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Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Central government > General
Provocative in nature, this work looks critically at the bureaucratic infrastructure behind the U.S. federal government, from its origins as a self-governing republic in the 18th century to its modern presence as a centralized institution. This fascinating critique analyzes the inner workings of the American government, suggesting that our federal system works not as a byproduct of the U.S. Constitution but rather as the result of liberal and progressive politics. Distinguished academic and political analyst Paul D. Moreno asserts that errant political movements have found "loopholes" in the U.S. Constitution, allowing for federal bureaucracy—a state he feels is a misinterpretation of America's founding dogma. He contends that constitutionalism and bureaucracy are innately incompatible… with the former suffering to accommodate the latter. According to Moreno, the leadership of the United States strayed from the democratic principles of the early founders and grew to what it is today—a myriad of bureaucratic red tape couched in unreasonable policies. A straightforward, chronological narrative explains how non-elected bureaucrats became powerful political mavens in America. Each chapter covers several decades and features events spanning from the early history of the United States through coverage of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) of 2010.
Public administration is under increasing pressure to become more efficient, better geared to the demands and opinions of citizens, more open to contacts with transnational bureaucracies, and more responsive to the ideas of elected policymakers. Bureaucracy in the Modern State offers a comparative analysis of how these challenges affect public administration in France, the United States, Germany, Japan, Britain, Sweden and the developing countries of the Third World. Specialist chapters written by acknowledged experts on the public policy of each country are brought together in a comparative framework in order to assess the impact of recent changes on the relationship between policy makers and the civil service, and the organizational challenges presented by the introduction of market-based ideology. Assessing public administration from a state-society perspective, the authors focus on four basic factors which they believe determine the role of the bureaucracy in modern societies: the configuration of the state, the relationship between policymakers and the bureaucracy, the internal organizational dynamics of the bureaucracy, and the relationship between the public bureaucracy and civil society. A special analysis of the relationship between domestic and transnational bureaucracies is also included, with particular reference made to the European Union. Addressing one of the key public policy issues of our time, this book will be widely used by teachers, students and researchers who will welcome the combination of in-depth studies of selected countries, from capitalist democracies to developing countries, with an authoritative comparative analysis held together by a distinct theoretical framework.
The global financial crisis had a dramatic short-term effect on federal relations and, as the twelve case studies in this illuminating book show, set in place a new set of socio-political factors that are shaping the longer-run process of institutional change in federal systems. The Future of Federalism illustrates how an understanding of these complex dynamics is crucial to the development of policies needed for effective and sustainable federal governance in the 21st century. The book finds that growing fiscal pressures are interacting with domestic political variables to produce country specific federal dynamics. Arguably the first detailed study of the medium term impact of the financial crisis and its aftermath on federal governance, this volume highlights how growing budget pressures are contributing to increased centralisation in many federations, while in others national governments are devolving power to appease regional grievances and preserve the federal union. Contributions from leading federalism and public finance scholars test recent theoretical explanations of change in federal systems against the experiences of a diverse cross-section of federal jurisdictions. The case studies include both established federations and 'federalizing' jurisdictions, such as the UK and China, and highlights the complex dynamics which shape the evolution of federal governance Comprehensive and interdisciplinary, this timely book will appeal to students and scholars - from political science, economics and law - studying federalism, governance studies and comparative political economy. It is essential reading for public officials and policy makers interested in intergovernmental relations, public finance and budgeting and tax policy. Contributors include: J.R. Afonso, D.M. Brown, C. Colino, T.J. Conlan, L. de Mello, E. del Pino, R. Eccleston, R. Hortle, R. Jha, R. Krever, S. Lee, R. Mabugu, E. Massetti, P. Mellor, J. Schnellenbach, N. Soguel, C. Wong
Across all the boroughs, The Long Crisis shows, New Yorkers helped transform their broke and troubled city in the 1970s by taking the responsibilities of city governance into the private sector and market, steering the process of neoliberalism. Newspaper headlines beginning in the mid-1960s blared that New York City, known as the greatest city in the world, was in trouble. They depicted a metropolis overcome by poverty and crime, substandard schools, unmanageable bureaucracy, ballooning budget deficits, deserting businesses, and a vanishing middle class. By the mid-1970s, New York faced a situation perhaps graver than the urban crisis: the city could no longer pay its bills and was tumbling toward bankruptcy. The Long Crisis turns to this turbulent period to explore the origins and implications of the diminished faith in government as capable of solving public problems. Conventional accounts of the shift toward market and private sector governing solutions have focused on the rising influence of conservatives, libertarians, and the business sector. Benjamin Holtzman, however, locates the origins of this transformation in the efforts of city dwellers to preserve liberal commitments of the postwar period. As New York faced an economic crisis that disrupted long-standing assumptions about the services city government could provide, its residents-organized within block associations, non-profits, and professional organizations-embraced an ethos of private volunteerism and, eventually, of partnership with private business in order to save their communities' streets, parks, and housing from neglect. Local liberal and Democratic officials came to see such alliances not as stopgap measures but as legitimate and ultimately permanent features of modern governance. The ascent of market-based policies was driven less by a political assault of pro-market ideologues than by ordinary New Yorkers experimenting with novel ways to maintain robust public services in the face of the city's budget woes. Local people and officials, The Long Crisis argues, built neoliberalism from the ground up, creating a system that would both exacerbate old racial and economic inequalities and produce new ones that continue to shape metropolitan areas today.
Nation within a Nation features cutting-edge work by lead scholars in the fields of history, political science, and human geography, who examine the causes--realand perceived--for the South's perpetual state of rebellion, which remains oneof its most defining characteristics.
Featuring a unique storytelling approach, A Trek through American and Texas Government follows a fictional character named Champ Cove as he visits various government agencies and affiliated organizations in Texas and the United States. Through the eyes of Champ, students learn foundational information about the role and operation of state and federal government in an engaging way. Section I covers American governing foundations, political geography, political culture, the impact of demographic shifts on government, our founding governing documents, federalism, and the history of politics in American and Texan experiences. In Section II, students learn about ways to influence the political process, elections from the perspective of voters and candidates, interest groups, and political parties. Section III provides insight on the various government agencies found in the country at the local, state, national, and international levels, as well as how they might interact with one another. The final section discusses domestic policy, foreign policy, civil liberties, government fiscal policy, and political symbols. Highly educational and an entertaining read, A Trek through American and Texas Government is ideal for introductory courses in government.
This work treats presidential leadership as persuasive communication. The major theories of presidential leadership found in the literature establish the central role of persuasion, and introduce the interpretive systems approach to political communication as a theoretical framework for the study of presidential leadership as persuasion. Case studies examine recent presidents' use of public persuasion to perform their leadership functions. Particular attention is devoted to coalitional constraints on presidential pardoning rhetoric, presidential leadership through the politics of division, the political significance of conflicting political narratives, the sermonic nature of much 20th-century presidential discourse, the difficulties inherent in persuading the public to make sacrifices, and the dangers of relying too heavily on public rhetoric. The concluding chapter considers the rhetoric that contributed to the demise of the Bush presidency, the election of Bill Clinton, and the challenges facing the Clinton presidency.
Over the past decade, there has been continual development and renewal of strategies and practices surrounding e-governance. Governments around the world have embraced new information and communication technologies to increase the efficiency of internal processes, deliver better and more integrated services to citizens and businesses, invite citizen and stakeholder participation in planning decisions, improve communication, and sometimes even enhance democratic processes. Global Strategy and Practice of E-Governance: Examples from Around the World provides readers with an overview of relevant strategy and policy-level theoretical frameworks and examples, as well as up-to-date implementations from around the world. This book offers valuable insights into best practices, as well as some of the issues and challenges surrounding the governance of and with information and communication technologies in a globalized, knowledge-based world.
Michael Savage predicted the chaos that is Obama's legacy. Now he tells us whether the destruction can be stopped! The prophetic author of the bestselling Government Zero, Dr. Michael Savage is back with his most urgent and powerful work. Listeners to Dr. Savage's top-rated radio talk show, The Savage Nation, know him to be an articulate and engaged spokesman for traditional American values of borders, language, and culture. Now, after eight divisive years of Barack Obama, Dr. Savage lays out an irrefutable case for how our nation has been undermined by terrorists from without, by anarchists from within, by a president and politicians with contempt for the Constitution and the law, and by a complicit liberal media. With words and topics that are as insightful as they are timely, he makes an ironclad case for the dangers we face from Hillary Clinton and her fellow travelers in the progressive movement. He also explains why Donald Trump may be one of the two best hopes for America's future as we try to regain control of our government, our country, and our national soul. The other hope? As Dr. Savage explains in some of his most heartfelt and passionate words, it is we, the people: the ordinary "Eddies," as he calls them-motivated, roused, and engaged. This book is about much more than an election. It is a veteran commentator and celebrated raconteur providing a blueprint for how to regain our cherished freedoms and our national identity . . . before they are lost forever.
Flying into the Future explores the organization of air transport in the European Union. It analyses the nature of the industries supplying air transport services, the institutional structure of air transport services, and impediments to increased efficiency in the provision of air transport. The reduction in institutional barriers and regulations has led to a more efficient provision of air transport services in the EU. This book assesses the improvements in the efficiency of air transport services, and highlights institutional and physical problems impeding further efficiency gains. The authors examine airline operations, and the ability of two or more transport systems to operate effectively in tandem. They also consider how to make the boundaries between different transport networks invisible, as well as discussing issues of national organization and the juridical structures which impede operations. The analysis examines both the internal European Union market for air transport services and the links between it and the rest of the world. Other key issues discussed include: * EU air transport developments in the context of global markets * comparisons of recent developments in aviation policy between the EU and the United States * the problems of congestion in the air transport industry in Europe * the growth and significance of airline alliances. The authors not only consider the economics of European air transport but also legal, political, technical and geographical issues. They explore the problems of providing air transport in the context of inadequate information, institutional constraints, inherent market imperfections and imprecise objectives. Flying into the Future will be essential reading for industrialists, policymakers and academics interested in transport economics and transport policy.
E-government has evolved from basic information provisioning to more integrated service offerings enabling citizen-centric services. The Handbook of Research on ICT-Enabled Transformational Government: A Global Perspective provides comprehensive coverage and definitions of the most important issues, concepts, trends, and technologies within transformation stage e-government (t-government) implementation. A significant reference source within the technological and governmental fields, this Handbook of Research offers theoretical and empirical studies that communicate new insights into t-government for both researchers and practitioners interested in the subject.
Now a 6-part mini-series called Why the Rest of Us Die airing on VICE TV! The shocking truth about the government's secret plans to survive a catastrophic attack on US soil--even if the rest of us die--is "a frightening eye-opener" (Kirkus Reviews) that spans the dawn of the nuclear age to today, and "contains everything one could possibly want to know" (The Wall Street Journal). Every day in Washington, DC, the blue-and-gold first Helicopter Squadron, codenamed "MUSSEL," flies over the Potomac River. As obvious as the Presidential motorcade, most people assume the squadron is a travel perk for VIPs. They're only half right: while the helicopters do provide transport, the unit exists to evacuate high-ranking officials in the event of a terrorist or nuclear attack on the capital. In the event of an attack, select officials would be whisked by helicopters to a ring of secret bunkers around Washington, even as ordinary citizens were left to fend for themselves. "In exploring the incredible lengths (and depths) that successive administrations have gone to in planning for the aftermath of a nuclear assault, Graff deftly weaves a tale of secrecy and paranoia" (The New York Times Book Review) with details "that read like they've been ripped from the pages of a pulp spy novel" (Vice). For more than sixty years, the US government has been developing secret Doomsday strategies to protect itself, and the multibillion-dollar Continuity of Government (COG) program takes numerous forms--from its potential to evacuate the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia to the plans to launch nuclear missiles from a Boeing-747 jet flying high over Nebraska. Garrett M. Graff sheds light on the inner workings of the 650-acre compound, called Raven Rock, just miles from Camp David, as well as dozens of other bunkers the government built for its top leaders during the Cold War, from the White House lawn to Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado to Palm Beach, Florida, and the secret plans that would have kicked in after a Cold War nuclear attack to round up foreigners and dissidents and nationalize industries. Equal parts a presidential, military, and cultural history, Raven Rock tracks the evolution of the government plan and the threats of global war from the dawn of the nuclear era through the War on Terror.
American Government: A Brief Introduction teaches students how to interpret and question data in charts, graphs, and polls that they encounter daily in social media. Drawing on her expertise as both a teacher and researcher, new co-author Hahrie Han helps students develop essential quantitative literacy as they learn how American government works. A reconceptualized introductory chapter establishes a foundation for interpreting empirical evidence, and a unique framework built around the themes of governance and representation, helps students understand how the concepts and processes of American government function in their daily lives. Together with a robust media program that offers opportunities to remediate and apply these skills, American Government: A Brief Introduction builds the knowledge and confidence that enables students to think for themselves-whether in the voting booth, community participation, or interpreting in the news.
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state, with more than 18,000 islands and over 7.9 million square kilometres of sea. The marine frontier presents the nation with both economic opportunities and political and strategic challenges. Indonesia has been affected more than most countries in the world by a slow revolution in the management of its waters. Whereas Indonesia's seas were once conceived administratively as little more than the empty space between islands, successive governments have become aware that this view is outmoded. The effective transfer to the seas of regulatory regimes that took shape on land, such as territoriality, has been an enduring challenge to Indonesian governments. This book addresses issues related to maritime boundaries and security, marine safety, inter-island shipping, the development of the archipelagic concept in international law, marine conservation, illegal fishing, and the place of the sea in national and regional identity.
Democratization in Indonesia has altered the political decision-making processes in many ways. It has also brought about tremendous change to the role of the Indonesian parliament in the country's political system. Once characterized as a powerless rubber stamp, the parliament has developed into a comprehensive and more representative body able to fulfil its functions more adequately. In the literature on democratic transition, the impact of parliaments on regime changes and on the democratic reorganization of the most important state institutions and regulations is usually neglected. In the Indonesian case, however, the national parliament was one of the most decisive actors and is therefore the focus of this book. The author analyses the parliament's contribution towards the process of democratization. Thus, this book contributes not only to research on the Indonesian democratization process, but also to the comparative research on parliaments in transition processes in general.
This major book reviews and analyses the changes that have taken place in public administration in Britain and North America over the last ten years and which will continue to have a profound impact on central and local bureaucracies well into the next century.Managing the Public Sector provides a critical introduction and successfully combines a review of the literature with original research. It relates theory to practice and highlights the problem of implementation. It covers all the major issues including privatization, and the importance of the business sector both as a partner and a powerful lobby for efforts to use market mechanisms to devolve power. This thoroughly modern, up-to-date book will be essential reading for all courses on public administration and policy analysis and the management of the public sector.
Since 1960 the office of the vice presidency of the United States has evolved into a fundamentally different institution than the one the founders envisioned, attracting better-qualified aspirants who may be called upon to perform a variety of important tasks. This book offers a corrective to the overwhelmingly negative view that Americans have had of their vice presidents by demonstrating how the role has changed over time. In addition, Baumgartner examines those who were candidates for vice president but who were not elected. The book is organized thematically according to the career path of the vice president, from the selection process through campaign and nomination to election, service in office, and post-White House contributions. John Adams famously called the vice presidency, the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived. Harry Truman called it, about as useful as a cow's fifth teat. How things have changed in a world where many consider Vice President Dick Cheney the most powerful figure in the current administration. Since 1960 the office of the vice presidency of the United States has evolved into a fundamentally different institution than the one the founders envisioned, attracting better-qualified aspirants who may be called upon to perform a variety of important tasks. No longer a ceremonial figurehead or legislative drudge, the vice president today consults closely with the president and plays an important role in executive decisions. Those who are chosen as running mates are examined more thoroughly than ever before, not merely for the boost they might give the presidential candidate in the general election, but also for the kind of president they might be if fate called upon them to serve. In a book that is as readable as it is fascinating, Baumgartner offers a corrective to the overwhelmingly negative view Americans have had of their vice presidents by demonstrating how the role has changed over time. Setting the stage with a visit to the Constitutional Convention and a brief look at pre-modern vice presidents, he examines the 19 men and one woman who have been vice presidents or candidates for the office since 1960. His insightful book is organized thematically according to the career path of the vice president-from the selection process through the campaign and nomination to election, service in office, and post-White House contributions.
The papers included in this publication represent windows through which others can view candid debates and discussions by Chinese scholars and public servants about current, pressing issues challenging their national and local governments. The papers address a wide range of challenging issues-from the design of training for the Chinese civil service to experiments with marketing and mixed economies, responsiveness of government to citizens, how to carry on "the democracy experiment" in China, transparency and openness in government, building rule of law, autonomy of local governments, and selection of leaders. Naturally, these papers do not cover all the changes taking place in the Chinese national and local governments as a result of the reforms, but the issues discussed here suggest the breadth and depth of changes that have occurred in recent years, and they offer insights, rare in English, into modern Chinese public administration.
Hope is a powerful yet complex phenomenon. Can hope be harnessed for positive social change? What does it mean for a society to "hope well?" How do institutions abuse individual hope? This issue of The Annals delves into the complicated notions of hope and how it can be encouraged and nurtured on several levels. The contributors to this issue explore institutions of hope in operation and explain how those institutions can function effectively. Divided into two parts, the first set of articles define institutions of hope as "sets of rules, norms, and practices that ensure that we have some room not only to dream of the extraordinary, but also to do the extraordinary." Using a combination of theory and practice, the contributors address several different models in the construct of institutions of hope. With a series of case studies, Part I demonstrates institutions of hope at work and shows not only how collective hope may be used constructively but also how it may be abused by those in power. Part II of this issue identifies ways that institutionalizing hope can address the individual needs on a psychological level. The authors in this second set of papers ask questions such as "What does it mean for an individual to hope well?" and "How and why is hope such a fundamental component of being human?" Taken together, these two general approaches to hope - on both an individual and a collective level - give readers insight into the challenges of designing institutions that allow collective hopes to be practiced. Calling for an agenda that encourages both theory and practice, the contributors to this special issue set a solid foundation for future research into ways that will narrow the gap between the psychological needs of the individual and the limitations of social institutions.
The Asian continent is composed of multiple political systems, huge populations, and different religions and histories. Yet, the undercurrents of politics and political affairs and how societies function in this vast region are not well known, and in fact often misunderstood. The role of music and its impact on political affairs is just one of these unknown or misunderstood factors about this region. Unlike initial political communication studies, the present book is not about examining established political structures such as parliament or congress and the presidency; political processes such as elections, campaign advertising and voter education; or even political behavior and participation such as voting and the performance of other civic duties. Rather, it recognizes and explores the impact and intersection of music and politics in society, in this case, various societies in the Asian continent. The book is projected to be an invaluable research tool specifically in the hands of researchers and students of Asian politics in the aforementioned fields, and people who are interested in understanding and investigating the intersection of music and politics globally. Therefore, suggested potential targets for the envisaged edited book include such researchers and students across multiple disciplines in the arts and humanities, as well as libraries and research institutes across the globe.
A rebel and risk-taker from childhood, John McCain--son and grandson of admirals--nevertheless chose to follow the traditional path marked out for him in the military. Nearly six years in a North Vietnamese prison tested his resolve and proved his extraordinary resilience and will to survive. Coming to Congress, McCain found that making his way in politics demanded a different set of survival skills, and he grew accustomed to the corridors of power while striving to keep his independence. This lively biography traces McCain's unlikely ascent to the verge of attaining the nation's highest office while never ceasing to challenge himself and others to serve a cause greater than self-interest.
The Queen of Jamaica examines our relationship with the crown and explores the possibilities for our future as a people and that of monarchy in Jamaica. It is proposed that now is the time for Jamaica to say good-bye to Britain's Queen Elizabeth as our monarch. Before we close this chapter on the British Crown, there are a few questions to consider: Are we ready for complete independence? Is Jamaica inspired enough to take great strides forward on our own? Are we prepared to outline a long-term strategy for sustainable development and see it to fruition? Can we reform Jamaica from within, to create a powerhouse of progress and prosperity? What will happen to Jamaicans who hold British passports? What does it mean to be a Jamaican? How will separation from the crown affect our identity as a people? Will there be unexpected consequences to going it alone? Do we really want to be a republic? Is this form of government in keeping with our traditions in governance? What will be gained by adopting this model for our political future? What will be lost by abandoning the monarchy? Why not choose to have our own "working monarch?" Have we grown accustomed to having a lofty figurehead to look up to? Are our national interests best served by having such a person for the people to focus on as an example of what a fine and upstanding Jamaican should be? Would having such a leader that reflects our nation inspire greatness in our people? Learn more about the road to Jamaica's future in The Queen of Jamaica--A Crown for Our Empire. |
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