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. In fact, according to Rosales (2006), â€Å"in a vast area containing 100 states or provinces in federal countries, several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Republic Bolivarian de Venezuela, have adoptedRead MorePolitical Risk Analysis Snapshot Paper1502 Words   |  7 PagesSnapshot paper Venezuela Venezuela is a country located on the northern coast of South America. It borders Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south and Colombia to the west (â€Å"Basic Facts on Venezuela†). It is interesting to see how a country that was once rich and had a strong government can end up caught in an economic crisis. Then, this may result in violence and chaos in the country. The worst part is that a crisis in one country can produce shocks all over the world. Government: Venezuela is consideredRead MorePurpose - The Aim Of This Paper Is To Address The Following1268 Words   |  6 PagesPurpose - The aim of this paper is to address the following question: Should Venezuela unify the dual exchange rate mechanism in favour of a free-floating exchange rate regime? Findings – In my analysis, I argue that the negative economic impact of having a dual exchange rate regime cannot be neglected and that Venezuela should abandon the one-fixed-one-floating rate system. Originality/ value – Venezuela implemented the dual exchange rate system in March 2016; because of this, there is empiricalRead MoreThe United States And Cuba Essay1008 Words   |  5 Pagesexercises strength in this role through trade agreements and military strength. Because of this, the foreign policies the United States puts into place greatly affect the economies of other countries. This is especially true of Cuba. The island of Cuba is just over 100 miles south of the Florida border. The United States and Cuba have struggled to find common ground in regards to foreign policy over the past few decades. In the Cold War, Fidel Castro, who would later become the dictator of Cuba tookRead MoreInflation And Its Effect On The Economy1617 Words   |  7 Pagesexperiences inflation through the business cycle, which is defined as the natural fluctuation in economic activity between inflation (expansion), and recession (contraction). Inflation is not necessarily a negative factor for an economy because it reflects an expansionary trend of the business cycle that could translate into growth if managed accurately through controlled and efficient monetary policy. On the other hand, when inflation is not timely controlled via responsible monetary contractionaryRead MoreOpec1276 Words   |  6 PagesThe primary aim of OPEC is to unify petroleum policies between its member countries, to ensure fair and stable oil prices. OPEC also tries to ensure a steady supply of petroleum to oil consuming nations. The headquarters of OPEC are found in Vienna, Austria. Brief History of OPEC OPEC was created in 1960 at the Baghdad Conference (September 10-14th). The organisation was initially created by 5 nations: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The original headquarters of OPEC were in GenevaRead MoreVenezuel A Powerful Member State1378 Words   |  6 PagesNevertheless, Venezuela is â€Å"a very powerful member state because of its size, its highly industrialized society, and a GPD comparable to that of Argentina and Brazil.† It also has the â€Å"second largest export sector of all Latin American countries and the largest oil and gas reserves in Latin America.† These factors equip Venezuela with sufficient power to affect the Mercosur agenda and rival the influence of Argentina and Brazil. The Argentinian government, led by President Cristina Kirchner

Analysis Of Aristotle s The Leviathan Essay - 1586 Words

One of the first political theorists, Aristotle once wrote in his novel Politics, â€Å"Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual. Anyone who either cannot lead the common life or is so self-sufficient as not to need to, and therefore does not partake of society, is either a beast or a god. † (Aristotle 4) Dating back to Ancient Greece, the state of nature has been observed and disputed for centuries. It wasn’t until the 1600s, was Aristotle’s theory ever seriously debated. Thomas Hobbes developed his own theory on what is the state of nature in his novel The Leviathan. This writing sparked interest in philosophers as to what human nature truly is, not just what Aristotle had suggested. Just thirty-eight years later, John Locke anonymously published his writings Two Treatises of Government, suggesting a diffe ring outlook on the state of nature to Hobbes. Through a summarization of each philosopher’s depiction of the state of nature and explanations of the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, one will be able to find which argument is the most compelling. Thomas Hobbes was born in Malmesbury, UK in year 1588. Having been born into wealth, Hobbes was formally educated, his studies included Malmesbury school and Hertford College, Oxford. Up until Hobbes time, political theory had very little change since Aristotle.Show MoreRelatedThe Political Of Political Science Essay2347 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction: According to Aristotleâ€Å"Man is by nature a political animal and he only by nature and by mere accident is without state is either above humanity or below it† Political science is ultimately related with the word politics which is derived from the Greek word â€Å"Polis†.The origin of political thought in the west and therefore goes back to the Greece.Political science is the study of the state and the government.And political philosophy is considersd to be a sub discipline of political scienceRead MoreWhat Have Theorists Meant by Liberty? Essay example1589 Words   |  7 Pagesexpress oneself in the manner of ones own choosing. In this essay I am going to look at the theorists such as Locke, Mill, Hobbes, Machiavelli, Rousseau and Milton to identify what they meant by liberty. The ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle thought liberty was an ideal that could not fully exist in its pure form in the human world. Liberty has a different meaning in the modern world than it did in the ancient. Benjamin Constant in 1819 in a speech on `The Liberty of the Ancients ComparedRead Morewisdom,humor and faith19596 Words   |  79 Pages there is â€Å"a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.† Enlightening comments on the relationship of humor to wisdom were once made by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), perhaps the twentieth-century’s most influential U. S. theologian (and a favorite thinker of President Obama). Although Niebuhr generally agreed that humor stresses the incongruous, he also, like Chesterton and Solomon, linked it with humility. Humor is a proof of the capacity of the self to gain a vantage

Augustus s Influence On The Roman Empire - 1260 Words

Augustus is known to be the first Roman emperor, and the founder of Rome, known for politically transforming the Roman republic to the early Roman Empire. During his rule his influence on artwork and architecture illustrated a classical style, and often they was a reflection of the â€Å"public image† of his rule, as well as his â€Å"new agenda†. (115) Augustus was quickly seen as a restorer of Rome. Augustus commissioned many large scale building projects such as the Campus Martius, as well as elaborate pieces of portraiture that illustrate his power and the peace of the new Rome under his rule. Augustus acknowledged his power and wealth but at the same time never formally declared himself emperor in order to maintain his citizenship. Although he was keen on denying title of emperor, he emphasized that he was a descendant of the great Julius Caesar considering himself his adopted son and his predecessor, in which he reinforces in some of the temples he commissioned. Overall Augustus was seen as a man of change and power, the one who brought prosperity to Rome when it became shaken by the assassination of Julius Caesar. The age of Augustus brought forth a classical style, influenced by Greeks, and the usage of marble and concrete to create complex buildings and sculptures. This was important because as a result of Augustus’ reign Rome obtained a very classical style, in which would later be reintroduced in order to mimic his greatness by other Emperors. Augustus’ artistic programShow MoreRelatedthe roman empire is the greatest civilization of all time1187 Words   |  5 PagesThe Roman Empire was the period of time after the Roman Republic and before the Byzantine Empire from 29 B.C. to A.D. 476. It was the highest point of Roman civilization, greater than any prior empires and towers over even the empires after it; it triumphed over the world . The Roman Republic was what built up the foundation for the Roman Empire. During the Republic, a small group of people started from scratch and developed their own systems, which later develops into the Roman Empire. The strongRead MoreRome s Transformation From Republic1584 Words   |  7 PagesAs the first Roman emperor (though he never claimed the title), Augustus led Rome’s transformation from republic to empire during the chaotic years following the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father Julius Caesar. Augustus became one of Rome’s greatest leaders and he established the principate, the form of government under which Rome ruled its empire for many years. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Caesar Augustus, was born Gaius Julius Octavius in Rome, Italy and was alive from 63 BC - AD 14Read MoreThe Differences Between Charlemagne And Augustus1088 Words   |  5 Pages Charlemagne and Augustus were separated by many centuries (seven), in that time many changes occurred in both culture and lifestyles. Charlemagne and Augustus had a few similarities but many more differences. Examples of the similarities would be they both ruled large empires with close to the same amount of territory governed. To rule these large empires they both had to fight off rival kingdoms/empires/tribes. They were also similar in they inherited their respective territories. However, theirRead MoreComparing Cyrus The Great Of The Persian Empire And Emperor Caesar Essay799 Words   |  4 PagesPaper #2 The Ancient Roman Poet, Virgil, once wrote, â€Å"They can conquer who believe they can.† King Cyrus the Great of the Persian Empire and Emperor Caesar Augustus of the Roman Republic/Empire are leaders whose conviction in their rights to power establish the unwavering support of the people they lead. King Cyrus the Great rises to the throne of an expansive Persian Empire. As King, he brings virtually the entire Near East under his control. In 539, claiming to be under the divine right the BabylonianRead More Comparing Roman and Greek Art Essay example1185 Words   |  5 PagesComparing Roman and Greek Art Throughout history art has consistently reflected the cultural values and social structures of individual civilizations. Ancient art serves as a useful tool to help historians decipher some important aspects of ancient culture. From art we can determine the basic moral and philosophical beliefs of many ancient societies. The differences in arts purpose in Greece and Rome, for example, show us the fundamental differences in each cultures political and moralRead MorePortrait of Augustus as General1323 Words   |  6 PagesPortrait of Augustus as General Roman portraiture was one of the most significant periods in the development of portrait art. The characteristics of Roman portraitures are more modest, realistic, idealized, and natural. 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Their communities became organized geographicallyRead MoreJulius Caesar Divi : The Second Triumvirate1428 Words   |  6 PagesImperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus, along with being a mastered politician, he also surpassed at getting Roman people to do what he wanted them to do voluntarily, and he managed to keep the aspect of the Republic up and running for the length of his session as an emperor. After the assassination of his adoptive father, Julius Caesar, Octavian introduced himself in the political leadership in 44 BC. During this time, the army was loyal to their general therefore Octavian paid all of Caesar’s armedRead MoreHow Can Historians Make Use Of The Stories That The Romans1723 Words   |  7 PagesHow can historians make use of the stories that the Romans told about their founders and foundations? Abstract. There are two distinct stories regarding the foundation of ancient Rome, with claims to two founders. The story of Romulus and Remus describes the literal foundation of the city where as the Aeneid addresses the origins in the foundations of the Roman people being descended from Aeneas. In regards to their use to historians, though there is debate as to the legitimacy of historical facts

Friendship and Trust Showed in Books free essay sample

To Kill A Mockingbird had multiple relationships and interactions including the following; Jem and Scout, Scout and Dill, Scout and Boo Radley, and that sense of trust and well being between Atticus and Tom Robinson. Romeo and Juliet is sort of a given as an example of this theme but it adds even more to the equation, it adds love. Lastly, 12 Angry Men showed a lot of trust. In the way that the young boy must trust the Jurors to judge fairly, and how all of the other jurors must trust Juror 8s theories of innocence for the defendant. Although these four stories share different types of friendship and trust it is still just as important of a theme in all of them. The Odyssey has been dated back as far as the ninth century B. C. , yet still friendship and trust seemed to have been just as important. Arguably the most famous quote from the book is, â€Å"There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as husband and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends† (Unknown). We will write a custom essay sample on Friendship and Trust Showed in Books or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This quote is read at weddings all the time because of what it represents. It not only represents a Good 2 perfect example of a Christian marriage, but it represents true trust and friendship as well. This second quote was said by the great Odysseus just after he heard word of his comrades being transformed into animals by a goddess At that report I slung my hefty bronze blade Of my silver-studded sword around my shoulder, Slung my bow on too and told our comrade, ‘Lead me back by the same way that you came. ’ (10, 286-290) This shows not only the valued trait of bravery, but it shows loyalty and friendship that e would knowingly risk his life to save his crewmembers. Although this book was originally written thousands of years ago, it shows trust and friendship to be just as important as it is now perceived in today’s world. 12 Angry Men only got past 5 pages because of the fact that Juror 8 trusted the defendant enough to at least give him a fair chance. The first vote count for guilty/not guilty was 11 to 1 in favor of guilty, based s olely on observations and the race of the accused party. The other Jurors didn’t trust him because of their personal prejudice. The following quote by Juror 8 shows that even our court system is based off of trust Its always difficult to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. And wherever you run into it, prejudice always obscures the truth. I dont really know what the truth is. I dont suppose anybody will ever really know. Nine of us now seem to feel that the defendant is innocent, but were just gambling on probabilities we may be wrong. We may be trying to let a guilty man go free, I dont know. Nobody really can. But we have a reasonable doubt, and thats something thats very valuable in our system. No jury can declare a man guilty unless its sure. (Steinbeck 82) Juror 8 had enough trust in a man that he didn’t even know that he put himself against the rest of the jury because of some reasonable doubt. Juror 4 gave us this next quote to explain himself after he switched his vote to ‘not guilty’ This gentleman has been standing alone against us. Now he doesnt say that the boy is not guilty, he just isnt sure. Well its not easy to stand alone against the ridicule of others, so he gambled for support and I gave it to him. I respect his motives. (Steinbeck 16) Good 3 Juror 4 not only trusted Juror 8’s motives in trying to find out the truth in the case. But he started a friendship which is shown again later when they exchange names after the case is concluded. Even a book such as 12 Angry Men, in which none of the characters have ever met before, shows that trust and friendship plays an important role in our every day lives. The novel To Kill A Mockingbird shows different types of friendship and trust than the past two books, yet it’s just as important in every way. When people think of friendship and trust they think of their ‘best friend’. Most don’t think of the general use of the term. Sometimes it takes a young girl such as Scout to make us realize these things, â€Å"Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between† (Lee 293). She goes on to say that Boo Radley, their neighbor, had done several nice things to them and they have failed to repay him. They had never talked in their lives yet Scout had the general sense of friendship that she felt the need to be fair and nice to everyone. The second use of the theme trust is probably the most important anyone will ever have to deal with. Atticus Finch is a lawyer defending a black man in an extremely racist county, yet he has enough pride to stand up and actually defend the man despite what the rest of the town thinks. His philosophy is as follows Theyre certainly entitled to think that, and theyre entitled to full respect for their opinions, said Atticus, but before I can live with other folks Ive got to live with myself. The one thing that doesnt abide by majority rule is a persons conscience. (Lee 114) Sure if others break your trust it is a hard thing to go through. But one’s conscience can haunt a person for what seems like an eternity. People should always trust themselves, and be confident in a decision before they make it. To Kill A Mockingbird presented types of friendship that are seldom brought to our attention, and they are just as important if not more than the types of trust shown in the two previous books. Good 4 The final novel in which friendship and trust were shown to the utmost was Romeo and Juliet. This is the tragic love tale that starts as a great friendship between two lovers with abounding trust in each other. Juliet makes it clear that trust for her is no game when. When Romeo says he swears by the moon she replies by saying Jul. O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise varies (Shakespeare Act II scene 2) If one swears by something as big and important as the moon then very few would comprehend that the moon changes so frequently. Trust is an important thing, but it must also be understood that trust being broken is not always one’s fault. There are occasions where life takes unexpected turns that change everything. Friar Lawrence played a rather large role in the love of Romeo and Juliet. The thing that some call ‘fate’ left Romeo dead because information had not reached him. Friar was left to say, â€Å"A greater power than we can contradict Hath thwarted our intents† (Shakespeare Scene V Act 3). So there are times when promises and friendships can be broken because of events that are neither persons fault, so sometimes one must resort to mercy and understanding for broken trust. Romeo and Juliet shows this as well as it could possibly be shown. It’s clear that the four novels show extremely different forms of friendship and trust. Yet they all thoroughly presented aspects that are equally important in fully understanding the concepts. Whether it’s risking your life for your friend, saving a life as a Juror that trusted that the man could be innocent, trusting one’s self, or accepting the fact that sometimes things are out of your control. Trust and friendship shouldn’t be just a figment of books we read, it should be an ongoing theme in our every day lives.