Cuban Government structure.
Executive summary This report includes a thorough description of Cuba's communist state. It also includes a comprehensive description of the similarities and differences of between Australia parliamentary system and Cuba's communist state. Cuban Government structure The communist party of Cuba Cuba is governed by a socialist regime under the rule of a single communist party (PCC). This is a social and economic system where the economic production is controlled by popular collectives eg the state, and the products are distibuted to serve the interests of society as a whole. This current governmnet came to power in january 1959, by the force of mitilary power. This was the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista's which was corrupted and stained in blood. During the 1970's Cuba changed from a dictatorship ruling to a bureaucratic regime, this is when the state owns the means of production, while the profit is distributed among an elite party (PCC), instead among the workers. Political system The current government system of Cuba is based a 'People's Power' system. This system was introduced in 1976 after a referendum was past with 98% in favor. In this system the electorates can elect municipal assemblies, regional assemblies and a national assembly. Some would argue that this aspect of the political system is more democratic than a dictatorship. The electorates are usually
In what ways do pressure groups strengthen democracy?
In what ways do pressure groups strengthen democracy? Pressure groups play an important role in the current political system in that it is these organisations who attempt to influence public opinion and shape policy in relation to a particular issue. An example of a way in which a pressure group strengthens democracy is by providing more freedom to the public, which is what a democracy is essentially about, a self-governing community. Pressure groups give this power to the citizens by organising minorities into larger groups, by bringing together people with similar interests and political views (interest aggregation) and not only that but they defend these opinions in the political arena (interest articulation). Without pressure groups democracy would be weaker because many voices would go unheard. Pressure groups try to help strengthen the voice of the minorities to work with the political parties and influence them. Feedback is an important part of a true democracy, the process must be a "two way" thing. pressure groups help this to happen. essentially this is done by insider groups. An example of this was the labour government of the seventies, when trade unions played a big part in industrial policy making. Outsider groups replace this with campaigns, rallies, protest, etc. Pressure groups often are consulted over decisions, which is another way they strengthen
Article reviewed: deLeon, Peter, and Ralph C. Longobardi. "Policy Analysis in the Good Society." The Good Society
PAD 5005 Critical Essay #1 Jim Beck PO Box 508 Palmer, AK 99645 [email protected] Article reviewed: deLeon, Peter, and Ralph C. Longobardi. "Policy Analysis in the Good Society." The Good Society 11:1 (2002). This article argues that policy analysis holds a very real utility for the "good society," and that, more specifically, participatory policy analysis is a very effective and important vehicle for achieving the good society. The authors outline a logical approach, including a list of perceived problems, the goals they propose to pursue, the disciplinary perspective(s) that gave birth to their goals, and how those goals may be met. The article begins with a quick examination of some of the current problems that stymie the development of the good society. These include a certain backlash against civility, characterized by a quote from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who states that there is "...an overemphasis of civility..." One cannot help but wonder if the Justice was confused with the pop-culture concept of "political correctness," which is certainly not enjoying strong approval in many circles. The concept of "good society" as outlined by the authors is hardly something anyone could legitimately argue against. Other problems include the detachment, cynicism, and in many cases, contempt, Americans have for their government, including a widely held
Democratic features of pressure groups
. Education It is clear that pressure groups offer a considerable amount of information to the people. They are, by definition, independent of government (if they were not, we could not describe them as pressure groups), so we are receiving important messages from which we can make sound judgements. Of course, we cannot always rely upon the information being totally accurate, but if we combine all the various sources of information available to us, we are able to form some kind of reasonable judgement. So pressure groups certainly help to inform and educate us. 2. Representation Whether we take an active part or not, pressure groups represent our interests to those who govern. In virtually all our activities there is probably a group which is seeking to secure favourable legislation or decisions and to avoid unfavourable ones. As motorists, hospital patients, students, sports-people, environmentalists, cyclists, walkers, birdwatchers, holidaymakers, workers, and so on, we can be sure there is a group which is fighting our corner. In some cases we may be active members and so know exactly what issues are being addressed. In other cases we are not active, but are nevertheless being passively represented. Even the smallest minorities are likely to enjoy such benefits. So pressure groups have important representative functions to perform. 3. Participation A passive citizenry
Why are pressure groups more important powerful in America compared to the UK?
Why are pressure groups more important powerful in America compared to the UK? The Media in the USA you can see the effect that the pressure groups have upon the US political system, it is clear that this differs to the UK where most of the work done by pressure groups remains behind the media spot light and could be seen as less powerful. In the UK political power is concentrated. There is a dominant branch of government this is the executive in Whitehall. In a parliamentary system such as in the UK the executive is drawn from the legislature. Ministers must be members of parliament. In practice, the executive is composed of the leading figures in the majority party and effectively controls the legislature because of that majority. The party that wins power can claim authority known as a mandate from the electorate to carry out its manifesto. It is expected to implement its promises and faces political embarrassment if it fails to do so. Pressure groups do not have the political clout to block specific policies, as they are an unelected body, which means that they do not hold the mandate. It is possible to make policy quickly and to achieve radical change and reform. Parliament has no separate authority to rival the government of the day. Nor does Britain have a codified constitution to limit government power; nor an entrenched Bill of Rights. So, the courts have not
In what ways, if at all, might it be said that democracy ensures power by the people, for the people?
SSCPL2080 Power and Decision-Making in Britain. In what ways, if at all, might it be said that democracy ensures power by the people, for the people? Rachael Fowler-251152 The word 'Democracy' derives from the ancient Greek words 'demos' and 'kratos' with a modern translation of rule by the people. Democracy as a word and concept is often contested in today's day and age as Bernard Crick states 'Democracy is perhaps the most promiscuous word in the world of public affairs' (Crick, 1962). Robertson also argues quite similarly stating that ' Democracy is the most valued and also the vaguest of political terms in the modern world.'(Robertson,1986). Due to the early Greek writings 5th century Athenians formed a 'direct' form of democracy where every citizen was given the right to vote. It was this form of democracy that inspired the democracy that we have come to adopt in Western Europe .But who truly exercises power in the UK is democracy that 'ensures power by the people, for the people' or does democracy ensure power to the elites? A pluralist view of democracy derives from a classic liberal way of thinking and is often called liberal democracy. Pluralism is the belief 'in diversity or choice, or the theory that political power should be widely and evenly dispersed.'(Heywood,1998) The pluralist model power is truly ' by the people for the people' as power is exercised
Politics - Democracy in the UK.
POLITICS - DEMOCRACY IN THE UK A) Define Direct Democracy. Direct democracy comprises a form of democracy and theory of civics where all citizens can directly participate in the decision-making process. Direct democracy in its traditional form is rule by the people through referenda. The people are given the right to pass laws, veto laws and withdraw support from a representative at any time. In the United States when specific direct democracy issues, other than the election of representatives, reach a local- or state-level ballot, they are commonly referred to by local and state governments as "ballot questions" or "ballot measures". B) Explain the main features of indirect democracy. Indirect democracy is when elected representatives act behalf on the people who have chosen them. The most common system found in today's democracies is the representative democracy. The people elect government officials who then make decisions on their behalf. Essentially, a representative democracy is a form of indirect democracy in which representatives are democratically selected, and usually difficult to recall. Indirect democracy is more effective given the size of society. Therefore it is impossible (currently) to take into considerations the views of all members of society on all decisions. Once the representative is chosen he is given a certain amount of time to do his or her
Analysis of Sakamato Ryoma and the Meiji Restoration by Marius Jansen.
Joseph R Knupp 0/12/02 Hist 352 Pledge: Analysis of Sakamato Ryoma and the Meiji Restoration by Marius Jansen. Sakamato Ryoma is the greatest hero of Japan. He is adored by millions of Japanese throughout the country. This type of adoration is understandable when one understands the significant impact that Ryoma made within Japan. Ryoma was a lower samurai of the Tosa clan. He was renowned for his ability at Kendo. His position as a lower samurai endears him too the average Japanese now, as his story is one of successful upward mobility. Ryoma's greatest accomplishment was his unification of the Satsuma and Chosu clans. He brought these two rivals together and with them formed a new government based around the Emperor. Ryoma was a member of the group known as the Men of High Purpose. These men were samurai who turned away from their feudal lords, and instead rallied around the Emperor. They are viewed as heroes by the Japanese people because they took the initiative and moved their loyalties from their individual lords to the country as a whole. Their efforts are, in large part, responsible for the unification of Japan. A large reason for Sakamato Ryoma's hero status is due to his assassination following the establishment of the Meiji government. He, unlike many of the other Men of High Purpose, was never tarnished by the despotism and militarism that
Examine Techniques used by pressure groups to gain influence.
Examine Techniques used by pressure groups to gain influence. A pressure group is described as a group who seeks to put pressure on decision makers to favour their views on policy issues. There are promotional pressure groups and protection pressure groups. Pressure groups can use many different ways in order to gain influence however some are more radical than others. Insider Groups are pressure groups, which have been invited into the decision-making by the government such as Friends of the Earth and can actively and civilly debate/negotiate an agreement. Insider groups tend to take a more political approach to getting things done, whilst Outsider Groups such as Greenpeace and Peta are use more extreme methods to support their campaign. Greenpeace has chosen to be an outsider group, as they believe that rational negotiations are pointless as they don't want to compromise their ideas they just want to get what they want and while they waste energy debating inside they could be putting it to better use outside. Outsider groups would use methods such as protests, marches and more radical approaches to gain influence and are usually found outside where the meetings are being held. Many pressure Groups can gain influence by starting a website. This is an easy way to reach a great number of people and its very quick and simple to do, also they can organise marches and sell
Are pressure groups good for democracy?
Are pressure groups good for democracy? Pressure groups are organisations whose members share common interests and seek to influence governments. They can be classified in several different ways but the most important distinction is between insider and outsider groups. They are organisations that want to change policy but do not want to become the government. They focus on particular issues or areas of concern and can become involved in policy making by organising campaigns, sending letters, organising demonstrations and signing petitions. People join pressure groups to show their support for a particular issue and to join with other like-minded people in trying to influence our politicians. Some people feel working in a group like this means they have a louder voice in getting their message across. There are many positive and negative factors of pressure groups on a democracy. Positive factors of pressure groups are they are effective channels of communication between the people and the government, the groups provide detailed and valuable information on areas of economic and social activity and so help the government towards making better decisions. They will listen to the views of different people and can make a decision about what the general feeling is on the topic in question. These pressure groups will then present their argument to the government in a way that they