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Major Concepts in Public Administration

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Unit #2: Major Concepts Essay
No Child Left Behind: Representative Democracy, Bureaucracy, and Accountability

Demetrius Zeigler
Kaplan University

Representative Democracy has its roots as a concept or principle in the very fabric of the founding of the United States of America. Early settlers were looking for a place to live while being free to choose their leaders. They were eager to say bon voyage to the old way of rule by monarchy or dynastic family rule. The new wave or system of government that was born is known as Representative Democracy. People or ordinary citizens can now govern themselves through capable elected leaders chosen to represent them. As an elected representative one has to first campaign and during that process the people’s goal, visions, and dreams are aligned with the candidates principles for governing. Through these elected representatives, citizens have direct input on every issue. An issue that affects us all to be sure, and constantly receives a tremendous amount of attention is the No Child Left Behind Act. This act was enacted for the purpose of totally overhauling and transforming the United States educational system. Representatives from both major political parties voted by majority to pass the law. This is a classic example of Representative Democracy at work. Apparently nearly everyone agrees that the nation’s educational system is in need of immediate remedy, reform, and overhaul. Since the passage of the bill, though left unfunded in many regards, many state’s school districts have implemented programs to revive failing schools and replace underperforming teachers, principals, and superintendents. Moreover, unnecessary schools have been closed in those districts. This is the result of “rigorous new standards that require educators to align and improve their instruction.” (Bleiburg & West, 2014, p.3) This exercise

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