws and penalties, and certainly did not… read more

Term Paper 14 Pages (4909 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Native American Indians

Reconstruction and the Gilded Age Essay … Paper Icon

Gilded Age of the United States

The era immediately following the Civil War has been described as the Gilded Age of United States history. There are several apt reasons for this moniker. Technological and scientific advancements during this time created a tremendous improvement in the nation's standard of living. Transportation innovations brought the people of country much closer together physically. Economically, large companies began to amass great wealth and workers fled the farms for the secure wages of the factories and plants of the cities.

All of this change and progress came with a steep price, however. As wealth accumulated in the hands of a few, as Americans fanned out across the continent, as more and more people of different culture and heritage moved here… read more

Essay 10 Pages (3107 words) Sources: 5 Topic: American History / United States

Legislating Morality Research Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] The Supreme Court claimed that when upholding the Roe vs. Wade decision that they were not legislating morality by making abortions legal. However, it is clear that in their decision by legalizing abortion the Supreme Court has essentially declared that abortion is right. As such, this is certainly a statement of morality and legalized abortions represent an example of the legislation of morality. Many government officials argue that legalizing abortions represents the government's way of remaining neutral on the issue of abortion; the government is not actually forcing anyone to go out and get an abortion nor is the government stating that having abortions is good, but instead the government is recognizing a woman's control over her body and are allowing women to exercise their… read more

Research Paper 16 Pages (5191 words) Sources: 8 Style: APA Topic: Ethics / Morality

Factually Specific Response to Why the Historians Term Paper … Paper Icon

factually specific response to why the historians were and continue to be fascinated by the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The underlying objective was to present how he was able to use his clear philosophical goals to reshape an entire era of American history to fit his own image. By pointing out some of his greatest achievements, both foreign and domestic, this report can provide insights into his strong points and assess if he had significant failures or setbacks that historians downplay. There is a strong need to clarify why his style of governance was so in line with the needs of a then young and dynamic nation during the decade of the twentieth century. (White House, 2005)

Theodore Roosevelt "was born in New York City… read more

Term Paper 8 Pages (2260 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: American History / United States

War of Independence Thesis … Paper Icon

War of Independence

There are many reasons sited by countless historians and even the primary sources of the American War for Independence, that presume to encompass the causes of America's relatively early insurrection from the colonial rule of England. Among those are political, philosophical and even economically practical reasons. Many of these independent causal reasons are likely to ring true as partial factors associated with the phenomena known as the American Revolution, yet in reality the most encompassing reasons given include the lack of English policies and enforcement to keep the colonists in check. As years passed Americans who were fundamentally loyal to the crown still developed an unflagging sense of autonomy from it which eventually culminated into a revolution. The physical and political presence… read more

Thesis 8 Pages (2516 words) Sources: 7 Style: Chicago Topic: Government / Politics

States and Localities the Changing Dynamic Essay … Paper Icon

The Dynamic of Local, State and Federal Governance

American governance has been based in Constitutional ideology since
the founding of our nation. Woven within the myriad premises which have
defined this ideology and the document giving it foundation is an ongoing
debate concerning the balance of governmental oversight and relative
individual or community autonomy. One of the core philosophical divides in
the founding of our nation concerns the issue over federal authority and
state or local rights, with our Founding Fathers, modern elected public
officials and the general population debating this point strenuously and in
perpetuity. There is, indeed, a deeply ideological root to all of this,
which denotes that the 'grand experiment' which is America if founded on
hard-won compromise between two divergent positions… read more

Essay 5 Pages (1534 words) Sources: 3 Style: APA Topic: Government / Politics

Paulson Multiple Foundings and Evolutions in Public Research Proposal … Paper Icon

Paulson

Multiple Foundings and Evolutions in Public Administration: TARP and the U.S. Constitution

The primary framework that will be utilized in an examination of the research issues identified for this research project will be the notion of political liberalism as the foundational principles of democratic governments, including the government of the United States of American at the time of the nation's founding and throughout its history up to the current era. Multiple foundings of public administrative systems and authorities will also be assumed as has been suggested by certain research on the topic (Green 2002). Through this framework the peculiar and highly meaningful interactions of conflicting political ideals, both as historical hold outs from previous eras of public administration and as ongoing conflicts between pragmatic… read more

Research Proposal 1 Page (397 words) Sources: 15 Topic: Government / Politics

John Locke's Political Theories Term Paper … Paper Icon

Locke

One of the single most influential characters in the history of nation building is John Locke. His theories and writings demonstrate a basis for support of actions that had already been taken to eliminate monarchical rule as well as in the development of doctrine for new nations that came from such changes. This work will be a summation of the three foundational principles associated with Locke and his works; social contract theory, natural rights theory and Locke's express concerns regarding the need for the separation of religion and state. Most of the concepts regarding these three theoretical motivations can be found in Locke's seminal work, the Second Treatise of Government though the First Treatise on Government, (in which he discusses the falsehood of divine… read more

Term Paper 19 Pages (5073 words) Sources: 12 Style: Chicago Topic: Government / Politics

Criminal Justice - Intelligence Does the Projected Term Paper … Paper Icon

Criminal Justice - Intelligence

Does the projected space warfare/ballistic missile threat to the U.S. homeland justify a National Missile Defense, a Global Collective Strategic Defense, or some other solution?

The issue of protecting the United States cannot simply be accomplished by a single pronged effort because of the complex nature of the threats that face the nation. From the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communists to the infiltration by terrorist groups, the issue of national defense must take into consideration both massive threats from powerful nation states to virtually unpreventable attacks launched by groups whose only allegiance is to a religion or a movement. Therefore, to understand the methodology that should be employed to protect the U.S. from the space warfare, ballistic missile threats… read more

Term Paper 8 Pages (2835 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: American History / United States

Revolutionary America History 322 Term Paper … Paper Icon

Burke Conciliation

Edmund Burke's speech urges Parliament to adopt a more sensible approach to the Colonies to ensure not only peace but political and economic obeisance. At times Burke's address borders on being Machiavellian in tone: "The more they multiply, the more friends you will have, the more ardently they love liberty, the more perfect will be their obedience." Burke champions the rights of the colonies, not as ends in themselves but as a means to strengthen the Empire. A pragmatist, Burke believed that conciliation with the colonies would help Britain prosper and continue their dominion on both sides of the Atlantic. Burke sensed the immanent potential of war with the colonies, for in the speech he devotes an entire paragraph to the pursuit of… read more

Term Paper 3 Pages (971 words) Sources: 1 Style: APA Topic: Government / Politics

Homelessness in the United States Term Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] Paine diagnoses the American situation in terms of his fairly positive view of human nature. According to Paine, human beings are basically good, although their imperfect morality does require governing. This however can be done to a minimal degree with only some encouragement. The government should protect the interests of its citizens rather than regulate their lives. This is true individual independence. Any government should then arise naturally from a society recognizing the need to govern itself. The purpose of this government should then be to protect the individual's right to property and religious freedom.

In terms of religion, Paine argues against the Catholic Church and for a religious paradigm closer to Protestantism. The hierarchy within the Catholic Church is close to the monarchy paradigm,… read more

Term Paper 5 Pages (1398 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Government / Politics

Liberalism and Realism Term Paper … Paper Icon

Realism and Liberalism in Foreign Relations

As the civil war in Syria careens into its second year of savage sectarian violence, forcing the American government once again to consider the possibility of military intervention in the name of humanitarian aid, the philosophical approach to foreign policy favored by the ostensibly liberal President Obama has been shown to be based on a stark sense of realism. Rather than succumb to the understandable urge to apply democratic ideals to his decision making process during this time of heightened international concern, especially after reports of chemical weapons attacks have emerged from Syria's battlegrounds, President Obama has carefully engaged in a process of political calculus, weighing the potential impact of intervention against the consequences of inaction. As the New… read more

Term Paper 4 Pages (1269 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Government / Politics

Intergovernmental Relations Thesis … Paper Icon

Intergovernmental Relations

Unfunded Federal Mandates: Implications for Intergovernmental Relations

What are Unfunded Federal Mandates?

While the relationship between the federal and state governments was created in order to protect the people from tyranny and allow them to be represented by those who know them best, it sometimes backfires. This is especially clear when it comes to the issue of unfunded mandates. Unfunded federal mandates occur when the federal government requires state or local governments to meet certain requirements, institute certain programs, or fulfill certain obligations without providing the state or local governments with the means to satisfy these mandates. Since the 1990s, both presidents and congress have attempted to reduce the number of unfunded mandates given to smaller governments. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of… read more

Thesis 6 Pages (1955 words) Sources: 5 Style: APA Topic: Government / Politics

Hero or Hypocrite Thomas Jefferson and the Problem of Slavery Thesis … Paper Icon

Hero or Hypocrite - Thomas Jefferson and the Problem of Slavery

One of the "Fathers of the Nation" and one of the most reputable politicians and individual in the world history, Thomas Jefferson is also considered controversial given his views on slavery, an area where his theoretical perspective and positions did not always concur with his actions.

Throughout his life, T. Jefferson would find himself torn between his own political enlightened opinions, expressed through various key reference documents such as the Declaration of Independence, and his belief that the abolition of slavery would cause civil war and instability for the new nation. Due to this dualism, Jefferson's actions would always seem split between the antislavery that enlightenment proposed, along with the ideal that all men… read more

Thesis 7 Pages (1947 words) Sources: 10 Style: MLA Topic: American History / United States

Government of the Tongue, Richard Allestree Term Paper … Paper Icon

Government of the Tongue, Richard Allestree discusses the use of speech and how it impacts mankind's spiritual relationship with God. Allestree begins with a discussion of the use of speech. Next, Allestree details how people abuse speech. Afterwards, Allestree talks about atheistical discourse. After discussing atheistical discourse, Allestree talks about detraction, followed by lying defamation. Next, Allestree talks about other perversions of speech, including uncharitable truth, scoffing and derision, flattery, and boasting. Allestree goes on to speak about querulousness. Then, Allestree speaks about positiveness. Finally, Allestree talks about obscene talk.

In Section I, Allestree speaks about the use of speech. He begins his discussion by pointing out that man enjoys a special relationship with God, and was created superior to the animals. Therefore, so that… read more

Term Paper 18 Pages (6042 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Religion / God / Theology

Revolution: Edmund Burke vs. Thomas Paine Research Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] Revolution and Rights

Introduction

Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine were ideologically opposed in their view of revolution: the former was an Old World conservative in terms of the values he espoused; the latter was steeped in Enlightenment doctrine and supported both the American and the French Revolutions. Burke condemned the Reign of Terror that grew out of the French Revolution as a disgraceful attack on human decency—but he was at heart sympathetic to the plight of the Americans and felt that the British government was not in the right in its treatment of the colonists. Moreover, Burke never referred to the conflict between the British and the Americans as a revolution. Paine, however, did and in his mind it was the proto-type for… read more

Research Paper 17 Pages (4982 words) Sources: 3 Style: APA Topic: American History / United States

Anarchy the Debate That Summarizes Term Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] Yes, while free will controls almost all of our daily decisions and lifetime decisions such as where to attend school, who to marry, what to do for a career or even what to have for breakfast is somehow missed his the ultimate requirement of succumbing to something greater than oneself as seen in natural law and all except a generalized ideals which govern society truly, in my opinion.

POLITICAL LIMITATIONS OF ANARCHY

If politics is the art of human coexistence then anarchy stands in a very particular light to the art form. The political world often seems as if it is a true and honest representation of the anarchist model of discourse. Individual and special interests dominate the visions of the greater common good seen… read more

Term Paper 10 Pages (2940 words) Sources: 8 Style: Chicago Topic: Government / Politics

Deception in All the King's Men Story Research Paper … Paper Icon

Deception, Burden and "All the Kings Men"

"All the King's Men" is a fictional account of powerful and devious Louisiana politician, Willie Stark. The novel describes, Willie has an earnest, dedicated young man that is fed up with a political system built on patronage, lies, treachery, corruption and unchecked power. Initially, Willie is involved in politics to change the system from within- to remove the corruption and the corruptible. However, as the novel progresses, Willie becomes more and more entrenched within the patriarchy that defines the Louisiana political system. As Willie becomes more mired in the morass, he suddenly realizes that his wide-eyed idealism is unwarranted and indeed even a detriment if Willie wants to make progress within the system. In short, Willie receives a… read more

Research Paper 13 Pages (4683 words) Sources: 14 Topic: Government / Politics

Vietnam and the Two-Sided American Research Paper … Paper Icon

[. . . .] Reagan polished the Dream, made it shine again, beckoned one and all to cling to it. Many did. But some, burned beyond repair, saw through the rhetoric to the empty, sloganeering imperialism that it truly was. For them, the endless summers of the youthful 60s and 70s were over: with this mature realization came the onset of an endless winter.

Annotated Bibliography

Fisher, W. (1973). Reaffirmation and Subversion of the American Dream. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 59(2): 160-167. Fisher identifies the nature of the American Dream as being two-fold, at once materialistic and moralistic, with the materialistic half winning out in the end. It implies that the idealist Americans who support the moral cause of the 60s and 70s are outnumbered by the militant materialists.… read more

Research Paper 6 Pages (2016 words) Sources: 5 Style: APA Topic: World History

Society and Schools Term Paper … Paper Icon

Education

The evolution of American public schools as an increasingly formal entity began when Europeans first settled the continent and started "to devise systematic and deliberate forms of education for their children." (Sadovnik 66). These settlers brought with them conceptions of what a school was and how it should function with regard to the rest of society. Early on, these concepts were by no means uniform; in fact, the motives for founding schools varied greatly by region and social class. Additionally, "Religious, utilitarian, and civic motives also emerged over time." (Sadovnik 67). Between 1820 and 1860, as the United States underwent drastic economic changes associated with industrialization, public schools experienced what came to be known as "the age of reform"; standards were set and boards… read more

Term Paper 5 Pages (1500 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning