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Begin New Search Political Geography United States of America Content Type Journal Article

1321. Shoring up the Right to Vote for President: A Modest Proposal [with Panel Discussion]

Author:
Alexander Keyssar
Publication Date:
07-2003
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
ALEXANDER KEYSSAR argues that the 2000 presidential election has made clear the desirability of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing to all American citizens the right to vote for president and to have those votes determine each state’s vote in the electoral college. Tracing certain features of the history of suffrage in the United States, he maintains that such an amendment would make the Constitution consistent with the now broadly based consensus (not present at the nation’s founding) that voting is a right that inheres in all citizens. THE PANELISTS (D. Caraley, L. Greenhouse, S. Issacharoff, R. Pildes, G. Pomper, J. Rakove, R. Shapiro, R. Smith) discuss the points raised by the Keyssar article. They end up with consensus on the need for a constitutional right to vote for president, but have some differences on additional aspects of reforming the system.
Topic:
Constitution, Domestic Politics, Voting Rights, Presidential Elections, and Electoral College
Political Geography:
United States of America

1322. Terror, Terrain, and Turnout: Explaining the 2002 Midterm Elections

Author:
Gary C. Jacobson
Publication Date:
03-2003
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
GARY C. JACOBSON argues that the results of the 2002 congressional election were consistent with past midterm elections as referenda on the administration and the economy, although the terrorist attacks of September 11 profoundly affected the referendum's substance. The modest Republican victory was a consequence of the post- September 11 rally in support for President George W. Bush, redistricting (in the House), and higher turnout among Republican loyalists. There was no evidence of any national shift in public sentiment toward the Republican party.
Topic:
Elections, Domestic Politics, 9/11, Political Parties, and George W. Bush
Political Geography:
United States of America

1323. Limits of American Power

Author:
Joseph S. Nye Jr.
Publication Date:
01-2003
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
JOSEPH S. NYE, JR. discusses the paradox of the United States having unparalleled military power, yet being unable to impose its will unilaterally on either its allies or its antagonists. He explains clearly why America must adopt a more cooperative engagement with the rest of the world.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Military Affairs, and Engagement
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1324. Al Qaeda, Military Commissions, and American Self-Defense

Author:
Ruth Wedgwood
Publication Date:
09-2002
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
RUTH WEDGWOOD critically examines the U.S. detainment of al Qaeda prisoners and others accused of visa violations or of being enemy combatants. She explains that “In a world where terrorist action flirts with catastrophic weapons, the competing paradigms of crime and war may provide no more than analogies. Fitting the law to this unwanted new world thus will require tact, judgment, and the weight of a heavy heart.”
Topic:
Defense Policy, Military Affairs, Al Qaeda, and Detention
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1325. CIA's Strategic Intelligence in Iraq

Author:
Richard L. Russell
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
RICHARD L. RUSSELL examines the strengths and weaknesses of American intelligence during the Gulf War in gauging Iraqi political intentions and military capabilities. He finds that overall strategic intelligence served policy makers well, but that some shortcomings, particularly in human intelligence collection, need to be corrected if the United States is to successfully deal with Iraq in the post-September 11 world. The role of the CIA was diminished after the war, even though he finds that the CIA’s estimates were more accurate than those of the Defense establishment.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Intelligence, 9/11, Gulf War, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Political Geography:
Iraq, Middle East, and United States of America

1326. An Interim Assessment of September 11: What Has Changed and What Has Not?

Author:
Robert Jervis
Publication Date:
03-2002
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
ROBERT JERVIS argues that contrary to much conventional wisdom, terrorism has not weakened most states, understanding the “root causes” of terrorism is not a firm foundation for policy, the concept of a war on terrorism is flawed, and American policy is likely to be more unilateral than multilateral.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Terrorism, and 9/11
Political Geography:
United States of America

1327. The Soft Underbelly of American Primacy: Tactical Advantages of Terror

Author:
Richard Betts
Publication Date:
03-2002
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
RICHARD BETTS argues that the September 11 attacks were a response to American primacy and then applies offense-defense theory to explain the intense advantages that terrorist groups have in launching offensive strikes and in exploiting the defenses that a nation can put up in this era of globalization and asymmetric warfare.
Topic:
Globalization, Terrorism, 9/11, and Asymmetric Relations
Political Geography:
United States of America

1328. Ending Welfare As We Know It: A Reform Still in Progress

Author:
Demetrios James Caraley
Publication Date:
01-2002
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
DEMETRIOS JAMES CARALEY summarizes the political and social dynamics that brought about the repeal of Aid to Families of Dependent Children (AFDC) and analyzes the effects of the new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program over its first four years. He considers possibilities for further changes in cash assistance for poor families during the program’s necessary reauthorization in 2002.
Topic:
Reform, Domestic Politics, Public Policy, Welfare, and Social Services
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1329. Hegemon on the Offensive: Chinese Perspectives on U. S. Global Strategy

Author:
Yong Deng
Publication Date:
09-2001
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
YONG DENG examines Chinese perceptions of and reactions to the U.S. global power status and grand security strategy after the cold war. He shows that conflict between the United States and China is structural and has been on the rise. The author believes there is a real danger of an escalation of balancing and counterbalancing unless a mechanism of peaceful change is devised.
Topic:
International Relations, Foreign Policy, National Security, and Hegemony
Political Geography:
China and United States of America

1330. A House and Senate Divided: The Clinton Legacy and the Congressional Elections of 2000

Author:
Gary C. Jacobson
Publication Date:
03-2001
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
GARY C. JACOBSON asserts the 2000 election and its bizarre aftermath in Florida accurately reflected the configuration of partisan politics that crystallized during the Clinton administration: close partisan balance in Congress and in the electorate; distinct regional, cultural, and ideological divisions between the parties' respective electoral coalitions; and a sharp partisan polarization among political elites, echoed, though more faintly, in the broader public. The trends that produced this political configuration predated the 1990s, but they accelerated during the Clinton years, and Clinton himself was a catalyst in their development.
Topic:
Elections, Domestic Politics, Political Parties, Polarization, and Bill Clinton
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1331. Why Americans Deserve a Constitutional Right to Vote for Presidential Electors

Author:
Demetrios James Caraley
Publication Date:
03-2001
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
DEMETRIOS JAMES CARALEY argues that the Constitution needs to be amended to give Americans the constitutional right they believed they had but the Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore denied--the right to vote for and select the president.
Topic:
Elections, Constitution, and Domestic Politics
Political Geography:
United States of America

1332. After the Storm: U.S. Policy toward Iraq since 1991

Author:
Daniel Byman
Publication Date:
01-2001
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
DANIEL BYMAN argues that criticism of U.S. policy toward Iraq is often overstated and fails to appreciate the accomplishments of the Bush and Clinton administrations. The author discusses which mechanisms have proven particularly effective but also analyzes the room for improvement in U.S. policy.
Topic:
International Relations, Foreign Policy, National Security, Politics, Clinton Administration, and George H. W. Bush
Political Geography:
Iraq, Middle East, North America, and United States of America

1333. Effective National Security Advising: A Most Dubious Precedent

Author:
Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
Publication Date:
09-2000
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
ARTHUR SCHLESINGER, JR. argues that the Eisenhower heavily-layered national security apparatus did not produce a coherent foreign policy and did not save the administration from gross errors. He believes that future presidents would benefit from a more flexible approach--such as those of FDR and JFK--to the conduct of foreign affairs.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, National Security, and American Presidency
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1334. Effective National Security Advising: Recovering the Eisenhower Legacy

Author:
Fred I. Greenstein and Richard H. Immerman
Publication Date:
09-2000
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
FRED I. GREENSTEIN and RICHARD H. IMMERMAN provide an account of the impressively rigorous process of national security policy planning in the Eisenhower presidency. They commend it as a model for the next administration.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, National Security, History, and American Presidency
Political Geography:
United States of America

1335. Economic Insecurity, Prejudicial Stereotypes, and Public Opinion on Immigration Policy

Author:
Peter Burns and James G. Gimpel
Publication Date:
07-2000
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
PETER BURNS and JAMES G. GIMPEL examine mass attitudes toward immigration policy in the United States, asking whether widespread restrictionist sentiment is stirred more by economic insecurity, by negative ethnic stereotypes, or by some combination of the two. For some, prejudice is rooted in economic insecurity, but prejudice also has roots that are quite independent of economic fears. Anti-immigrant sentiment will not disappear simply because economic conditions improve.
Topic:
Immigration, Public Opinion, Economic Security, and Stereotypes
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1336. Getting into the Black: Race, Wealth, and Public Policy

Author:
Dalton Conley
Publication Date:
01-2000
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
DALTON CONLEY examines the causes and consequences of the black-white asset gap in the United States. He argues that it is wealth, more than any other measure of socio-economic well being, that captures the nature of racial inequality in the post-civil rights era. Conley discusses policy implications that may be used to address such "equity inequity."
Topic:
Race, Inequality, Public Policy, and Wealth
Political Geography:
United States of America

1337. The United States and South Korean Democratization

Author:
James Fowler
Publication Date:
07-1999
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
JAMES FOWLER draws on interviews with State Department officials and recently declassified documents to analyze the role of the United States in South Korea's democratization, concluding that U.S. public pressure on the Korean government played a critical role in determining the timing of the transition.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Democratization, and Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:
South Korea and United States of America

1338. Defining Moment: The Threat and Use of Force in American Foreign Policy

Author:
Barry M. Blechman and Tamara Coffman Wittes
Publication Date:
03-1999
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
BARRY M. BLECHMAN and TAMARA COFMAN WITTES examine the uses of military threats and military interventions in the Bush and first Clinton administrations. Based on case studies and interviews with U.S. decision makers, they conclude that domestic and international political constraints are preventing U.S. leaders from making threats decisive enough to persuade foreign leaders to comply with U.S. demands.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Politics, Military Intervention, Bill Clinton, and George H. W. Bush
Political Geography:
United States of America

1339. The Escalation of U.S. Immigration Control in the Post-NAFTA Era

Author:
Peter Andreas
Publication Date:
01-1999
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
PETER ANDREAS examines the rapid escalation of U.S. immigration control efforts along our southwest border in recent years. He argues that enhanced border policing has less to do with actual deterrence and more to do with projecting an image of order and coping with the deepening contradictions of economic integration.
Topic:
Immigration, NAFTA, Borders, and Economic Integration
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

1340. The Politics of Reforming Social Security

Author:
R. Douglas Arnold
Publication Date:
07-1998
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Political Science Quarterly
Institution:
Academy of Political Science
Abstract:
R. DOUGLAS ARNOLD analyzes the political difficulties in reforming Social Security in the absence of a short-term crisis. He argues that the chief political problem is to find a way to impose short-term costs on current taxpayers when the benefits of advance funding are exclusively long-term for future retires.
Topic:
Politics, Reform, and Social Security
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America