The issue of immigrants has been a thorny issue for as long as our country has been in existence. While our country has welcomed foreigners mainly from Europe and other regions, it may need to develop a framework that will absorb foreigners in the modern world without jeopardizing its sovereignty and economy. President Bush suggested a plan geared toward solving the immigrant issue permanently. This program was designed to allow foreign workers to work legally in the United States under work visas that could be renewed. According to a study carried out by an MPI research assistant named Julia Gelatt, the annual immigration level stands at about 1.8 million people on average. (Julia)If this trend is not addressed in the right manner, it will cause a crisis shortly. Since the Bush temporary worker program is geared toward solving the immigrant problem once for all, all like-minded Americans should support it.
While some of us may look at the negative side for immigrants, there are still some positive sides. According to research carried out by the Fiscal Policy Institute, immigrants contribute about 20 percent to our economy which is proportional to their population. (Graglia) Looking closely at our economy, it requires many employees that the local job market cannot provide. Many Americans are not even willing to do most of the jobs that foreign workers are ready to take. Moreover, these foreign workers do not demand the high salaries that local people will ask for. To ensure that our goods remain competitive in the global market, we may need to absorb foreign workers that will provide an affordable resource to our industries. This will check the current trend where a good number of our companies are collapsing or relocating to China where production costs are much lower than here. (Graglia)
Since the program seeks to vet all aliens entering our country, it will be bound to increase the security in our country considerably. According to the program, all foreigners entering our country will have to be registered at the point of entry. This will ensure that the government knows who is entering and on what business. By noting when visitors enter and when they leave, there will be no place for terrorists to hide and this will, in turn, increase our security considerably. (Graglia)On top of increasing the security of our beloved country, we will have made an important milestone that other nations will have to pick up. Our country has always been considered to be a pacesetter to the rest of the world. By adopting the Bush worker program, we will be setting an example for the rest of the world. If this program is successful and other nations adopt it, we will have solved one of the long-standing problems of our time unemployment. (Julia)
We also need to face the facts as a country. We can either pretend that millions of immigrants are not crossing our borders or take measures to ensure that this is done legally. Most of them are sincere people who are looking for opportunities in our accommodating environment. We should prove to them that America is a country that believes in people. Instead of criticizing the program, we should be thinking about how it will bring smiles to people’s faces. (Graglia)The program is also commendable in that it has put up measures to encourage foreign workers to return to their homeland after completing their contracts. These include tax measures that would give them an attractive package and retirement benefits in their homeland. Those who wish to settle in the U.S will have to undergo a difficult process that will check their suitability among other things. (Julia)
A time has come when we need to deal with the issue of immigration once and for all. It is obvious that no matter what measures we take, workers will always cross our borders. As a country, we should now be looking for ways to ensure that these foreigners do not tamper with our security. By giving these foreigners a chance to work in America, we will be giving our economy a big boost. This makes the Bush program a viable one that should be supported by all.
Works Cited
Graglia, Diego. Pulling Their Weight: Report Shows Immigrants’ “Robust” Contribution to the U.S. Economy.Vault9, Bog at WordPress.com, 2009.
Julia, Gelatt. Migration Policy Institute, Annual Immigration to the United States, 2007. Web.
Booker T. Washington was born in West Virginia and his childhood was hopeless. However, since he managed to get a higher education, Washington became the first president of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, the country’s first institution of higher education for blacks. In his biography Up from Slavery, Booker T. Washington outlined the controversy over how the black problem could be resolved, inviting the black population to focus on economic gains through professional education (Washington, 2013). This, in turn, contributed to a decrease in the level of social tension in the South.
Unlike William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, who was born into a free and wealthy family, Washington knew about slavery from his experience, which helped him to make special conclusions. He rightfully believed that thanks to slavery he found the way to a better life. His position was based on the refusal of political struggle and the achievement of goals exclusively by peaceful means, relying on the favor of the whites (Washington, 2013). He thought that the experienced injustices only hardened individualism and thanks to captivity, blacks were better prepared for subsequent progress. One cannot but agree that this was achieved exclusively through education and gradual reforms.
I support this philosophy of conformism and adaptation since only the search for mutual understanding between the two races can prevent interracial conflicts. The temporary refusal of the black population from the struggle in exchange for socio-economic opportunities, which was the main idea of Washington’s ideology, became a compromise in the relationship between the two races. Washington saw the main goal of education in the social and cultural teaching of African Americans, thanks to the emphasis on the acquisition of technical skills. As a pragmatist, I agree that only technical training has been able to guarantee a job and better life for black people
Reference
Washington, B. T. (2013). Up from slavery. Simon and Schuster.
The speech chosen for the critical analysis is the address of Michelle Obama to Americans to volunteer and build a new foundation for the country under the initiative called United We Serve. The video’s name is “Michelle Obama Calls on You to Serve,” produced in 2009 to encourage American people to help communities across the US under the leadership of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency aimed to facilitate community service (The Obama White House, 2009).
The First Lady in 2009 chose a topic that was challenging and inspiring to Americans of that time since they faced an economic crisis and issues that severely impacted the whole country. The purpose of the speech was not entirely clear from the beginning. However, not stating the main objective of the address straight from the beginning was a method used to emphasize what the government had done to improve communities’ situation. Without the help of all people, no achievement would be created (The Obama White House, 2009).
The speaker did not refer to studies on the topic but to initiatives that the authorities had already undertaken in education, health care, clean energy, and economic recovery to enhance and trigger the country’s economic growth. Michelle had referred to sources people can use, such as Serve.com, to provide relevant information on the community service’s objective, highlighting the in-depth knowledge about the topic and actions needed.
I was particularly interested in observing Michelle Obama’s presentation of the topic, the composition of her speech, and points that she had highlighted to encourage people to serve their communities and unite people under the challenging initiative. As I also had my volunteering ideas, it was interesting to explore tools that help turn ideas into projects meaningful for society and see how the First Lady motivates people to start acting to improve the situation after the economic downturn.
The speaker introduced the topic after highlighting the context of the US’s situation that experienced a crisis and needs recovery after it. Michelle pointed out initiatives and actions that were implemented and asked people to join her and the President to serve communities and build the foundation for the state’s future growth with the help of the United We Serve initiative that she introduced(The Obama White House, 2009). The speaker successfully gained attention and oriented the audience by presenting examples of how people can help society.
The speech was lively, appropriate to the topic, well-organized, and powerful. Michelle created necessary pauses to make the speech clearer; multimedia helped to present the information creatively and draw the audience’s attention to the theme. Michelle vividly emphasized her efforts and intentions and encouraged people to follow the same path.
Each main point of the speech was adequately supported by guidelines and actions that were already done to improve the US’s situation. Michelle used the personal example of establishing an organization in Chicago for young people who want to pursue a public service career. It was the most appealing and empathetical point of the speech, its culmination that was the most crucial and convincing (The Obama White House, 2009). Stating that it was the best time of her life, Michelle presented her experience and positive emotions that captivate the audience and establish trust.
The speaker created a speech with a personal style, which is powerful and confident. Michelle shared with the audience her emotions and feelings when she established a public service organization and referred to people using the “we” pronoun to emphasize her belonging to ordinary people in the US who have busy lives but can dedicate time to do something that would be greater than their personal life. She did not use direct questions and create immediacy because it was not appropriate for the First Lady’s speech, but she delivered the information in her unique and official way.
The conclusion summarizes the thesis; in the video, Michelle names a range of opportunities for people to choose from and serve American communities, depending on their interests, highlighting the freedom of choice in society, but a necessity to serve the country where people live. Finally, she announces the call to action to attract the audience and register on Serve.com to find community work options and help the President in 2009 to restore the state after the crisis (The Obama White House, 2009). The speaker uses adequate volume, eye contact, speech rate, and pausing. Michelle’s eye contact in the video is especially powerful because the video is recorded while sitting that exposes only the higher part of her body, and the head mainly, with potent facial mimic and direct eyesight.
As for recommendations that can be proposed to improve the speech, it can be suggested to use more gestures and show the upper part of Michelle’s body till the higher waist to help deliver the speech with meaningful gestures of hands and pose since sometimes feels that Michelle is an immovable statue. However, it is essential not to distance the eye contact that should be the most convincing. Some other examples of community service of other public figures could be added to the speech to appeal to more people and present diverse engagement in people’s activities. Nevertheless, Michelle’s personal example plays the most vital role in the address and is the most powerful that encourages people to do good for American society.
Social processes are synonymous to the way of life of the American people; this means that political structures affect it as well. There is a need to look at the extent to which politics is intertwined with social microstructures (religion, work and education) because this will demonstrate its relevance.
Furthermore, there is a need to establish the various manifestations of these interrelationships so as to understand how American social processes work. Through an examination of these two areas, it will be possible to establish a pattern of how American society operates thus demystifying this society.
Role of politics from the macro social perspective
Geertz (1996) explains that religion can be regarded as a collection of symbols which create pervasive and powerful motivations. Those symbols eventually contribute to existent orders. Therefore, religion may be critical in determining how people’s lives are lived. Alternatively, others may think of religion in a negative way. The question to ask is where does America lie and how does the interaction between politics and religion play out in this society?
Fields et al (1) affirm that there is a distinct relationship between politics and religion in the US. Through a 1996 survey, these researchers confirmed that relationship. They asserted that religious conservatism was associated with political conservatism. Most of the time, this was reflected by the political party affiliations and ideologies of voters.
Generally speaking, religious elements are prevalent in the nations’ political structure. For instance American presidents have been Christians all along and this is considered an important quality in most presidential or civic candidates. Even several speeches and campaign pledges often contain references to God. Therefore, to a certain extent, one can say that Americans hold religion in high esteem when making political decisions.
These manifestations are not always straight forward and one can argue that there is a complex interrelation between politics and religion. Democrats are often seen as liberals while republicans are thought to be conservative politically. However, in a state like California, gay marriage is considered legal. This state is headed by a republican who is supposed to be conservative. It is therefore easy to see that people in the US are religious but their status may not affect policy outcomes. America is religious and at the same time secular and is therefore a paradoxical society.
In political governance, religion may not really count. Here, Americans prefer less religious ideas because this may contradict their cultural ideals (such as the American dream). The latter concept can best be upheld using secular ideas. Indeed because democracy is largely seen as a secular concept then conservative religious laws would not fit in with this political model.
As contrasted to Islamic States like Saudi Arabia which rely on religious values as foundations for their politics, the US values democracy, freedom of speech and other human rights above anything else. This often contrasts with religious values which are based on absolutes. Therefore Americans do not solely rely on religion to determine political direction, policies and governance procedures.
On the other hand, religion’s application as a source of morality cannot be undermined because people still live their lives in accordance with these principles. Religious values and religious groups contributed to many political movements in the US’s past such as female suffrage, civil rights, welfare legislation and antiwar endorsements.
Currently, religion rarely contributes directly to the governance of society; however it is through religion that Americans get to express the freedoms that political structures often seek. Furthermore, religion is the major platform for building upon these freedoms and imprinting those ideas in people’s minds.
Education as a macrostructure also has immense influence on politics in the United States. Education reform is often necessitated by political structures.
Consequently, leaders who are interested in running for office must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the education sector and must know some of the problems in it. Since education reform often involves heavy financial investment then this often takes a toll on federal budgets and it forms a crucial part of political participation. This role is often the first one that people can see when analyzing education.
Nonetheless, there is an even deeper relevance of education in politics; it is a platform for implementation of other governance policies. One such policy is property tax. Schools, district administrators and the like have staged opposition to property tax increments in the past thus demonstrating to members of the political arena that their policy on this matter is unworkable (OECD, 25). Political stakeholders had to respond to those objections because educational stakeholders were an important part of civil society.
The relevance and implementation of worker’s unions has been a crucial part of the education sector’s role in execution of governance policies. Spread of unionism amongst teachers illustrated that the same was likely to occur in other sectors of the economy and that political stakeholders needed to be aware of this or to inculcate it in their political agendas.
Most importantly, though, education has always been crucial in unraveling pressing civil rights issues prevalent in American society. For example, certain reports revealed that family background plays an important role in determining performance by students in various levels of schooling.
This illustrated some of the failures of past political and civil rights achievements such as desegregation. The education sector is therefore a reflection of the inequalities rife in American society. This is a good barometer for political stakeholders who often use findings from education to spearhead changes in other areas of civil society.
Further still, education can play an important role in political election. It has been shown that if this area performs poorly then political leaders must have campaign related strategies designed at making the education sector more productive. A case in point was the Ronald Reagan bid for reelection in 1984.
At that point, educational reform was front page news and the public wanted to know what politicians intended on doing in order to deal with the grave problems of school reform. These groups had to act accordingly and they needed to express that they were going to spearhead critical changes in this sector.
Lastly, education plays an important role of preparing younger members of society to take on new challenges in the nation. In essence this translates into frequent alterations of education systems to reflect new workforce demands. The education sector’s relation to other parts of society testifies to the fact that political leaders need to be aware of changes taking place in the workforce and hence think of ways of tying this in with the education sector which can be better able to prepare members for future roles in their respective lives (OECD, 40).
Work is perhaps one of the most crucial areas affecting politics in America. Any problem detected in work or employment often immediately translates to poor political governance. This is because it is assumed that obsolete or poor governance policies are what are causing work related problems.
When Americans find it difficult to get work or if work opportunities start diminishing then this is often manifested as unemployment. Low employment also means low purchasing power, less investment and eventually a poorly performing economy. This is always one of the key areas for assessing the extent to which political leaders are performing.
The problem with the Bush era in Washington was often associated with the economic recession that had commenced in 2007. Recent objections to the Obama rule are also tied to the fact that unemployment is still rife and that deliveries on campaign pledges on economic performance have not yet been delivered. This shows that political entities must always relate work microstructures to their performances in office.
Skills gap at the workplace are often a cause for concern among politicians because this means fewer work opportunities are available. In such circumstances, employees are easy targets for job losses (Chen, 45). Essentially, what this means is that some governance changes need to be instated in order to make work related conditions more feasible. Here, politics comes in again in order to make the situation better.
Less work also means less infrastructure and even fewer opportunities for manufacture. Political stakeholders often respond to these challenges by making a range of policy changes. Some of them may include tax increments or tax cuts. This is done because it has an effect on investment decisions and hence job opportunities. People often react to tax changes quite aggressively as seen by frequent criticisms of Obama’s reforms.
Conclusion
Politics has a crucial role to play in American society as seen through effects in the three macro social structures. Politics can make the difference between the success or failure of a certain governance policy because the microstructures will depict failure if this has occurred. Politics and political structures also affect civil rights issues which have not been addressed.
These are normally made visible by inefficiencies and problems in microstructures like education. Therefore, it is through political agendas and governance that social structures can be changed thus demonstrating the significance of politics.
References
Geertz, Clifford. Religions as a cultural system. London: Tavistock, 1966
OECD. Lessons learned: how good policies produce better schools, PISA report, 2009
Chen, Anthony. Jobs, politics and civil rights in the US. Princeton; Princeton university press, 2009
Hinnells, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion. New York, NY: Routledge.
This book puts into context the place of religion in modern politics. According to the author, religion in the world has shaped how politics is conducted in modern world. The author indicates that, In the United States, religion directly shapes how the policies implemented by the congress are formulated.
Politics on the other hand influences the practice of religion. Hinnells points out that there has been a sustained debate on how religion ideas, individuals and institution influences the entire governance system right from national, local and at global level. The government policies with regard to freedom of worship and acceptable public worship limit religion. Therefore, this book tends towards the position that Religion and politics are intertwined and thus collectively redefine the shape of the public.
The interaction between politics and religion is not a new phenomenon; it dates back to the early classical era of theocracies that have transformed steadily into current democratic shades. Religion has had enormous influence on civil liberation struggles around the world especially in Latin America. On the other hand, the political interests of the majority shape the focus of philosophy. Going back to the Latin American example, the civil conditions or politics of the time gave rise to what is widely known as liberal theology.
This book clarifies the role of religion in the fight for the human rights due to political changes in America. The efforts of different religious groups have influenced thinking on human rights issues in congress. Giving example of debate on congressional debates on apartheid in South Africa, the book helps explain how powerful religious sentiments are in determining political focus.
Moyser, G. (1991). Politics and Religion in the Modern World. New York, NY: Routledge.
In this book Moyser looks at major political issues and how religion has influence debate on them. Moyser (1991, p.261) indicates that years after 1960, the United States politics has been reshaped by congressional movement and religious communities. There has been a drop in students of politics as a result of persuasion. The voting pattern among the Protestant have declined significantly.
Moyser in his book notes that congressional voting has always been on issues that developed after World War II. The happenings during and after the world war ii led to the Democrats aspirants’ continued enjoyment of the support of the Jews, Catholics, and southern black protestant. This has enabled the Democrats to have an upper hand in areas that are predominantly occupied by members of these religious communities (Moyser, 1991, p. 261).
On the other hand, the republicans receive overwhelming support from mainland Protestants. voting patterns are always influenced by the policies and development goals of the parties involved. The policy of Government support by establishment of welfare organization to aid the disadvantaged and those who are economically threatened have facilitated a pattern of many religious groups’ differences.
The differences in policies among religious groups i.e. Protestants and the Catholics have led to diminishing relevancy of devotee competition. The policies by major congress parties have led to emergence of new political groupings which are issue specific moving away from traditional protestant and non protestant ideologies. New issues and policies tackling new era challenges have been welcomed (Moyser, 1991, p.262).
Social issues such as drugs, pornography and marital infidelity have categorized Christians and non Christian’s attitudes and consequently influencing congressional politics. The new pattern in the coalition has been affected by racial war.
The black Protestants, the unchurched and majority of Jews advocate for state action whereas other groups have held on to the call of preserving the status quo. Policies involving gender disparity, environmental degradation and political open-mindedness have exposed a characteristic of religious partiality which is not in line with past history that transformed religious disagreement concerning civic matters.
Religious groups have differed with congress on a number of things spanning from the 1960s which include; appeal of the civil rights movements, the Vietnam War and social justice aspects (Moyser, 1991, p.262). Though most of these issues have been institutionalized but some opposition still is witnessed from some protestant quarters. These issues have affected congressional voting.
Noll, M. A. & Harlow, L. E. (2007). Religion and American Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present. New York, NY: Oxford University Press US.
This book discusses the religious affiliations of inclinations of major political parties in the United States. Political parties such as the Democrats and the FDR rose tremendously in American politics in 1936. The religious groups were the forces behind this growth and a later push towards formation of a coalition. The religious communities which played this important role include the; Catholics, Jews, protestants among other groups.
This book discusses political trends across history. For example, it discusses the reasons why the republicans lost vibrancy after the great depressions. The writers explain how the GOP which was a religious constituency of protestant groupings conquered national religious limelight.
They also point out some recent developments in the relation of religion and politics. They noted the transformation in religion in the regime of President George W. Bush (Noll & Harlow, 2007, p. 270). Religious groups have played a significant role in shaping American politics.
This is illustrated in the book through a discussion on how an alliance between the republican and the Protestant community was formed. The alliance has enabled the Protestants to remain dominant in the southern part of the country because of the large population of the protestant community.
On matters conservative, the writers note that the Protestants have often forged a strong alliance with the Roman Catholics. Republicans have always enjoyed strong support from conservative churches than the Democrats. Noll and Harlow (2007, p. 271) further note that on some issues, religious communities mainly black Protestants, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus support the liberalistic politics of the democrats.
References
Hinnells, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion. New York: Routledge
Moyser, G. (1991). Politics and Religion in the Modern World. New York, NY: Routledge.
Noll, M. A. & Harlow, L. E. (2007). Religion and American Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present. New York, NY: Oxford University Press US.
During the late nineteenth century, political parties were very dominant in the political process of the day. Americans had the idea that politics meant being aligned to a particular political party, and they therefore chose which party to support by looking at how it was organized and structured. Men were expected to have strong attachments to the party they supported, and women were not allowed to vote.
Political Parties
The two major political parties were Democrats and Republicans. The democrats were considered to have been the faction that had not defended the United States during the cold war; thus they were regarded as cowards, while the republicans consisted of those who were the patriotic citizens, who fought to defend their country (Katz & Crotty 67).
Democrats sought to have a reduction of the government’s involvement in how the economy was run and also called for white domination, meaning that they were against the fight for equal rights for all. Their major supporters were the Catholics, and immigrants of German and Irish descent.
Republicans on the other hand fought for the minorities’ rights and for the provisions of pensions for those who fought in the war. Thus their main supporters were the poor, African Americans and veterans of the war (Berkin et al. 55).
Comparing the understanding gained about the two political parties, to the current government in power in the United States, it is a clear indication that it is not who has the most influential or the richest members, but it is the one who has the interest of the many at heart, who finally comes out victorious.
The Progressive Movement
This was not really a single movement, but it was the first of many reformist movements, aimed at bringing change to the devastating conditions, such as poor working conditions and poor wages, that people faced at work. It came with the introduction of urban centers and industries in the United States, at the beginning of the twentieth century (Boyer et al 77).
How it started
The movement was started by the more influential middle class men and women. These were lawyers, teachers, managers and teachers. They were viewed as ambitious and well- informed people who could generate new ideas on dealing with the issues, which workers faced. The idea of reform came from private groups of the middle class citizens, women’s organizations, and the workers themselves. Some managers also worked with their employees in trying to figure out ways of improving the working conditions in their places of work.
Main reforms
Some reformists wanted stricter rules enforced on how business deals were conducted, in such ways as introducing heavier taxes, so as to regulate business. Others sought to protect the working population, and the poor, while others wanted the government restructured especially at the municipal level, so as to decrease such vices as corruption (Boyer et al 77).
Finally, there were those who wanted the government to instill stricter immigration rules. They also wanted rules put in place, to control the social disorder that was being experienced, and curb immorality and other social evils.
Conclusion
Reformers aimed at making the conditions better, not by enforcing what they wanted done on the government of the day, but by conducting peaceful demonstrations and go slows, in order to reach their desired end.
Works Cited
Berkin, Carol, et al. Making America: A History of the United States: Since 1865. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.
Boyer, Paul, et al. The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People. Volume 2: from 1865, concise. Boston: Cengage learning, 2009. Print.
Katz, Richard, and Crotty William. Handbook of Party Politics. London: SAGE, 2006. Print.
Countries operate around different political regimes with unique policy formulation, implementation, and review that affects business environment. These policies are aligned by policy makers towards self interest protection and profit optimisation. At micro and macro levels, these protectionist policies have merits and demerits in short and long-term business engagements.
Notably, business related policy formulations in specific market environment have weaknesses capable of attracting conflict of interest especially when the same policy functions in the international trade market scenario.
Since the beginning of the new millennium, China has become an economic powerhouse in terms of aggregate investment portfolio and economic growth. The systematic and consistent rise is attributed to political and economic policies which also double as source of tension between America and itself.
Located in the heart of the Asian continent, the Democratic Republic of China is founded on the principles of Communism and ruled by a single party government. Despite capitalism dominating business environment across the globe, China has managed to hold firm on the Marxist-communist foundation and has struck a balance between the science of politics and communist business system.
Characteristic of a communist system, the government of China is active in monitoring and directly intervening in major sectors of the economy. Due to deep rooted culture of concentrated power in the hands of the politically established government, who have liberalised its market and facilitated internal investment by foreign investors, China offers attractive investment incentives and waivers on taxes to potential investors.
Comparatively, then ne-liberalist system controlling business environment in the states of America is equally developed. Reflectively, this system is based on the ideology of totalitarian democracy in which decisions on business and other matters of public interest are made by a democratic republican or democrat government elected by the majority. Despite consisting of three political parties, that is republican, democratic, and independent, the first two are dominant in the economic, social, and political spheres of America.
Aiming to start a medium shoe making business with relatively sketchy market network, the first choice of business location is in the Democratic Republic of China, especially in strategically located town of Shangai.
This choice of location is as a result of the large untapped market of China and regions surrounding it, the friendly communist regimes with direct intervention in business activities, massive cheap and readily available labour, and friendly business regulation policies on investment and business functioning based on acculturation. Despite being at the same level in comparative analysis, China plays a bigger role as a retail business leader and industrialist.
According to Markus 2007,
China is not just the World Factory, most booming market for resources and consumer goods and the fastest growing economy in the world with an average GDP of over 10% in the past decade. It is also the most attractive destination for foreign investment since China opened its door to foreign businesses in 1978. (p.23)
Within business organisation and practise, labour is vital especially in balancing over head cost of doing business. Reflectively, existence of abundant, cheap, and sustainable labour supply gives a business an upper hand in the competitive market and ensure its survival and sustainability in long run. China has a skilled pool of cheap labour.
This aspect is attractive in doing business within its territories. The population of China is ethically aligned and appreciate the essence of commitment and hard work towards achieving greater heights. Comparatively, America’s labour market is expensive, highly structured and professionalism work ethics have been internalised by the labour market same as that in China (Jonathan, 2006).
In order to gain from this comparative advantage, doing business in China saves resources that could have been directed towards training workforce since skilled labour is available and relatively affordable as compared to that in America where living standards are higher and minimum wage bigger.
In addition, the culture of Chinese people promotes self discipline and appreciates excellence in service delivery as a means of making the economy better. In the process of achieving this, the self motivating culture facilitates competence and combines skills with loyalty to give positive result. Thus, this would give China an upper hand as a preferred choice for retail business location since cheap labour would translate into more profits (Ambler, 2000).
To meet the demands of its population, China has successfully transformed the economy and economic systems from traditional agricultural dominance into advanced and reliable service industry system consisting of international banking systems and liberalised private sector through its business policies.
These banking systems make credit available for entrepreneurs in the private sector and facilitate public borrowing. Subsequently, the economy has been expanded and series of opportunities are available for internal and international investors. As noted by Rainer (2007), interactions between banking sector and private businesses in China have made it a hub for entrepreneurship and emergence of wide market.
Thus, to gain from this advantage, retail trade investment in China is more viable than the vulnerable market of America which often fall a victim of market swings (Rainer, 2007). Interestingly, from the study on number of investors for the two countries carried in 2006, Rainer (2007) noted the following:
For the first time, China attracted more foreign investment than the United States. The world’s fastest-growing economy is the second largest behind the United States, and by mid-century, it is expected to be number one. (p. 67.)
According to Ambler (2000), China has rich resources which have managed to ensure success of companies such as Gamble and General Motors which were established in the terror back in the late 1980s. Reflectively, despite series of swings in global economy characterised by periodic inflation and deflation, China’s economy remain stable following the acquisition of membership certificate from World Trade Organisation.
America on the other hand, has similar flexible business policies that promote trade (Ambler, 2000). Moreover, the results of the American Chamber of Commerce survey indicates that of 450 American companies in China, nearly 69 percent have directly benefitted from substantial profits more than their counterparts based in America (Jonathan, 2001).
This success is attributed to existence of investments opportunities, ready market, and competitive advantage as a result of consistence in service delivery, insurance efficiency, and reliability in the banking system, and flexibility in retail industry (Xiaowen, 2001).
Markus (2007) states the prevailing positive economic climate in the economy of China offers unlimited opportunities to sellers to expand market territory from small streets to upmarket with ease (Markus, 2007). In an attempt to capture attention in the global market, China adopted the strategy of maintaining relative advantage through exportation of goods and services tagged with competitive price as a policy (Curran and Acker, 2010).
Over time, this strategy has paid off in the continents of the global market where China has created market for every brand of its products irrespective of economic classes in these markets. Besides, the population of China consisting of nearly a third of the world population and offer ready market, labour, and services in every industry irrespective of its size.
According to Harvard University article (2004), as a substantial proportion of the middle class experience upward mobility, demand chains are created periodically to sustain continuously production and supply. Therefore, creation of an international market within the boundaries of the republic of China can reap relative advantage of the expansive market for its products and a channel of accessing related markets at global level (Harvard University, 2004).
In the global business arena, China predominate large scale manufacturing of competitive goods and delivery of affordable services. Mass production of cheaper goods is due to its ability to balance overhead cost by use of highly skilled, readily available, and cheap labour in the manufacturing industries as compared to America’s expensive labour market.
According to Xiaowen (2001), over the last decade, China has made substantial investment in product development and research. Consequently, gains from intellectual capital have created expansive opportunities for marketing. These opportunities act as incentive for global investment in China (Xiaowen, 2001).
China is endowed with natural resources same to America. As a matter of fact, availability of raw materials is the basis of viability in investment planning. As a result production resonates on the periphery of low-cost. According to Jun (2006), the dynamics of cheap raw materials and their availability can be attributed to quality and dominance in international trade by China more than American market.
For instance, mass production of textile and toy in mega factories in China is as a result of availability of cheap raw materials. Subsequently, the low cost of production encourages mass manufacturing and boosts the cumulative profit gained from a bundle of production units (Jun, 2006). Though America is more strategically located, market for shoes would be higher in China which consists of a third of the world population (Bucknall, 2000).
American market has more or less same advantages as China. In fact, democracy and total market liberalisation policy in America is advantageous to business set up and operation. Generally, America is better off in business organisation. However, its market has reached its peak leaving little room for rapid expansion. Besides, competition for shoes product is very stiff as compared to the same in China.
Conclusively, it is apparent that China is better off as a strategic location for establishing business as compared to America. Among other reasons for the better position can be attributed to cheap labour, ready market, government commitment, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Generally, America is better off in business organisation. However, its market has reached its peak leaving little room for rapid expansion Thus, as a potential investor in shoes manufacturing business; I prefer the town of Shangai in China as the location for my business because of its untapped market, political stability, and strategic location.
References
Ambler, T. (2000). Doing Business in China. Economic Policy Journal, 11(3), 25-41.
Bucknall, K. (2000). Cultural guide to doing business in China. (3rd ed.). London: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Curran, G., & Acker, E. (2010). Business and the politics of globalisation: after the global financial crisis. Alabama: Pearson Education
Harvard University. (2004). Harvard business review on doing business in China. Boston : Harvard Business School Pub.
Jonathan, N. (2006). Developing Business Ethics in China. (2nd ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Jonathan, S. (2001). China uncovered: what you need to know to do business in China. London: Pearson.
Jun, L. (2006). Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development in China. London: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Markus, B. (2007). Business Success in China. (2nd ed). London: Pearson.
Rainer, T. (2000). Business China: a practical insight into doing business in China. London: Business & Professional Publishing.
Xiaowen, T. (2001). Managing international business in China. Cambridge: Cambridge University.
The American constitution did not advocate for political parties, but they came into existence in 1790s. Since then these two party systems have played a critical role in politics.
The main parties in the United States are two although there are other minor or third parties. The two main parties have dominated United States political system. It’s almost impossible to find a modern political system with only one party. Political parties have been realized to play very important roles in the society.
To modern nations political parties are very crucial. The two political party systems in the United States have contributed a lot in having a democratic nation. This has been achieved through having two or more parties contend in free elections. One party system cannot be termed as democratic. Political parties in America have brought citizens to the central government.
Moreover, the two party systems take major preferences into policies made by the government. This multi party system has also contributed in shaping the perception of the electorate towards the individuals who do politics under their titles.
The political parties present the citizens’ grievances, likes, and interests to the government. This has resulted to improved quality of democracy in America. The high cost incurred in elections, in parliament, and in government transactions are cut down by the presence of political parties.
These parties have also managed to deal with the predicament of collective actions. In the United States of America, political parties have been seen giving orders to the process of legislation and allowing voters to have something to hold to and can account for. It has been noted that without political parties legislative politics may be instable.
Thus why the legislators who desire to have their policies to be considered are encouraged to form a political party. Through the effort of the political parties, democratic organizations have become more effective in their performances. Political parties in America put efforts in putting both interests and demands of the citizens and direct them into the right channel.
The two party systems emerged in America to fight for a more democratic nation. A two party system is also a sign of modernization of a political system. This system has lasted for so long in the United States as they try to make the government more accountable in their responsibilities. The citizens are more contented with the two party system as the elected leaders are made more responsible for their actions during their serving term.
Through this most of the citizens preferences are addressed and given priority as important matters are discussed. Citizens appreciate the presence of a two party system as the opposing party keeps an eye on the government actions thus the citizens cannot be oppressed by the ruling party.
The two party systems in America are still running smoothly. This is as a result of the two parties making the government to lead people forward basing the facts that the opposing party can take over incase of violations in ruling. The two party systems makes a big nation to be represented by only two parties thus bringing the nation together though divided. On the other hand, these two parties divide the nation as the party leaders battle to take the government.
As far as the two party systems is leading to a more committed government the feeling of division among the citizens is still there. For instance, the Democratic Party that is currently ruling ought to be very careful in attaining the government set goals and objectives to satisfy the public. Failure to which, the Republican Party will be given the chance to rule the nation.
There has been a lot of debate on whether the central government should have greater power in controlling national policies compared to local governments. The power struggle between Washington DC and the local governments in the United States of America has led to ineffective implementation of important national policies (Norton, 2007).
The people in support of a strong central government argue that federal governments have inadequate capacity to handle issues that have national implications. There is a widespread feeling that local governments in the United States of America are not yet ready to handle and cope with the challenges associated with public policy.
This paper will explain why Washington should have a greater power to dictate national policy and handle issues that have national implications.
The United States of America has got both the central and local governments in place with the latter having substantial powers to influence national policies (Bardes, 2011). The constitution should be amended to give the central government greater power to influence national policy because of a number of reasons.
To begin with, the local governments will be able to operate effectively under the check of the central government and in the process promoting accountability (Bardes, 2011). A strong central government will have an easy task of implementing national policies affecting all states compared to local governments that may have different opinions and in the process complicating policy implementation.
The central government with greater power will ensure uniformity in setting up fundamental regulations such and trade and taxing regulations. By having a strong central government does not ignore the fact that the local authorities within the states play useful subordinate roles (Norton, 2007).
Washington should have greater power to facilitate revenue sharing to provide reprieve to some states with limited resources. This will also help a great deal in ensuring legal disputes that often arise due to different levels of government are avoided. A strong central government prevents duplication of roles at the local government level (Norton, 2007).
National issues such as education, public welfare and environmental standards can be well addressed by the central government through categorical grants. Autonomous states tend to engage in unnecessary competion that can destabilize the whole country. A strong central government addresses the issue of regional inequalities by ensuring than national resources and employment opportunities are shared equally.
The local governments are not yet ready to handle public policy challenges due to the inequalities that exist in various states. The competition among different states is often a great hindrance to implementing a national policy.
This makes it difficult for local governments to handle issues that have national implications thus making it necessary to have a strong central government that will be in a position to address national issues. When policies are being formulated at the state level, it is only intellectuals who are involved and in the process ignoring the views of the public (Tocqueville, 2003).
In conclusion, Washington should have more power to dictate national policies for uniformity and equality. Local governments are useful in administration but should only play a subordinate role to the central government to prevent a conflict of interests. A strong central government helps in equal distribution of national resources and in the process addressing the inequalities that exist among different states.
References
Bardes, B. (2011). American government and politics today: The essentials. New York, NY: Cengage Learning.
Norton, M. (2007). A people & a nation: A history of the United States: to1877. New York, NY: Cengage Learning
Tocqueville, A. (2003). Democracy in America. New York, NY: Regnery Gateway.
This assignment is a reaction paper on the article titled ‘The Struggle for Democracy in Latin America’ by Wiarda and Kline; Chapter 5. The paper begins by a brief summary of the article and then goes on to quote from the article, followed by a discussion of the quote as well as a discussion of the democratization process in Latin America.
A Brief Summary of the Article
The article is about democracy in Latin American countries. The authors explore the historical foundations of democracy in these countries by looking at the evolution of the systems of governments from dictatorship and militariansm in early 1970s to democratic governments in early 1990s onwards.
The authors also focus on the definition of democracy, its characteristics and the challenges of democracy in the Latin American countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela, among others.
A Quote from the Article
‘The history of elected governments in Latin America surely warns against assuming that having elections means that there is necessarily a democracy’.
This quote is found on page 82 of the article (Wiarda and Kline 82). In this quote, the authors of the article seem to underscore the fact that many countries in Latin America have conducted elections in their history, but the elections themselves are not a sufficient indication of democracy in those countries.
What this quote means is that many countries adopted the democratic forms of governance in the early 1980s, not as a result of their own initiative but as a result of external pressure especially from the United States and the United Nations’ affiliated institutions as well as the Breton woods institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
The authors give several examples to support this quote. One such example is Nicaragua and El Salvador, which had elected governments during the 1980s. These governments were characterized by the curtailing of press freedom in regard to reporting about elections and governance as well as the denial of voting rights to supporters of opposition parties.
The purpose of the authors in writing the article was to highlight the real issues which undermine the successful implementation of the democratization process in Latin America and how selfish interest by the political and economic elite further complicate the situation.
Many of the countries in Latin America, though democratic, are concerned about the deteriorating economic and social status and to some, it is better for them to return back to authoritarianism, which they think is better because, during such times, there was adequate infrastructure and an albeit fair distribution of resources, with a small gap between the rich and the poor as opposed to the current democratic governance characterized by an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor.
The article depicts the Latin American community as socially, politically and economically naïve, especially due to the neoliberal approach to governance, which according to the authors of the article, is just a democracy of convenience in the sense that the political and economic elite use it to manage the image of their countries at the international level, but in reality, there is rampant corruption, violation of human rights, ethic and civil strife and unrest, lack of education and employment opportunities, drug trafficking and cartels and nepotism in government appointments and allocation of resources.
The Latin American community, therefore, needs a second liberation, which would bring radical changes in the prioritization and alignment of governments’ processes, procedures and operationalization.
The changes need to bring into power a new crop of leaders who are not haunted by the ghosts of traditional authoritarianism and imperial kind of leadership. The new crop of leaders should be able to rise above partisan politics and self-interest and put the interest of their nations ahead. This would bring social, political and economic transformations in the Latin American countries.
Work Cited
Wiarda, Howard and Kline, Harvey. Latin American Politics and Development: (7 Ed.). Washington, DC: Westview Press, 2010:82.Print.