Showing papers on "Government published in 1970"

The politics of Medicare

Abstract: On July 30, 1965, President Johnson flew to Independence, Missouri to sign the Medicare bill. The new statute included two related insurance programs to finance substantial portions of the hospital and physician expenses incurred by Americans over the age of sixty-five. Public attempts to improve American health standards have typically precipitated bitter debate, even as the issue has shifted from the professional and legal status of physicians to the availability of hospital care and public health programs. In The Politics of Medicare, Marmor helps the reader understand Medicare's origins, and he interprets the history of the program and explores what happened to Medicare politically as it turned from a legislative act in the mid-1960s to a major program of American government in the three decades since. This is a vibrant study of an important piece of legislation that asks and answers several questions: How could the American political system yield a policy that simultaneously appeased anti-governmental biases and used the federal government to provide a major entitlement? How was the American Medical Association legally overcome yet placated enough to participate in the program? And how did the Medicare law emerge so enlarged from earlier proposals that themselves had caused so much controversy?

Dimensions of Political Alienation

Abstract: In recent years there has emerged in this country a radical questioning and rejection of established political institutions unparalleled since the Civil War in its intensity and scope. One objective indicator of this trend since World War II is the marked rise in voluntary renunciation of American citizenship, an act which represents the formal and final estrangement of the individual from his former political ties. Available evidence suggests that estrangement from the polity is also widespread in countries throughout the world as fundamental questions are being raised about the legitimacy of political institutions and political leadership.Attitudes toward the political system have long been a concern of political scientists. Major orienting theories of the political system suggest that citizen support plays a crucial role in determining the structure and processes of political systems. Almond and Verba, for example, use the concept “civic culture” to refer to a complex mix of attitudes and behaviors considered to be conducive to democratic government. Easton underscores the fundamental importance of attitudes for system stability, focusing especially on “diffuse support” as a prerequisite for the integration of political systems. He suggests that “(w)here the input of support falls below [a certain] minimum, the persistence of any kind of system will be endangered. A system will finally succumb unless it adopts measures to cope with the stress.”The conversion of these general theoretical ideas into systematic empirical theory requires further rigorous and comprehensive analyses of types of citizen support and the development of empirical indicators for this domain.

Two treaties of government

Abstract: Introduction 1. The book 2. Locke the man and Locke the writer 3. Two Treatises of Government and the Revolution of 1688 4. Locke and Hobbes 5. The social and political theory of Two Treatise of Government Appendices Editorial note Preface Bibliography Index.

Politics, Position, and Power: The Dynamics of Federal Organization

Abstract: The fifth edition of this classic work identifies and analyses the implications of the shift toward administration of federal programs by third parties such as state and local governments, non-profit corporations, and private institutions. Seidman demonstrates how control of regulations, rather than structure, has become the centre of the struggle for position and power. Through this portrayal, Seidman shows how the courts have become primary actors in the administration process. Completely updated and revised to cover the Bush and Clinton administrations, this new edition is essential for understanding the changing nature of government and public administration today.

Political Trust and Racial Ideology

Abstract: No government yet established has had the loyalty and trust of all its citizens. Regardless of the popularity of its leaders or how careful they are in soliciting opinions and encouraging participation in the process of policy-making, there are always those who see inequalities and injustices in the society and harbor suspicions of the government's motives and intentions. Resentment and distrust are elements of disaffection and the first step toward resistance. Therefore, even the most dictatorial governments have usually striven to increase their credibility and popularity. For democratic governments, however, the problem of combating distrust and encouraging voluntary acceptance of its institutions and decisions is a paramount concern. One of democratic theory's distinctive characteristics is its strong emphasis on voluntary consent, both as a basis of political obligation and as a central attribute of citizenship. The concern expressed by democratic thinkers about the elements of due process and the protection of opportunities for widespread participation is directed toward the creation of citizens who voluntarily accept the society's goals; “the demand for consent is the demand that the government must be more than self-appointed and must, in some significant way, be the chosen instrument through which the body politic and community acts ….” Democracy's guiding ideal is the substitution of mutual understanding and agreement for coerciveness and arbitrary authority in all phases of social and political life. The existence of distrustful citizens who are convinced that the government serves the interests of a few rather than the interests of all is a barrier to the realization of the democratic ideal.

A Guide to Consumerism

Abstract: What is consumerism, where did it come from, and where is it going? These are difficult questions at a time when the scope of consumerism is broadening rapidly. The authors emphasize market and societal problems that underlie the recent upsurge of interest in consumerism. Their analysis of causal factors provides the basis for projections of the future of consumerism. ONSUMERISM has played an expanding role in the environment of business decision makers. Despite wishful thinking by some, the following analysis of consumerism is as relevant today as it was in 1964 when it was written: 1. As evidenced by consumer agitation at the local-state-federal levels, business has failed to meet the total needs and desires of today's consumers. 2. Into this business-created vacuum, government forces have quickly moved to answer this consumer need. 3. The areas of consumer interest are so diverse that they offer government agencies and legislators almost limitless reasons for additional regulation of business and commerce. 4. If business managers want to avoid such new government regulations (with the attendant possibilities of excessive and punitive legislation), they will have to take positive action to demonstrate that the business interest is in more general accord with consumer's needs and wants.1 The ensuing six years has seen the passage of considerable consumerism legislation and a substantial broadening of the concept's scope. During this period one constant factor has been a lack of agreement on the extent of the influence of consumerism or its long-range implications. Businessmen have suffered from a myopia that comes from perceiving consumerism primarily in terms of markets with which they are very familiar. Their emphasis on the peculiarities of these few markets often leads them to overlook similar problems in other contexts and, thus, to discount the seriousness of the overall problem they face. Legislators and members of the consumer movement are more responsive to the broad problems facing consumers, but their lack of understanding of specific market situations too often leads to inappropriate diagnoses and solutions. Fortunately the two basic perspectives are demonstrating a healthy convergence. The goal of this paper is to encourage this convergence by putting consumerism into a perspective that will facilitate understanding.

Where To Find Travel Research Facts

Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive list of sources of information available on tourism, travel, and recreation. It is divided into eight sections: Indexing Services; Bibliographies and Finding Guides; Periodicals; Trade Associations; Government; Yearbooks, Annuals, Handbooks, etc.; Proceedings; and Some Final Suggestions. A summary of the type of information available in each source is also provided.

Implementation in Operations Research and R&D in Government and Business Organization

Abstract: Many of the organizational problems that are inherent in the integration of innovation-producing activities come to light in the form of difficulties experienced in achieving implementation of output. Such difficulties are common not only in operations research but in most forms of innovative activity, among them R&D. Growing out of the work that has been pursued at Northwestern in research programs on both the R&D process and the management of operations research/management science (OR/MS) activities, this paper examines the systemic causes of such implementation problems. We have hypothesized that the environment in which innovative activity is carried on is an important determinant of the mode and effectiveness of project implementations. Specifically, we have considered how goal operationally differences, such as may be found between government and business organizations, will influence the strategic behavior of the managers of innovative groups. The data in this paper come primarily from our OR/MS st...

Community Structure and Innovation: The Case of Public Housing*

Abstract: Innovation can be defined as “… the generation, acceptance, and implementation of new ideas, processes, products, or services.” We mean here an activity, process, service, or idea that is new to an American city. We do not restrict it to mean only the first appearance ever of something new (i.e., an invention) or only the first use by one among a set of social actors. We are concerned neither with the diffusion of innovation nor with internal stages in the adoption process, but rather with the characteristics of cities that have successfully implemented innovations in federally financed public housing. We focus on three aspects of community innovation: (1) the presence or absence of a federally financed public housing program in the city, (2) the speed of innovation of such a program, and (3) the level of output or performance of this innovation activity. Most of the studies of innovation have used as units of analysis either individuals or organizations, and little attention has been given to innovation in community systems, although community systems are continually introducing new ideas, activities, processes, and services. For example, the form of government may be changed from a mayor-council to a city-manager type. In fact, two studies of such innovations were carried out prior to World War II, but these were primarily concerned with describing the rate of diffusion of this social invention among American cities, not with characteristics of innovating cities. The addition of a new planning department to the city administration or a decision to fluoridate its water system are community innovations as we have defined the term, But innovations are not limited to actions of city government, although these may be the most frequently observed types of innovations.

The Political Socialization of Ghetto Children: Efficacy and Cynicism.

Abstract: M [ost American children acquire early in life the belief that individual political action can influence governmental decision making. They demonstrate positive and supportive feelings toward the government and political leaders, develop a sense of efficacy as early as the third grade, believe it is important to vote, and are not as politically cynical as adults.' Easton and Hess have described the child's political socialization as follows:

Porter's Generic Strategies: An Exploratory Study of Their Use in Japan

Abstract: While the use of Porter's generic strategies have been well documented in America and Europe, no studies have assessed their use in Japan. This research investigates if Japanese companies are indeed following Porter's generic strategies or continuing to follow more traditional "Japanese" management strategies. Using a survey to operationalize Porte's generic strategies, Japanese managers were questioned about their firm's current strategic practices. A factor analysis revealed Japanese firms are following only two strategies that could be identified as those of Porter. A cost leadership strategy was the most frequently used strategy, and the differentiation strategy was used the least. There was no evidence of organizations using a focus strategy. Interestingly, two additional strategies emerged that did not fit Porter's research but are in line with traditional Japanese strategies including a supply chain focus and a training based strategy. Introduction Japan is experiencing a shrinking economy, failing stocks, rising unemployment, restructuring and job cuts. Without reforms, the economy is only predicted to grow 0.8% a year from 2006 to 2010 according to country advisors (Lorange & Turpin, 2004). Layoffs, such as 800 workers from Mitsubishi, have caused a change of attitude as many young people are abandoning hopes of landing lifetime jobs (Wiseman, 2001). Bankruptcies are soaring and leaving behind a record level of debt in the country ("Japan Corporate Failures Up," 2001). A study team at Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry even called for improving disclosure rules for initial public offerings of venture firms to emphasize future business plans, rather than past performance ("Report Seeks to Improve," 2001). In their groundbreaking and controversial article, "Fixing what Really Ails Japan," Porter and Takeuchi (1999) both of Harvard University, presented the cogent argument contending it was not government oversight of industry leading to the global success of Japanese companies, but rather operational effectiveness and strategy. They further blame the current long period of Japanese economic stagnation on the lack of discernable business strategies practiced by Japanese firms. Based on these propositions of Porter and Takeuchi (1999), the study presented in this article explores the following important related questions: * What types of discernable strategies are Japanese companies currently using? * Do these strategies fit the Porter typology? * What is the relative frequency of use of Japanese business strategies? Literature Review Traditional Japanese Management Practices Traditional Japanese management is frequently cited as the cause of these problems. Historically, since WW II, all employees of a company share risks and gains of the operation. Even during economic crisis, layoffs are a last resort remedy. Lifetime employment, particularly for men in large companies, is the norm. Upper and lower management have similar responsibilities and product research is continuous as is the encouragement of new ideas and personal productivity. Japan's industrial system is characterized by interdependent relationships among government, private, non-profit and community organizations. The keiretsu, or "lineage" system consists of a parent firm and trading company with the main bank as the institutional triumvirate guiding the activities of the entire keiretsu system. Each of these primary resource and power centers maintains close relationships with counterparts in the public sectors. The bank is guided by the Ministry of Finance (MOF); the trading company aligned with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI); and the parent firm guided by other government and non-private institutions (Ministry of Education or major universities). Companies such as National Telecom (NTT), for example, are closely tied with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MOPT). …

Support for the Institution of Elections by the Mass Public

Abstract: The institution of elections is a significant feature of most present day political systems and is one of the most widely used of all of the political inventions of mankind. Rose and Mossawir have recently remarked that, “Elections are among the most ubiquitous of contemporary political institutions, and voting is the single act of political participation undertaken by a majority of adults in a majority of the nations in the world today.” The importance of elections is especially high in democratic systems. Both earlier and more contemporary discussions of the concept of democracy have employed elections as a primary definiendum and requisite feature of democracy. Indeed, if any single institution serves as popular democracy's sine qua non, it is that of elections. The general argument that elections are “those most essential events in the democratic process” is often posed from the perspective of the importance of the functions they perform in the political system. The most widely remarked of these functions is to provide a mechanism by which the great mass of members of the system are able to choose their leaders—thus giving majority approval to the exercise of leadership. This is important both from the standpoint of solving the problem of legitimate leadership succession and as a means of potential relief from abuses or inadequacies of a present set of rulers. Secondly, elections may serve as an indication of public choice among government policies—although this function is probably less frequently performed than once was thought to be the case. In referenda, the function is direct; but even in the elections of candidates for public office there is on occasion a question of public decision among the broader aspects of policy programs. Furthermore, belief by future candidates in the possibility that voters may reject them at the next election because of their policies may lead them to anticipate public feeling, thus allowing indirect influence of elections upon policy formation. The latter may operate even in the absence of more direct control by the electorate. A third central function of elections is legitimation of a regime. An election serves as a device of public endorsement—or occasionally, of repudiation—of the system of government.

The Crisis of Cardenismo

Abstract: By April 1938, Lazaro Cardenas had altered the course of modern Mexican history. The hacienda system had virtually disappeared to be replaced by smallholdings and by collective and semi-collective ejidos. The church-state quarrel, cause of so much bloodshed in the 1920s, had largely subsided; the Catholic Church had supported the government against the foreign oil companies, even seeking to help the government collect money to pay for the nationalization. Both the nation's agrarian and urban workers had formed powerful, well-organized unions ready and able to defend their members' newly won gains. Most important to subsequent developments, however, was the government's expropriation of the foreign oil companies in March of 1938. The oil companies had defied every twentieth-century Mexican government; nationalization temporarily united Mexicans as never before in the nation's history. Although these accomplishments, especially the land reform and oil expropriation, established Cardenas's credentials as the most radical of modern Mexican presidents, his subsequent behaviour has made many, especially on the extreme left, question his sincerity.

Metropolitan Reform in the U. S.: An Overview

Abstract: THE METROPOLITAN PROBLEM, variously defined, has been accorded recognition since the early part of the 20th century, and numerous proposals have been advanced for a restructuring of the system of local government to solve the problem. With relatively few exceptions, reorganization proposals have been rejected by voters who apparently have been influenced more by arguments promising to keep the tax rate low and the government close to the people and free of corruption than by arguments stressing the correction of service inadequacies and the economical and efficient provision of services. Interest in the structural reform of the local government system appeared to reach its peak in the 1950's. Frank C .Moore wrote in 1958 "that more surveys have been initiated in the last five years than in the previous thirty." ' Seventy-nine of the 112 surveys initiated between 1923 and 1957 were