...What is Federalism? Jennifer Siminski Professor El-Yacoubi POL 110 5 November 2013 In the beginning federalism was brought up by the framers. They wanted it to be a way of organizing the nation so that two or more ways of government can have a type of authority over the same people. The power is shared between the units of government. Federalism has held much tension over who should control policies, individual states or national government as a whole. To the framers, federalism was important in the design of the constitution. Federalism would foster custom-made laws that would fit the special needs of particular communities; they would do this by ensuring that all the activities of the public life would directly affect the people taking place within the states and their local governments. Also the people of the states would remain involved in the process of making laws at the local and state levels. They thought that if they kept the government close to the people, they would be more comfortable with it. One change that Hickok pointed out is that “Today the national government dominates the American political system.” (Hickok 1991) Another change that federalism has gone through is that the states and the national government’s relationship has actually changed because of the clashing of political interests, rather than changing by the political principles that are contained within the constitution. Another change that federalism has gone through is that...
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...POLSCI 200 Why Can’t the Government Pass the New Immigration Reform? Our nation is currently faced with many problems and the one that still seems to stand out is an immigration reform. Many of those who reside in the U.S may not see it as a big issue, but in reality it really is. Even though many presidents including Obama tried to adopt the immigration reform, the policy has been murky since Naturalization Act of 1790. The federal government developed a cohesive procedure for naturalization. Immigrants at that time were granted citizenship after living in the U.S. for at least 2 years without criminal records. Every President since Dwight D. Eisenhower has taken executive action at some point regarding to immigration reform. With the last immigration reform act passed in 1986, the time to fix a broken immigration system is long overdue. Since the United States has been highly populated with diverse population including documented or undocumented immigrants, the government could have considered adopting the immigration reform specifically and permanently. Apparently, there are some reasons that take many years to process an immigration reform in Congress such as polarization in Congress, Federalism, courts’ decision, media impaction, and interest groups. It is hard to believe that why the government is not fully paying enough attention to immigration reform bill that is one of the most important not only for country itself but also for its economy. Now, we have estimated...
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...democracy which some perceived of suffering from a deficit in the Union. Since 1989, the revival of regional identity has strongly been felt and regionalist and micro-nationalist movements have gained in political strength, representation and size; they have achieved a certain notoriety. Across the community, those movements question the nature of the nation-state, which they often view as obsolete, and present challenges both to the larger state they are part of and to the European Union. To answer the question of whether contemporary regionalist and micro-nationalist movements threaten democracy in Europe or present it with new opportunities, this essay is firstly going to define the main concepts in order to have a clear understanding of what they represent. It will then explore how...
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...particular institutions and individuals and define how they are to be used – Protect against the concentration of political power in one institution or individual – Define the limits of political power 3 The Role of a State Constitution: Influence of U.S. Constitution • Texas’s constitution is heavily influenced by the U.S. Constitution – Political power is derived from the people – Both constitutions feature a separation of powers • Legislative, executive, and judicial branches – A system of checks and balances limits the powers of each branch, as a way to protect against tyranny – Certain individual rights must not be violated 4 The Role of a State Constitution: How U.S. Constitution Is Different • The idea of federalism is also embodied in the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas • Important differences distinguish the two – Supremacy clause: the U.S. Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land – Necessary and proper clause: the federal government has all the authority it needs to carry out its powers 5 The First Texas Constitutions • Six different constitutions governed the state prior to the current constitution • Each reflects different national priorities, different issues of the time, and the different values of the writers 6...
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...against African Americans and restoring suffrage in Southern states. “The truth is that no bill insuring civil rights to any person can be enforced so long as there are loopholes available in our political systems loopholes that are the progeny of the very basis of that system, federalism”.(Johnpoll,1964) Civil rights are guaranteed by law but took many years to achieve. For example even after the Civil War, African Americans were treated badly. They got the worst jobs and were paid poorly. Blacks and white were segregated. In other words, they were kept separate in public places including at theaters, restrooms, schools and in transportation. In the 1950's and 1960's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became known as the leader for the nonviolent civil rights movement. Malcolm X quickly became very prominent in the movement with his own group of followers. Noted legislative achievements during this phase of the Civil Rights Movement were passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964, that banned discrimination based on "race, color, religion, or national origin" in employment practices and public accommodations (n.a.2009). The Voting Rights Act of 1965 that restored and protected voting rights (n.a.2009). The Immigration and Nationality Services Act of 1965 (n.d), that dramatically opened entry to the U.S. to immigrants other than traditional European groups; and the Fair Housing Act of 1968(n.a 1981), that banned discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Dr. Martin Luther King...
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...Branches of Government Branches of Government America’s forefathers found it necessary to divide governmental power to ensure that history could not repeat itself; to protect the United States from being controlled by one ruler or a king. The forefathers established three branches of government to manage the enactment of important legislation. While diversity in political preference and views can create obstacles, it can also find compromising ground and come together for the greater good of the country. Law is a living thing, constantly changing as society evolves. The three branches of government: judicial, legislative, and executive were put into place to provide America with a solid foundation as a basis to grow from and expand on. When our forefathers wrote the constitution in 1787, they were very much aware that with time, came change, so in knowing this, the constitution was written in an open manner, allowing for changes to be made to the document as seen fit. The forefathers did not want to create another document such as the articles of confederation which had only one branch of government and many thought the Articles to be very weak. Our forefathers did not want to give just one government so much power; they wanted to ensure that the people’s liberty would always remain protected, and by creating the three branches, the power would be split up. Article One of the United States Constitution is Legislator, it describes the Congress, and the legislative branch...
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...the forefront of United States politics. The elections spur rapid debate about these topics as people decide who will gain their precious votes. A central issue that evolved became the problem of illegal immigration as it pertains to the United States border and more exclusively, the border of Mexico. The issue at hand is the problem of too many Mexican immigrants crossing over the United States border illegally. Immigration has been at the forefront of American politics for some time now. The issue is not only of recent concern, but of past concern as well. For most of the United States’ history, illegal immigrants have continually crossed the border into the United States. The branches of government involved in this situation is most likely all three of them. The judicial branch has no direct connection as of yet, but a court case can be seen in the future having to deal with this issue of illegal immigration. The executive and legislative branches are most directly involved by dealing with the creating of new legislation and executing it. The legislative branch has passed the necessary laws needed to deal with the illegal immigration issue such as the 700 mile fence across the border of the US and Mexico. The public officials involved with illegal immigration are numerous. The President all the way down to the small city officials cope and strategize about this issue. Cities and state official deal with the presence of illegal immigrants on a closer level, especially...
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...The Dueling Banjos (State vs. Federal) The United States Judicial System Dee Montano CJA/204 April 3, 2012 Sherre D. Corniel The Dueling Banjos (State vs. Federal) The United States Judicial System Frustration, confusion, and complexity; these three words can and are used regularly to describe the justice system within the United States. A better understanding of the history, principles, and role of the dual court system is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the American justice system. FEDERALISM vs. ANTI-FEDERALISM The roots of the modern court system in the United States can be found in the principle of federalism. When the delegates met in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention among other issues that needed to be addressed was a national judicial system; the Articles of Confederation was woefully inadequate in providing for this. The dual judicial system that exists today was given life with the passage of Article III of the U.S. Constitution ("[t]he judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.") Article III was a compromise between the Federalists, supporters of a strong central government, who thought that the federal judiciary should contain all of the courts (trial, appellate, and supreme). Whereas the Anti-Federalists, proponents of states’ rights, believed that an all-inclusive federal judiciary would minimize...
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...ASSESSMENT ON NIGERIAN FEDERALISM: PATH TO A TRUE FEDERAL SYSTEM BY: IRABOR PETER ODION 07037830536 p24real2000@yahoo.com DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL STUDIES, FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) POTISKUM, YOBE STATE BEING A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ACADEMICS STAFF UNION (COEASU) FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) POTISKUM CHAPTER HELD AT I.B.B HALL F.C.E (T) POTISKUM, YOBE STATE 31ST OCTOBER, 2011-4TH NOVEMBER 2011 ABSTRACT It is no gain saying that Nigeria is one of those countries that operates a federal system of government along side with the western world. Given the territorially delineated cleavages abounding in Nigeria and the historical legacy of division among ethnic groups, regions, and sections, the federal imperative was so fundamental that even the military government- characteristically Unitarian, hierarchical, and centralist- attached importance to the continuation of a federal system of government. But it must be said here that, while the system benefit most western countries, the reverse is the case for Nigeria considering the high level of political instability, ethnic crisis, and ethno/religious crisis among others The reason is not far fetch; Nigeria is operating a federal system in an awkward manner and this has make frictions and clashes possible which are currently posing a threat to her political development. To this end, this paper seeks to analyze Nigerian federalism from history, reasons...
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...Is multiculturalism compatible with individual rights? Multiculturalism can be defined as a form of identity politics which aims to link personal and social life, seeing individuals as embedded in a particular cultural, social institution or ideological context, advocating equality, rights and cohesion between all different cultural groups. Therefore it is rooted in communitarianism, the idea that we are shaped and defined by the community we live in, and advocates minority group rights. Individual rights are a liberal idea which advances the interests of every individual person, rather than the rights of a group of people. Liberals hold a central belief in the rights of the individual, stemming from the belief that we are all rational, autonomous beings capable of making our own decisions in our own best interests, protecting our own individual freedom. Multiculturalism on the other hand does not specifically extend the rights of the individual, instead, advancing the rights of minority groups as a whole, embedded in the idea of group and social identity. Therefore, Liberals have accused multiculturalists of being ‘just another form of collectivism’ not respecting the rights of individuals. For example, Amartya Sen attacked ‘solitaristic’ theory which underpins multiculturalism. This suggests human identities are formed by membership of a single social group, which can lead to miniaturisation of humanity and increases violence as people identify with only their own monoculture...
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...Canada Global Cultural José A. Rivera Osorio GRST 500 Research Paper Prof. Jared Mink April 8, 2014 Abstract Canada is the second largest country in the globe with population of over 32 million, the largest and most important industry Canada has is oil and logging. For businesses who want to expand towards Canada they are eight dimensions of business culture that will be detail in this analysis, and how NAFTA was formed. The agreements between U.S. and Canada with provisions that will benefit both countries, Canada also has bilateral agreements in trade with European Union and Asia, however we will only analyze U.S.-Canada cultures in business. Canada’s History The first inhabitants of Canada were native’s Indian people, primarily the Inuit “Eskimos. The Norse explorer Leif Eriksson reaches the shores of Canada at Nova Scotia in the year 1000, but the country actually begun 1497 with the introduction of the white man, John Cabot Italian at the service of King Henry VII of England reaches Nova Scotia. Canada was lost to the English in the year 1534 by Jacques Cartier which was the settlement of New France 1604, but was then was Nova Scotia in 1608. Quebec was founded, France’s colonization were not successful and ended at the end of 17th century. They penetrated beyond the Great Lakes to the western prairies and south along the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The English Hudson’s Bay Company in 1670 establishes themselves because of the abundance of fisheries...
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...Arguments in Regards to Traditional Marriage Angela Richardson PHI 103 Informal Logic John Ludes April.27 2015 Arguments in Regards to Traditional Marriage There are a lot of arguments in regards to traditional marriage and allowing same-sex marriage. This essay will review an argument in regards to the stance on not changing traditional marriage and will also provide a counterargument argument on the stance of not changing traditional marriage. This essay will also evaluate and identify the different components of both arguments. There has been a lot of debate in regards to whether traditional marriage should stay in tack or if it should be alltraled. The first argument we will review is against any changes to traditional marriage and that it should remain between a man and a woman. This argument consists of the idea that marriage should stay between a man and a women in order to produces and raise children together and that if marriage is changed it will no longer benefit society as it was originally designed. The argument also states keeping traditional marriage intact does not conflict with everyone’s liberty. One of the biggest premises the argument hold is that “Marriage exists to bring a man and a woman together as husband and wife to be father and mother to any children their union produces” (para. 8). This premise is based on the fact that it requires a man and a woman to produce a child and the belief that every child does better when raised by a mother and father...
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...Course Objectives At the end of this course, students will be • familiar with key concepts like civics, ethics and profession • equipped with basic knowledge, skills and attitude of socio-economic and political issues of their country • familiar with government institutions, policies, strategies and legal provisions of their country • able to analyze the dynamics of socio-economic and political transformations of their country • able to develop the knowledge of work habit; professional, environmental, development and public service ethics, and their repercussions • familiarized with foundations of democracy and good governance and tools of democratization process • able to assess the values of multi-culturalism and tolerance for mutual understandings and co-existence • able to gain an increased awareness of the opportunities and challenges of globalization Course Outline Chapter One: Civics and Ethics for Professionals 1.1. Conceptual frame work of Civics and Ethics 1.2. Civics, Ethics and Citizenship 1.3. Relations of Ethics, Civics and Profession 1.4. The development of civics, ethics and profession in Ethiopia 1.5. Examining major value challenges 1.6. Rights and...
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...benchmark for English 12 POS ▪ Students will select a federal policy issue which interests them and research the policy (if it is a historical topic, think about the following: did Congress pass the legislation? Why did the policy succeed or fail? Did the president approve or veto the policy?) ▪ Each public policy topic from the list may only be selected by ONE student in each class period ▪ Students will make connections between their chosen public policy and topics studied in U.S. Government. Students must choose three of the topics below to address in their paper somehow: 1) Bipartisanship or lack thereof in Congress 2) Bureaucracies (agencies or heads of agencies) 3) Divided government or unified government 4) Federalism (lobbying efforts from states) 5) Interest groups (name specific) 6) Media (advertisements – describe) 7) Presidential leadership 8) Party discipline (or lack thereof) in Congress Requirements of the Combined Research Paper 1. Thesis Statement 2. Annotated Bibliography 3. Formal Outline 4. Final Paper (including parenthetical citations and Works Cited) Your paper must address an issue in which there is existing national legislation that needs to be amended and/or an issue where someone has been harmed or is being harmed and legislation is lacking. Your research paper should have an introduction with a clearly stated thesis, an explanation of the problem or controversy,...
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...and you will have 35 minutes to complete the exam. Federalism: The Basic elements of a Federal system of government (i.e. how is it structured/how power is shared) • Layers of gov • Equal power • Distinct powers Powers of the federal government: delegated powers, implied powers (necessary and proper clause), and concurrent powers. • Delegated Powers: (expressed/enumerated powers) powers given to the federal government directly by the constitution. Some most important delegated powers are: the authority to tax, regulated interstate commerce, authority to declare war, and grants the president role of commander and chief of the military • Implied Powers: Powers not expressed in the constitution, but that can be inferred. “Necessary and proper clause” • Concurrent powers: powers shared by both levels of government. Ex: Taxes, roads, elections, commerce, establishing courts and a judicial system • Reserved powers: powers not assigned by the constitution to the national government but left to the states or the people. Guaranteed by the 10th amendment. Include “police power”-health and public welfare, intra-state commerce. Example of police powers: Gonzales vs Raich (2005) and California Medical Marijuana. The parts and relevance of the "Triad of Powers" • Interstate commerce clause • General welfare • 10th amendment – non-delegated powers go to the states Federalism between states (i.e. full faith and credit and privileges...
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