Is Representative Democracy An Effective Way to Distribute Political Power?
School of Politics and Sociology COURSEWORK COVER SHEET Student Number: 12510219 Programme of Study: MSC Government Policy and Politics Title of Course Unit: Core ? Option ? Essay 1 ? Essay 2 ? (Please tick as appropriate) Essay Title: Is Representative Democracy an Effective way to Distribute Political Power? Word Count: 3, 032 For official use only Mark: Mark: Tutor signature: Tutor signature: Date: Date: Is Representative Democracy An Effective Way to Distribute Political Power? This essay will be examining the question, is representative democracy an effective way to distribute political power? By using the word democracy and political, this essay will primarily be focusing on the political make up of the United Kingdom and its competence as a legislature. This essay will seek to give examples of both effective and ineffective ways representation has been used in British politics to distribute power amongst Parliament. And whether representative democracy has contributed to a legitimate and equal system of power or if it has made political power unjust and imbalanced. Representative Democracy involves the selection of government officials by the people being represented. It is more properly called a democratic republic. The most common mechanisms involve election of the candidate with a majority or a plurality of the votes 1. Hanna
Foot and Mouth is a highly infectious viral disease, affecting mainly pigs, cows, sheep and goats. The disease can be recognised by fever, blisters in the mouth vicinity, teats or between the hooves.
Introduction Foot and Mouth is a highly infectious viral disease, affecting mainly pigs, cows, sheep and goats. The disease can be recognised by fever, blisters in the mouth vicinity, teats or between the hooves. The livestock do not actually need to be destroyed once the disease has been identified and in fact there is a vaccination for one strain of the disease. However, vaccinated animals can still be carriers and therefore pass the disease on. This then leaves little alternative but to destroy and burn the infected livestock. The official 2001 outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) occurred on the 21st February, however reports suggest that the outbreak was well advanced by then. Infected sheep were sent to Hexham market on the 13th February, other sheep were then infected and transported across England. The sheep at Hexham market must have caught the infection up to 2 weeks before this time and the source of that infection must have been 2 weeks before then. The last major epidemic of foot and mouth disease was in the 1960's and at first it was hoped that the outbreak this year was not going to get anywhere near as bad. Unfortunately the 2001 outbreak has long since gone beyond that of the 1960's for a number of reasons, namely the sheer volume and distance involved in the transportation of livestock. In the 1960's outbreak the Armed Forces were called in after
Compare and Contrast the types of military Government experienced in Egypt, Spain and Brazil after 1945
Compare and Contrast the types of military Government experienced in Egypt, Spain and Brazil after 1945. The military has the monopoly of force and is the most organized sector of a states employees. The chance of a coup and subsequently a military government is far more likely if the country is suffering from internal strife and this has been the pattern for many developing and post colonial nations. It is after the takeover that the problems begin. The newly installed military regime has the task of solving the problems that caused them to bring their tanks to the presidential palace. The military, although regimented and highly organized often lack the ability, political background and experience of those they have ousted. The military learn fast that governing is difficult especially in the developing states were coups are most likely to occur. The three examples of military governments after 1945 that will be used as case study countries to compare military government are Egypt, Spain and Brazil. In Egypt the military government took over in 1954- 1970. In Spain the military were in power from 1936-1975 with General Francisco Franco at the helm. In Brazil the military exercised control from 1964-1985, military government differed in Brazil from that of Egypt and Spain in that there was no one figurehead of the regime, it was ruled by a succession of Generals appointed by
Anything but Ordinary - California.
Anything but Ordinary Christopher Galang Professor Gregory Graves History 177 - Final Exam MWF 10-10:50 6 December 2003 California is anything but ordinary. Whether it is a desert, a forest, or snow-covered mountainsides, California presents it in a neat little package that has sold millions into settling onto her shores and valleys. From its very inception, California has had a unique background and an even more unique population that has often been guided by myths, legends and stories. The year 1848 would begin such a story as the promise of gold and wealth incited the nations largest migration to take place into California. Almost overnight, California would be transformed into a bustling metropolis of industry and begin an almost unstoppable whirlwind trend of economic and population growth. Cheap land, a temperate climate, gold, jobs, and a new start were only a few of the reasons for California's immense and sudden growth, but "Gold Mountain" as the Chinese referred to California also suffered its share of problems as it became all too clear that there was not enough to go around as had been promised. But as Californians, we found a way to make it work as thousands of people per year continued to make their way westward. Analyzing several facets of growth and decline as compared to the nation as well as individual states, we can see how California has turned itself
Case Study of a European Political Party: The National Front of France.
Case Study of a European Political Party: The National Front of France The National Front (FN) is a right-wing party that has gained notoriety and infamy for being racist, anti-Semitic, and even fascistic in modern France. What surprises most casual observers is the depth and popularity of its policies and its organizational ability. This paper endeavours to firstly, trace the roots, ideology and electoral history of the Front. Secondly, describe and analyze the efficacy of the Front based upon the adequacy of its representation, communication and mobilization of its supporters. Thirdly, a critique of the party based upon its ability to fulfil its roles and attain its goals and ideologies. But before we embark on any further discussion, it is imperative that we understand the role of parties and how they affect the political landscape in a particular country. The Importance of Political Parties Almond et al. states that "political parties provide a critical link between citizens and policymakers".1 This is largely due to the middleman role the party performs-from organizing votes and representing the citizens to being part of the legislative process and forming the government. It is by this role that parties are judged to be successful or be branded a failure. The European context for political parties makes for an interesting study as certain patterns and alignments
How far is it true to say that Britain has moved from a system of Cabinet government to a system of Prime Ministerial government?
Question : How far is it true to say that Britain has moved from a system of Cabinet government to a system of Prime Ministerial government? Introduction To start off, we shall first examine the definition of each type of system of government in Britain. Definition of Cabinet Government Cabinet government is a popular system throughout democracy system. Britain itself also practices a cabinet government. Essentially it means that the executive of the system is invested in a group of ministers who individually have responsibilities to specific policy areas but collectively are responsible for all government policies. They are generally separated from the other parts of the system that includes the three main organs of the government although they may still hold their positions in the legislature. The cabinet consist of a chief spokesman whom is the prime minister and whom may do as little as chair meetings or may lead the cabinet1 to decisions. The cabinet is the formal linchpin of the system; it is the focus of accountability to parliament and even the strongest Prime Minister cannot govern without its support. The cabinet meets weekly; chaired by the Prime Minister. In short, the cabinet government places power equally amongst the ministers or members of the cabinet. Even though so, theory does not always match to the practice and these shall be further discussed
"The EP and its role in the EU".
Academic Year 2003-2004 "The EP and its role in the EU" Professor Westlake Assistant: E. Bacconnier Helder Marcio do Couto Pereira "Where is the centre of power in the European Parliament?" "Where is the centre of power in the European Parliament?" Previous to the process of providing a possible answer to the question mentioned previously, it is valid to commence by offering an overview of the manner by which one has decided to organise this essay, the latter being divided in five main parts. The essay begins by an initial introduction offering an overview of the organisation of this work (part 1), the presentation of the main premises of this work, more precisely "centre" and "power" and posterior to that the provision of possible definitions of both, these serving as premises for the argumentation presented hereafter (part 2). Part 3 of this work analysis the veracity of the question itself, more precisely whether the European Parliament (EP) may be considered to be an institution holding power and whether or not previous considerations of the EP as the EU's "talking shop" may be still considered to be valid. Part 4 of this work attempts to draw a possible response to the question presented, presenting possible centres of power in the European Parliament. The final part of the essay (Part 5) presents the main conclusions arrived to. As mentioned the question
What problems have the SPD faced in gaining political credibility and power in the post-wa
What problems have the SPD faced in gaining political credibility and power in the post-wa The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) re-emerged after the War as the only major former Weimar political party, its organisation strong and its credentials impeccable (in March 1933 it was the only party to vote against Hitler's Enabling Act, and Schumacher had been incarcerated for 10 years under the Nazis). With the old order discredited by its fascist associations, the SPD felt it had a national claim to govern, being, it believed, the party with the credibility and policies most suitable to take on this responsibility as democratic politics resumed at the national level. Its membership had been quickly re-established at a grass-roots level, an executive leadership committee had been maintained in exile and, on a wider level, socialists in all European countries had high expectations that their policies would be the ones implemented to lead the continent along the lengthy road to post-war reconstruction (Smith,1990,Conradt,1986,Carr,1987). The SPD failed however, to lived up to these expectations falling far short of an absolute majority in the 1949 parliamentary elections and clearly losing out to Adenauer's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the 1953 elections (Conradt,1986). How can this be accounted for as there seemed "an undeniable relevance" with regard the SPD's
Compare coalition governments in Germany and Israel. What is the impact of the coalition governments on democratic performance?
Louise Gouws 13810251 Compare coalition governments in Germany and Israel. What is the impact of the coalition governments on democratic performance? Index Introduction 2 Approach 2 Definitions 2 Coalition Governments 3 Germany 5 Political system 5 Coalition government 6 Israel 7 Political system 7 Coalition Government 8 Democratic performance - deductions and inferences 0 Conclusion 2 Bibliography 3 Introduction The impact of coalition governments on democratic performance is a complex issue with a lot of influencing factors. Coalition governments have a definite impact on democratic performance (and responsible government), as is argued here. This will be seen in the comparison of Germany and Israel. However, it has to be noted that no political event can be seen out of context, and thus the direct impact of coalition governments are hard to define. One has to look at a country's political and, to a certain extent, it's history, to see what its government's impact has on democratic performance. Approach The approach used is one less of comparison, but rather one of reflection on democratic performance and how coalition governments influence it. Firstly, the definitions that are important to the argument will be given. Secondly, coalition governments will be reviewed in general. It is with this background that Germany and Israel's
Ageing Essay
In what ways and to what extent have government policies had to adapt to the changing demographics of Britain with particular reference to the impact of older people. Student ID 329897 School of Social Policy University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK Introduction and Background The influence of older people within 21st century society has increased dramatically due to circumstances which occurred post-World War Two. The two baby booms between 1948-1950 and between 1955-1962 meant that at the dawn of the 21st century the demographics for Britain hosted a 'top heavy' population with older people accounting for higher numbers than ever before (Scharf, 2002). Initial post war political trends meant that many older people were excluded, with Europe being characterised by high levels of acquiescence (Cumming and Henry 1961). For older people in particular, a method of disengagement meant that levels of participation were often kept to a minimum after the age of retirement. Thus retirement acted as a process by which older people were detached from society, losing sources of political consciousness and channels of representation (Walker 1999). Their passiveness was often highlighted as a popular trend and meant that their roles within society were very limited. The immediate aftermath of World War Two was a political benchmark for years to come with the
