India, a huge land with the second largest population in the world, socially and economically poor, and culturally and linguistically diverse, became the largest democracy in the world on November 26, 1949 with the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The goals of that constitution are: (1) the achievement of national unity and stability; (2) the…

Article III of the U.S. Constitution called for a federal judiciary that would dispense and administer justice in accordance with the principles on which the United States was founded. There was considerable ambivalence among the Founding Fathers as to what was the appropriate role for the judiciary, an ambivalence that has continued to the…

Federalism is conducive to two important elements of the political process: competition and the search for compromise. This is a reason for the prosperity and political stability of the Federal Republic of Germany. Many citizens can involve themselves in the political life of the nation, whether at the federal or state level. With its area of…

Changing political, social, economic, and intellectual conditions over the past two hundred years have demanded innovation and adjustment of legal doctrine, thus giving the United States Constitution a character which the framers of the document could not have predicted. Historically, one must not only understand developments since 1787 but also…

Even though the first citizens of the United States were skeptical about singular authority, the Constitution gave the president independent authority and strong powers. But as chief executive, he would be responsible to the people for the exercise of those powers. The modern presidency is a product of 200 years of growth and experience, yet much…

The purposes of this book are to attract attention to the necessity for quality advice on science and technology issues to the President of the United States, Congress, and to the Judiciary; provoke thought regarding the reconsideration and improvement of the existing mechanisms and organizations; and to provide a compendium of facts and opinions…

The new and immense task that awaits the judiciary of Canada is to decide what limitations, if any, ought to be imposed upon freedom of expression as protected in the new Canadian Constitution with an entrenched Charter of Rights. The area of civil libel law provides special problems related to free speech and press. One source of help for…

Historical, philosophical, and social perspectives concerning the development of Soviet society are presented. The concepts of orthodoxy, autocracy, and nationalism that were integral to Russian life for nearly one thousand years of history are discussed, and principles of socialism and communism that were inaugurated in November 1917 in…

As stated in the Preamble, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe has established this "Revised Constitution and Bylaws" in order to "form a better tribal government, exercise tribal rights and responsibilities and promote the welfare of the people". This "Revised Constitution" consists of 11 Articles which are identified…

To be appointed by the President with the advice and concent of the Senate, this new Assistant Secretary would have such duties as the Secretary of Interior assigned, with respect to the conduct of Indian affairs, and would assume the duties of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. One of his primary responsibilities would be to help guide the…

Discusses the positions of Federalists and Anti-Federalists on the concept of executive power during the drafting of the Constitution and subsequent ratification debates. Issues include selection, tenure, and power. Maintains the Anti-Federalist arguments were weak and unconvincing, but that the Founders had an unclear notion of balanced…

Analysis of several accounts of White Buffalo Calf Woman's appearance among the Lakotas and of her politically interesting teachings illustrates how aboriginal Indian government rests upon myths of the god(s) which symbolically insert the people into the larger cosmic order, thus establishing the pattern of cosmic governance. (SB)

This paper analyzes the distribution of power in street-level bureaucracies that deliver public services and critically examines the sources of this power. The mechanisms and political environment which allow street-level bureaucrats to make public policy are discussed in detail. (EB)

Examines George Bush's relations with Congress early in his term, focusing on the political and legislative environment in which Bush was operating. Analyzes Bush's legislative strategy, including agenda setting and orientation to Congress. Maintains that effective leadership is defined and constrained by the configuration of political forces. (RW)

Using a simulation of the constitutional procedures on appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices, illustrates how the separation of powers established by the Constitution affects all three branches of government. Provides an outline of the simulation procedure, a lesson plan, and a brief bibliography. (LS)