Essays and Research Papers on State & Local Politics

A 4 page review of William A. Clark’s “The California Cauldron”, a book which explores the impacts of recent immigration on California. Clark explores the changes in laws and other factors which have led California to become one of the most demographically evolving regions in the United States. While many of the changes ...

A 7 page paper discussing the origins of racism and its effects in politics. Despite federal laws disallowing it, the realities of today’s living arrangements is that, in cities, Blacks and whites still are separated by political boundaries, as surely as they were separated in the years surrounding the Civil War. The overrepresentation ...

A 10 page research paper on NJ Senator Lautenberg and his campaign for re-election in 1994. The writer describes the candidate's background, issues, PACs, and relevance of Federal politics to State elections. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 16 page paper examining the evolution of the ballot initiative from a method by which grass root opinion could be translated into law to a tool of wealthy special interest groups with little concern for any outcome aside from supporting their own agendas. Budget by initiative is likely to continue since the Supreme Court ...

A 7 page paper discussing the factors underlying Detroit's urban decline and the spread of urban sprawl, beginning with the decline of the non-auto industry. There were many steps Detroit area planners could have undertaken to halt the mass exodus from the city. The poor still would have been poor, but there could have been businesses ...

A 5 page paper exploring the problem of collecting parking fines in the state of New Jersey. Information related to the problem is discussed as are solutions various cities have instituted. Recommendations are made as to possible alternative to correct the problem. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 20 page paper discussing the effects of urban sprawl in a region considered to be suburban to Detroit. The paper views the issue from the perspective of residents, large developers, government officials and local environmental groups, all of which appear to agree on basic principles including that stating that laws need to be changed now to help ...

10 pages in length. When the Supreme Court of the United States initially placed restrictions upon the issue of campaign finances, the country cried foul with regard to constitutional rights. Imposing monetary limits on what political candidates could spend, said some, was going against the very grain of American freedom. Political contributions ...

5 pages in length. Gambling on the Indian Reservation has come under some concern of late with last election's Proposition 5 in California, which sought to attain state approval for casino operation. In effect, it has pit tribes against commercial casino interests. A yes vote on Proposition 5 was structured so that ...

A 5 page paper discussing the big-business logistics of the largest public works project ever. Boston's Central Artery, the elevated six-lane highway that runs through town, opened in 1959 and was a marvel that had been planned for growth. Designed to carry 75,000 vehicles daily, it is now one of the most congested ...

A 9 page research paper that explores political action committees, with emphasis on influence in Michigan. The writer posits that all PACs aren't bad and that in many ways, they represent the voice of the people, and without them, only monied interests would reign. Bibliography lists 13 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing newer ways through which the small recreational facility can find funding. In budget-cutting times, those wishing to either create new recreational opportunities or enhancing those already in existence increasingly are faced with the need to take a more creative view of the issue of funding. Funding for small ...

An 8 page overview of the economic considerations of legalized gaming casinos for state and local governments, including increases in tax revenues, increases in crime and other social problems related to gambling. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 25 page paper looks at the New York City Transit System, with a focus on its bus service. An original study is included which focuses on complaints regarding bus service. Two bus lines were selected and explored in detail, one from Manhattan and the other from Brooklyn. The conclusion reveals that the more upscale ...

An 8 page paper which discusses the pros and cons of ticket scalping with primary focus upon ticket scalping in New Jersey. Various events around the country are finding themselves at the mercy of ticket scalpers. These scalpers come in the form of individuals looking to make an extra buck, ticket brokers, ticket agencies, and ...

In this 10 page research paper, the writer explores one of Boston's oldest subway lines. Specifically examined are the social and economic issues concerning its maintenance. Central to this discussion is an analysis of whether or not the Green Line Subway should continue to be operated in today's modern Boston. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

11 pages in length. Paper deals with the issues of immigration as it relates to Californian socio-politics. Discussed are the elements of labor, education, etc; Proposition 187 is frequently mentioned..The writer acknowledges the problems associated with immigration but maintains that Proposition 187 is not the way to solve them. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

8 pages in length. An insightful look at the sociopolitical controversy over California's Proposition 187 in which the writer highlights a number of exemplary cases and arguments to ultimately conclude that a nation built by immigrants, with a promise of an open door and opportunity for all only inherently contradicts itself when it closes educational ...

A 5 page paper on Port Jacksonville, Florida (an area with many specially designed facilities tailored specifically for the automobile trade) and the problems that it faced during the early and mid-1990's as a result of increased competition between cities and states. The writer analyzes Port Jacksonville's competitive environment and makes determinations about its not-so-bright ...

A 12 page research paper on the creation, functions activities and demise of the Commission during the Civil Rights era . The writer details the purposes of the Commission, its overt and covert activities to sustain the racial status quo, and the litigation surrounding its demise. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

4 pages in length. A heartfelt look at the controversy in New Mexico over defiance of Federal land sanctions. The people of this state made national news when they banded together to literally fight the government for their right to maintain public lands. A good overview of the movement, its seriousness, and its importance to ...

A 6 page paper on the TVA that explores the political forces behind its establishment, its mission statement, and how the TVA cultivates customers through community involvement. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

12 pages on charity care based largely upon the writer's own experience as an intern for the New Jersey State Legislature's 20th District. Various socio-political issues such as non-profit claims and taxes are examined both objectively and subjectively. A bibliography lists 4 sources.

Christine Todd Whitman is the focus of this 8 page paper that analyzes this very close election. Policies are discussed, including the divisive issue of abortion. The third party Libertarian candidate was deemed to be a factor in her victory. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 15 page report review the function of a U.S. Senator's office, its purpose, function, and structure. In specific, the report looks at Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and her role in service to both the people of Texas and the rest of the citizens of the U.S.A. Bibliography lists 13 sources.