Presidential Electoral System Essay Example for Free

Presidential Electoral System Essay The Presidential Electoral System of the United States is one that is unique among the electoral systems of nations all over the world as it breaks down into separate elections of each federal state – 51 – which is then integrated to determine the winning candidate.   Members of the Electoral College are tasked to select their preference for the chief executive position, which is then committed as the vote of the state.   The members of the Electoral College are in theory tasked to reflect the sentiments of the state residents. (Paulson, 2000) The presidential candidate that would obtain the majority vote would be declared as the winning candidate; the absence of the majority vote would lead to intervention from the House of Representatives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This system is in fact very different from the popularity vote system, as there is a possibility that there would be a difference between the electoral vote gained and the popularity vote.   Several times in history this occurrence has transpired, which then puts the presidential electoral system in question. (Burrill, 1975)   This becomes quite a controversy as the Electoral College would not reflect popular sentiment, which is sometimes argued to be paradoxical, as it runs conflict with the democratic principle of communal decision-making.   The justification for the present electoral system is to give credence to small states that may be overwhelmed by votes from the larger states. (Paulson, 2000) It is noted to bring about equitable distribution of opportunity to select for all states regardless of population size.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are several criticisms as to the conduct of the United States presidential electoral system.   For one, it is a winner-take-all system that is disadvantageous for third party candidates.   Because it is only the two dominant parties of the Republicans and Democrats that can elicit electoral victories through the Electoral College system, then Third Party candidates has less opportunity to win. (Paulson, 2000)   Another criticism, as was mentioned, it is at times does not reflect the true popular sentiment of the voters.   It has been several times in history that there is a result disparity between the Electoral College victor and the recipient of the most number of popular votes. This therefore leads to the problem that â€Å"not every vote may count†, for there is this possibility of winning the electoral vote of the state without consideration for the margin of victory.   This has been the case in the 2000 Presidential elections wherein Bush won the most number of electoral votes because of small states, while Gore, while receiving more popular votes because of the bigger states, received less electoral votes.  Ã‚   There is also a large impact on how campaigning are then being conducted, as candidates would prefer to focus on states that would be consequential to moving the results of the electoral voting.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are several proposals to amend such type of electoral system. First is the adoption of the one-person-one-vote, and adopt a simple pluralist or majoritarian system.   In this way, the total number of popular votes, and not the number of electoral votes, would then determine the election winner.   Another is to proportionally distribute the electoral votes, and not the winner-take-all system. For instance, if a candidate, in a state with 30 electoral votes gets 70% of the vote, then s/he would be entitled to 21 electoral votes.   In that way, there is more consideration for the margin of preferences of the state citizens. In fact, this proportional representation system or even the direct election system can prove to be more appealing to the public than the electoral voting process, which tends to not place value on individual preferences.   The electoral system must be amended to reflect the democratic choices of the citizens. References Burrill, Richard. (1975). Controversy Over the Presidential Electoral System. United   Ã‚  Ã‚   States: R and E Research Associates. Diamond, Larry, and Marc Plattner, Eds. (2006). Electoral Systems and Democracy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   United States: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Paulson, Arthur. (2000). Realignment and Party Revival: Understanding American   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Electoral Politics at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century. United States:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Praeger Publishers.

Gay and Lesbian Marriage in America :: Same-Sex Marriage

Marriage, as both a legal institution and as a social tradition, has always been at the heart of the building blocks of American society. Throughout U.S. history, it has generally been understood, both legally and socially, as a monogamous union between two persons of opposite sexes. However, as the gay and lesbian liberation movement gains increasing exposure and influence, the topic of same-sex marriage has been brought to discussion. In the following pages, the legitimacy of same-sex marriages/partnership will be discussed, as well as the best means to achieve such an end. For the purpose here, the diction â€Å"marriage† and â€Å"union† are used interchangeably, although one might argue that to all but the most zealous, the idea of a same-sex union is more acceptable than gay marriage because it does not as directly confront the traditional definition of â€Å"marriage†. Socially, the institution of marriage offers both dignity and validation to the two parties involved as a sign of their mutual commitment to each other. This paper's predominant focus is on the legal aspect of marriage, along with the legal benefits and responsibilities that are associated with one's marital status (though excluding for the most part the child custody/adoption issue, which is another battle in itself as it involves both a third party and minors). Proven inequality in these areas can and should be addressed by changes in public policy. Cultural intolerance and private discrimination, on the other hand, cannot. There are several arguments against legalization of same-sex marriages, specifically: 1. That homosexual behavior is fundamentally immoral or blasphemous because it does not lead to procreation and/or is condemned by religious texts. 2. That same-sex parenting is necessarily detrimental to child development. 3. That same-sex marriage will further undermine the already crumbling traditional heterosexual marriage as an institution. All of these arguments, however, can be unequivocally refuted. It is obvious that the strongest opposition against gay marriage legalization comes from the Christian Coalition, which supposedly represents the silent â€Å"Moral Majority†. As the name indicates, at the heart of such a group's rhetoric is the Holy Bible, although their position is not far away from those of the more orthodox Muslims and Jewish religious organizations. However, crucial distinctions must be drawn between the concepts of religion, morality, and legality: what is compatible with religion is not necessarily so with morality, and what is legal is not necessarily moral. Adultery is listed as equally a sin as homosexuality in the Bible (both punishable by death), yet it is not a legal offense.

Marketing Sample

Canada is among the leading countries in economic production.   Since its industrialization, much has been achieved from the economic sector especially through manufacturing industries.   Butter fat, Sugars and alcohol could not complete diet until when some foods in Ball Park of 100grams of fat per 750ml bottle, cream liqueur was introduced in the market.   The cream liqueur industries sales in seasons where by the peak is around October, November and December holidays which are the perfect holiday treat- permitted during the gluttony of the season. These sale seasons are cut back after New Year resolution kicks in (Bender & Bender, 1995). Yet even in a climate of health conscious consumerism, cream liqueur sales continues to hold their own. In terms of market growth per year, the liqueur distributing brand reports a 1.7 per cent increment in its sales as compared with the previous 12 months, while   connect logistics in Alberta reports a   0.9 per cent increase for the same period. In some parts like Alberta, the figures are deceptive however, not included in the statistics but can be roughly half of cream liqueurs that benefits from a lower tax rate by being classified in the category with alcohol lender 17 percent.   This category division exists only in Alberta whose flagship cream liqueur lowered its alcohol content in order to distribute within the province.   Research shows that while the average consumer will not be able to detect the decreased alcohol, the price differential will be noticed. Canada has been unique in labeling restrictions which require liqueurs to have a minimum of 22 per cent alcohol.   This has in turn improved their sales both in quality and quantity.   It also implies that most cream liqueurs are actually classified as liquors in Great White, North.   In terms of sales this Canadian company maximizes its sales through selling predominantly on quality basis unlike other companies which attract customers through bargain of prices. This is why the industries continue to grow despite an influx of new products within the category.   The cream liqueur company has widely diversified its production because about 61 cream liqueurs products are in the market. Within the category, however, many agents agree Irish creams have the most staying power, while flavored cream come and go. Their products have fetched market even with international countries which is evident by Highwood distilleries whose sales of flavored creams have been dismissal and Highwood will be discontinuing their maple and chocolate Rose creams. Similarly, mountain crest is phrasing out its just deserts and fruits cream lines.   On the other hand, category leaders of cream liqueurs continue to have a strong presence in the market. Some other products like true Irish creams are made from Irish Whisky where the term often refers to any whisky based cream liqueur like Kemper’s Bavarian Cream made in Germany. Baileys original Irish Cream is still leading the park as number one selling brand in the world.   Launched in Dublin in 1974, Bailey was the very first commercially produced cream liqueur. Corolans Irish Cream Liqueur is ranked as the second best selling Irish Cream liqueur, both globally as well as in Western Canada.   Carolans is known for its honey taste and boosts lower price than its leading competitor. Amarula Cream, selling within the top four cream liqueurs in both Alberta and British Columbia, South Africa reported international volume growth of 12.7% in 2004.   This distell, is recognized for its environmental policies including elephant conservation initiatives (Bender & Bender 1995). References: Bender D and Bender A, (1995). A   Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. Oxford, New York.   

Venezuela s Current Economic Policies - 1095 Words

In order to understand Venezuela’s current economic policies, it is important to examine the economic and political ideologies adopted by past leaders of the Bolivar state. Chavez, who was the president of Venezuela from 1993-2003, took a very anti-neoliberal approach towards the Venezuelan economy. Chavez had a strong distaste for western ideology and aimed to lessen the degree of influence that the IMF and the United States had over Venezuela; In fact, Chavez’s desire to distance Venezuela from western influence is arguably the main reason that led to Venezuela’s shift in its economic model and economic partnerships. Foreign investors from the United States planted themselves in Venezuela’s oil industry. As a result, the IMF and the United States financially benefitted where Venezuela could not. Realizing it was in a position of economic disadvantage, Venezuela distanced itself from the United States and the IMF while attempting to become more economical ly independent. Chavez aimed to stray away from American imperialism and cut ties with the IMF once his debt was paid, the reason being that he did not want foreign businesses controlling Venezuelan economic industries. Additionally, in order to distance Venezuela from the influence of the United States, who covered about 60% of Venezuelan exports in the first decade of the 21st century, Chavez aimed to lessen the degree of dependence that Venezuela had on the United States by establishing economic ties with otherShow MoreRelatedVenezuela s Impact On Venezuela1339 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: Venezuela is a country in South America that occupies the northern coast. It has a population of 30.4 million people according to a 2013 survey. The entire country of Venezuela is about a third larger than Texas. Venezuela shares its border with Columbia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south. The GDP per capita in 2013 was $14,414 US putting Greece on the middle tier on the Global Eco nomic Pyramid. Venezuela’s 2013 inflation rate was also 56.2%. Venezuela has the â€Å"largestRead MoreHugo Chavezs President Of Venezuela1035 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction: Corruption in Venezuela has prevalent since the nation gained independence in 1821. But, corruption rose to unforeseen levels during Hugo Chavez’s presidential era. Hugo Chavez was president of Venezuela for 11 years. â€Å"There is no exaggerating the extent of Venezuela s decline and fall. The wealthiest country per capita in Latin America is sinking deeper and deeper into what must inevitably be bankruptcy, as everything fiscal goes wrong.† (Thomson, 2010) He came into power with theRead MoreThe Political Landscape Of Venezuela1460 Words   |  6 PagesDEMOCRACY S STEP BACKWARDS The current political landscape in Venezuela is an alarming step backward for Democracy in Latin America. While Venezuela has the richest proven oil reserves in the world, the country s citizens are literally starving to death due to food shortages. While in a traditional democracy this would lead to the political leaders being ousted from power, Venezuela s President has seized more and more control, shifting the country towards an authoritarian regime. Venezuela had beenRead MorePresident Nicolas Maduros President Hugo Chavez1455 Words   |  6 Pagesdemocracy. Current President Nicolas Maduro took office after the passing of President Hugo Chà ¡vez in 2013. With a six year term ahead of him, he will likely have much more competition at the next campaign as opponents who are brave enough will have time to prepare a campaign against him. 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