Question of Sovereignty, A: Changing Expectations of the Federal Government
The national outlook towards government and what we expect from it has changed. Many areas once assumed to be the purview of state or local governments, like pollution control, now have federal and international dimensions. In tight budget situation...
Collapse of Peace, The: Sources of Soviet-American Tension
Even before the end of World War II, there are signs of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Once hostilities are over tensions mount and become what is known as the Cold War, a dangerous rivalry that will cast a shadow over inter...
Government by Committee: Guiding the Ship of State
The White House is a difficult place to manage, but with so many layers of staff, it will go on even if the president chooses not to engage in the day-to-day workings of government. "The office is difficult to occupy if you want to be a great presid...
Question of Sovereignty, A: Perspectives on Federalism
Federalism, quips Jack Rakove, is the one topic in the history of political science that is the toughest to make sense of. Other noted political scientists add their perspectives on the federalist system, talking about the efficiencies and inefficie...
Collapse of Peace, The: Wartime Diplomacy
Allied leaders periodically hold strategy talks during World War II, but the relationship is more a marriage of convenience. Stalin agrees to enter the Pacific conflict once the war in Europe is over. In turn Roosevelt promises to launch the long-aw...
Global Politics: Interconnected World, An
In the beginning, the U. S. was isolated from the rest of the world, geographically and to a large degree economically. In the 21st century that picture has changed dramatically. Production, finance, and culture have expanded globally to the extent ...
To End All Wars?: Retreat from Idealism The
Economic problems, labor unrest, racial tensions and the intensity of antiradicalism combine to create a general sense of disillusionment in the country following the first World War. The federal government is tarnished by the repressive and coerciv...
Government by Committee: Exponential Growth of the Presidency
Over the course of history, each of the president's constitutional powers has expanded beyond that which was originally envisioned. Foreign policy is a case in point. During most of the 19th century the federal government's policymaking role was sma...
New Corporate Order, A: Class Violence--Labor vs. Employer--Breaks Out at Work Sites
Despite the collective efforts of workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, working conditions do not improve. Frustration grows, relations deteriorate into a series of violent strikes and labor actions in the railroad, garment, and steel i...
Road to War, The: Internal Tensions within U.S.
American society on the eve of the country's involvement in World War I is profoundly divided ethnically and economically. Fear that overt opposition will interfere with the war effort results in repressive measures to suppress dissent. This is a pe...