AA98550 -- Kriz, Margaret. THE COLOR OF POISON (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 28, July 11, 1998, pp. 1608-1611)

Kriz's article details the charge by some activists that low-income minority neighborhoods are being used as toxic graveyards -- places where industries go to pollute because residents are less able to organize and object. Businesses reject the charge, saying that it will lead to business and industry locating elsewhere, depriving low-income areas of jobs. But Kriz says environmental racism or environmental civil rights is the hot new issue at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). [DHR; DP -- doe: 09/25/98]

AA98549 -- Kimenyi, Mwangi S. HARMONIZING ETHNIC CLAIMS IN AFRICA: A PROPOSAL FOR ETHNIC BASED FEDERALISM (The Cato Journal, vol. 18, no. 1, Spring/Summer 1998, pp. 43-63)

The author, an associate professor of economics at the University of Connecticut and a senior research associate of the African Research Institute for Public Policy and Market Process, proscribes a federalist system of ethnically-based local government as a cure for what he sees as the failure of the unitary systems of much of Africa. Kimenyi sees Africa's lack of economic progress as stemming from a centralized form of government which creates a destructive competition between ethnic groups for the resources of the state. His analysis argues that the transfer of authority to ethnically drawn local districts would unleash the efficient and positive aspects of ethnic groups for collective resource management. The central or federal government, he argues, would benefit both from the check and balance provided by local governments and by the channeling of ethnic conflict into more productive ethnic competition. [DHR; SHC -- doe: 09/25/98]

AA98548 -- Hansen, Karen; Rhyme, Nancy. ELECTION 98: WHICH WAY WILL IT TILT? (State Legislatures, vol. 24, no. 8, September 1998, pp. 12-17)

Voting participation percentages continued their downward trend in this year's primaries. Hansen and Rhyme, both affiliated with the National Conference of State Legislatures, report the political observers' best guesses about the November numbers, as well as reasons for and ramifications of low turnout. With an overwhelming majority of state legislative seats on the ballot, increasing numbers changing hands due to term limits, intense competition for partisan control of the legislative chambers, and legislative redistricting just over the horizon, "this is the year to prove once again the adage, 'all politics is local.'" [DHR; BS -- doe: 09/25/98]

AA98547 -- Felzenberg, Alvin S. THEY STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 9, September 1998, pp. 40-45)

The reasons Congress holds hearings are almost as numerous as the number of hearings they hold. In this special report "Do Congressional Hearings Still Matter," the author looks at the role of hearings from a historical perspective, highlighting the influence of such pivotal ones as the Fulbright hearings on the Vietnam war, or Iran-Contra. Two trends have emerged; the number of hearings has steadily increased over the last 25 years, and close media scrutiny has influenced how hearings are conducted. Whether the purpose is legislative, oversight, confirmation, fact-finding, or to expose potential wrong-doing, congressional hearings have a profound impact on public policy. They do make a difference. [DHR; CN -- doe: 09/25/98]

AA98521 -- Bradley, Bill. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CIVIC SECTOR (National Civic Review, vol. 87, no. 2, Summer 1998, pp. 157-161)

Former U.S. Senator and National Civic League Chairman Bradley argues "that there are four areas of concern that philanthropy and nonprofit organizations are uniquely situated to address: families and children, race relations, questions of citizenship, and the search for meaning." Bradley maintains that liberal reliance on solutions by government and conservative reliance on market solutions leave a void that can best be filled by the civic sector. [DHR; CH -- doe: 09/11/98]

AA98520 -- Faucheux, Ron. REVOLUTIONARY REFERENDA (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 9, September 1998, pp. 72-77)

Ron Faucheux, editor of CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS magazine, asserts that ballot initiatives are "vital tools of democracy." He traces the evolution of ballot propositions or referenda in the United States, examining the positive and negative impact of such initiatives on the U.S. political system. In recent years, ballot propositions have gained notoriety because they have become very expensive, and, more and more, well-financed organized groups are dominating the process over citizen groups. Such was the case with the recent California referendum on "union paycheck protection." [DHR; EB -- doe: 09/11/98]

AA98519 -- Babcock, Patrick; and others. THE ROLE OF FOUNDATIONS IN INFLUENCING PUBLIC POLICY (National Civic Review, vol. 87, no. 2, Summer 1998, pp. 117-126)

A panel of three foundation officials points out that since the Progressive Era of the early 1900s, philanthropic organizations have played a vital role in influencing public policy in the United States. With the support of philanthropy, the panelists note, community-based organizations have made important inroads in such areas as public safety, health and education. They stress that the role of the independent sector has become even more significant with the move away from federally mandated programs. Panelists are: Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund; Nan Aron, president of the Alliance for Justice; and Gail Christopher, director of the Alliance for Redesigning Government. [DHR; SG -- doe: 09/11/98]

AA98512 -- Gartner, Michael. SUBPOENA MADNESS (The Columbia Journalism Review, vol. 37, no. 2, July/August 1998, pp. 45-47)

In this "era of the special prosecutor" the author sees a danger in the increasing number of print and broadcast journalists who are facing orders to testify before a grand jury. Special prosecutors are not bound by Justice Department guidelines, which over the years have limited the government's power to subpoena the press. What are news organizations doing when compelled to testify? More and more, the author says, corporate media managers have little will to fight expensive battles in the name of freedom of the press. This article is currently available on the Internet at http://www.cjr.org/. [DHR; SCH -- doe: 08/27/98]

AA98507 -- Cortes, Michael. PUBLIC-POLICY PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITIES (National Civic Review, vol. 87, no. 2, Summer 1998, pp. 163-168)

Many fields of scholarship at American universities produce findings of potential use to people who make or influence public policy, says Cortes. He offers concrete ways academics can overcome institutional barriers to share their expertise with civic and community groups and policy makers on community problems. Suggestions (such as publications for general audience, in-service training for public policy) are supplemented with strategies currently under development in Latino, a newly established University of Colorado multi- disciplinary think tank, created with foundation funding at the request of the Colorado Hispanic Institute. [DHR; BS -- doe: 08/27/98]

AA98505 -- Stone, Peter H. UPHILL STRUGGLE FOR CAMPAIGN REFORMERS (National Journal, vol. 30, nos. 34-35, August 22, 1998, pp. 1982-1983)

Stone says recent House passage of a campaign finance reform bill aimed at placing curbs on soft money has emboldened reformers who want to pass a similar bill in the Senate -- the so-called McCain-Feingold reform bill. It's still a long shot, however, because of greater opposition in the Senate, as indicated by the successful filibustering of the bill earlier this year, Stone adds. The reformers' lobbying drive will focus on a dozen GOP Senators who could make the difference and who are up for re-election this year. [DHR; DP -- doe: 08/27/98]

AA98504 -- Rieff, David. COURT OF DREAMS (The New Republic, vol. 219, no. 10, September 7, 1998, pp. 16-17)

Rieff argues that supporters of the International Criminal Court fail to ask fundamental questions about the true relation between law and politics; they hope that, "somehow, the law can rescue us from situations from which politics and statecraft have failed to deliver us." The law can never do this, in Rieff's view, and this time will be no exception. As a result, he says, the Court will be unable to fulfill the role envisioned for it by its supporters, and will in the end be a source not of hope, but of disillusion. [DHR; MS -- doe: 08/27/98]

AA98503 -- Heith, Diane J. STAFFING THE WHITE HOUSE PUBLIC OPINION APPARATUS: 1969-1988 (Public Opinion Quarterly, vol. 62, no. 2, Summer 1998, pp. 165-189)

This article explores the use of opinion polls in presidential decision making. Few things are more important to the modern White House than public opinion. However, little is known about how the White House gathers, assesses and uses such information. The author examines four previous administrations, analyzing data such as memorandums, handwritten notes, pollster reports, and other written documentation to draw interesting conclusions about the influence of public opinion on the workings of the White House. "Yet to be determined," concludes the author, "is whether the use of public opinion during policy making represents responsive leadership, followership, or an effort to manipulate the public into supporting the president's goals." [DHR; CKN -- doe: 08/27/98]

AA98482 -- Mikva, Abner. PLAYING TO THE CROWD (The Washington Monthly, vol. 30, nos. 7-8, July/August 1998, pp. 40-41)

Will televising trials turn our courtrooms into circuses? Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing every federal judge to decide whether or not to allow the televising of a trial in his or her courtroom. Although to become law the bill must be passed by the Senate and then signed by the President, author Ronald Goldfarb, in his book "TV or Not TV," argues that soon all judges will have the option of deciding whether there will be television cameras in his or her courtroom. Abner Mikva, currently professor at the University of Chicago who has served as a Representative from Illinois and chief judge of the D.C. court of appeals, disputes many of the arguments made in Goldfarb's book, arguing that televising trials is injurious to the legal process. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 08/13/98]

AA98481 -- Mahtesian, Charles. BENCH PRESS (Governing, vol. 11, no. 11, August 1998, pp. 18-23)

In an increasing number of states, the business community is achieving legislative victory by going around local government to the state supreme court. They do this by backing pro- business candidates who run for governor or the legislature, who then appoint sympathetic judges. As a result, comprehensive tort laws that limit personal injury, malpractice and other civil suit awards are being overturned. The end result is that business grows more powerful in deciding what is best for the community. [DHR; DB -- doe: 08/13/98]

AA98480 -- Lake, Celinda; Sosin, Jennifer. PUBLIC OPINION POLLING AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY (National Civic Review, vol. 87, no. 1, Spring 1998, pp. 65-70)

As the use of public opinion polls has mushroomed over the last three decades, so has the debate over how politicians should use the results. The authors point out that as independent polling becomes more expensive, the trend is toward consolidation of polling in the hands of wealthier organizations and political parties. They explore the perils and opportunities of this trend and make the case for continued use of poll results in making public policy. [DHR; CH -- doe: 08/13/98]

AA98479 -- Anderson, Brian C.; O'Dea, Chris; Barrett, Beth. THE COMEBACK OF THE BIG CITY: SPECIAL REPORT (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 8, August 1998, pp. 22-41)

"After decades of economic and social malaise, America's three largest cities are all making remarkable comebacks," says the magazine's editor, Martin Kaplan. This Special Report features articles on New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Author Brian Anderson discusses N.Y. City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's legal reform efforts and the impact of these reforms on the city's economic resurgence. According to author Chris O'Dea, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's successful promotion of public/private sector partnerships continues to spur economic growth. Writer Beth Barrett attributes Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan's efforts to reduce crime and to increase foreign investment as instrumental factors in bringing Los Angeles back to life. [DHR; EB -- doe: 08/13/98]

AA98461 -- Westen, Tracy. CAN TECHNOLOGY SAVE DEMOCRACY? (National Civic Review, vol. 87, no. 1, Spring 1998, pp. 47-56)

New communication technologies are rapidly emerging to help revitalize American democracy, says Westen, president of the nonprofit Center for Governmental Studies. For example, in the 1992 national election, none of the presidential candidates had a Website, but by 1996, all of them did. Computers, email and the internet have the potential to encourage broader discussion of issues, and foster better understanding of candidates' positions.

The Democracy Network, ( http://www.democracynet.org) an experimental interactive project sponsored by the Center for Governmental Studies, is one example of the power of digital technology in helping citizens obtain political information. Rather than being passive recipients of television political advertising, voters can have two way communications, from candidate to candidate, voter to candidate and voter to voter. Technology provides the electorate with the ability to make more well-informed decisions, an essential component of the political process. [DHR; CN -- doe: 07/31/98]

AA98460 -- Schmitt, Mark. THE CHALLENGE OF MONEY IN A NEW VISION FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY (National Civic Review, vol. 87, no. 1, Spring 1998, pp. 37-45)

"Money alters and distorts American democracy" says the author, speaking about campaign finance reform. Mark Schmitt, former policy director for Senator Bill Bradley, feels that recent developments point to the possibility of serious debate about the role of campaign money in a revitalized American democracy. He outlines in clear, readable fashion several trends that give cause for guarded optimism, including initiatives for incremental rather than comprehensive reform, and a grassroots movement for reform in the States. He believes that if the public becomes fed up enough to demand reform, and then holds members accountable, Congress just might feel the pressure to act. This article presents thoughtful, readable analysis of some potential solutions to an intractable problem and will be of interest to all who follow this issue. [DHR; CN -- doe: 07/31/98]

AA98442 -- Taylor, Stuart, Jr. CAMPAIGN FINANCE: TWO PRETTY PROMISING PROPOSALS (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 29, pp. 1663-1664)

Taylor applauds two campaign finance reform bills currently pending in the House of Representatives. Both would clamp down on the soliciting by federal officials of the huge amount of soft money expended by political parties. Such soft money is, in effect, used by the officials to promote their campaigns, which is legal so long as the ads do not specifically endorse them by name. The downside, if either of these bills ever became law, would be that soft money might be diverted to more issue group advocacy. But both bills seem "preferable to the status quo," in Taylor's view. [DHR; DP -- doe: 07/31/98]

AA98441 -- Auld, L. Patrick. JUSTICE BYRON WHITE AND SEPARATION OF POWERS (Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 2, Spring 1998, pp. 337-348)

Auld, attorney and former fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency, follows the decisions of one Supreme Court Justice on a single Constitutional issue, to show the vibrancy of the Constitution when applied to today's governmental structure. He compares and contrasts different theories of Constitutional interpretation on a historic administrative structure that "helps maintain interbranch equilibrium, while still allowing institutional innovation." [DHR; BS -- doe: 07/31/98]

AA98437 Edwards, Lee THE UNFORGETTABLE CANDIDATE (National Review, vol. L, no. 12, July 6, 1998, pp. 26-38)

Barry Goldwater, the 1964 Republican presidential nominee known as "Mr. Conservative," was the personification of a political movement, says biographer Edwards. He details events of the campaign in which the late Arizona senator captured the party nomination but lost the election to President Johnson in a landslide. Still, Edwards notes, Goldwater's impact on every important aspect of American politics was profound -- today his young followers sit in Congress, raise millions of dollars, write seminal books, and run television networks. [DHR; SG -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98422 Victor, Kirk EXECUTIVE BRANCH END RUN (National Journal, May 16, 1998, Volume 30, Number 20, pp. 1112-1114)

The Clinton Administration's practice of filling top jobs with "acting" officials who have not been confirmed by the Senate has outraged some lawmakers. According to Kirk, "Acting" officials hold 20 per cent of the cabinet-level department jobs that require Senate confirmation-- 64 out of 320 slots. White House officials contend that Congress has exacerbated the problem by increasingly politicizing the confirmation process, but some lawmakers respond that the administration is appointing many acting officials and not sending their names to the Senate for confirmation. Several bills have been introduced to deal with this problem. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98421 Hogan, Thomas; Mize, Gregory, and Clark, Kathleen HOW TO IMPROVE THE JURY SYSTEM (The World and I, July 1998, pp.64-69)

The authors outline recent reform efforts to improve the federal and local jury trial systems in Washington, D.C. The D.C. Jury Project, a group of diverse individuals ranging from average citizens to members of the legal community, spent one year thoroughly examining the current jury trial system. Their report, "Juries for the Year 2000 and Beyond," includes thirty- two specific recommendations for modernizing and improving the current system. One of the most provocative recommendations calls for abolition of peremptory challenges. (DHR; EB)

AA98415 Rosen, Jeffrey IN DEFENSE OF GENDER-BLINDNESS: A PRACTICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL PROPOSAL FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 26, June 29, pp. 25-35)

"Most people are surprised to learn that sexual harassment law does not impose liability on sexual harassers," writes the magazine's legal affairs editor. "Instead it puts the full weight of responsibility on their employers." The regrettable result, says Rosen, is that "prudent employers have little choice but to restrict a great deal of sexual expression that no jury would ultimately condemn." Rosen proposes that harassment cases be moved out of the realm of sex discrimination law and instead be covered under tort, or civil, law. NOTE: This article contains coarse vernacular which post audience members may find offensive. [DHR; CH -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98414 Ferguson, Andrew THE MEDIA'S FAVORITE REPUBLICAN (The Weekly Standard, Vol. 3, No. 42, July 6-13, 1998, pp. 20-25)

Arizona Senator John McCain's standing as an orthodox Republican is secure, but over the course of his political career, he has gained a reputation for being ideologically complicated, says senior editor Ferguson. Support for tobacco regulation and campaign finance reform have made him a "maverick," but Ferguson says McCain is a charming, friendly, self-deprecating man who is liked by the media. Why? The former prisoner-of-war in Vietnam attributes it himself to his "candor and accessibility." [DHR;SG -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98413 Eksterowicz, Anthony J; Hastedt, Glenn MODERN PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITIONS: PROBLEMS, PITFALLS, AND LESSONS FOR SUCCESS (Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 2, Spring 1998, pp. 299-319)

"Newness, haste, hubris, and naivete all combine to complicate a new president's transition process." With an eye to the presidential election in 2000, Eksterowicz and Hastedt, James Madison University political science professors, use the transitions of Carter, Reagan, and Clinton to highlight past problems and lessons. Suggestions for reform include a preelection, post nomination transition focusing on process, management, and organization, with the postelection period highlighting policy problems. [DHR, BS -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98412 -- Mahtesian, Charles. HOW TO GET RID OF EXCELLENT PUBLIC OFFICIALS (Governing, vol. 11, no. 10, July 1998, pp. 25- 30)

Mahtesian questions if "term limit fever," i.e., limiting the number of years an elected official can hold office, is desirable, especially since there aren't always a lot of well- qualified candidates for office. One example he cites is in Colorado, where sheriffs now must leave office by 2002. Generally, their assistants would be expected to run to succeed them. But the assistants are paid more than the sheriffs, and they don't have to worry about term limits -- not a good incentive to run for public office. [DHR; DB -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98411 -- Burka, Paul. PRESIDENT BUSH? (Texas Monthly, vol. 26, no. 7, July 1998, pp. 72-75, 100-104)

Executive Editor Burka offers a seven-step scenario on how Texas Governor George W. Bush -- who says he hasn't made up his mind to run but acts like a candidate -- can be the next U.S. president, including using his greatest asset, his family. Burka also notes that the biggest problem Bush would have to overcome would be to make inroads into the large right-wing vote without taking positions that will lose the respect or the allegiance of mainstream conservatives. [DHR; SG -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98397 -- Taylor, Stuart, Jr. THE COURT CRACKS DOWN ON PROPERTY SEIZURES (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 26, June 27, 1998, pp. 1490-1491)

Taylor documents the Supreme Court's cracking down on property seizures -- invoking the 8th Amendment's ban on "excessive fines." He says forfeiture laws make sense when the property involved is contraband or stolen money or goods, but not otherwise. "The forfeiture laws are in need of disruption, so that severe punishments will be reserved for serious criminals," he concludes. [DHR; DP -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98396 -- Cook, Charlie. WHY THE GOP STANDS TO KEEP THE HOUSE (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 24, June 13, 1998, pp. 1384-1387)

Cook predicts the Republicans will retain control of the House of Representatives in the fall elections. "Not since 1988 have there been fewer competitive races," he notes. Scores of incumbents face weak or no opposition, a reflection of the strong economy, he adds. In addition, he says there are only a small number of vulnerable open seats. As a result, he says, neither party will win or lose much, leaving the status quo in place -- a small Republican overall majority. [DHR; DP -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98393 -- Caldwell, Christopher. THE SOUTHERN CAPTIVITY OF THE GOP (Atlantic Monthly, vol. 281, no. 6, June 1998, pp. 55-72)

The gradual Republican capture of the South, for decades a stronghold of the Democrats, helped to give the party control of both houses of Congress for the first time since 1955. This change has been so complete that Southern cultural values and political agendas now hold the Republican Party as a whole in thrall. Caldwell, senior writer of the conservative WEEKLY STANDARD, sees this as a significant problem. "The Republicans have reason to worry," he writes. "They are a majority party that causes second thoughts among those who make them one. The Republicans are in the midst of a crisis of confidence that has many symptoms." As Southern control grows ever stronger, the party is alienating important voter blocs in other regions. [DHR; CKN -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98385 -- Weinstein, Jack B. THE MANY DIMENSIONS OF JURY NULLIFICATION (Judicature, vol. 81, no. 4, January/February 1998, pp. 168-171)

Weinstein uses his experience as a senior federal judge on a U.S. District Court to explain why juries sometimes acquit criminal defendants, although the evidence and law appear to support conviction. He defines nullification more narrowly than some observers, explaining the judicial and societal ramifications of increasingly diverse juries and why their decisions to reject laws or applications of law may be seen as unfair. [DHR; BS -- doe: 07/16/98]

AA98367 -- Cook, Charles E., Jr. PROSPECTS FOR THE 2000 DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION (The Washington Quarterly, vol. 21, no. 3, Summer 1998, pp. 233-239)

The most important thing about the year 2000 U.S. presidential race is that the absence of an incumbent leaves both parties' nominations in doubt, at least in theory, says veteran political observer Cook. He notes that while the fight for the Republican nomination is wide open, Vice President Gore has to be the Democratic favorite because one of the most difficult challenges in politics is to defeat a sitting vice president for the presidential nomination. Still, Cook points out, there will be challengers, and Gore's fate may come down to how his image evolves among voters. [DHR; SG -- doe: 06/19/98]

AA98365 -- Shapiro, Walter. MARCH MADNESS: HOW THE PRIMARY SCHEDULE FAVORS THE RICH (The Washington Monthly, vol. 30, no. 6, June 1998, pp. 24-25)

Editor Walter Shapiro outlines the reasons he believes that the new primary calendar, initiated by the Republicans in 1996, unfairly influences election outcomes. He suggests that encouraging states to cluster their primaries and caucuses in March stacks the deck in favor of the front-runners, leaving little time for opponents to regroup. It particularly impacts on underfunded candidates who have little time to raise additional funds. Grouping primaries increases the role of money in politics significantly, he concludes. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 06/19/98]

AA98364 -- Lazarus, Edward. MORTAL COMBAT: HOW THE DEATH PENALTY POLARIZED THE SUPREME COURT (The Washington Monthly, vol. 30, no. 6, June 1998, pp. 32-38)

Taken from the author's book "Closed Chambers," this article provides a detailed inside look at how the Supreme Court deals over time with a divisive issue, in this case the death penalty. Lazarus looks at key capital punishment cases, examines the critical role of the Court's internal rules in enabling it to accommodate the views of members who may be consistently in the minority, and shows how the issue of the death penalty led to erosion of those rules and polarization of the Court. [DHR; CH - - doe: 06/19/98]

AA98363 -- Slade, David C. THE POWER OF THE PURSE (The World & I , vol. 13, no. 6, June 1998, pp. 78-79)

What do New York City and the Idaho potato growers have in common? Both are currently challenging the constitutional validity of the 1996 Line Item Veto Act. Author David Slade, member of the U.S. Supreme Court bar, traces the history of the line item veto and discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's expected ruling this summer in Clinton vs. New York City. [DHR; EB -- doe: 06/19/98]

AA98337 -- Post, Robert. JUSTICE FOR SCALIA (The New York Review of Books, vol. 45, no. 10, June 11, 1998, pp. 57-62)

The author, a University of California law professor, scrutinizes the legal thought of Antonin Scalia, whose combination of conservative doctrine, scholarly depth and acerbic writings have made him one of the Supreme Court's most visible and controversial members. In this review-essay of Scalia's book, "A Matter of Interpretation: Federal Courts and the Law," Post observes that Scalia is associated with two widely debated doctrines: textualism and originalism. Textualism, simply put, means that judges should look to the ordinary meaning of the words to interpret a statute, not to its legislative history or other outside commentary. Originalism refers to interpreting the Constitution as understood by the Founding Fathers, and rejects the view that the Constitution is a document that can grow or change fundamentally over time. Post pays tribute to the strength of Scalia's arguments, but also demonstrates that both doctrines are deeply flawed, and rest upon a profound mistrust of judicial power. An excellent article for students of the American legal system and constitutional law. [DHR; HC -- doe: 06/05/98]

AA98336 -- Milbank, Dana. PARTY CRASHERS (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 24, June 15, 1998, pp. 21-25)

In an attempt to regain a majority in the House of Representatives in this fall's mid-term elections, the Democratic Party is increasingly seeking candidates whose views on abortion, gun control, the death penalty, and school prayer, not to mention bread-and-butter economic issues, are indistinguishable from those of Republicans. For many of these "ostensibly Democratic" candidates, says Milbank, conservatism is not merely a one-issue idiosyncrasy -- "it is their defining characteristic." Although this strategy may represent a prudent adaptation to the country's more conservative mood, according to Milbank, some of the Democrats' traditional backers are finding it difficult to reconcile such political realism with their long-held beliefs. [DHR; MS -- doe: 06/05/98]

AA98323 -- Jacobson, Louis. RUNNING SCARED OF VOTE RATINGS (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 18, May 2, 1998, pp. 1006-1007)

Jacobson says that increasingly members of Congress must pay attention to what interest groups, located in and outside of their Districts, think of their voting records, in addition to the folks back home. The trend towards assigning lawmakers scores based on votes in Congress has grown apace, he says. Now, many lawmakers are calling interest groups around the country in advance of votes to ascertain what their position is. It is testimony, he concludes, to the increasing power of interest groups in the political process. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/05/98]

AA98322 -- Hall, John A. THE NATURE OF CIVIL SOCIETY (Society, vol. 35, no. 4, May/June 1998, pp. 32-41)

Professor Hall provides a fresh approach to clarify the meaning of civil society. In a wide-ranging definition, he includes the notion that civil society is not the same thing as liberalism or democracy, but is what makes liberalism and democracy truly desirable. After a thorough discussion of how the idea was born, primarily in Europe, Hall assesses the potential for the spread of civil society throughout the world. Hall comes to the provocative conclusion that civil society is unlikely to spread beyond parts of Europe and Latin America. [DHR; CKN -- doe: 06/05/98]

AA98321 -- Carney, Eliza Newlin. STAKING THE WRONG REFORM (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 15, April 11, 1998, pp. 822-823)

Carney says that the failure, to date, of campaign finance reform cannot be laid solely at the door of Congress. The problem is that reform advocates have concentrated too much on candidate spending and not enough on spending by outside citizens and other groups, which has escalated enormously in recent years. "Candidates and parties are no longer the principal actors in many political campaigns. Increasingly, interest groups are claiming center stage," she concludes. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/05/98]

AA98318 -- Toobin, Jeffrey. STARR CAN'T HELP IT (The New Yorker, vol. 74, no. 12, May 18, 1998, pp. 32-38)

Is Kenneth Starr a vengeful partisan out to destroy a president, or a high-minded prosecutor committed to truth and justice? Neither, according to Toobin. He is an ambitious Washington insider trapped by serious defects in the independent-counsel law. Starr's investigations have expanded uncontrollably in scope, duration and cost, Toobin argues, because the law "has created a prosecutor who is at once too strong and too weak, and whose work is easily -- and to a certain extent inescapably -- politicized." Starr won a series of early convictions related to Whitewater in Arkansas; but with an unlimited budget and unremitting pressure from conservatives, he has been unable to bring his multiple investigations to closure, or prevent his efforts from appearing tainted by ulterior political motives. Starr, for example, took three years to reinvestigate the suicide of White House lawyer Vincent Foster -- after four previous investigations had already reached identical conclusions about the circumstances of his death. [DHR; HC -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98296 -- Worth, Robert. HOW "THE NEW YORK TIMES," "THE WASHINGTON POST," AND THE INDEPENDENT COUNSEL LAW SCREWED BRUCE BABBITT (The Washington Monthly, April 1998, pp. 14-18)

Editor Robert Worth examines the impact of the independent counsel (IC) statute on the judicial process. Using the investigation of Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt as an example, he suggests that the IC law encourages reporters to enter into high-profile witch hunts and ignore the issues that really matter. He concludes that the IC statute needs significant reform. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98295 -- Schriner, Kay; Ochs, Lisa A; Shields, Todd G. THE LAST SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT: VOTING RIGHTS FOR PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES (Publius, vol. 27, no. 3, Summer 1997, pp. 75-96)

Although voting is recognized as a fundamental right, constitutional and legislative reforms have been necessary to prevent states from excluding certain individuals from voting based on their race, previous servitude, class and gender. Most states, however, still exclude people with cognitive and emotional impairments. This article argues that such provisions are unconstitutional and puts forth the political and legal arguments for suffrage for these individuals. [DHR; CH -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98294 -- Alexander, Lamar. SHOULD TOM PAINE HAVE FILED WITH THE FEC? (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 5, May 1998, pp. 62-65)

Would Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" have had the same impact if it had been subject to today's campaign finance regulations? This is doubtful if you follow the argument presented by former U.S. Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander. Today, argues Alexander, Paine's writings would be considered a form of "express advocacy," political speech subject to Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations. [DHR; EB -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98293 -- Wolfe, Alan. DEVELOPING CIVIL SOCIETY: CAN THE WORKPLACE REPLACE BOWLING? (The Responsive Community, vol. 8, no. 2, Spring 1998, pp. 41-47)

This article is adapted from the author's new book, "One Nation After All," and challenges Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" thesis that America is no longer building social capital. Wolfe highlights the changing nature of American society and new venues of social interaction, both driven largely by economic growth. Interviews with some 200 "middle income" Americans led him to conclude that Americans remain "joiners," but that the quality of their social ties are not as rich as they would like. The article also points out innovative links between the workplace and community involvement. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98292 -- Wilcox, Clyde; Joe, Wesley. DEAD LAW: THE FEDERAL ELECTION FINANCE REGULATIONS, 1974-1996 (PS: Political Science & Politics, vol. 31, no. 1, March 1998, pp. 14-17)

The regulatory regime created in 1974 to establish a system of private financing of congressional campaigns with limits on contribution amounts was never fully implemented, say Georgetown University's Wilcox and Joe. They point out that the 1996 election cycle saw party officials raising unprecedented amounts of unearmarked "soft money," but directing it into specific campaigns. Strengthening the disclosure system of funds raised, the authors note, is essential to restoring public trust. [DHR; SG -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98291 -- Stern, Carl. THE RIGHT TO BE WRONG: HERETICAL THOUGHTS OF AN EX-NEWSCASTER (The Responsive Community, vol. 8, no. 2, Spring 1998, pp. 24-31)

The author, professor at George Washington University and former correspondent for NBC News for 34 years, argues that the U.S. Supreme Court should modify its 1964 ruling, "New York Times v. Sullivan." In the interest of ensuring freedom of the press, this decision permits the media to report on public figures without risking costly libel suits. Libel of public figures, in U.S. law, must include actual malice. This ruling, according to Stern, has led to inadequate, "tabloid" journalism and he proposes that the state legislators and courts reassess the issues surrounding accountability and press freedom. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98290 -- Gurwitt, Rob. WITH STRINGS ATTACHED (Governing, vol. 11, no. 7, April 1998, pp. 18-25)

In today's market, government services often have been slashed and there is no other recourse for government but to seek help from philanthropic foundations or other public institutions. But legislators are looking at the repercussions of accepting such help when "foundations are positioned to influence the public sector in a whole new way," by pursuing their own agendas with little thought to legislative directives. [DHR; DB -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98289 -- Couto, Richard A. THE ART OF TEACHING DEMOCRACY (Change, vol. 30, no. 2, March/April 1998, pp. 34-38)

Couto, a professor of leadership studies at the Jepson School of the University of Richmond and senior fellow in higher education at the Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland, presents scholarly reflections on the connections between teaching the elements of democracy and civic life, offering hope and direction for making classrooms greater sources of social capital. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98288 -- Cohen, Richard E.; Barnes, James A. THE PARTIES ADRIFT

(National Journal, vol. 30, no. 17, April 25, 1998, pp. 916-920)

With the congressional midterm elections less than six months away, the authors analyze the complex political environment that has resulted from the lack of galvanizing issues in this year's campaigns. They conclude that because neither the Republican nor Democratic parties have been able to articulate a unified agenda, in sharp contrast to the 1992, 1994 and 1996 election years, voters and candidates are more likely focus on local area concerns. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/22/98]

AA98259 -- Milbank, Dana. THE CONVERSION OF STEVE FORBES (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 17, April 27, 1998, pp. 21-25)

"What's more surprising than this supply-sider's willingness to embrace the religious conservatives he spurned two years ago? Their willingness to embrace him," writes senior editor Milbank. "If he can link that (support) with his traditional coalition of economic and establishment conservatives, as now seems possible, he has a shot at reassembling the Reagan coalition," concludes the author. [DHR; CH -- doe: 05/11/98]

AA98258 -- Kupchan, Charles A; and others. ILLIBERAL ILLUSIONS: RESTORING DEMOCRACY'S GOOD NAME (Foreign Affairs, vol. 77, no. 3, May/June 1998, pp. 122-128)

Four authors take exception to various points made by managing editor Fareed Zakaria in his earlier "Foreign Affairs" article, "The Rise of Illiberal Democracy" (AA97507 in Article Alert No. 910 of December 5, 1997). Zakaria had argued that in the absence of liberal institutions, democratic elections can lead to "nationalism, ethnic conflict, and even war." Kupchan, of Georgetown University, Juliana Geran Pilon of the International Foundation for Election Systems, Nigel Gould-Davies of Oxford University, and Kenneth Cain of the Council on Foreign Relations counter all or part of Zakaria's thesis, each on slightly different grounds. [DHR; CH -- doe: 05/11/98]

AA98257 -- Hult, Karen M., Walcott, Charles E. POLICYMAKERS AND WORDSMITHS: WRITING FOR THE PRESIDENT UNDER JOHNSON AND NIXON (Polity, vol. 30, no. 3, Spring 1998, pp. 465-487)

The Johnson and Nixon administrations marked the death of the old system of writing presidential speeches. It was during this period that professional writers began drafting the president's public remarks, formerly a responsibility delegated to key policy advisors. The authors examine both the reasons for and results of growth of the White House Office of Communications. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/11/98]

AA98256 -- Bartley, Robert; Ponnuru, Ramesh; O'Sullivan, John. PITCHED BATTLE (National Review, vol. 50, no. 7, April 20, 1998, pp. 41-46)

The writers provide separate looks at the anti-global trade views of Patrick Buchanan, which the conservative commentator spells out in his new book "The Great Betrayal." Buchanan proposes to stand athwart not only the march of communism, Bartley says, but also powerful trends driven by the information revolution. Ponnuru notes that Buchanan insists Americans should base their foreign policy on the national interest and reject advice from a complacent elite. And O'Sullivan says Buchanan supports protectionism because he believes free trade is the economic road to post-nationalism. [DHR; SG -- doe: 05/11/98]

AA98255 -- Bailyn, Bernard. EXCERPTS: FROM THE WRITINGS OF BERNARD BAILYN (Humanities, vol. 19, no. 2, March/April 1998, pp. 19-23)

This issue of "Humanities" highlights the work of Bernard Bailyn, 1998 NEH Jefferson Lecturer, winner of two Pulitzer prizes in history and professor of history at Harvard University for 45 years. These writings provide a glimpse of the author's deep interest in America's effort to establish a national power to sustain a stable and effective society, while preserving the maximum range of personal rights and freedoms. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/11/98]

AA98254 -- Lilla, Mark. A TALE OF TWO REACTIONS (The New York Review of Books, vol. 45, no. 8, May 14, 1998, pp. 4-7)

We live in a profoundly reactionary era, argues Lilla, in this lucid and compelling essay. Conservatives inveigh against the social and cultural toxins released by something called "the Sixties," which, in their view, produced a breakdown in institutional authority and private morality. Liberals, by contrast, are reacting against the political and economic values of the "Reagan revolution," with its emphasis on smaller government and larger free markets. Neither left nor right, Lilla writes, has faced the reality that the "Sixties" cultural revolution and the Reagan political revolution, occurring within a single generation, "have proved to be complementary, not contradictory events." In his view, the revolution is over: the right has no more hope of rolling back the cultural legacy of the "Sixties" than the left does of reestablishing large, progressive government. Moreover, the revolution is one and indivisible, and we live in an era characterized by expanded definitions of personal and economic freedom. [DHR; HC -- doe: 05/11/98]

AA98233 -- Gizzi, John. PARTIES SPLIT ON ISSUES FROM A TO T (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 4, April 1998, pp. 48-53)

Trying to decide on their official positions for the upcoming elections in the United States, Republicans are wrangling with Republicans and Democrats with Democrats, says Gizzi, veteran political correspondent for HUMAN EVENTS newspaper. The two major parties' internal struggles on issues ranging from abortion to trade will make for a bumpy election season, Gizzi points out.

[DHR; SG -- doe: 04/24/98]

AA98232 -- Cox, Archibald. ETHICS, CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND DEMOCRACY (Society, vol. 35, no. 3, March/April 1998, pp. 54-59)

In the view of the one-time Special Watergate Prosecutor, the central cause of the current overwhelming public distrust of government in the United States, and of actual subordination of the common good to special interests, is the present system of campaign finance. Pointing out that special interest PAC contributions are a dominant force in financing congressional campaigns, Cox calls for a reform that would turn the focus back to the common good. [DHR; SG -- doe: 04/24/98]

AA98231 -- Cohn, Jonathan. ROLL OUT THE BARREL (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 16, April 20, 1998, pp. 19-23)

The term "pork" in Washington signifies congressmen and women who sponsor "public works programs of dubious merit, specific to [their] congressional district, designed to curry favor with its voters." Cohn talks about the abundance of "pork" in recent years and its transformation to respectable politics. [DHR; DB -- doe: 04/24/98]

AA98230 -- Carlson, Tucker. SHOULD McCURRY QUIT? (The Weekly Standard, vol. 3, no. 26, March 16, 1998, pp. 10-12)

"Why doesn't McCurry resign before the taint from the Lewinsky scandal becomes indelible," asks staff writer Tucker Carlson. After coming to the White House, press secretary Mike McCurry came close to satisfying all three of his main constituencies. "Regarded as believable by the public, he was simultaneously well-liked by the press and considered indispensable by the politician he worked for," writes Carlson. These days, however, McCurry finds himself in an increasingly difficult position, trying to be responsive to the public while protecting the reputation of the President. [DHR; LM -- doe: 04/24/98]

AA98211 -- Sunstein, Cass R. UNCHECKED AND UNBALANCED: WHY THE INDEPENDENT COUNSEL ACT MUST GO (The American Prospect, no. 38, May-June 1998, pp. 20-27)

Law professor and author Sunstein says there are small benefits and large costs to having an independent counsel in the U.S. judicial system. He says it probably has served as a deterrent to crime by making high-level officials aware of serious consequences, but many investigations have been a waste of taxpayer resources. Sunstein argues that the problem with the independent prosecutor is not the individuals who occupy the office, but the unchecked discretionary power and unbalanced incentives of the institution itself. [DHR; SG -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98210 -- Pastor, Robert A. MEDIATING ELECTIONS (Journal of Democracy, vol. 9, no. 1, January 1998, pp. 154-163)

In this brief but wide-ranging survey, Pastor points to the increasing importance of election mediators, and distinguishes their role from that of monitors and observers: the mediator's mission, he notes, includes monitoring, but adds to it "a more assertive posture aimed at helping the political leaders of a country negotiate the rules of the electoral game." Pastor emphasizes that mediators should develop a relationship of trust with leaders of parties and listen closely to their concerns, for only when all major parties accept the process and respect the results may an election be judged "free and fair." [DHR; MS -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98209 -- Moore, John W. THE REVOLVING DOOR SPINS BOTH WAYS (National Journal, vol. 51/52, December 20, 1997, p. 2567)

Moore says that, in an intriguing shift, lobbyists are moving from downtown to Capitol Hill. They are giving up high-paid jobs in lobbying firms to work on the other side of the street -- in the legislature. Why? Because they believe that in a few years, their direct legislative experience will pay off even more handsomely. Of course, for other more idealistic types, it is the lure of public service that is the magnet, Moore concedes. [DHR; DP -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98208 -- Hefner, Robert W. CIVIL SOCIETY: CULTURAL POSSIBILITY OF A MODERN IDEAL (Society, vol. 35, no. 3, March/April 1998, pp. 16-27)

"Even in the smoothest-running political systems, democracy is not all-or-nothing, but enduringly incremental," observes Boston University's Robert Hefner. He examines five lessons gleaned from recent research on civil organizations and concludes, "At a time when the question of democracy's cross-cultural possibility is being widely debated, the lessons highlight both the peculiarities of the Western experience and the prospects for the diffusion of democratic ideals beyond the Western world." [DHR; CH -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98207 -- Galston, William A.; Levine, Peter. AMERICA'S CONDITION: A GLANCE AT THE EVIDENCE (The Brookings Review, vol. 15, no. 4, Fall 1997, pp. 23-26)

Galston and Levine argue that, although Americans generally believe civic virtue in their society is on the decline, recent evidence indicates this view may be in error. Volunteering and philanthropy, for example, which were declining in the 1970s, "appear to have halted and even reversed themselves in the late 1980s and early 1990s." Trust in government has declined much more than interpersonal trust, they conclude. "Civic life, far from acting as a school for wider political involvement, may increasingly serve as a refuge from it. The consequences for the future of our democracy could be significant." [DHR; DP -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98194 -- Miller, John J. AMERICANIZATION PAST & FUTURE (Freedom Review, vol. 28, no. 3, Fall 1997, pp. 11-20)

John J. Miller, vice-president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, discusses the growing concern among Americans that the United States is losing or has lost its national sense of purpose and identity. Political leaders, he argues, must forge an Americanization agenda that urges immigrants to adapt to the American way of life and repeals the public policies that impede assimilation. Thus far, discussions of immigrant policy have been split between left-wing multiculturalists, who contend that immigrants should not have to assimilate, and right-wing nativists, who say that immigrants cannot assimilate. However, Miller is optimistic that Americans of all political backgrounds can reach a middle ground in support of a modern Americanization agenda. [DHR; LM -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98193 -- Mann, Thomas E. DEREGULATING CAMPAIGN FINANCE: SOLUTION OR CHIMERA? (The Brookings Review, vol. 16, no. 1, Winter 1998, pp. 20-21)

While much of the campaign finance reform rhetoric is stale, the bill proposed by Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) to remove all campaign spending limits and require full disclosure "is a proposal breathtaking in its boldness and contrariness," according to Brookings Governmental Studies Program Director Thomas E. Mann. He examines the possible effect of such an approach and concludes that it would "subvert the essential nature of our democracy." He reasons that "a fundamental objective of campaign finance regulation is to ensure that the inequalities generated by the market economy do not undermine the political equality that is a central feature of our democracy." [DHR; CH -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98192 -- Edwards, Lee. A PRESIDENT FOR OUR TIME? (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 2, February 1998, pp. 22-27)

Part of a four-section special report on "Clinton and the Congress," this section evaluates how Bill Clinton has fared in the wake of Monicagate, Whitewater and indictments and convictions of close friends and Cabinet officers. Edwards cites three reasons why Clinton will survive: the relative prosperity of the country at this time; America is at peace; and Democrat Clinton is "talking and walking like a conservative in a conservative era." [DHR; DB -- doe: 04/15/98]

AA98177 -- Rauch, Jonathan. INFINITE JEOPARDY (National Journal, vol. 30, no. 11, March 14, 1998, pp. 564-570)

National correspondent Rauch uses the current allegations of corruption against Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt to argue that there has been a breakdown of the ethics process. The writer calls for recognition on the part of the broad public that politics will never be a virginal enterprise and that while voters can and perhaps should be cynical about politicians, formal investigative processes must never be. Babbitt or someone else may be found guilty of a crime, he says, but undiscriminating investigations are not excused by the fact that they unearth wrongdoing. [DHR; SG -- doe: 03/30/98]

AA98176 -- Laurent, Anne. PERFORMANCE ANXIETY (Government Executive, vol. 30, no. 3, March 1998, pp. 20-26)

The day of Results Act reckoning is closing in. Agencies must report on their performance for the first time March 31, 2000. While performance promises have accompanied program funding requests in the past, goals set under the 1993 Government Performance and Results Act regime pack a whole new punch. They must reflect results that legislators and, more importantly, citizens can see. It is clear that Congress will not go gently into performance planning. This article takes a close look at some of the requirements being proposed on the Hill, such as Congressman Burton's bill which requires all agencies to add details about overlapping programs and management problems to their strategic plans and resubmit them by the end of fiscal 1998, as well as have inspectors general audit performance reports. Most observers agree that only practice will bring Results Act perfection. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 03/30/98]

AA98157 -- Taylor, John H. CUTTING THE NIXON TAPES (The American Spectator, vol. 31, no. 3, March 1998, pp. 46-51, 86-87)

Following an analysis of the Nixon White House tapes, John H. Taylor, executive director of the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace Foundation, concludes in an AMERICAN SPECTATOR article that the late former president was as much in the dark about the Watergate break-in and cover-up as he said during the scandal. Noting that Nixon's reputation now may be lower than at any time since his resignation, Taylor also accuses anti-Nixon scholars and journalists of skewing their commentary on the tapes because of bias. [DHR; SG -- doe: 03/30/98]

AA98156 -- Roth, Kenneth. SIDELINED ON HUMAN RIGHTS (Foreign Affairs, vol. 77, no. 2, March/April 1998, pp. 2-6)

The executive director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth charges that although Washington promotes human rights, more than likely it thwarts the intended efforts. Roth gives as an example the case of land-mines. Although the United States endorses the "eventual" abolition of land-mines, at the same time the U.S. military wants to use land-mines to defend South Korea for another 10 years. At present the United States still has not signed the international treaty which puts an unconditional ban on land-mine use. [DHR; DB -- doe: 03/30/98]

AA98155 -- Buscemi, William I. NUMBERS? BORRINNNGGG!!! (PS: Political Science & Politics, vol. 30, no. 4, December 1997, pp. 737-742)

The author emphasizes the need to introduce a stronger "sense of numbers" to students of political science. By using rough estimates and bold comparisons, the author believes students will be better able to assess today's important political events and intuit research results. He provides clear and ample examples of this approach, focusing on issues such as: "How big is government? Should we reduce taxes? Reduce the national debt?" [DHR; VS -- doe: 03/30/98]

AA98150 -- Schrag, Peter. CALIFORNIA, HERE WE COME (The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 281, no. 3, March 1998, pp. 20-31)

Noting the increasing resort to ballot initiatives in many states, Schrag points out the potential dangers inherent in an excessive reliance on this form of direct democracy. He argues that, in contrast to the turn of the century reform movement that wrote the ballot initiative into the constitutions of nineteen states, those who turn to the initiative today seem to want, not greater engagement in government, but an autopilot system to check government institutions with little active involvement by the citizenry. He warns that the frequent recourse to ballot initiatives almost inevitably reinforces an attitude of indifference if not hostility toward minority rights while also diminishing the power and accountability of legislatures and thus the general ability to govern. [DHR; MS -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98149 -- Hannum, Hurst. THE SPECTER OF SECESSION: RESPONDING TO CLAIMS FOR ETHNIC SELF-DETERMINATION (Foreign Affairs, vol. 77, no. 2, March/April 1998, pp. 13-18)

Hannum, a professor of international law at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, argues that conflicts within states, often generated by ethnic or cultural differences, will continue to pose substantial threats to international peace and human life until a legitimate set of criteria for responding to claims for ethnic self-determination is formulated. When responding to these claims, international organizations and governments should consider the protection of basic human rights of all groups the foremost goal. [DHR; LM -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98139 -- Shattuck, John; Atwood, J. Brian. DEFENDING DEMOCRACY: WHY DEMOCRATS TRUMP AUTOCRATS (Foreign Affairs, vol. 77, no. 2, March/April 1998, pp. 167-170)

In this rejoinder to Fareed Zakaria s earlier FOREIGN AFFAIRS article, The Rise of Illiberal Democracy (AA97507 in Article Alert No. 910 of December 5, 1997), Assistant Secretary of State Shattuck and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Atwood argue that Zakaria mischaracterizes current U.S. democracy assistance, suggesting that it is aimed only at promoting elections. The authors maintain that, far from designing such assistance programs according to a preconceived formula in which one ingredient precedes another, the United States realizes that political liberalization, economic development, and the protection of human rights are all intertwined. For this reason, they emphasize, U.S. policy addresses them simultaneously, not in sequence. [DHR; MS -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98137 -- Faucheux, Ron. CAMPAIGN CASH: WILL THE WELL RUN DRY? (The World & I, vol. 13, no. 3, March 1998, pp. 50-55)

Despite all the talk about campaign-finance reform, money has risen in importance in political campaigns, making reform most unlikely, says the author, editor-in-chief of CAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS magazine. After taking a look at the spiraling growth of campaign costs, he examines reasons for the rising cost of campaigns that are frequently left unexplored by university researchers and national news reporters: technology and regulation. [DHR; SD -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98121 -- Perlman, Ellen. THE "GOLD-PLATED" LEGISLATURE (Governing, vol. 11, no. 5, February 1998, pp. 36-40)

Contrary to the "widely held public perception that (state) legislatures cost too much," in most states they cost less than $10 per capita and account for around one-third of one percent of total state spending, reports staff writer Perlman. Nonetheless, legislatures have gotten more expensive, she points out, as they have attempted to become more professional through the addition of staff and use of technology. "Two decades ago, the most common criticism wasn't that they cost too much but that they did a poor job because there weren't enough staff, facilities or equipment to do the job well." [DHR; CH -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98120 -- Barrington, Lowell W. NATION AND NATIONALISM : THE MISUSE OF KEY CONCEPTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (PS: Political Science & Politics, vol. 30, no. 4, December 1997, pp. 712-716)

Some of the most prevalent misuses and loose uses of the words nation and nationalism are highlighted. The author, a professor at Marquette University, wishes to promote a consistent use of the terms, particulary in basic textbooks. [DHR; VS -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98119 -- Elshtain, Jean Bethke. NOT A CURE-ALL (The Brookings Review, vol. 15, no. 4, Fall 1997, pp. 13-15)

According to the author, the survival of democratic life and culture in America rests upon the existence of civil society. The many forms of community groups and associations -- families, churches, trade unions, self-help groups -- enable and empower citizens to work together to achieve common goals. Elshtain suggests here, These institutions are, by definition, based on both giving and receiving; on creating a structure of expectations and molding reasonable and decent ways to meet those expectations. To this end, it is also the responsibility of these civic groups to hold government officials and policymakers accountable for their decisions. [DHR; LM -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98118 -- Berke, Richard E. THE GORE GUIDE TO THE FUTURE (The New York Times Magazine, February 22, 1998, pp. 30-35, 46-47, 59, 70)

The TIMES offers a long examination of Vice President Gore s powerful but complicated position as the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president in the year 2000. Week by week, for more than a year, the author writes, he has been quietly transforming the political and party apparatus of the White House into the most powerful campaign-in-waiting that has ever existed. One reason is that Gore is simply the most powerful vice president in history, one who enjoys President Clinton s complete trust. Moreover, both presidential and vice- presidential staffs have also been integrated in an unprecedented manner, so that Gore loyalists are seeded throughout the White House. But Gore s future is by no means guaranteed; and he must walk a careful line between loyalty to the president, carving out a distinctive policy role, and defending himself against any number of strong Democratic rivals, chief among them House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt. [DHR; HC -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98117 -- Bell, Daniel A. AFTER THE TSUNAMI (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 10, March 9, 1998, pp. 22-25)

In examining the political ramifications of the economic crisis in five Asian capitals, the author speculates whether the current crisis will induce democratic reforms, particularly since economic prosperity failed to produce a middle class willing to challenge authoritarian systems. Bell teaches political philosophy at the University of Hong Kong and is author of the forthcoming book, East Meets West: Human Rights and Democracy in Asia. [DHR; VS -- doe: 03/11/98]

AA98106 -- Sigelman, Lee; Wahlbeck, Paul J. THE "VEEPSTAKES": STRATEGIC CHOICE IN PRESIDENTIAL RUNNING MATE SELECTION (American Political Science Review, vol. 91, no. 4, December 1997, pp. 855-864)

The authors use a discrete choice model to examine presidential nominees' choice of running mates since 1940, when Franklin Roosevelt established a precedent by naming his own. Their findings show that some factors conventionally thought to be significant, such as geographical and ideological balance, have in fact played only a minor role in determining the selection of vice-presidential candidates. The authors conclude that the selection of a running mate has been determined primarily by the size of the prospective vice-president's state, by whether he or she was a rival for the nomination, and by the balance in age for the ticket. [DHR; MS -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98105 -- Roberts, Alasdair. PERFORMANCE-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: ASSESSING THE GORE PLAN (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 6, November/December 1997, pp. 465-478)

Vice President Gore's plan to convert parts of the federal bureaucracy into performance-based organizations (PBOs) may improve effectiveness in some cases, however it will encounter serious challenges in implementation, says Roberts, associate professor of public management in the School of Policy Studies at Queen's University in Great Britain. Noting that the plan is modeled on a reform of the British public service begun in 1988, Roberts says its weaknesses reflect some of the weaknesses of the larger international reform movement. [DHR; SG -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98104 -- Mahtesian, Charles. TEN LEGISLATIVE ISSUES TO WATCH (Governing, vol. 11, no. 5, February 1998, pp. 42-43)

The author outlines ten key issues for state legislatures across the nation, giving a thumbnail sketch of why each is an issue, who the main players are, where it will be debated, and what can be expected. This provides an excellent at-a-glance reference on what's happening at the state level on issues such as campaign ethics and internet regulation. [DHR -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98103 -- Connelly, William F., Jr.; Pitney, John J. THE HOUSE GOP'S CIVIL WAR: A POLITICAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE (Political Science & Politics, vol. 30, no. 4, December 1997, pp. 699-702)

In 1997, just two years after their impressive show of unity on the Contract With America, the House Republicans were turning into the house of Atreus, with squabbles high and low dividing their leadership, demoralizing their rank and file, and delighting their Democratic opponents. While political commentators blamed much of the turmoil plaguing the House Republicans on Newt Gingrich and other top lawmakers, this article examines a few of the factors that have historically created conflict among the House GOP members, such as political strategy, institutional loyalty, and generational outlook. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98093 Walsh, Lawrence E. KENNETH STARR AND THE INDEPENDENT COUNSEL ACT (The New York Review of Books, vol. 45, no. 4, March 5, 1998, pp. 4-6)

In a brief essay, the former Iran-Contra counsel offers a lucid explanation of the Independent Counsel Act, followed by a dispassionate but devastating critique of how the current special counsel, Kenneth Starr, has abused the process in his investigation of the President. "Ordinarily, prosecutors do not, as Starr is now doing, investigate perjury in a civil action while that action is pending. In sixty ears of practice, I have never know this to happen.... Starr's activity is not consistent with that of a professional prosecutor." Walsh concludes with a recommendation for a severely restricted counsel act which would only cover unlawful acts by the President, Vice President, or Attorney General while in office. [DHR; HC -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98092 -- Langewiesche, William. INVISIBLE MEN (The New Yorker (California Issue), vol. 74, no. 2, February 23 & March 2, 1998, pp. 138-146)

Of the nation's estimated five million illegal immigrants, two million live in California. Many blend invisibly in the state's barrios, but others live a more precarious existence on society's invisible fringes. The author explores their plight through the life of Jesus Ruiz, living with a group of "forgotten ones" in a ravine where Border Patrol raids pass through like thunder storms. One step up the economic rung are illegals working on small private farms where they harvest crops like avocados. The author avoids stereotyping illegal immigrant as passive victims, demonizing the Border Patrol, or offering any pat political solutions. Instead, he offers an unsparing portrayal of lives so remote from the mainstream of Southern California that they might as well be inhabiting the dark side of the moon. [DHR; HC -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98086 Faucheux, Ron. STRATEGIES THAT WIN! (Campaigns & Elections, vol. 18, no. 10, December/January 1998, pp. 24-32)

Faucheux argues the key to a victorious political campaign at any level is a logical, strategic plan of action which "presses your greatest strength against the point of your opponent's greatest weakness." In determining the most effective and unique strategy, a candidate must be aware of the "political context, the players, the issues, the terrain, and the resources available." The author offers a variety of strategic formulations intended to define more clearly the essential components of a strategic plan. He classifies these elements into message sequence strategies (the order in which you present your arguments), timing and intensity strategies (how and when to act), mobilization and persuasion strategies, and a range of opportunity strategies. [DHR; LM -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98085 -- Bowman, James B.; Williams, Russell L. ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT: FROM A WINTER OF DESPAIR TO A SPRING OF HOPE (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 6, November/December 1997, pp. 517-526)

The authors summarize the results of a seven year study exploring the attitudes of public managers toward ethics and integrity in their agencies. The results suggest that, in today's era of "reinvention," individuals are increasingly empowered to make the "right" decision and that a self-adopted code of ethics, like that of the American Society for Public Administration, can influence management practices in the public sector. The article includes many thought-provoking responses from American professionals working at the state and federal levels of government. [DHR; VS -- doe: 03/02/98]

AA98079 -- Kelly, Michael. WHERE ARE THE DEAD? (The New Yorker, vol. 73, no. 47, February 16, 1998, pp. 36-41)

Washington political commentator Kelly joined former senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole on a grim trip to Bosnia in Dole's role as chairman of the International Commission on Missing Persons. Dole's unenviable task was to seek the cooperation by Serb, Croat and Muslim authorities in accounting for the victims of ethnic cleansing in places like Srebrenica, where, Kelly writes, "It is not very unusual to meet a woman who has lost both her husband and her father, or her husband and her sons." The commission's meetings with the families of the missing are predictably desolate, and the negotiations with government officials, with one exception, routinely fruitless. Dole is portrayed as a figure of understated heroism. [DHR; HC - - doe: 03/02/98]

AA98068 -- Marshall, Joshua Micah. WILL FREE SPEECH GET TANGLED IN THE NET? (The American Prospect, no. 36, January/February 1998, pp. 46-50)

The new world of online media is changing the terms of debate about freedom of speech, with much of the current debate centering on various techniques of "content filtering." In Marshall's view, content filtering runs the risk of making censorship "quiet, unobtrusive, and thus all the more difficult to detect or counter." Arguing against a crude application of the First Amendment to cyberspace, Marshall maintains that, "much like the law of intellectual property, public policy toward free speech must undertake a basic reconsideration of the values it seeks to protect and the goals it seeks to serve." [DHR; MS -- doe: 02/13/98]

AA98054 -- Rosen, Jeffrey. THE END OF PRIVACY (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 7, February 16, 1998, pp. 21-23)

How has Bill Clinton lost the right to privacy? Rosen examines the weakening of Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights through Supreme Court decisions over the last five decades. He also notes that the "erosion of constitutional privacy protections, combined with the intersection of two other illiberal doctrines sexual harassment law and the Independent Counsel Act -- has exposed all Americans to violent breaches of the boundaries of public and private life." [DHR; DB -- doe: 02/13/98]

AA98053 -- Kaye, Judith S. THE THIRD BRANCH AND THE FOURTH ESTATE (Media Studies Journal, vol. 12, no. 1, Winter 1998, pp. 74-79)

"Our democracy depends on a strong court system, and a strong court system in turn depends on public support and confidence," writes the chief judge for the State of New York. "It is no overstatement that the courts have not fared well in the media." She welcomes media scrutiny but urges them to broaden coverage beyond sensational cases and include positive stories. Recognizing the essential limits on judicial speech, reporters should seek out less well known sources to balance criticism of legal decisions, she argues. [DHR; CH -- doe: 02/13/98]

AA98052 -- Chait, Jonathan. REACTIVATED (The New Republic, vol. 218, no. 6, February 9, 1998, pp. 23-25)

Last year President Clinton registered a few progressive accomplishments, but he achieved them mainly by cloaking his proposals in Republican garb. Suddenly, and without obvious external prompting, all that seems to have changed. The President has seized the policy initiative in the last month with a blizzard of small- to medium-sized new proposals, representing renewal of liberal activist government after three years of legislative ennui. While these latest policy proposals may look modest on paper, taken together, they may accomplish the unthinkable: they could make the Republicans accept a more activist government. This article explores why there appears to be no conservative counteroffensive to this shift, citing the political fallout experienced by Republican leaders who opposed such measures as raising the minimum wage, as important lessons learned. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 02/13/98]

AA98047 -- Grann, David. PROSECUTORIAL INDISCRETION (The New Republic, no. 4333, February 2, 1998, pp. 18-23)

Grann argues that overzealous prosecutors, especially independent prosecutors, and public interest organizations, ethics cops as he calls them, have been prosecuting public officials on trivial charges. The prosecutions have been facilitated by the large number of complex laws enacted in the wake of the Watergate Scandal. As an example, he cites the trial of Mike Espy, former agriculture secretary. Espy, he says, could be facing more than 100 years in prison for taking a relatively small number of gifts of limited value. [DHR; DP -- doe: 01/30/98]

AA98046 -- Ferris, Nancy. TICK, TICK, TICK (Government Executive, vol. 30, no. 1, January 1998, pp. 39-42)

"It's pretty clear that agencies won't be able to forestall detonation of the so-called 'millennium bomb' in their computer systems two years from now. But it's too early to say how bad the mess will be," writes the magazine's technology editor. She explores the myths, details the vendor hyperbole which has contributed to gloom and doom scenarios, and provides examples of the varying ways U.S. Government agencies are confronting the looming problem. [DHR; CH -- doe: 01/30/98]

AA98045 -- Carney, Dan. LOOKING FOR CONFIRMATION FROM HIS PEERS (Congressional Quarterly, vol. 56, no. 2, January 10, 1998, pp. 82-83)

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch accepts part of the blame for the slow pace of the judicial confirmation process which left 82 federal positions vacant at year's end, says staff reporter Carney, however Hatch also blames the Clinton administration for being slow to make appointments and the judiciary itself for slowly expanding its jurisdiction. Part of the problem for Hatch, who still has to protect his reputation as a fair-minded conservative, is opposition on the part of several of his Senate colleagues to some nominees solely on the grounds of ideology. [DHR; DP -- doe: 01/30/98]

AA98044 -- Bowser, Brandi. WWW.LOCAL GOVERNMENT.COM: OPENING THE WINDOW TO ON-LINE DEMOCRACY (American City & County, vol. 113, no. 1, January 1998, pp. 32-45)

The author surveys the myriad ways in which local governments are using the Internet as an efficient means of communication with both their constituents and each other. The rise of "on-line democracy" not only makes it easier to find out what is on voters' minds (through means such as on-line discussion groups limited to local residents), it also saves money, by reducing paperwork (for example, citizens can pay fines and fees via computer) and by increasing the competition for government purchases. [DHR; MS -- doe: 01/30/98]

AA98028 -- Esman, Milton J. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, ETHNIC CONFLICT, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 6, November/December 1997, pp. 527-533)

This essay emphasizes the importance of ethnic realities in public administration. Esman provides numerous examples of how ethnic pluralism, when mobilized and politicized, intrudes into the practice of public administration and into strategies for promoting economic development. The article looks at the practical consequence of market/merit competition as well as methods used to regulate interethnic relations. The author suggests there is much to learn about how public administration in pursuit of economic development influences and is influenced by ethnic politics. [DHR; MOE -- doe: 01/30/98]

AA98018 -- Starr, Paul. THE LOOPHOLE WE CAN'T CLOSE (The American Prospect, no. 36, January/February 1998, pp. 6-9)

Starr, co-editor of the magazine and Princeton sociology professor, argues that "we don't need comprehensive spending limits to reform campaign finance." Such limits violate the First Amendment and ultimately would threaten greater control over issue advocacy, he argues. In examining the pitfalls of various proposals to limit spending, he concludes, "There may be constitutional ways to limit spending. There may be effective ways to limit spending. But there may be no way to limit spending that is both constitutional AND effective." Co-editor Robert Kuttner takes an opposing view in a companion piece (AA98017). [DHR; CH -- doe: 01/16/98]

AA98017 -- Kuttner, Robert. RESCUING DEMOCRACY FROM "SPEECH" (The American Prospect, no. 36, January/February 1998, pp. 10-13)

Kuttner, the magazine's co-editor, takes issue with the view that limits on campaign spending are an unacceptable infringement on the First Amendment right of free speech. "My own view is that the greater threat to American democracy today is the corrosive influence of big money in politics, not the erosion of free speech," he writes. The author examines the deleterious effects of the big money trend on political democracy. Co-editor Paul Starr takes an opposing view in a companion piece (AA98018). [DHR; CH -- doe: 01/16/98]

AA98016 -- Koszczuk, Jackie; and others. PARTIES LOOK FOR EDGE ON ISSUES THAT WILL RESONATE IN 1998 (Congressional Quarterly, vol. 55, no. 49, December 13, 1997, pp. 3055-3067)

Koszczuk and other staff members look at the issues both Democrats and Republicans are expected to address in the 1998 congressional elections, noting that America is facing a time now when neither political party dominates the national agenda. In a six-part special report, they say the issues that have the potential to define the parties in 1998 are: tax cuts, a possible budget surplus, regulation of managed health care, education policy, affirmative action and foreign policy. [DHR; SG -- doe: 01/16/98]

AA98015 -- Greenya, John. ADR: THE HEALTHY ADOLESCENT (The Washington Lawyer, vol. 12, no. 2, November/December 1997, pp. 20-29, 65)

This article highlights the increased use of mediation and negotiation, outside the courtroom, to resolve disputes before they drain the time and resources of all concerned. The author also explains the main forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), when each is applicable, and how the federal government and American Bar Association have encouraged ADR through several very successful pilot programs. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/16/98]

AA97543 -- Stuart, Elaine. STEAL THESE IDEAS (State Government News, vol. 40, no. 9, November 1997, pp. 2-17)

This article highlights eight state programs recognized this year by the Council of State Governments for their creativity and effectiveness in addressing significant problems in the public service sector. Programs rage from pollution control to providing summer meals and learning programs to low-income children. Each program is described in detail, including the principal U.S. contact for more information. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/22/97]

AA97542 -- (DDD) Kaplan, Robert D. WAS DEMOCRACY JUST A MOMENT? (The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 280, no. 6, December 1997, pp. 55-80)

The author of BALKAN GHOSTS and THE ENDS OF THE EARTH here offers a wide-ranging, often disturbing look at where current political and economic trends may lead. Kaplan asserts that the democratic elections promoted by the United States in many parts of the world, in the absence of such requisites as an established middle class (itself created, according to Kaplan, not by democracies but by authoritarian systems), often has led to chaos and bloodshed rather than to peace and prosperity. He goes on to claim that democracy in the United States "is at greater risk than ever before," owing to the rising power of corporations anchored neither to nations nor to communities, and to a mass society more fond of "gladiator entertainments" than of participation in public life. [DHR; MS -- doe: 12/22/97]

AA97541 -- Gurwitt, Rob. FATIGUE ON THE RIGHT (Governing, vol. 11, no. 2, November 1997, pp. 20-26)

Despite the rise of Republican-led state legislatures, there have been no major policy shifts over the last two election cycles. Examining the dynamics of state government in Oregon, Iowa, Washington, and Kansas, the author leaves one to conclude that governing in the United States is a deliberative process that generally prevents extreme actions, and that demands compromise even with the most powerful majority. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/22/97]

AA97540 -- Glass, Stephen. ANATOMY OF A POLICY FRAUD (The New Republic, vol. 217, no. 20, November 17, 1997, pp. 22-25)

President Clinton's 1994 crime bill has been advertised as a success. However, editor Stephen Glass outlines flaws in three major provisions: gun control, funding for increased numbers of law enforcement officials, and tougher sentencing for repeat offenders. [DHR; LL -- doe: 12/22/97]

AA97539 -- Aizenman, Nurith C. WHAT'S COOKING IN THE IVORY TOWER (The Washington Monthly, vol. 29, no. 9, September 1997, pp. 12- 17)

This article highlights three social and political issues covered during the August 1997 annual meeting of the American Political Science Association. The areas of research include new findings related to the nationwide drop in crime; programs which do reduce teen pregnancy; re-evaluating the relationship between unemployment and inflation; and the effect of immigration on the nation's poor. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/22/97]

AA97507 -- Zakaria, Fareed. THE RISE OF ILLIBERAL DEMOCRACY (Foreign Affairs, vol. 76, no. 6, November/December 1997, pp. 22-43)

Zakaria analyzes the growing phenomenon of governments which, though democratically elected, do not behave democratically. He contends that of the two fundamental elements of Western liberal democracy -- democratic elections and constitutional liberalism -- only the first exists in many countries, and that Western liberal democracy might be "just one of many possible exists" on the democratic road. Accordingly, Zakaria argues, the most useful role the United States can play "is -- instead of searching for new lands to democratize and new places to hold elections -- to consolidate democracy where it has taken root and to encourage the gradual development of constitutional liberalism across the globe." [DHR; MS -- doe: 12/04/97]

AA97506 -- Kitfield, James. FRONT AND CENTER (National Journal, vol. 29, no. 43, October 25, 1997, pp. 2124-2129)

For almost five years, women in the military have been able to engage in combat and combat-supported jobs, and the military has come to rely heavily on women to meet the demands of an increasingly high-tech service. Yet for all their gains, women in the military are still somewhat of an enigma. Kitfield explores the highs and lows of female soldiers. [DHR; DB -- doe: 12/04/97]

AA97505 -- Forbes, Steve. THE MORAL BASIS OF A FREE SOCIETY (Policy Review, no. 86, November/December 1997, pp. 20-30)

Forbes, editor-in-chief of FORBES magazine and a 1996 presidential candidate, suggests that sustaining a healthy society takes a commitment to moral renewal in addition to capitalism and democracy. An explosion of violence, crime, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and out-of-wedlock births, he says, undermines the blessings of liberty and prosperity. Forbes notes that America must brighten economic prospects for everyone, reform its corrupt political institutions and restore its severely weakened moral foundations to fulfill its national destiny as a leader of a free world. [DHR; SG -- doe: 12/04/97]

AA97504 -- Cottle, Michelle. WHERE ARE THE GOOD GUYS WHEN WE NEED THEM? (The Washington Monthly, vol. 29, no. 9, September 1997, pp. 20-25)

Editor Michelle Cottle believes political campaign finance reform may be the defining public interest issue of our time. She blames the lack of reform on the activists themselves. General disorganization and "infighting" have prevented interest groups from uniting and putting pressure on Congress to change the current system. [DHR; LL -- doe: 12/04/97]

AA97503 -- Blinder, Alan S. IS GOVERNMENT TOO POLITICAL? (Foreign Affairs, vol. 76, no. 6, November/December 1997, pp. 115-126)

Drawing on his own experience at the Council of Economic Advisers and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Blinder asks whether the United States would be better off "if more public policy decisions were removed from the political thicket and placed in the hands of unelected technocrats -- subject, of course, to congressional approval and oversight." His own answer to the question is clearly affirmative; nevertheless, Blinder scrupulously examines the thorny issues involved, such as which policy matters are best handled by technocrats and which by politicians, and how a democratic society can justify entrusting important policy decisions to unelected officials. [DHR; MS -- doe: 12/04/97]

AA97483 -- Thatcher, Margaret. THE VALUE OF AMERICAN STUDIES (Social Science and Modern Society, vol. 34, no. 6, September/October 1997, pp. 48-53)

This article would more aptly be titled "The Study of American Values" as it traces the parallels between American and British democratic traditions. Generous with warnings about the danger of excess, the former British Prime Minister argues for vigilance and concludes, "Left untended, democratic regimes can degenerate into tyrannies no less awful, and in some ways worse, than those ancient oppressive orders that were swept away by the wave of democratic revolutions." [DHR; CH -- doe: 11/21/97]

AA97482 -- Reeder, Franklin S. MASTERING THE WEB (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 8, August 1997, pp. 65)

This is a useful page of tips for those designing Web sites for government agencies, written by the person responsible for the White House home page over the past two years. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/21/97]

AA97481 -- Galston, William A.; Levine, Peter. AMERICA'S CIVIC CONDITION: A GLANCE AT THE EVIDENCE (Brookings Review, vol. 15, no. 4, Fall 1997, pp. 23-26)

Galston and Levine argue that Americans' perception that there is a decline in civil society within the country is not entirely well-founded. For example, they say volunteerism has been on the increase since the late 1980s. Moreover, they say, "judged against other industrialized nations, American civil society remains relatively strong." On balance, they say voluntary associations are in a healthier state than formal political institutions. Could voluntary activities be a refuge from political involvement, they ask? [DHR; DP -- doe: 11/21/97]

AA97480 -- Ferris, Nancy. VIRTUAL RECORDS (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 8, August 1997, pp. 43-45)

This brief article highlights recent amendments to the Freedom of Information Act that will force government agencies to use contemporary technologies to provide U.S. citizens with government- held information in a more timely manner. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/21/97]

AA97479 -- Bowman, James. WHY HOLLYWOOD HATES THE CIA (Freedom Review, vol. 28, no. 2, Summer 1997, pp. 51-63)

Bowman says that America won the Cold War without ever glorifying its frontline troops -- the men and women of the CIA. Hollywood, instead of portraying James Bond types as British films did, favored the sinister spy who was not really supportive of democracy -- perhaps because Americans have never really been comfortable with the idea of a secret agency. As far as American movies are concerned, Bowman says the CIA "serves as the focus for a kind of popular paranoia and credulity about government ill-doing." [DHR; DP -- doe: 11/21/97]

AA97478 -- Taylor, Andrew. OPPONENTS OF LINE-ITEM VETO LAW TRY AGAIN FOR REDRESS IN COURT (Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report, vol. 55, no. 41, October 18, 1997, pp. 2542-2543)

This article outlines the legal challenges raised by groups, including several labor unions, who claim to have been hurt by President Clinton's first-time use of the line-item veto. It is likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will have to decide during its 1997/98 session whether or not the line-item veto law (PL 104-130) violates Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress the power to write or amend law. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/10/97]

AA97467 -- Bennett, William J.; DiIulio, John J., Jr. WHAT GOOD IS GOVERNMENT? (Commentary, vol. 104, no. 5, November 1997, pp. 25-31)

Bennett, co-director of Empower America, and DiIulio, professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University, argue that despite declarations by President Clinton to the contrary, the era of big government in America is not over, since virtually every aspect of life is touched by government. They point out that some conservatives complain that today's Republican-led Congress is proving itself incapable of sustaining the 1994 Republican "revolution." The task for national leadership to accomplish, Bennett and DiIulio say, is to limit government; to make it more effective; and to conserve, rebuild and restore. [DHR; SG -- doe: 11/10/97]

AA97456 -- Stein, Herbert. READING THE INAUGURALS (Society, vol. 35, no. 1, November/December 1997, pp. 28-31)

Presidential inaugural addresses throughout American history have been dignified and intelligent speeches given by articulate men in touch with their times, says Stein, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He says that through the years, the stance and style of the inaugurals changed from those of the modest, classic public servant to the prosaic government executive to the assertive, theatrical, leader-preacher. [DHR; SG -- doe: 11/10/97]DOE

AA97455 -- Schifter, Richard. THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM: NOBODY'S MONOPOLY (Mediterranean Quarterly, vol. 8, no. 3, Summer 1997, pp. 6-20)

Ambassador Schifter refutes Samuel Huntington's thesis (from the book THE CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS AND THE REMAKING OF WORLD ORDER) that democracy cannot take root in non-Western cultures. Schifter points out that, given the true breadth of human history and the development of democratic values, the West has not exerted undue interference on other cultures. He also notes that Huntington's arguments often stem from the debates of the Cold War, and have been overtaken by events in Eastern Europe and Asia. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/10/97]

AA97454 -- McDougall, Walter A. RATING THE PRESIDENTS (National Review, vol. 49, no. 20, October 27, 1997, pp. 32-36)

Have you ever thought about rating the president? Historian McDougall does just that, in fact, he rates all 41 chief executives in the categories of great, near great, average, below average and failure. Sometimes his ratings are surprising, e.g., James K. Polk (Near Great) "was the greatest conqueror in U.S. history save Washington himself...." Sometimes his ratings are on the money, e.g., Warren G. Harding (Below Average), "a humble man without ambition." Nevertheless, each rating gives insight into those "common" men who would be president. [DHR; DB -- doe: 11/10/97]

AA97453 -- Ehrenhalt, Alan; and others. A DECADE OF GOVERNING (Governing, vol. 11, no. 1, October 1997, pp. 33-41)

In a series of six short essays, GOVERNING examines the relationship between the American federal and state governments. The trend towards the increased independence and responsibilities of local governments is highlighted, with examples given in the areas of financial management, regulation and pollution control. [DHR; LL -- doe: 11/10/97]

AA97452 -- Wolfe, Alan. ON LOYALTY (The Wilson Quarterly, vol. 21, no. 4, Autumn 1997, pp. 46-56)

"If ever a virtue were designed to be honored in the breach, it is loyalty in a society that worships the market in economics and freedom in politics," writes Wolfe. He notes, however, that Americans today may not be experiencing the decline of loyalty so much as the tug of too many competing loyalties. "We have to trust people to find their own sense of loyalty, even when we believe they do not value loyalty enough," Wolfe concludes, "because if they do not find it, no one else will find it for them." [DHR; MS -- doe: 10/24/97]

AA97451 -- Savage, David G. HIGH COURT BOLSTERS STATES RIGHTS (State Legislatures, vol. 23, no. 8, September 1997, pp. 11-13)

The big winners during the latest session of the U.S. Supreme Court were the states. In a series of decisions, many decided by the narrowest of margins, the Court ruled in favor of the states and against the federal government. Savage, who reports on the Supreme Court for the LOS ANGELES TIMES, catalogs some of the more high-profile cases and explains the Court s rationale in "resisting encroachment on state prerogatives." [DHR; CH -- doe: 10/24/97]

AA97450 -- Nordlinger, Gary. BULLETS AND BALLOTS IN ALBANIA (Campaigns & Elections, vol. 18, no. 9, October/November 1997, pp. 30-31)

Nordlinger, a Washington, D.C.-based political media consultant, writes of his experiences serving as an elections observer in Albania on behalf of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Noting that the mission was potentially dangerous because of shootings, and there was a need for armed troops for protection, Nordlinger nevertheless says he learned more about the meaning of democracy in one day there than he had during his previous 22 years advising American political candidates. [DHR; SG -- doe: 10/24/97]

AA97449 -- Hansen, Karen. THE THIRD REVOLUTION (State Legislatures, vol. 28, no. 8, September 1997, pp. 20-26)

Hansen argues that term limits, where they have been adopted, have forced legislatures to change in many positive ways, but the long-term effects are unknown. It will not be until 2007 that all 20 states with term limits will have implemented them fully, she says. Term limits could result in slower-working and more cumbersome legislatures. Training for both lawmakers and staff is important, she adds. [DHR; DP -- doe: 10/24/97]

AA97424 -- Risher, Howard. EYES ON THE PRIZE (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 9, September 1997, pp. 25-29, 79)

Risher examines compensation practices, and how they can empower workers growth and capabilities. In recent years these efforts have mostly failed, due mainly to people s natural resistance to change. Rewards are excellent means to give people reasons to embrace change. There are two main categorized rewards: 1. Intrinsic (personal job satisfaction) 2. Extrinsic (high salary). There is a failure to recognize the power of extrinsic rewards. However, organizations are moving to adopt new compensation practices. For example, "competency-based pay," which means pay for what individuals are capable of doing. The article cautions that changes in pay systems are disruptive, and should be carefully planned and handled. [DHR; LL -- doe: 10/09/97]

AA97423 -- Greenberg, Stanley B.; Skocpol, Theda. DEMOCRATIC POSSIBILITIES: A FAMILY-CENTERED POLITICS (The American Prospect, no. 35, November/December 1997, pp. 34-38)

The authors argue that today s political era offers great opportunities for progressive Democrats to revitalize and redefine the Democratic Party. The 1996 election was the lowest voter turnout since 1924, which illustrates the nation s political frustration. Americans would more readily embrace politics if it improved the lives of the ordinary working family. If the Democrats seize the moment, and offer solutions to achieving a better quality of life (Social Security, Medicare, etc.) people will reward the Democratic Party. [DHR; LL -- doe: 10/09/97]

AA97406 -- Nelson, Thomas E.; Clawson, Rosalee A.; Oxley, Zoe M. MEDIA FRAMING OF A CIVIL LIBERTIES CONFLICT AND ITS EFFECT ON TOLERANCE (American Political Science Review, vol. 91, no. 3, September 1997, pp. 567-583)

The authors present the results of an empirical study, including detailed methodology, which underscores how the television news presentation or "framing" of an issue affects viewer attitudes. The example they selected focuses on the debate over tolerance for hate groups and lays bare a conflict between competing fundamental values in American political culture. [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/09/97]

AA97405 -- Forde, Steven. GENDER AND JUSTICE IN PLATO (American Political Science Review, vol. 91, no. 3, September 1997, pp. 657-670)

This is a short and very readable article, with comprehensive references, on the millennial debate surrounding Plato's proposal for the equality of the sexes in the REPUBLIC. Citing the texts of both the REPUBLIC and the LAWS, the author sees the "price of justice" as a chief theme of the REPUBLIC, and equates Plato's costly, uncompromising pursuit of ideals to some of the ideals of our own age. [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/09/97]

AA97404 -- Bessette, Joseph M. IN PURSUIT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE (The Public Interest, no. 129, Fall 1997, pp. 61-72)

"Why does our criminal justice system mete out so much less punishment than what the public wants?" asks the author, a professor of government and ethics at Claremont McKenna College. He ascribes the divergence between public opinion and public policy to lax state criminal codes, judicial leniency, early paroles, plea bargaining and a residual set of procedures dating from an emphasis on rehabilitation in the 1950's and '60's. [DHR; CH -- doe: 10/09/97]

AA97389 -- Lindberg, Tod. THE "GET REAL" CONGRESS (Policy Review, no. 85, September/October 1997, pp. 52-55)

After the heady win of Republican conservatives in 1994, what has happened to the "openly ideological, candid to a fault" lawmakers who strode onto Capitol Hill and vowed to take no prisoners? Sheer numbers of bodies, a lost mandate, a Speaker of the House who is not as outspoken as he once was and a Democratic president who won't back down on budget matters all have contributed to the "real" reasons that the 105th Congress is a mere shadow of its former self. [DHR; DB -- doe: 09/25/97]

AA97388 -- Lindholm, Charles; Hall, John A. IS THE UNITED STATES FALLING APART? (Daedalus, Journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, vol. 126, no. 2, Spring 1997, pp. 183-209)

The authors aim to refute the claim that American civil society is breaking down. Taking a historical perspective, they point to the institutional structures, particularly the civil liberties and limited role of government outlined as in the nation's Constitution, that have served as checks on potentially divisive conflicts between classes, religious sects, and ethnic communities throughout society. [DHR; VS -- doe: 09/25/97]

AA97387 -- Dorsey, Matt; Green, Ben. SPINNING THE WEB: HOW CAMPAIGNS WILL USE THE WORLD WIDE WEB IN 1998.... AND BEYOND (Campaigns & Elections, vol. 18, no. 8, September 1997, pp. 62-64)

"When Bob Dole concluded his remarks in the first presidential debate of '96 by plugging his Web site's address, it marked an important turning point for the Internet in American politics." So much so, the authors conclude, that American politics will never be the same again. Looking at the good and bad aspects of campaign '96 on the Web, they point to and emphasize what every good Web site should look like in 1998 and beyond. [DHR; DB -- doe: 09/25/97]

AA97386 -- Connell, Mike. NEW WAYS TO REACH VOTERS AND INFLUENCE PUBLIC OPINION ON THE INTERNET (Campaigns & Elections, vol. 18, no. 8, September 1997, pp. 64-68)

Continuing the same theme as Dorsey and Green, Connell reiterates that the "Internet is not a passing fad. Campaign operatives who ignore its potential risk political disaster." Connell gives examples of how the Internet has been used to topple governments, get voters to participate in elections and shape policy debate. He also cites selected Web sites that have made a key difference in how their organizers want to be perceived by the public. [DHR; DB -- doe: 09/25/97]

AA97385 -- Gurwitt, Rob. NOBODY IN CHARGE (Governing, vol. 10, no. 12, September 1997, pp. 20-24)

While American cities like New York, Cleveland, Chicago and Philadelphia have enjoyed a revival of managerial competence in the 1990's, others such as Kansas City, Cincinnati, Dallas and Miami have remained mired in bickering, divided responsibility and long-standing political confusion. The big difference? "All of the surging cities of this decade have had leaders with the ability to articulate and then enforce their priorities," maintains Gurwitt. He says that fractured power, not abuse of personal power, constitutes the main political problem for troubled cities today. [DHR;CH -- doe: 09/25/97]

AA97383 -- Powers, William. THE SPINSTER (The New Republic, vol. 217, no. 9, September 1, 1997, pp. 19-22)

Senior Editor Powers says that in spinning the Clinton fund-raising scandal into obscurity, White House special counsel Lanny Davis has done the impossible. By releasing to the media information about fund-raising activities that is embarrassing to the administration, Powers points out, Davis has made such information "old news and therefore non-news" by the time it is made public in Senate Committee hearings. Powers calls the effort "creative, aggressive and so far, stunningly successful." [DHR; SG -- doe: 09/12/97]

AA97382 -- Maier, Timothy W.; Rodriguez, Paul M. HELL'S BREAKING LOOSE (Insight on the News, vol. 13, no. 29, August 11, 1997, pp. 7-10)

Maier and Rodriguez believe the Senate investigation into campaign fund-raising is really about corruption at the White House, and while the press and Democrats play the story as an "everybody does it so it's okay" malfeasance, the INSIGHT editors say that perhaps news headlines are raising the wrong questions. The press, they say, have painted the hearings as dull and uneventful instead of focusing on "Did the president oversee a corrupt campaign, and did he or his agents accept foreign bribes for favorable policy decisions?" [DHR; SG -- doe: 09/12/97]

AA97381 -- Falcone, Santa; Lan, Zhiyong. INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 4, July/August 1997, pp. 319-322)

The authors take a clear and succinct look at how U.S. federal, state, and local governments are sustaining the productivity of their interactions during a time of tremendous change and reduced funding. Among the coping strategies are: continuous awareness of institutional capacities, optimal use of technology, mission-driven performance appraisals, and the proliferation of subunits in liaison roles. [DHR; VS - - doe: 09/12/97]

AA97380 -- Smith, Gerald E.; Huntsman, Carole A. REFRAMING THE METAPHOR OF THE CITIZEN-GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIP: A VALUE-CENTERED PERSPECTIVE (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 4, July/August 1997, pp. 309-318)

The authors examine the relationship between citizens and government, and propose a "value-centered" model that focuses on the worth of government for its citizens -- a step beyond the "shareholder" perspective presented in the National Performance Review. The article also includes related field research and the "interview guide" one American community used to develop stronger ties between government and citizens. [DHR; VS -- doe: 09/12/97]

AA97379 -- Kagan, Robert. DEMOCRACIES AND DOUBLE STANDARDS (Commentary, vol. 104, no. 2, August 1997, pp. 19-26)

Kagan argues that the growth of democracy in the world has been a good thing and that the United States played an indispensable role in this development. But Kagan says the policy has had little support from the public and the foreign policy establishment. Some have even argued that democracy is not necessarily good for some cultures. The Clinton administration should recommit itself to preserving and expanding the democratic era, Kagan concludes. [DHR; DP -- doe: 09/12/97]

AA97378 -- Weisberg, Jacob. TRAITOR TO HIS CLASS? (Worth, July/August 1997, pp. 71-77, 132-135)

Weisberg says some people, including former Labor Secretary Robert Reich portray Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin as a stereotypical banker more concerned with the needs of Wall Street than the needs of the average American. But, in many ways, Rubin is not true to this type, Weisberg argues. For example, Rubin opposed tax cuts for the wealthy. He also has championed community development financial institutions. Weisberg's portrayal of Rubin is mostly positive. [DHR; DP -- doe: 09/12/97]

AA97377 -- Weisberger, Bernard A. WHAT MADE THE GOVERNMENT GROW (American Heritage, September 1997, pp. 34-52)

With abiding distrust of big government a national tradition, how did the U.S. federal bureaucracy grow from under 5,000 in 1816 to just over 3 million in the last third of this century? Although some argue that welfare state policies were responsible, Weisberger shows that wars both hot and cold always produced spikes in the numbers, which then never returned to pre-war levels. He also questions the public s anti-government sentiment: "For all the growing dissatisfaction with expensive bureaucracies ... they expected (government) to act in their behalf though not necessarily that of others." [DHR; CH -- doe: 09/12/97] AA97359 -- Himmelfarb, Gertrude. FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY (Commentary, vol. 103, no. 5, May 1997, pp. 34-37)

The author discusses the effects of "big government" or the "welfare state" on civil society. She suggests how to return civil society and government back to their appropriate responsibilities, which focus on individuals being less reliant on the government for help while also practicing good citizenship. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97358 -- Laurent, Anne. CULTURAL REVOLUTION (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 7, July 1997, pp. 14-20)

The article examines the United States "reinventing government" program as it applies to changing the work cultural at government agencies. Laurent discusses the flaws in the current government work culture and what is needed to change the culture so that government agencies function more efficiently and effectively. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97357 -- Hyde, Al. A DECADE OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 7, July 1997, pp. 57-68)

The article focuses on the history of quality management, especially over the last ten years since the National Conference on Federal Quality was held and federal agencies began adapting total quality management techniques. Total Quality Management (TQM) is examined in regards to its effect on quality management and the four cornerstones of quality: process management, customer feedback, participative management, and supplier cooperation. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97356 -- Reich, Robert B. UNLOCKING THE CABINET (The Washington Monthly, vol. 29, no. 7, July/August 1997, pp. 8-10)

In an excerpt from his book, the former secretary of labor recounts the reclusiveness he felt in Washington, as though locked inside a bubble. When he questions why he can't mingle with the public at large, he is told that a secretary should not be concerned with the everyday affairs of life. One day he "escapes" into the Labor building to see just what life on the outside is like, only to find that he has been so insulated, he is literally lost in his own domain. [DHR; DB -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97346 -- Mahtesian, Charles. GANGING UP ON THE GOVERNORS (Governing, vol. 10, no. 11, August 1997, pp. 23-25)

Long the "official" Washington voice for the nation's governors, after the 1994 elections, Republicans finally found themselves in charge of the National Governor's Association (NGA) -- for the first time in 25 years. What has happened in three years has left frustrated Democrats charging Republicans with hijacking an ostensibly bipartisan organization and Republicans rethinking the need for the NGA at all. [DHR; DB -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97342 -- Browning, Graeme. 1996 NATIONAL POST-ELECTION FOLLOW-UP (Database, vol. 20, no. 3, June/July 1997, 8 p.)

Analyzing how Internet use influenced the 1996 national elections, author Graeme Browning notes that both the Clinton and Dole campaigns actively solicited votes through Web sites and hundreds of other candidates nationwide did the same, with some of them attributing success at the polls to the impact of the sites. Browning points out that while it is still too early to judge its accuracy, some political consultants -- but not all -- are even predicting that cyberspace will be the prime political battleground in the year 2000. [DHR; SG -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97341 -- Mayer, David N. "BY THE CHAINS OF THE CONSTITUTION:" SEPARATION OF POWERS THEORY AND JEFFERSON'S CONCEPTION OF THE PRESIDENCY (Perspectives on Political Science, vol. 26, no. 3, Summer 1997, pp. 140-148)

Mayer, a Capital University professor of law and history, notes that Thomas Jefferson took the doctrine of separation of powers more seriously than any other president in U.S. history, and believed the Constitution helped keep government limited to its proper bounds. Today, however, modern presidents are no longer bound "by the chains of the Constitution," Mayer says, giving as example the bipartisan support for a presidential line-item veto. Mayer argues that two centuries later, Jefferson's worst fears about "executive tyranny" have been realized. [DHR; SG -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97340 -- Shin, Annys. THE VALUE OF SERVICE (Government Executive, vol. 29, no.6, June 1997, pp. 45-48)

The Corporation for National Service (CNS), the four-year-old agency that oversees AmeriCorps, has a hard time proving to Congress that it is worth $600 million a year, observes Shin. Critics charge that the program that gives students financial aid in exchange for a year of community service is little more than a political boondoggle. Supporters counter that federal investment is a vital catalyst to boosting community service. "The question of whether CNS' programs are cost-effective depends largely on how you define its goals," says the author. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 08/28/97]

AA97318 -- Greenberg, Stanley. THE MYTHOLOGY OF CENTRISM: WHY CLINTON AND BLAIR REALLY WON (The American Prospect, no. 34, September/October 1997, pp. 42-44)

Greenberg disagrees with the consensual characterization of the recent electoral wins of Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, both of whom he served as pollster and political consultant, as the triumph of centrism. Far from being elected by moderate, affluent voters looking for fiscal prudence, as the centrism hypothesis would have it, the two leaders were "catapulted into office by the new votes of working-class and lower- middle-class voters who were becoming uncomfortable with the marketization of all areas of public life." Citing the progressivist policy priorities put forward in their campaigns by the two candidates, Greenberg argues that "Both countries voted for reformed center-left parties that would fight the extension of Reaganism and Thatcherism and that would strive to make government work for ordinary citizens." [DHR; AW -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97317 -- Fonte, John. THE TRAGEDY OF CIVIL RIGHTS (Society, vol. 34, no. 5, July/August 1997, pp. 64-76)

Fonte, an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, traces the history of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964 to show how the current emphasis on "equality of result," now called "proportionalism" or "diversity," differs from the original intent of the authors of the bill, who had advocated "equality of opportunity" but rejected "equality of result." He argues that proportionalism, enacted through bureaucratic and judicial means, is unfair and undemocratic, having neither been implemented by Congress nor supported by the public. Stressing that proportionalism is inimical to a free society, Fonte suggests that it is "time to restore the moral ideals of the civil rights coalition of 1964." [DHR; AW -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97316 -- Heilbrunn, Jacob. THE MOYNIHAN ENIGMA (The American Prospect, no. 33, July/August 1997, pp. 18-24)

Outlining Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan s personal history, while emphasizing his frequent and famous policy oscillations, Heilbrunn attempts to shed light onto Moynihan and the motives behind his contradictory stances. He identifies Moynihan as a "mass-intellectual," a term first coined by British historian A.J.P. Taylor as one who tries to combine the role of politician and scholar, but has difficulty applying power. He questions why Moynihan has failed to play key roles in the two most important issues of the Clinton administration -- health care and welfare reform -- and why legislation has remained throughout his career a secondary priority. [DHR; CdO -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97306 -- Beinart, Peter. THE PRIDE OF THE CITIES (The New Republic, vol. 216, no. 26, June 30, 1997, pp. 16-24)

The author analyzes six big city mayors who are very popular due to their success in reinvigorating their cities -- by eliminating city debt and increasing the efficiency of city services. However, Beinart notes that these mayors are outcasts of their own political parties, as they have angered key party constituents. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97305 -- Black, Tom. MAYOR PAUL HELMKE: UNCONVENTIONAL WISDOM (American City & County, vol. 112, no. 6, June 1997, pp. 22-28)

The author profiles Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mayor Paul Helmke, who also is the president of the U.S. Conference on Mayors. The article focuses on Helmke's innovative management and leadership strategies that have led to monumental improvements to the city. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97304 -- Lowry, Rich. DOLE REDUX (National Review, vol. 49, no. 12, June 30, 1997, pp. 20-22)

The article looks at U.S. Senator Trent Lott's style of leadership as Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate. It highlights both Lott's successes and failures. The author concludes that Lott will most likely adopt the style of former majority leader Bob Dole. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97303 -- Gillon, Steven M. OOPS! TOP 10 LAWS THAT LASHED BACK (George, July 1997, pp. 46-48)

The article highlights ten United States laws that have had unexpected consequences, for the worse. The author demonstrates how laws can often accomplish the direct opposite of what their makers intend. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 08/05/97]

AA97298 -- Shapiro, Andrew L.; and others. SPEECH & POWER: IS FIRST AMENDMENT ABSOLUTISM OBSOLETE? (The Nation, vol. 265, no. 3, July 21, 1997, pp. 11-19)

This article, edited by THE NATION'S managing editor, examines various viewpoints on the United States' First Amendment to the Constitution, the right of free speech. Various legal scholars on the First Amendment present their views. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/21/97]

AA97295 -- Holmes, Stephen. WHAT RUSSIA TEACHES US NOW: HOW WEAK STATES THREATEN FREEDOM (The American Prospect, no. 33, July/August 1997, pp. 30-39)

Holmes, a Princeton professor who has been the Soros Foundation's legal reform program director for the past two years, maintains that "Russians today have more reason to worry about the debility of the state than about its power." He says that the enforcement of rights presupposes stable relations of authority and obedience, and both are currently lacking in Russia. "The government is fragmented, unaccountable, and seemingly indifferent to the plight of its citizens," Holmes observes. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 07/21/97]

AA97283 -- Wright, Robin. DEMOCRACY: CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIONS IN THE 1990S (The Washington Quarterly, vol. 20, no. 3, Summer 1997, pp. 23-35)

Although Western democracies have traditionally admitted to the unavoidable costs of democratic transitions, the 1990s have thus far demonstrated that those challenges may have been underestimated. According to Robin Wright, a correspondent for the LOS ANGELES TIMES, many countries have embraced democracy in the hope that it would lead to a much better and equitable life, or to prosperity. However, the economic decline and stagnation that 89 nascent democracies have experienced since the 1980s indicates that for many, life in the 1990s is much harder than it was under former regimes. Not only has this fueled disillusionment and frustration, but moreover, it has lead to widespread public discontent, the growth of corruption, and a sense of impotence that only welcomes public disengagement. [DHR; CdO -- doe: 07/21/97]

AA97282 -- Towle, Michael J. ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT: FOUR FACTORS AFFECTING THE SUCCESS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SECRETARY (Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 27, no. 2, Spring 1997, pp. 297-319)

Towle, a Mount Saint Mary's College professor, suggests four crucial factors contribute to the success or failure of a presidential press secretary: importance to the administration, how information is disseminated, respect accorded by the president, and respect accorded by the press. Success, he says, is based in large part on the press secretary's ability to build a complementary relationship from a realistic assessment of the president's needs. [DHR; SG -- doe: 07/21/97]

AA97275 -- Kuzenski, John C. THE FOUR -- YES, FOUR -- TYPES OF STATE PRIMARIES (PS: Political Science & Politics, vol. 30, no. 2, June 1997, pp. 207-208)

The author examines both the traditional "open," "closed," and "blanket" primaries, by which state electorates narrow the number of candidates for public office. He also characterizes a fourth type of primary unique to the state of Louisiana. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97274 -- Koszczuk, Jackie. PRINCIPLES AND POLITICS CONVERGE AS GEPHARDT SETS OWN COURSE (Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report, vol. 55, no. 23, June 7, 1997, pp. 1289-1293)

The article examines recent decisions by the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat from Missouri, Richard Gephardt. He opposes the U.S. Budget agreement and extending Most Favored Nation trading status to China. The author also analyzes Mr. Gephardt's decisions in regards to his political aspiration to run for president in 2000. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97273 -- Rosen, Jeffrey. ORIGINALIST SIN (The New Republic, vol. 216, no. 18, May 5, 1997, pp. 26-36)

The author, legal affairs writer for THE NEW REPUBLIC, offers an in-depth analysis of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, focusing on his stance on judicial restraint contrasted with several major legal decisions that he was involved in. Rosen concludes that Scalia is not the strict constitutionalist he claims to be. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97272 -- Hansen, Karen. LIVING WITHIN THE LIMITS (State Legislatures, vol. 23, no. 6, June 1997, pp. 12-19)

The author investigates the recent trend of term limits in state legislatures in the United States. The article focuses on the question of whether limits hurt or help democracy. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97271 -- Cook, Rhodes. SUBURBIA: LAND OF VARIED FACES AND A GROWING POLITICAL FORCE (Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report, vol. 55, no. 21, May 24, 1997, pp. 1209-1217)

The author examines the rising political force of suburban voters, who now comprise approximately half of the U.S. population. These voters can not be easily characterized; the vast majority tend to vote for both Democratic and Republican candidates, depending on the local issues. The article provides a revealing look at both the growth and demographic diversity of today's American middle class. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97270 -- Meyerson, Adam. FAMILY. FAITH. FREEDOM: HOW CONSERVATIVES CAN SET THE CULTURAL AGENDA (Policy Review, no. 83, May/June 1997, pp. 28-37)

The author evaluates the social policy agenda of the conservative movement in the United States, focusing on how conservatives gain support for their beliefs on family, religion, and the downsizing of government. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97269 -- Aizenman, Nurith C. STOP DISSING THE WASHINGTON TIMES! (The Washington Monthly, vol. 29, no. 5, May 1997, pp. 26-36)

The author examines the inner workings of the WASHINGTON TIMES, analyzing how resourceful the newspaper has become in uncovering major stories before THE WASHINGTON POST does. The author concludes that despite occasional lapses in conducting ethical journalism, the WASHINGTON TIMES is a valuable source for those wanting to know more about what is going on in American government. [DHR; JFB -- doe: 07/07/97]

AA97258 -- Ehrenhalt, Alan. THE DEVIL IN DEVOLUTION (Governing, vol. 10, no. 8, May 1997, pp. 7-8)

A pithy look at whether or not state governments will -- in an atmosphere of new freedom and responsibility -- make sound decisions or succumb to "a ruinous cycle of competition." The author, executive editor of GOVERNING magazine, concludes that many issues will again come down to basic, local politics. [DHR; VS -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97257 -- Stark, Steven D. LOCAL NEWS: THE BIGGEST SCANDAL ON TV (The Washington Monthly, vol. 29, no. 6, June 1997, pp. 38- 41)

In recent years, the local television newscast has replaced the network evening news and the newspaper as the average American's main source of news. The author is highly critical of the content of the local broadcasts, noting that 53 percent of the local newscast is devoted to grizzly crime, and 31 percent to "soft talk, or anchor chatter." He analyzes how the content and presentation of the local television news evolved from a more journalistic style of reporting events into a ubiquitous, popular entertainment format. [DHR; VS -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97256 -- Sanders, Ronald P.; Thompson, James. BEYOND REINVENTION: SPECIAL REPORT [ON THE NATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 4, April 1997, pp. 45- 58)

Four U.S. government organizations are used as examples of how performance-based management, one of the 15 core principles of reinvention outlined in the Blair House Papers, led them to privatize, or attempt to privatize, their services. The pattern of change varied with each organization, and the reader gains a sense of the frustrations and incremental steps inherent in what one executive called, "building the right mind-set, and skill-set" for the new organization. [DHR; VS -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97255 -- Weise, Elizabeth. DOES THE INTERNET CHANGE NEWS REPORTING? NOT QUITE (Media Studies Journal, vol. 11, no. 2, Spring 1997, pp. 159-163)

Ms. Weise, an Internet writer for the Associated Press, provides a revealing snapshot of how journalist should approach information taken from the Internet -- always questioning the worthiness of the source. She also points to the power of the Internet: its immediacy, its reach, and its ability to give voice to those with no access to the mainstream channels of information dissemination. [DHR; VS -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97254 -- Marlette, Doug. EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS -- AN ENDANGERED SPECIES? (Media Studies Journal, vol. 11, no. 2, Spring 1997, pp. 113-126)

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Doug Marlette bemoans the self- censorship and flaccid political cartooning appearing in today's American journals and newspapers. This is due in part, he says, to the dearth of big issues -- "Political cartoons are custom-made for times of tumult." He describes the social and political upheaval of the 1960's and 70's, and the great cartoonists of the time, who influenced critical thinking in America. [DHR; VS -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97251 -- Poggioli, Sylvia. A STRATEGY OF RAPE IN BOSNIA (Media Studies Journal, vol. 11, no. 2, Spring 1997, pp. 131-137)

Poggioli, the European correspondent for National Public Radio, observes that in the Balkan wars the presence of women (40% by some estimates) in the press corps was a vital factor in pushing rape to the top of the news. "For centuries, rape has been treated sort of as a sideshow in wars," says Poggioli who received the George Foster Peabody Award for a report on ethnic cleansing. "In Bosnia the rapes were aimed at producing humiliation and shame and, specifically, the breakup of the family. Because that would ensure that the family would never return to its home. This was a very specific aspect of ethnic cleansing." As a result of this focused reporting, rape is now treated as a war crime at the Hague Tribunal for crimes in the former Yugoslavia. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97248 -- Ferrell, Robert H. SECOND-TERM PRESIDENTS: HISTORY SAYS (Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 27, no. 1, Winter 1997, pp. 118-120)

Ferrell says that specific scandals can damage a president's standing in history, as for example, in the case of President Warren Harding. Of far greater potential damage to a president's reputation, however, is the status of the economy. The Wall Street Crash, for example, in 1929 eclipsed President Herbert Hoover's standing in history. Ferrell believes there are some similarities between the 1920s and the 1990s, despite current highly-favorable economic conditions. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97247 -- O'Malley, Timothy. MANAGING FOR ETHICS: A MANDATE FOR ADMINISTRATORS (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, vol. 66, no. 4, April 1997, pp. 20-25)

O'Malley explores the impact of specific factors, such as organizational and operational changes, on police ethics. He says a well-drafted code of ethics, preferably written with input from all levels of personnel, can provide guidance and clear standards of conduct for police officers. Training and education to promote ethical behavior is particularly important, he adds. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97246 -- Pitts, Joseph. ISLANDS OF EXCELLENCE: A CONGRESSIONAL STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL (Policy Review, no. 87, March/April 1997, pp. 58-59)

Pitts offers ideas for community renewal including, elevating the status of volunteer efforts, encouraging neighborhood groups to deal with poverty-related social ills, and promoting exchange of information among these groups. Pitts also says congressional and executive-branch staff should be exposed to the expertise available at the grass roots. "Only when we engage those closest to the problems can we begin to renew our communities," Pitts concludes. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97245 -- Menzel, Donald. TEACHING ETHICS AND VALUES IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: ARE WE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 3, May/June 1997, pp. 224-230)

Menzel documents that ethical education and instruction is finding a niche in public administration curricula. He says it is making a difference, but probably not a large enough difference. At the top of the list of goals is the need to foster ethical conduct in the public service, he adds. Menzel calls for Public Administration educators to be more aggressive in promoting ethical education. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97244 -- Sherwood, Frank P. RESPONDING TO THE DECLINE IN PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 3, May/June 1997, pp. 211-217)

Sherwood argues that governmental professionalism is declining, partly because there are many more political appointees in the bureaucracy. But he also says that public officials can play a role in restoring the environment for professionalism in government. For example, the new emphasis on service orientation in government, which originated with public officials, is one such means for improving government professionalism and responsiveness. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97243 -- Meier, Kenneth J. BUREAUCRACY AND DEMOCRACY: THE CASE FOR MORE BUREAUCRACY AND LESS DEMOCRACY (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 3, May/June 1997, pp. 193-199)

Meier says bureaucracy in government in the U.S. "appears to be much smaller and leaner," than in many other countries. Bureaucracy is performing fairly well, it is electoral institutions that are the problem, he adds. Meier's conclusion is that to solve this problem, "public administration needs to revisit its past and reincorporate the study of electoral institutions into the field. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/19/97]

AA97228 -- Garrow, David J. NINE JUSTICES & A FUNERAL (George, June 1997, pp. 56-63)

In January of this year, the Supreme Court listened to arguments in support of the legalization of physician-assisted dying. Garrow reports that a number of states have already initiated right-to-die legislation through citizens initiatives which have subsequently been challenged by the courts. Public opinion polls consistently show that upwards of 60 percent of Americans favor some degree of legalization for competent, terminally ill citizens, but on this issue the political elite -- just like the medical elite -- lags far behind popular sentiment, Garrow observes. The Supreme Court's decision is expected in June. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 06/05/97]

AA97226 -- Boulard, Garry. HOOKED ON HIGH-TECH LAWMAKING (State Legislatures, vol. 23, no. 4, April 1997, pp. 12-17)

Today over two-thirds of the state legislatures are on-line with far-reaching electronic networks and laptop computers for each law maker. In most cases, legislatures have saved both time and money through technology. This article highlights the common benefits (reduced paper, speeded amendment process, direct email communication between and with legislators, rapid data retrieval, and the ability to work fully from any location), as well as common pitfalls in implementing today's broad range of information services for state law makers. [DHR; VS -- doe: 06/05/97]

AA97216 -- Berman, Evan M. DEALING WITH CYNICAL CITIZENS (Public Administration Review, vol. 57, no. 2, March/April 1997, pp. 105-112)

This article goes beyond analyzing the extent and causes of skepticism towards government and provides some ideas, based on the results of a national survey, of how public officials can adapt better communications strategies, improve public participation in decision- making, and enhance government's reputation for efficiency and effectiveness. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/22/97]

AA97215 -- Sanders, Ronald P.; Thompson, James. TO BOLDLY GO: THE "DOMINO THEORY" OF GOVERNMENTAL TRANSFORMATION (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 4, April 1997, pp. 45-58)

Sanders and Thompson examine some of the trends in reinvention at the federal level such as performance-based organization, contracting out, total quality management, team-based approaches to productivity, and new accountability methods and procedures. They profile two agencies and detail the limits of reinvention, and also profile a large private investigations company performing functions that previously were the province of government. [DHR; DP -- doe: 05/22/97]

AA97214 -- Shrum, Robert; and others. SPIN (Campaigns and Elections, vol. 18, no. 4, April 1997, pp. 22-26)

In interviews, four top political communications strategists argue that new technologies, such as cable, the internet, and satellite are changing the way campaigns are being conducted. How to target messages through these different kinds of electronic media, as well as traditional broadcast and print, is a key responsibility of today's communications campaign professionals, they add. The strategists are Craig Shirley, a Republican consultant, Robert Shrum, a Democratic consultant, Kiki Moore, vice president of a communications firm, and Virgil Scudder, president of a training company. [DHR; DP -- doe: 05/22/97]

AA97211 -- Eisler, Kim Isaac. AND THEN THERE WAS JANET (Washingtonian, vol. 32, no. 7, April 1997, pp. 43-46)

Attorney General Janet Reno, neither a Clinton confidante nor crony, has been deemed by some as "virtually unfireable." In this all-to-brief article, Reno is seen as the first attorney general in the late 20th century to actually get things done, despite interference from the First Lady, and a succession of events (Waco, Vince Foster, Webb Hubbell) that might have undone a lesser woman. [DHR; DB -- doe: 05/08/97]

AA97202 -- Masci, David; and others. CIVIC RENEWAL (The CQ Researcher, vol. 7, no. 11, March 21, 1997, pp. 241-263)

David Masci examines the new focus on the decline in civil society in America. He includes proposals aimed at restoring the courtesy and respect individuals once offered each other, the family, and institutions of the community. Contributors also highlight the need to link citizens by a common set of values, while scrupulously avoiding the conformity and discrimination that has also existed in American society. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/08/97]

AA97201 -- Harris, Don. THE MAKING OF GOOD CITIZENS (State Legislatures, vol. 23, no. 3, March 1997, pp. 29-32)

This article highlights "Project Citizen," a program created by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Center for Civic Education to engage middle school students in civic life. In eleven U.S. states, eighth-grade students are being encouraged to identify a public policy problem in their community, and to work directly with their local and state government to solve the problem. Project Citizen encourages civic participation through hands-on experience. [DHR; VS -- doe: 05/08/97]

AA97200 -- Archer, Jeff. MD. STUDENTS SCURRY TO FULFILL SERVICE LEARNING (Education Week, April 16, 1997, p. 5)

The state of Maryland is the first state to require that all students perform at least 75 hours of community service before they can graduate from high school. The goal of this service learning is to produce graduates who are both educated and good citizens. Critics have charged that required student service amounts to involuntary servitude. However, supporters, including the Clinton administration, have challenged other states to adopt programs similar to Maryland s. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 05/08/97]

AA97199 -- Archer, Jeff. CIVIC JOURNALISM PUTTING SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOL ISSUES (Education Week, April 9, 1997, pp. 1, 28-29)

This article reviews different media s involvement in local school issues by practicing civic journalism. Archer tells what happened when the Wisconsin State Journal and the local TV station investigated Madison s public schools and, before reporting on the gap between the city s white and minority students, invited local leaders and citizens to review their findings. The journalists took the advice to expand their research, then published their stories, but also took the lead in forming citizens forums to actively improve the public schools. At least 50 U.S. cities have been involved in similar experiments. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 05/08/97]

AA97184 -- Starobin, Paul. DARE TO BICKER! (National Journal, vol. 29, no. 12, March 22, 1997, pp. 558-563)

The author urges the leaders of America's major political parties to engage in a more combative policy debate, rather than the bipartisan approach of "politicians taking cues from finger-in-the-wind consultants." The article outlines the historic development and prominent role that the party system plays in American representative democracy. [DHR; VS -- doe: 04/24/97]

AA97183 -- Berns, Walter. ON PATRIOTISM (The Public Interest, no. 127, Spring 1997, pp. 19-32)

Walter Berns, professor emeritus of government at Georgetown University, examines the history and foundation of the American people's love of country. He argues that during the nation's first fifty years, patriotism was inseparable from the citizens' hatred of Britain. Subsequently, the American Civil War solidified the nation under the banner of preserving civil and religious freedoms. The author goes on to argue that today's civil education, with its emphasis on multiculturalism and world community, ignores the uniqueness of the United States and virtues of patriotic loyalty. [DHR; VS -- doe: 04/24/97]

AA97182 -- Washington, Sally. MANAGING GOVERNMENT ETHICS (The OECD Observer, no. 204, February/March 1977, pp. 15-17)

Tensions are beginning to emerge, particularly in the area of ethics and accountability of the public sector services, between traditional notions of public administration and new forms of management which seek results through innovation. The author examines five basic requirements to consider when trying to achieve a balance between the administrative costs of catching every misdemeanor or genuinely corrupt action versus the political costs of allowing some mistakes to occur. [DHR; VS -- doe: 04/24/97]

AA97181 -- Donahue, John D. THE DEVIL IN DEVOLUTION (The American Prospect, no. 32, May/June 1997, pp. 42-47)

Donahue argues that the current "enchantment" with moving government's center of gravity away from Washington and toward the states "will be seen one day as oddly discordant with our nation's challenges." Devolution, he says, would make sense if economic and cultural ties across state lines were weakening, but in fact the trend is in the opposite direction: "Issues in which other states' citizens have no voice ... are becoming rarer still in an age of air freight, inter-linked computers, nonstop currency trading, and site-shopping global corporations." [DHR; MS -- doe: 04/24/97]

AA97180 -- Ignatieff, Michael. UNARMED WARRIORS (The New Yorker, vol. 73, no. 5, March 24, 1997, pp. 54-71)

The writer reviews the origins and history of the International Committee of the Red Cross (I.C.R.C.)and its recent missions in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Rwanda and Zaire. The author finds that to this day, neutrality remains the core of the I.C.R.C.'s moral politics. However, for the doctrine to work, there have to be armies sufficiently disciplined to observe the distinction between combatants and civilians, between military and non-military objectives. "But what happens when there is no discipline at all?" he asks, pointing to the excesses in wars of national liberation and ethnic feuding. Because more and more warriors refuse to play by the rules, the I.C.R.C.'s work is more dangerous than ever. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 04/24/97]

General / U.S. Elections

General Articles on Democracy and Human Rights

AA97118 -- Weberg, Brian. NEW AGE DAWNS FOR LEGISLATIVE STAFF (State Legislatures, vol. 23, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 26-32)

The American state legislature has generally been viewed as an elected body which reacts to the policy proposals of a governor or chief executive. In recent years, however, state legislatures have become much more independent, reasserting their policymaking role in local government. At the same time, elected officials are serving shorter terms; with the rapid turnover in representatives resulting in a loss of institutional know-how. This trend leads the author to examine the type and quality of staff work needed to support a vibrant legislature. [DHR; VS -- doe: 03/12/97]

AA97117 -- Wallis, Allan D. TOWARD A PARADIGM OF COMMUNITY-MAKING (National Civic Review, vol. 85, no. 4, Winter 1996, pp. 34-47)

Efforts in the United States to address the problems of communities living in persistent poverty are increasingly guided by the principle that these communities have to be empowered to define and solve their own problems. In this article the author, a professor of public affairs and director of research at the National Civic League, identifies six essential elements needed to execute community-based initiatives. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97116 -- Blasi, Vincent. HOW CAMPAIGN SPENDING LIMITS CAN BE RECONCILED WITH THE FIRST AMENDMENT (The Responsive Community, vol. 7, no. 1, Winter 1996/97, pp. 33-41)

This article re-examines the reasoning behind the U.S. Supreme Court's 1976 decision not to permit any limits on political campaign spending, emphasizing a citizen's right to free speech. The author goes on to outline new circumstances, principally the huge cost of mounting a campaign and the increasing time candidates are spending in fundraising activities while in office, which may mitigate the Supreme Court's view. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97115 -- Etzioni, Amitai. THE COMMUNITY OF COMMUNITIES (The Responsive Community, vol. 7, no. 1, Winter 1996/97, pp. 21-32)

In this excerpt from the author's recent book, THE NEW GOLDEN RULE: COMMUNITY AND MORALITY IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, Etzioni examines the core values which must be shared by the numerous and diverse communities in the United States in order to sustain American democracy. Among the ideas is the need to build a strong, normative commitment to democracy; the commitment to act within the values embodied in the Constitution; the need to maintain equilibrium between the particular constituent communities and the overarching framing community; and to promote respect for the differences inherent in each community. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97108 -- (DDD) -- Neier, Aryeh. THE NEW DOUBLE STANDARD (Foreign Policy, no. 105, Winter 1996/97, pp. 91- 102)

Neier, who is president of the Open Society Institute, draws up a balance sheet of the successes and failures of the human rights movement over the past quarter century. He notes that although the American human rights movement now usually sees eye to eye with the State Department on the facts of human rights abuses, "it has had limited success in prodding the United States to take significant measures against those abuses." "The movement needs to develop the argument that the promotion of human rights should not be weighed against competing concerns," Neier concludes; "it should proceed wherever gross abuses are practiced -- regardless of other U.S. interests in such countries." [DHR; MS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97093 -- Waisanen, Bert. DEMOGRAPHIC FEDERALISM: DEFINING THE NEW FEDERAL-STATE RELATIONSHIP (Spectrum, the Journal of State Government, vol. 69, no. 4, Fall 1996, pp. 53-57)

Waisanen, a policy analyst in the Washington D.C. office of the Council of State Government, offers a commentary, detailing events in the United States during 1996, which examines the new federal-state relationship trend. The commentary also addresses, from Nixon- Reagan to Clinton, the funding of programs, devolution of government, governments' reaction to demographics, and state empowerment. Waisanen ends with a question as to what the 104th Congress plans to do with the new federal-state trend in 1997. [DHR; JJ -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97092 -- Meyerson, Harold. DEAD CENTER (The American Prospect, no. 30, January/February 1997, pp. 60-67)

Meyerson argues that the political center, from which the White House says it will govern, is defined by Wall Street and K Street rather than by main street. It is what business wants rather than the people that is high on the political agenda, he adds. Meyerson also says that liberals can expect little from a second Clinton term and that proposals will be small-scale such as the v-chip. Republicans also are moving to the political center, he says, spurred by the rejection of Gingrichism and hard-right stands. [DHR; DP -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97091 -- Bonventre, Vincent Martin; Snyder, Lloyd B. A RIGHT TO TALK (ABA Journal, vol. 83, February 1997, pp. 72- 73)

The two authors question whether justices of the highest court in America can or should make public statements which stake out their positions on a case they have yet to hear, as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia did last year when addressing a university audience. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97090 -- Light, Paul C. THE TIDES OF REINVENTION (Government Executive, vol. 29, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 23-24)

This brief article anticipates the needed "next steps" in current efforts to reform the federal bureaucracy, and highlights some of the challenges which confound the effort. For a more detailed look at reinvention, the article points to the Internet Web site on "Reinventing Government" at: http://www.npr.gov. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97089 -- Banisar, David; Deutsch, Ken; Mallin, Patricia. ONLINE ORGANIZING (Infoactive, The Telecommunications Monthly for Nonprofits, vol. 1, no. B, Special issue, July/August 1995, 12 pp.)

Still recommended reading by communications specialists serving nonprofit organizations, this 12-page pamphlet highlights how online technologies, which foster fast, cheap communication and make vast amounts of information easily available, are being used as political organizing tools. Using real-life examples from the United States, the article covers how to organize a successful electronic petition drive, how to launch an online public relations campaign, and how to start an advocacy network. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/28/97]

AA97074 -- Wolfson, Adam. INDIVIDUALISM: NEW AND OLD (The Public Interest, no. 126, Winter 1997, pp. 75-88)

Wolfson, the executive editor of THE PUBLIC INTEREST, maintains that the root problem of the current decline in civil society is not changes in community but changes in the individuals who make up the community. He examines how transformations in the American character have made community more difficult than it once was, and concludes: ... to restore civil society we must first return, as Tocqueville would say, to the matter of the virtues and vices of individuals..... This would mean a return to an individualism that finds felicity not in personal liberation but in self-restraint... [DHR; VSK -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97073 -- Wilson, James. CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN ENGLAND AND AMERICA (The Public Interest, no. 126, Winter 1997, pp. 3-14)

Wilson compares the crime situation in England with that in the United States, noting that the rate of serious crime in England during the 1980s surged while declining in America. Consequently, by the end of the 1980s, the English auto theft rate, for example, was twice that in America. He cites research indicating that part of the reason for this was the decline in imprisonment rates in England compared with America. He also argues that the English political system is less sensitive to public opinion than the American, and therefore public disquiet over rising crime in England was not translated into political action leading to longer prison sentences. Wilson points out, however, that the most serious crime of all, homicide, occurs at a much lower rate in England than in America. [DHR; DP -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97072 -- Van Wart, Montgomery. THE SOURCES OF ETHICAL DECISION MAKING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR (PAR, Public Administration Review, vol. 56, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 525-533)

This article details the thinking behind the Code of Ethics adopted by the American Society of Public Administration. The code was revised to be concise, practical, and reflect the current literature on public sector ethics. A copy of the code appears on the last page. It covers five principal themes: serve the public interest, respect the Constitution and law, demonstrate personal integrity, promote ethical organizations, and strive for professional excellence. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97071 -- Gilman, Stuart C.; Lewis, Carol W. PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS: A GLOBAL DIALOGUE (PAR, Public Administration Review, vol. 56, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 517-524)

This scholarly article takes its starting point from an international conference on ethics in government organized in 1994 by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) and the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. The conference brought more than 100 participants from 53 countries together to exchange expertise and insights. After examining much evidence, the authors conclude that cross-cultural differences do not undermine the validity of certain core principles of professional administration, and they go on to encourage a global dialogue on administrative ethics. [DHR; VS - - doe: 02/06/97]

AA97070 -- Buckner, Jennie. PUBLIC JOURNALISM: GIVING VOTERS A VOICE (Media Studies Journal, vol. 2, no. 1, Winter 1997, pp. 65- 68)

The author is editor of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER daily newspaper. She defends her paper's participation (along with five other North Carolina newspapers, six television organizations and three radio stations) in a project called "Your Voice, Your Vote," which was designed to stimulate in-depth coverage of the candidates' positions and voter interest in the recent elections. The project reflects a new trend known as "public journalism." Buckner's article provides a snapshot of this approach. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97069 -- Gartner, Michael. PUBLIC JOURNALISM: SEEING THROUGH THE GIMMICKS (Media Studies Journal, vol. 2, no. 1, Winter 1997, pp. 69-73)

Michael Gartner, former president of NBC news and now editor of a daily newspaper, is critical of "public journalism," arguing that

reporting on what people want to hear, in contrast to what the journalism professionals believe the public needs to know, would "homogenize" the news, cede editorial judgment to pollsters and readers in focus groups who have no particular knowledge of state politics, as well as reduce investigative reporting. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97068 -- Barnes, James A. THE SENATE BROKER (National Journal, vol. 28, no. 51-52, December 21, 1996, pp. 2732-2736)

Staff correspondent Barnes says Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott displays essential leadership qualities: he counts votes and is ready to strike a deal to move legislation. Rather than wait, as did his predecessor Bob Dole, for consensus to develop among Republicans, Lott will be more energetic and conclusive, Barnes notes, adding that a cohesive, conservative leadership team will help him keep the Senate on the Right's path. [DHR; SG -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97063 -- (DDD) Carothers, Thomas. DEMOCRACY WITHOUT ILLUSIONS (Foreign Affairs, vol. 76, no. 1, January/February 1997, pp. 85-99)

The author, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, notes that the worldwide trend toward democratic government over the last two decades has been followed in many areas by a period of backsliding. Arguing that U.S. policy is not significantly responsible for democracy's advance or retreat in the world, Carothers maintains that growing democratic stagnation forces the U.S. government to reexamine both how much the United States can actually foster democracy abroad, and how strong its interests in the matter actually are. [DHR; MS -- doe: 02/6/97]

AA97062 -- Arrandale, Tom; and others. INNOVATIONS IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Governing, vol. 10, no. 4, January 1997, pp. 36-39)

Seven award-winning federal, state and local programs are profiled. These innovative programs represent creative thinking in areas of public concern ranging from the arts, and affordable housing initiatives, to pollution control technologies. Ford Foundation research clearly indicates local programs like these have influenced policy and legislation throughout the nation. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/6/97]

AA97061 -- Rockman, Bert A. THE LIMITS OF EXECUTIVE POWER (The World & I, vol. 12, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 22- 31)

Rockman, a political science professor at the University of Pittsburgh, contrasts the relatively little power that an American president holds with the power of his counterparts in other countries. In reality, Rockman says, "the power of the [American] office's symbol is much greater than the reality of the person's political capability." [DHR; DB - - doe: 02/6/97]

AA97050 -- Salamon, Lester M.; Anheier, Helmut K. THE CIVIL SOCIETY SECTOR (Society, vol. 34, no. 2, January/February 1997, pp. 60-65)

Scholars Salamon and Anheier suggest the need for a new way to conceptualize the notion of "civil society" -- or nonprofit organizations -- by applying the term instead to a relationship among the sectors of government, business and nonprofit. The proliferation of civil society organizations, they say, may turn out to represent the greatest social innovation of the 20th century, but this may be one of the best kept secrets of modern social development. [DHR; SG -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97043 -- Berkowitz, Peter. LIBERALISM'S VIRTUE (Perspectives on Political Science, vol. 25, no. 4, Fall 1996, pp. 183-191)

Harvard professor of government Peter Berkowitz undertakes an exacting study of Hobbes, Locke, Kant, and Mill to show that "virtue" was seen to have a role in maintaining a liberal democracy. Here "virtue" is defined not as human perfection, but as those qualities of mind and character that support the attainment of a range of ends needed to sustain a liberal tradition. In the "Notes" at the conclusion of the article, are references to both classical scholars' works and other works which reflect the contemporary debate about "virtue" and the modern identity. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97030 -- Schaub, Diana J. RACE AND THE FORGING OF LIBERALISM (Perspectives on Political Science, vol. 25, no. 4, Fall 1996, pp. 198-202)

The author, an assistant professor of political science at Loyola College in Maryland, examines how the issue of race within the United States has bedeviled the nation's fundamental principles of liberalism: federalism, natural rights, toleration, and civil society. Citing a range of thinkers on the United States' racial dilemma, from Alexis de Tocqueville to Martin Luther King, Jr., she concludes that Americans must refocus their attention from prejudice to these principles, outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, in order to preserve the strength of these fundamental charters. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97029 -- Wallop, Malcolm; Kopel, David; Strossen, Nadine. COMBATTING TERRORISM, PROTECTING FREEDOM (CATO Policy Report, vol. 18, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 8-10)

On September 10, 1996, the CATO Institute and the Frontiers of Freedom Institute cosponsored a conference entitled "Combatting Terrorism, Preserving Freedom." The views of three of the twelve speakers -- former U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop, analyst David Kopel, and professor of law Nadine Strossen -- are highlighted in this article, which questions the potential loss of Constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties in light of new anti-terrorism legislation. The tone of the article is reflected in Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's statement that, "... our greatest threats to our Constitutional freedoms come in times of crisis." [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97028 -- Boeckelman, Keith. FEDERAL SYSTEMS IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: RESEARCH ISSUES (Publius, vol. 26, no. 1, Winter 1996, pp. 1-10)

Boeckelman raises the question of how today's global economy is changing the way governments function. The areas identified for further research include the impact of global economic change on the sovereignty of national and subnational (local) governments; its effect on intergovernmental relations; and whether federalism eases adaptation to the new economic system and protects democratic values. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97027 -- Metzl, Jamie F. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RIGHTS (Human Rights Quarterly, vol. 18, no. 4, November 1996, pp. 705-746)

Accurate and timely information is indispensable in the promotion and active protection of human rights. This study examines how NGOs, governments, and the United Nations are using information technology systems (fax, E-mail, and the Internet) to promote human rights. The article also considers the dangers posed by these same technological developments, and concludes with a series of recommendations for how the human rights community can more effectively use today's communications tools to enhance its work. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97074 -- Wolfson, Adam. INDIVIDUALISM: NEW AND OLD (The Public Interest, no. 126, Winter 1997, pp. 75-88)

Wolfson, the executive editor of THE PUBLIC INTEREST, maintains that the root problem of the current decline in civil society is not changes in community but changes in the individuals who make up the community. He examines how transformations in the American character have made community more difficult than it once was, and concludes: ... to restore civil society we must first return, as Tocqueville would say, to the matter of the virtues and vices of individuals..... This would mean a return to an individualism that finds felicity not in personal liberation but in self-restraint... [DHR; VSK -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97073 -- Wilson, James. CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN ENGLAND AND AMERICA (The Public Interest, no. 126, Winter 1997, pp. 3-14)

Wilson compares the crime situation in England with that in the United States, noting that the rate of serious crime in England during the 1980s surged while declining in America. Consequently, by the end of the 1980s, the English auto theft rate, for example, was twice that in America. He cites research indicating that part of the reason for this was the decline in imprisonment rates in England compared with America. He also argues that the English political system is less sensitive to public opinion than the American, and therefore public disquiet over rising crime in England was not translated into political action leading to longer prison sentences. Wilson points out, however, that the most serious crime of all, homicide, occurs at a much lower rate in England than in America. [DHR; DP -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97072 -- Van Wart, Montgomery. THE SOURCES OF ETHICAL DECISION MAKING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR (PAR, Public Administration Review, vol. 56, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 525-533)

This article details the thinking behind the Code of Ethics adopted by the American Society of Public Administration. The code was revised to be concise, practical, and reflect the current literature on public sector ethics. A copy of the code appears on the last page. It covers five principal themes: serve the public interest, respect the Constitution and law, demonstrate personal integrity, promote ethical organizations, and strive for professional excellence. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97071 -- Gilman, Stuart C.; Lewis, Carol W. PUBLIC SERVICE ETHICS: A GLOBAL DIALOGUE (PAR, Public Administration Review, vol. 56, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 517-524)

This scholarly article takes its starting point from an international conference on ethics in government organized in 1994 by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) and the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. The conference brought more than 100 participants from 53 countries together to exchange expertise and insights. After examining much evidence, the authors conclude that cross-cultural differences do not undermine the validity of certain core principles of professional administration, and they go on to encourage a global dialogue on administrative ethics. [DHR; VS - - doe: 02/06/97]

AA97069 -- Gartner, Michael. PUBLIC JOURNALISM: SEEING THROUGH THE GIMMICKS (Media Studies Journal, vol. 2, no. 1, Winter 1997, pp. 69-73)

Michael Gartner, former president of NBC news and now editor of a daily newspaper, is critical of "public journalism," arguing that

reporting on what people want to hear, in contrast to what the journalism professionals believe the public needs to know, would "homogenize" the news, cede editorial judgment to pollsters and readers in focus groups who have no particular knowledge of state politics, as well as reduce investigative reporting. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97068 -- Barnes, James A. THE SENATE BROKER (National Journal, vol. 28, no. 51-52, December 21, 1996, pp. 2732-2736)

Staff correspondent Barnes says Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott displays essential leadership qualities: he counts votes and is ready to strike a deal to move legislation. Rather than wait, as did his predecessor Bob Dole, for consensus to develop among Republicans, Lott will be more energetic and conclusive, Barnes notes, adding that a cohesive, conservative leadership team will help him keep the Senate on the Right's path. [DHR; SG -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97063 -- (DDD) Carothers, Thomas. DEMOCRACY WITHOUT ILLUSIONS (Foreign Affairs, vol. 76, no. 1, January/February 1997, pp. 85-99)

The author, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, notes that the worldwide trend toward democratic government over the last two decades has been followed in many areas by a period of backsliding. Arguing that U.S. policy is not significantly responsible for democracy's advance or retreat in the world, Carothers maintains that growing democratic stagnation forces the U.S. government to reexamine both how much the United States can actually foster democracy abroad, and how strong its interests in the matter actually are. [DHR; MS -- doe: 02/6/97]

AA97062 -- Arrandale, Tom; and others. INNOVATIONS IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Governing, vol. 10, no. 4, January 1997, pp. 36-39)

Seven award-winning federal, state and local programs are profiled. These innovative programs represent creative thinking in areas of public concern ranging from the arts, and affordable housing initiatives, to pollution control technologies. Ford Foundation research clearly indicates local programs like these have influenced policy and legislation throughout the nation. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/6/97]

AA97061 -- Rockman, Bert A. THE LIMITS OF EXECUTIVE POWER (The World & I, vol. 12, no. 1, January 1997, pp. 22- 31)

Rockman, a political science professor at the University of Pittsburgh, contrasts the relatively little power that an American president holds with the power of his counterparts in other countries. In reality, Rockman says, "the power of the [American] office's symbol is much greater than the reality of the person's political capability." [DHR; DB - - doe: 02/6/97]

AA97050 -- Salamon, Lester M.; Anheier, Helmut K. THE CIVIL SOCIETY SECTOR (Society, vol. 34, no. 2, January/February 1997, pp. 60-65)

Scholars Salamon and Anheier suggest the need for a new way to conceptualize the notion of "civil society" -- or nonprofit organizations -- by applying the term instead to a relationship among the sectors of government, business and nonprofit. The proliferation of civil society organizations, they say, may turn out to represent the greatest social innovation of the 20th century, but this may be one of the best kept secrets of modern social development. [DHR; SG -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97043 -- Berkowitz, Peter. LIBERALISM'S VIRTUE (Perspectives on Political Science, vol. 25, no. 4, Fall 1996, pp. 183-191)

Harvard professor of government Peter Berkowitz undertakes an exacting study of Hobbes, Locke, Kant, and Mill to show that "virtue" was seen to have a role in maintaining a liberal democracy. Here "virtue" is defined not as human perfection, but as those qualities of mind and character that support the attainment of a range of ends needed to sustain a liberal tradition. In the "Notes" at the conclusion of the article, are references to both classical scholars' works and other works which reflect the contemporary debate about "virtue" and the modern identity. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97030 -- Schaub, Diana J. RACE AND THE FORGING OF LIBERALISM (Perspectives on Political Science, vol. 25, no. 4, Fall 1996, pp. 198-202)

The author, an assistant professor of political science at Loyola College in Maryland, examines how the issue of race within the United States has bedeviled the nation's fundamental principles of liberalism: federalism, natural rights, toleration, and civil society. Citing a range of thinkers on the United States' racial dilemma, from Alexis de Tocqueville to Martin Luther King, Jr., she concludes that Americans must refocus their attention from prejudice to these principles, outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, in order to preserve the strength of these fundamental charters. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97029 -- Wallop, Malcolm; Kopel, David; Strossen, Nadine. COMBATTING TERRORISM, PROTECTING FREEDOM (CATO Policy Report, vol. 18, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 8-10)

On September 10, 1996, the CATO Institute and the Frontiers of Freedom Institute cosponsored a conference entitled "Combatting Terrorism, Preserving Freedom." The views of three of the twelve speakers -- former U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop, analyst David Kopel, and professor of law Nadine Strossen -- are highlighted in this article, which questions the potential loss of Constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties in light of new anti-terrorism legislation. The tone of the article is reflected in Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's statement that, "... our greatest threats to our Constitutional freedoms come in times of crisis." [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97028 -- Boeckelman, Keith. FEDERAL SYSTEMS IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: RESEARCH ISSUES (Publius, vol. 26, no. 1, Winter 1996, pp. 1-10)

Boeckelman raises the question of how today's global economy is changing the way governments function. The areas identified for further research include the impact of global economic change on the sovereignty of national and subnational (local) governments; its effect on intergovernmental relations; and whether federalism eases adaptation to the new economic system and protects democratic values. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97027 -- Metzl, Jamie F. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RIGHTS (Human Rights Quarterly, vol. 18, no. 4, November 1996, pp. 705-746)

Accurate and timely information is indispensable in the promotion and active protection of human rights. This study examines how NGOs, governments, and the United Nations are using information technology systems (fax, E-mail, and the Internet) to promote human rights. The article also considers the dangers posed by these same technological developments, and concludes with a series of recommendations for how the human rights community can more effectively use today's communications tools to enhance its work. [DHR; VS -- doe: 01/23/97]

AA97003 -- Friedland, Lewis A. BRINGING THE NEWS BACK HOME: PUBLIC JOURNALISM AND REBUILDING LOCAL COMMUNITIES (National Civic Review, vol. 85, no. 3, Fall 1996, pp. 45-48)

Noting that news institutions cannot remain neutral on whether public life should go well, Friedland writes that the newspaper or television station which practices civic/public journalism offers a forum for debate over what issues are most important and how they might be addressed. He says the two challenges of public journalism are to focus on stories of civic engagement and to change the fundamental image of community life. [DHR; SG -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA97002 -- Fredrickson, H. George. CITY AND COMMUNITY IN AMERICAN LIFE (The National Civic Review, vol. 85, no. 3, Fall 1996, pp. 28-36)

Frederickson argues that Americans are starting to recognize that they have become too institutionalized, and are "yearning for community." He presents the institutional paradigm of city government, contrasting it with that of life in the community -- examining differences in values, rules, process, currency, longevity, place, and direction. He concludes that Americans would be more satisfied playing an active role in their community. [DHR; EB -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA97001 -- Cortes, Ernesto J., Jr. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AND SOCIAL CAPITAL (National Civic Review, vol. 85, no. 3, Fall 1996, pp. 49-53)

Cortes describes the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) which is trying to teach people to look to their own communities for appropriate public policies and decision-making. Founded fifty years ago by the community activist Saul Alinsky, the IAF is trying to teach the poor and disadvantaged how to shape and influence public policies that affect their lives. The need for such community-building organization is great at this time because "the infrastructure of mediating institutions and relationships that connects us to one another has deteriorated," says the author. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96550 -- Laurent, Anne. SHORT FUSE (Government Executive, vol. 28, no. 12, December 1996, pp. 12-19, 52)

Today the core jobs of the civil service -- helping the public and delivering benefits -- are among the top risk areas for workplace violence. It is not only the agencies' missions that place the employee at risk, but also their location, public antipathy towards the federal government, and the stress related to budget cuts and downsizing within the government. Violence prevention programs have been created at federal agencies from the relatively small Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to the U.S. Postal Service. Some of the basic considerations in establishing a prevention plan are mentioned in this article. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96549 -- Ingraham, Patricia W. REINVENTING THE AMERICAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: REFORM REDUX OR REAL CHANGE? (Public Administration, vol. 74, no. 3, Autumn 1996, pp. 453-475)

Patricia Ingraham, professor of public administration and author of numerous books on the American civil service, takes a brief but comprehensive look at the initial results of the recent efforts to reform U.S. government bureaucracies. She focuses on the issue of whether today's efforts will be limited to a series of small, but important, agency level changes, or evolve, with the necessary support of both the President and Congress, into a decentralized public service sector. Her article includes a useful appendix of the Presidential Directives and legislation affecting government reform. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96548 -- Eisler, Kim Isaac. MAJORITY OF TWO (The Washingtonian, vol. 32, no. 3, December 1996, pp. 78-81, 122-123)

Not since the Warren court in the mid-1960's has the Supreme Court docket been so replete with cases directly affecting the lives of average American citizens. This article looks at the current dynamics of the nation's highest court, and highlights the key "swing" voters, Justices O'Connor and Kennedy, whom the author characterizes as "the balance wheel of domestic policy." [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96539 -- Talbott, Strobe. DEMOCRACY AND THE NATIONAL INTEREST (Foreign Affairs, vol. 75, no. 6, November/December 1996, pp. 47-63)

The Deputy Secretary of State takes issue with foreign policy "realists" who argue that the U.S. should concentrate on influencing other countries' foreign, military, and trade policies, and eschew promoting democracy abroad. Although "support for democracy is not an absolute imperative that automatically takes precedence over competing goals," writes Talbott, "it is a strong thread to be woven into the complex tapestry of American foreign policy." Cautioning that democratization is a long, hard journey in which elections are but the first step, Talbott notes that "America's own experience should make us patient, persistent, and respectful with those who are in the early stages of the transition from colonialism and autocracy." And he concludes: "To sustain the support of the American public for international leadership, American foreign policy must continue to be based on the nature of our society and on our character as a people as well as on our interests as a state. Only in an increasingly democratic world will the American people feel themselves truly secure." [DHR; MS -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96538 -- Ellis, Richard J. ROMANCING THE OPPRESSED: THE NEW LEFT AND THE LEFT OUT (The Review of Politics, vol. 58, Winter 1996, pp. 109-154)

In the 1960's the New Left sought to transform American society through a grassroots socio-political movement that mobilized the most oppressed and excluded groups. This article explores both the causes and consequences of the New Left's support for the "unheard" voices. Beginning as a radical egalitarian movement, the New Left was propelled in illiberal and authoritarian directions, incompatible with democratic change. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96533 -- Spalding, Matthew. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS (The Wilson Quarterly, vol. 20, no. 4, Autumn 1996, pp. 65-71)

Spalding laments the scant (and erroneous) attention paid nowadays to the Farewell Address, which in earlier times was deemed, along with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers, a seminal contribution to American political thought. Pointing out that the warning against "entangling alliances," often attributed to the Farewell Address, in fact appears not there but in the 1801 Inaugural Address of Thomas Jefferson, Spalding maintains that Washington favored an active policy of national independence rather than noninvolvement in world affairs. And throughout the Address, writes Spalding, Washington "was supremely concerned with all those educative forces that shape the citizenry: schools, churches, manners and morals, as well as political institutions and what might be called the civic creed." [DHR; MS -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96532 -- Weisman, Jonathan. UNION LEADERS PREDICT VICTORY EVEN BEFORE THE VOTES TALLIED (Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report, vol. 54, no. 44, November 2, 1996, pp. 3163-3165)

This article looks ahead to how organized labor will try to affect legislation in the wake of the 1996 presidential and congressional elections. The likely priorities, which should be formally announced in mid-December after the meeting of the AFL-CIO executive council, are the incremental expansion of health care benefits, a major job program for welfare recipients that will not threaten existing workers, and small changes in the labor law to ease union organizing. The article also puts recent labor campaign spending in perspective and emphasizes labor's shift in focus back toward union organizing. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96531 -- Cassata, Donna. AGENDA FOR 105TH UNLIKELY TO FOLLOW THAT OF 104TH (Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report, vol. 54, no. 44, November 2, 1996, pp. 3123-3159)

In this special report, the full range of probable legislative activity for the new Congress is examined, from appropriations and social policy through defense and foreign policy. The article is replete with references to the related bills and presidential actions on today's major issues. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96530 -- Rosen, Jeffrey. THE AGONIZER (The New Yorker, vol. 72, no. 34, November 11, 1996, pp. 82-90)

Anthony Kennedy, a Reagan appointee to the U.S. Supreme Court, has become the high court's most influential member. Over the past three terms, he has voted with the majority in 5-to-4 cases, more often than any other justice. An independent thinker who agonizes, sometimes publicly, over his decisions, and often changes his mind before making them, he has disappointed conservatives on several occasions by voting "to extend the liberal precedents he was appointed to overrule." At other times, however, he has adhered to a strict conservative interpretation. [GO for DHR -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96526 -- Stone, Peter H. THE GREEN WAVE (National Journal, vol. 28, no. 45, November 9, 1996, pp. 2410-2414)

Staff correspondent Stone says that in the wake of the ocean of "soft" money contributions that engulfed the U.S. political system in 1996, leaders in both the Democratic and Republican parties are calling for campaign finance reform. As contributions to the political parties rather than to individual candidates, the so-called soft money can be in unlimited amounts, and each party raised about $100 million this way. Stone points out that the influx of soft money spawned a number of controversies this year, and a number of politicians, regarding it as an embarrassment, want to change the system. [DHR; SG -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96525 -- O'Connor, Karen; Nye, Bernadette; Van Assendelft, Laura. WIVES IN THE WHITE HOUSE: THE POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF FIRST LADIES (Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 26, no. 3, Summer 1996, pp. 835-853)

History is replete with stories of the behind-the-scene roles played by the wives of American presidents. The authors go beyond the tales to draw a profile of this "first special counselor" and examine the evolution of the first lady in politics, an expanding role in the Executive Branch, much like that of the vice president. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96524 -- Hengstler, Gary A. OUT OF THE RUBBLE (ABA Journal, vol. 82, March 1996, pp. 52-58)

Months after the signing of the Dayton Accord, ABA editor and publisher Gary Hengstler travelled to Sarajevo to report on the joint work of the American Bar Association, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.N.-sponsored International Court of Justice to develop and promote a credible, independent judiciary in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The article focuses primarily on the nation's nascent Constitutional Court. [DHR; VS -- doe: 12/04/96]

AA96515 -- Kelly, Michael. MEDIA CULPA (The New Yorker, vol. 72, no. 33, November 4, 1996, pp. 45-49)

Kelly charges that "civic journalism" -- the new practice of journalism that emphasizes civic engagement in the formulation and reporting on political issues -- fudged the recent race between North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms and his liberal opponent, Harvey Gantt. As Kelly explains, 15 North Carolina media organizations (newspapers, TV and radio stations) had formed a consortium in early 1996 to force the candidates to address issues that a cross section of voters had identified as important. The consortium had, however, simplified the agenda, thus obscuring important voter concerns, Kelly charges. The result was a very muted press coverage of the two candidates, who took to the airwaves and blanketed television with demagogic attack ads -- doing precisely what the consortium had hoped to avoid. [DHR; VSK -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96508 -- Hengstler, Gary. TRADING PLACES (ABA Journal, vol. 82, September 1996, pp. 34)

This one-page article describes a three-day seminar, organized by the National Judicial College, in which judges and journalists met to discuss mutual concerns about access, restraint, secrecy and responsibility during a trial. The author noted both professions showed a decided lack of awareness of the other's processes and priorities. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants had identified ten recommendations, which are mentioned in the article. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96507 -- Stewart, David O. ONE MORE LEGACY OF RODNEY KING (ABA Journal, vol. 82, September 1996, pp. 44-46)

This article examines a recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court which will permit greater sentencing discretion for federal trail judges, without undermining the intent of the 1984 Sentencing Reform Act. The Act sets sentencing guidelines to reduce disparities in sentences imposed on defendants in similar cases, but has been criticized for stripping judges of the ability to tailor sentences to the circumstances of the individual defendants. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96506 -- Newberry, John. OUT-OF-OFFICE EXPERIENCES (ABA Journal, vol. 82, September 1996, pp. 54- 57)

Four practical examples are discussed on how the Internet can enhance productivity of private law firms, from the one-man at-home office to larger international concerns. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96501 -- Gettinger, Stephen; and others. THE NEXT PRESIDENT'S BURDENS (Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report, vol. 54, no. 40, October 5, 1996, pp. 2807-2829)

CQ analysts analyze in detail eleven "inescapable issues" that the next U.S. president "will be able to duck ... only by extraordinary luck, or by risking his place in history." The eleven problems examined concern the economy ("how to keep the good times rolling"), crime, defense ("what missions?"), immigration, entitlements, the environment, foreign policy (toward Asia in particular), education, federalism, taxation, and technology. [DHR; MS -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96486 -- Mayer, Jane. THE OUTSIDER (The New Yorker, vol. 72, no. 32, October 21 & 28, 1996, pp. 107-114)

Mayer profiles Cleta Mitchell, a former Oklahoma state lawmaker, who heads the movement to impose term limits on members of Congress. Mayer notes that Mitchell has transformed a limited, localized campaign into an effective crusade "in many states." Her devotion to terms limits evolves out of her own legislative experience. Professional lawmakers become remote from the constituents they serve, Mitchell believes, and become a permanent political class. Twenty-one states have now passed term limits, Mayer notes, testimony to the effectiveness of Mitchell's campaign. But the big prize still eludes her -- term limits at the federal level. [DHR; DP -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96485 -- Frady, Marshall. AN AMERICAN POLITICAL FABLE (The New Yorker, vol. 72, no. 32, October 21 & 28, 1996, pp. 200-219)

Frady profiles Willy Brown, the first black mayor of San Francisco and a legendary Democratic political officeholder in California. Since being elected mayor, Brown seems to have transformed San Francisco into a city of hope again through the sheer appeal of his charisma, rather than practical achievements. Politicians who see their popularity plunging because of the overpowering gravity of contemporary urban problems should take a look at Brown, Frady says. Nothing succeeds like the right personality at the right time. [DHR; DP -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96484 -- Kallick, David Dyssegaard. LEFT TURN AHEAD (The Nation, vol. 263, no. 15, November 11, 1996, pp. 22-24)

In this article, David Dyssegaard Kallick, editor of the magazine SOCIAL POLICY, asserts that both the Democratic and Republican parties have lost their influence with voters. He argues that it is time for a new progressive party to emerge. In order for this party to gain support and break away from traditional liberal and conservative molds, it needs to focus attention on and develop strategies for dealing with three highly contested subjects: the role of government, assistance to the "needy" and management of the economy. Kallick further provides a blueprint on how a new Progressive party might tackle each of these issues. [DHR; EB -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96483 -- Lowe, Alexandra Dylan. THE PRICE OF SPEAKING OUT (ABA Journal, vol. 82, September 1996, pp. 48-53)

Lowe, a lawyer and legal affairs writer, talks about the rise of law suits that involve private citizens pitted against companies in a debate over public policy. Citing the book, SLAPPS: GETTING SUED FOR SPEAKING OUT by law professor George W. Pring and sociologist Penelope Canan, Lowe presents several cases, including that of Nancy Hsu Fleming, who, in speaking out about her concerns, got sued by the landfill company whom Fleming suspected of polluting the drinking-water supply in her hometown. [DHR; DB -- doe: 11/21/96]

AA96470 -- Bailey, Charles W. SNAKES IN THE GRASS (The Washington Monthly, vol. 28, no. 9, September 1996, pp. 24-27)

Bailey argues that grassroots lobbying has fundamentally changed because of developments in technology. In addition to the computer and the fax machine, sophisticated new telephone devices and even software programs have been introduced that can convert poll results and demographic data into lists of thousands of citizens who can be contacted by the latest telemarketing techniques. In place of the angry letter from an individual voter, we now have systematic lobbying campaigns galvanizing thousands of voters in an individual congressperson's District, adds Bailey. [DHR; DP -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96469 -- Waldman, Amy. JUDAS, BRUTUS, AND "A SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL" (The Washington Monthly, vol. 28, no. 9, September 1996, pp. 30-37)

Waldman's thesis is that high-level administration leaks to the press, which were once "an occasional occurrence, and one widely frowned upon," are now a "regular feature," of the presidency. She believes the leaking is now so extensive that it is contributing to the president's "political emasculation." Waldman says staffs are now less loyal to the president as a result of Vietnam and Watergate. Staffers learned that blind loyalty was not only damaging to the country, but also damaging to their own personal fortune. The Clinton administration staff has been the most disloyal -- or open -- depending on your point of view, to date, concludes Waldman. [DHR; DP -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96468 -- Paynter, John E. THE RHETORICAL DESIGN OF JOHN ADAM'S "DEFENCE OF THE CONSTITUTIONS" (The Review of Politics, vol. 58, no. 3, Summer 1996, pp. 531-560)

Looking at three volumes of John Adam's work published in 1787, the author provides great insight into the philosophical debate on the ideal form of a republic occurring during this period. His discussion and analysis, however, focuses on the very practical need to ensure a tripartite legislative balance (checks and balances), which Adams advocated. This is useful material for scholars of American history, and the issues are equally fresh today, as states like California are increasingly affected by referenda and direct ballot initiatives. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96467 -- Abramson, Mark A. IN SEARCH OF THE NEW LEADERSHIP (Government Executive, vol. 28, no. 9, September 1996, pp. 39-44)

Taking his cue from a new book published by the Brookings Institute entitled CIVIL SERVICE REFORM: BUILDING A GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS, the author looks at how today's senior government professionals are having to adjust their "authoritative" management style in order to create the collaborative atmosphere needed to solve increasingly complex problems in government. He also emphasizes the need to encourage special qualities like initiative; critical thinking, shaped by a broad liberal education and strong technical skills; and a spirited desire to serve the public, in order to develop the next generation of civil servants. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96466 -- Fallows, James. A TALK WITH BILL CLINTON (The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 278, no. 4, October 1996, pp. 20- 26)

Fallows colorfully captures the hectic atmosphere surrounding the Oval Office before sitting down to a lengthy interview with President Clinton, in which the President talks in detailed terms about steps he thinks would help the United States weather its inevitable economic transition, brought about by the global economy. This is a nicely written piece, providing a good snapshot of today's Executive Branch. [DHR; VS -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96465 -- McMillen, Liz. A SELECT GROUP OF SCHOLARS GATHERS TO PONDER THE STATE OF U.S. DEMOCRACY (The Chronicle of Higher Education, vol. 43, no. 7, October 11, 1996, pp. 16, 20)

A group of 19 acclaimed political scientists, legal scholars, historians, sociologists, and philosophers gathered at the University of Virginia in September of 1996 to examine the state of American democracy and whether it can survive its current ills. McMillen gives a general analysis of the discussion, providing a synopsis of the major participants views and analysis of their basic philosophies. [DHR; DR -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96454 -- Stirling, Patricia. THE USE OF TRADE SANCTIONS AS AN ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM FOR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS: A PROPOSAL FOR ADDITION TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (American University Journal of International Law and Policy, vol. 11, no. 1, 1996, pp. 1-46)

The author, whose research was supported by a Ford Foundation Grant, argues the need for a multilateral approach in the form of trade sanctions for the enforcement of human rights. In examining the traditional impediments to enforcement, the author focuses on the need to define the "core" human rights and analyzes the weakness of both the UN-model multilateral approach and the unilateral U.S. actions to remedy violations. This is a good companion piece to the Agency- produced "Introduction to Human Rights." [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/17/96]

AA96453 -- Bradley, Jennifer. FIGHTING THE ESTABLISHMENT (CLAUSE) (The American Prospect, no. 28, September/October 1996, pp. 57-60)

Bradley gives a brief, but nuanced look at the continuing legal debate on the degree to which religion may enter the American public school classroom. [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/17/96]

AA96452 -- Dionne, E.J., Jr. BACK FROM THE DEAD, NEOPROGRESSIVISM IN THE '90S (The American Prospect, no. 28, September/October 1996, pp. 24-32)

This article, while ultimately promoting the political postulate that "it's reasonable to go into debt for long-term purposes," also provides a very readable analysis of why the strength of the American conservative movement, which so dominated political debate in 1995, has abated. It gives very contemporary examples of the underlying debate over fundamental issues of U.S. government -- separation of powers, the roles of federal and local government, and public confidence. [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/17/96]

AA96451 -- Hendrie, Edward M. CREATING EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES (FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, vol. 65, no. 9, September 1996, pp. 25-32)

Hendrie, a legal instructor at the training academy for agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice, examines the very limited conditions under which American law enforcement officials can enter into premises or conduct searches without having obtained a warrant -- illustrating the legal nuances with real life examples. In most circumstances, a warrant must be obtained to protect against "unreasonable" search and seizure guaranteed U.S. citizens in the Constitution. [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/17/96]

AA96450 -- Kahn, Phyllis. WOMEN AND POLITICAL ROLES: NEW GROUP STANDARDS (Spectrum, vol. 69, no. 2, Spring 1996, pp. 15-22)

Phyllis Kahn, serving her 12th term in the Minnesota House of Representatives, broadly analyzes the effect of women's full participation in government. She counters some of the anthropological arguments on why women cannot assume leadership roles, citing studies indicating the tangible effect of increasing numbers of women in the legislatures. She concludes with a firsthand look at the changes in attitude and practice that have accompanied the growing number of women serving in elected and appointed office as professional staff and political lobbyists, noting that women's access to full participation has been in effect for only two or three generations of American life. [DHR; VS -- doe: 10/17/96]

AA96449 -- Bovard, James. FEMA MONEY! COME & GET IT! (American Spectator, vol. 29, no. 9, September 1996, pp. 25-31)

Bovard, the 1996 Warren Brookes Fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, sees the Clinton administration as taking a government agency, in this case, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and using it to "give away billions of dollars and yet not burden taxpayers," by giving disaster relief in times of trouble. Bovard argues that instead of helping state and local government, however, the administration creates a "give-me" attitude that encourages small government not to solve their own problems, but wait for a federal government handout. [DHR; DB -- doe: 10/17/96]

AA96429 -- Corbin, Lisa. GOING COMMERCIAL (Government Executive, Special Issue on Federal Contractors, August 1996, pp. 9-14)

Corbin shows how cash-strapped government agencies are eying outsourcing with new enthusiasm as federal initiatives force them to consider getting out of certain lines of business. She notes that with the U.S. government in the process of a major transformation and with a shrinking federal budget, the results could mean more dollars for contractors. The current thinking, Corbin points out, is that the agencies can free up resources to focus on vital objectives while shifting to commercial firms those projects which the private sector does equally well, or even better, for less money. [DHR; SG -- doe: 10/07/96]

AA96427 -- Skowronek, Stephen. THE RISKS OF "THIRD-WAY" POLITICS (Society, vol. 33, no. 6, September/October 1996, pp. 32-36)

Skowronek argues that "third-way" presidents such as Bill Clinton, who attempt to adjust their party's traditional focus to meet new political realities, neither establish a new orthodoxy nor uphold a prevailing one, opting instead for "an unabashedly mongrel politics." Their programs, consequently, are apt to be portrayed as "clever tricks masking rear- guard resistance to real reform." Although all "third-way" presidents elected to office in the first instance have been reelected to a second term, Skowronek cautions that "no third way has ever outlasted the president who articulated it." [DHR; MS -- doe: 10/07/96]

AA96416 -- Schell, Jonathan. UNCERTAIN LEVIATHAN Atlantic Monthly, vol. 278, no. 2, August 1996, pp. 70-78)

Schell makes the case that the American political realm is distinctly divided into two sides: political professionals (politicians, their staffers, advisers and consultants and the news media) and political amateurs (the American voters). He argues that the bulk of contemporary American political activity consists of the interaction between professional politicians and the media, with the majority of voters standing on the sidelines as somewhat disinterested and uninformed observers of this interplay. [DHR; JJ -- doe: 09/16/96]

AA96412 -- Griffin, Susan; and others. DO-IT-YOURSELF POLITICS (Utne Reader, no. 76, July/August 1996, pp. 43-59)

The independent writers and editors of Utne Reader have compiled a series of articles rooted in the traditions of civic participation and democratic values. The focus ranges from a fundamental and thought- provoking look at "integrity" in politics to an essay on how "imagination" plays into civic aspirations. The writing style and issues are very contemporary, but should also appeal to foreign audiences who do not follow the nuances of American election politics. [DHR; VS -- doe: 09/12/96]

AA96411 -- Cardoso, Fernando Henrique. IN PRAISE OF THE ART OF POLITICS (Journal of Democracy, vol. 7, no. 3, July 1996, pp. 7-19)

In this essay on the importance of politics in meeting the challenges of representative democracy in Brazil, President Cardoso suggests the need to inject new life into representative democracy due to a growing lack of interest in politics, low voter turnout, and hostility toward politicians. He says the United States' task is to enhance and update democracy so that it will continue to prevail worldwide. [DHR; GG -- doe: 09/12/96]

AA96410 -- Carney, Eliza Newlin. DEFENDING PACS (National Journal, vol. 28, no. 28, July 13, 1996, pp. 1518-1583)

Carney looks objectively at the failure of the most recent bipartisan effort in the Senate to reform Congressional campaign funding. The article examines the traditional arguments for curbing PAC influence, weighed against the idea that special-interest activities constitute a form of expression needed to maintain a varied, democratic society. Most interesting is Carney's reporting on the range of new campaign reform proposals emerging from U.S. think tanks, which are open for discussion in a cyberspace forum, as well as other state-level reforms. [DHR; VS -- doe: 09/12/96]

AA96409 -- Thomas, Bill; McBride, Ann. Q: WAS THE GOP PROPOSAL TO REFORM CAMPAIGN FINANCE A GOOD IDEA? (Insight on the News, vol. 12, no. 31, August 19, 1996, pp. 24-27)

The two strongest spokesmen for and against the House version of proposed legislation on Congressional campaign reform briefly present the arguments, reflecting general public debate on campaign financing. The draft bill was defeated in the House on July 25, 1996. Senate efforts were blocked in late June. [DHR VS -- doe: 09/12/96]

AA96404 -- Chaffee, Steven; Frank, Stacey. HOW AMERICANS GET POLITCAL INFORMATION: PRINT VERSUS BROADCAST NEWS (The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 546, July 1996, pp. 48-58)

"People who rely on television alone get less news than do newspaper and magazine readers," say authors Chaffee and Frank. However, contrary to earlier research, the authors find that television news is informative for American voters, albeit in ways different from newspapers. Television news provides more information about candidates; newspapers, more about parties. Based on new research, the academicians and former newspaper reporters conclude: "Reading news is characteristic of politically active citizens; television is a bridging medium, familiarizing young people and immigrants with the American political system." [DHR; VSK -- doe: 09/12/96]

AA96396 -- Roberts, Robert N.; Doss, Marion T., Jr. RECRUITMENT OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES AND APPOINTEES: DIVESTITURE AND DEFERRED TAXATION OF GAIN (The Journal of Social, Political and Economic Studies, vol. 21, no. 1, Spring 1996, pp. 49-76)

The process of selecting a presidential nominee for a high-level administration position can take considerable time; ethics officials must spend hours carefully reviewing the financial affairs of the prospective nominee, the nominee's spouse, and minor children to see whether they present conflict-of-interest problems. But the authors argue that the passage of the deferred-taxation-of-gain provision of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 has greatly simplified the process of working with presidential nominees and other political appointees to resolve financial conflict-of-interest problems. In fact, they point out that the Clinton administration was the first to benefit from these provisions. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96395 -- Thompson, James. THE REINVENTION REVOLUTION (Government Executive, vol. 28, no. 5, May 1996, pp. 39-41)

In March 1996, 600 federal managers attended a conference in Bethesda, Maryland, to report on their reform efforts and to discuss the reinvention of the federal government with Vice President Al Gore, top Clinton administration officials and organization change gurus. Thompson briefly reports on the conference, noting that although the obstacles to continued reform appear daunting, spirits at the conference were still high. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96394 -- Evans, Diana. BEFORE THE ROLL CALL: INTEREST GROUP LOBBYING AND PUBLIC POLICY OUTCOMES IN HOUSE COMMITTEES (Political Research Quarterly, vol. 49, no. 2, June 1996, pp. 287-304)

Evans, of Trinity College, examines the "relationship between interest group activities and the public policy decisions of congressional committees." She employs an approach that allows systematic investigation of decisions made behind the scenes and facilitates an estimation of the relationship between policy outcomes and lobbying directed at committee staff as well as members. She finds that even under the decision-making condition expected to be most favorable to interest groups (virtually complete public invisibility) interest groups did not always get their way with congressional committees. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96393 -- Gerber, Elisabeth R. LEGISLATURES, INITIATIVES, AND REPRESENTATION: THE EFFECTS OF STATE LEGISLATIVE INSTITUTIONS ON POLICY (Political Research Quarterly, vol. 49, no. 2, June 1996, pp. 263-286)

Policy advocates in many states may pursue their policy agendas either by traditional legislative politics or by direct legislation. Gerber, of the University of California, uses data from California statewide elections to show that this choice matters: "policy outcomes resulting from direct legislation often reflect different interests than policy outcomes resulting from the legislative process, even on similar issues." [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96392 -- Mahtesian, Charles. SEMI-VENDETTA: CITIES AND THE NEW REPUBLICAN ORDER (Governing, vol. 9, no. 9, June 1996, pp. 30-33)

With the Republican sweep in 1994, many state legislatures all over the United Sates feared the worst from a new crop of Republican governors and legislators. Eighteen months later, the author says, the sky hasn't fallen, but it is clear that there is a GOP blueprint for metropolitan America that involves a rearrangement of power unlikely to bring much comfort to the traditional forces of urban Democratic politics. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96391 -- Baker, Ross K. CONGRESS -- BOOM BOX AND BLACK BOX (Media Studies Journal, vol. 10, no. 1, Winter 1996, pp. 1-11)

In this issue of MEDIA STUDIES JOURNAL, devoted to the relationship between the media and the U.S. Congress, Baker, a professor of political science at Rutgers University, says there is "no better example of Beltway [Washington, D.C.] insiderism than the manner in which the legislative process is infused with needless complexity by politicians and shunned or sloppily reported by may journalists." He argues that the combined effect of the two "is to hoodwink the people by a priestly class" speaking a language that is incomprehensible to ordinary citizens. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96389 -- Kirschten, Dick. CROSSING THE LINE (National Journal, vol. 28, no. 31, August 3, 1996, pp. 1620- 1624)

"On Capitol Hill and along the presidential campaign trail, both major parties are trying to make the most of anti-immigrant sentiments." Pointing out that the complexities of the debate are evident in San Diego, the site of the Republican National Convention, which has long been a point-of-entry for illegal immigrants, the author reviews the debate and the status of immigration legislation. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96388 -- DOES THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM NEED REFORM? (The Environmental Forum, vol. 13, no. 4, July/August 1996, pp. 34-40)

Many inside and outside of the U.S. government are concerned about how cuts in the federal budget will affect America's ability to continue protecting the national park system -- which contains some of its most treasured natural, historical and cultural sites. Here four experts discuss whether the national park system needs substantive reform as it heads into the 21st Century and address questions about the process of selecting parks, providing funding, and reversing deterioration. [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96383 -- Kemper, Vicki; Lutterbeck, Deborah. THE COUNTRY CLUB (Common Cause Magazine, vol. 22, no. 1, Spring/Summer 1996, pp. 16-35)

Editor Kemper and staff writer Lutterbeck look at how an elite group of corporations, unions and super-rich individuals is reaping great rewards with huge soft money contributions. They point out that with these unregulated contributions to America's major political parties, these so-called "country club" members help set the political agenda, impact the outcomes and, in many ways, run the country. [DHR; SG -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96356 -- Drinan, Robert F. BEEN THERE (The New York Times Book Review, July 28, 1996, Section 7, p. 16)

Robert Drinan reviews two new books by politicians of the past: REFLECTIONS OF A RADICAL MODERATE by Elliot Richardson and THE PATRIOT by Gary Hart. Richardson, who served in top positions in the Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations, explains why he is a "liberal Republican." In his book, former Senator and Presidential candidate Gary Hart presents 28 essays written as "letters to an imaginary young man who wants to run for President." Drinan gives high marks to both books. [SV, DHR; RT -- doe: 08/08/96]

AA96352 -- Ambrose, Stephen. THE NEWT FRONTIER (George, vol. 1, no. 6, August 1996, pp. 72-75, 113-116)

Historian Stephen Ambrose interviews the man who brought the Republican Party to power in 1994, the embattled Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. Noting that in the field of American history, Gingrich is the best-read politician he's ever interviewed, he talks with Gingrich about his struggles, views and the Republican agenda. [DHR; SD -- doe: 08/08/96]

AA96345 -- Jackson, Robert A. A REASSESSMENT OF VOTER MOBILIZATION (Political Research Quarterly, vol. 49, no. 2, June 1996, pp. 331-349)

Jackson, of Washington State University, re-examines influences on individual voter turnout in the United States. He maintains that previous scholarship has failed to identify substantively impressive campaign influences due to its failure to recognize that voting in the United States is a two stage process: the preliminary act of registration followed by the act of voting. Noting that "citizen characteristics are the principal determinants of registration status," he argues that campaign factors are quite important in explaining the turnout of those individuals who have registered. [DHR; SD -- doe: 08/08/96]

AA96344 -- THE FAITH TO CHANGE: RECONCILING THE OATH TO UPHOLD WITH THE POWER TO AMEND (Harvard Law Review, vol. 109, no. 7, May 1996, pp. 1747-1764)

In this Note the editors of the HARVARD LAW REVIEW examine the paradox inherent in the altering of the U.S. Constitution. They question the orthodox assumption that because the Constitution is a product of "We, the People," the people can make it anything that they want it to be -- and limitations on the amending power are, therefore, incompatible with the commitment to self-rule. Examining how oaths of loyalty to the Constitution can coexist with the power to amend it, they argue that the "unlimited" power to amend is inconsistent with American constitutionalism. [DHR; SD -- doe: 08/08/96]

AA96312 -- Ramsden, Graham P. MEDIA COVERAGE OF ISSUES AND CANDIDATES: WHAT BALANCE IS APPROPRIATE IN A DEMOCRACY? (Political Science Quarterly, vol. 111, no. 1, Spring 1996, pp. 65-81)

Ramsden, an assistant professor of political science at Creighton University, addresses the question: "How should the American media balance its issue and candidate coverage during political election campaigns?" He argues that democracy requires the media to provide coverage of each candidate's issue positions, character, campaign race, and campaign events, in that order of importance. "When coverage is inappropriately balanced," he says, "voters find it difficult to get the information they need to make decisions in the way democratic theory would require." [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96311 -- Dark, Taylor E. ORGANIZED LABOR AND PARTY REFORM: A REASSESSMENT (Polity, vol. 28, no. 4, Summer 1996, pp. 497-520)

Organized labor unions were powerful brokers in the presidential nominating process prior to the early 1970's, when Democratic Party reforms created a new nominating system that weakened union influence in the nominating process. Although scholars attribute the success of the reforms to the later weakening of union influence, the author argues that many of the same issues of policy and procedure that divided the Democratic Party divided the labor movement as well. Today, he argues, interest groups (including unions) can be effective in the nominating process only if they can mobilize their members behind a particular candidate early in the process; and the difficulty of doing this reinforces the candidate-centered character of presidential primaries. [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96307 -- Culverson, Donald R. THE POLITICS OF THE ANTI- APARTHEID MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES, 1969-1986 (Political Science Quarterly, vol. 111, no. 1, Spring 1996, pp. 127-149)

Culverson, of Syracuse University, examines the "rise of American anti-apartheid activism as a result both of opportunities created by shifting power configurations in southern Africa and of declining public confidence in U.S. government and corporate responses to political crises in South Africa. He explores how activists capitalized on structural changes in American society to develop new resources, constituencies, and action repertories for challenging U.S. connections to the apartheid system." [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96306 -- Norquist, Grover. SPIRIT OF '96 (Policy Review, no. 77, May/June 1996, pp. 24-32)

Norquist contends that by focusing on the outcome of today's Republican control of the U.S. Congress, the press has obscured the conservative revolution occurring within the states. "In some ways," he writes, "the changes occurring in state capitals across the country are even more important than those inside the [Washington, D.C.] Beltway." He examines the nationwide shift to Republican governors, the link between the emergence of conservative Republican leadership at the state and national levels, and the issues raised by the Republican Contract With America that are being addressed effectively by the states. [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96305 -- Amar, Akhil Reed; Amar, Vikram David. UNLOCKING THE JURY BOX (Policy Review, no. 77, May/June 1996, pp. 38-44)

The authors, professors of Law at Yale University and the University of California, respectively, say that the right to trial by jury is the cornerstone of a free society. However, that cornerstone is crumbling in America as a parade of notorious criminal trials, such as the O. J. Simpson trial, has called into question the value of citizen juries. In this article the authors demonstrate why the citizen jury is worth defending and propose a number of specific reforms designed to restor the jury to its "rightful state in a democracy under law." [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96304 -- Rosenthal, Alan. STATE LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT: OBSERVATIONS FROM THREE PERSPECTIVES (Legislative Studies Quarterly, vol. 21, no. 2, May 1996, pp. 169-198)

Change is endemic to political institutions, particularly to legislative bodies. Here Professor Alan Rosenthal, of Rutgers University, looks at the evolution of U.S. state legislatures, examining the structural reform which occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, the professionalization of members during the 1980s, and institutionalization or deinstitutionalization, taking place in contradictory ways in the 1990s. After decades of the increasing ability of state legislatures to manage their own affairs, he finds a movement external to the legislature has suddenly reversed this trend. [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96303 -- Stack, Kevin M. THE PRACTICE OF DISSENT IN THE SUPREME COURT (The Yale Law Journal, vol. 105, no. 8, June 1996, pp. 2235-2259)

In this Note the author argues that the ideal of the rule of law and the U.S. Supreme Court's legitimacy diverge with respect to the Court's practice of dissent. He demonstrates that the "practice of dissent -- the tradition of Justices publishing their differences with the judgment or the reasoning of their peers -- cannot be justified on the basis of an appeal to the ideal of the rule of law, but that other bases of the Court's political legitimacy provide a justification for this practice." [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96301 -- GROWING THE CARROT: ENCOURAGING EFFECTIVE CORPORATE COMPLIANCE (Harvard Law Review, vol. 109, no. 7, May 1996, pp. 1783-1800)

"Historically, statutes that prevented courts from imposing adequate penalties on wrongdoing corporations hindered efforts to combat corporate criminal conduct, because relatively low fines were absorbed easily as a cost of doing business. Thus, in an effort to deter crime more effectively, Congress placed the cost and burden of crime prevention on the corporations themselves through the development of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations." In this Note the HARVARD LAW REVIEW examines the challenges faced by corporations in satisfying the Guidelines' requirements and suggests measures that could encourage proper corporate conduct more effectively and efficiently. [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96] ECONOMIC SECURITY

AA96293 -- Mintzberg, Henry. MANAGING GOVERNMENT, GOVERNING MANAGEMENT (Harvard Business Review, vol. 74, no. 3, May/June 1996, pp. 75-83)

"The idea that government should be run like a business has recently gained notoriety. Indeed, some public services may benefit from adopting elements of a commercial business model. But we are not merely customers of our government -- we are also subjects, citizens, and clients, and we need a broad range of models for managing government," writes Mintzberg, a professor of management at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He describes "several alternatives to 'virtual government' and warns against isolating public services from the political process of determining social values." [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/08/96]

AA96287 -- Rosen, Jay. PUBLIC JOURNALISM IS A CHALLENGE TO YOU (YES, YOU) (National Civic Review, vol. 85, no. 1, Winter/Spring 1996, pp. 3-6)

Professor Rosen, who teaches journalism and directs the Project on Public Life and the Press at New York University, explores why a movement has grown out of the contemporary question: how can journalists play a more constructive role in public life? Rather than isolating themselves from the community and its institutions through fashionable cynicism, public journalists try to "improve the story a community tells about itself," argues Rosen. To do this requires a new way of thinking about the news media -- looking beyond the sensational story to long-terms trends, problems and community-based solutions. His article leads off this issue of NATIONAL CIVIC REVIEW which is devoted to the topic, "Rethinking Journalism: Rebuilding Civic Life." [DHR; EK -- doe: 07/08/96]

AA96286 -- Abramson, Mark A. FIRST TEAMS (Government Executive, vol. 28, no. 5, May 1996, pp. 53-58)

Abramson looks at the new civic idea of changing from the old bureaucratic style of a straight-line hierarchy into the new team-based management style by examining the U.S. Information Agency's "I Bureau" in practice after it changed its management style nearly two years ago. Reorganized as a response to increasing down-sizing and cost cutting, the new team leaders are gradually learning how to deal with a broader array of tasks and a more limited amount of resources. While there are still some problems which need to be worked out, the benefits are beginning to show. [DHR; DP -- doe: 07/08/96]

AA96271 -- Hart, Roderick P. EASY CITIZENSHIP: TELEVISION'S CURIOUS LEGACY (The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 546, July 1996, pp. 109- 119)

Hart argues that modern television, with its constant glut of news, public affairs and disaster reports, has given viewers a false sense of participating in the political and social sphere, and has removed for many citizens the incentive to participate in society, even by making the effort to vote. "All too often," the author posits, "this (visual) tumult creates in viewers a sense of activity rather than genuine civic involvement." [DHR; PM -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96270 -- Fallows, James. WHY AMERICANS HATE THE MEDIA (The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 277, no. 2, February 1996, pp. 45-64)

In this seminal article, journalist James Fallows criticizes the superficiality and sensationalism of much modern journalism, especially on network television, and urges his colleagues to take the time to report on the underlying social, cultural and economic trends that are shaping the future. Fallows criticizes his colleagues for distorting journalism in order to entertain the public and asks rhetorically if "we [journalists] don't respect what we're doing ... why should anyone else?" [DHR; PM -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96269 -- Putnam, Robert D. THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF CIVIC AMERICA (The American Prospect, no. 24, Winter 1996, pp. 34-48)

Putnam, professor and director of the Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, looks at the decline of social capital and civic engagement in an interesting article that follows his earlier piece, BOWLING ALONE: AMERICA'S DECLINING SOCIAL CAPITAL. He argues that the decline in community participation and social trust, controlling for the level of education, is not due to suburbanization, pressures of time and money, the changing role of women, marriage and the decline of the family, or generational effects -- although all are important to a degree. The primary culprit, he argues, is television, and increased communications technology. [DHR; DP -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96259 -- Townsend, Kathleen Kennedy. DON'T BE AN IDIOS: THE CASE FOR PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC LIFE (The Washington Monthly, vol. 28, no. 6, June 1996, pp. 33-36)

"Democracy's promise was laid out for the Founding Fathers by the first democrats, the Greeks, who so valued public life that their word for idiot, IDIOS, meant a private person -- one who did not engage in public affairs," writes Townsend, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland. She discusses the need for American citizens to participate in the process of governing rather than surrender their role in public life and blame government for its shortcomings. She finds a model for civic participation in reform efforts involving community policing and parent involvement in the public schools. [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96233 -- Wills, Garry. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REVOLUTION? (The New York Review of Books, vol. 43, no. 10, June 6, 1996, pp. 11-16)

Wills, a professor of history at Northwestern University, examines what has happened to the Republican revolution and its powerful leader, Newt Gingrich, through an analysis of several significant new books on American politics. He writes, "Several books help us understand that the villain in the piece was, as is usual in such cases, also the hero. Gingrich was undone by his own devices.... He thought he could change society with political tools, which is like changing the weather with a thermometer." [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/14/96]

AA96232 -- Roberts, Paul Craig; Stratton, Lawrence M.; Eastland, Terry. REPUBLICANS AND QUOTAS: A DEBATE (National Review, vol. 68, no. 9, May 20, 1996, pp. 31-34)

Craig and Stratton, coauthors of THE NEW COLOR LINE: HOW QUOTAS AND PRIVILEGE DESTROY DEMOCRACY (Regnery, 1995), argue that Republicans are to blame for racial quotas, tracing the origin of quotas back to Nixon Administration policies. Terry Eastland responds by arguing that quotas are not a Republican phenomenon, and that Craig and Stratton have misinterpreted his argument for ending policies of preferential treatment. [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/14/96]

AA96231 -- Meyer, William H. HUMAN RIGHTS AND MNCs: THEORY VERSUS QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS (Human Rights Quarterly, vol. 18, no. 2, May 1996, pp. 368-397)

Meyer looks at the effect of multinational corporations on human rights in the Third World, exploring two theories of multinational corporations and human rights: the engines of development thesis and the Hymer thesis. Concluding that multinational corporations have a positive impact on political rights and civil liberties as well as on economic and social rights in the Third World, he finds support for the engines of development school of thought, but not the Hymer thesis. [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/14/96]

AA96229 -- Rosen, Jeffrey. MOVING ON (The New Yorker,vol. 72, no. 10, April 29 & May 6, 1996, pp. 66-73)

The early opinions of the first Black Supreme Court Justice,Clarence Thomas, were criticized for closely following those of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia. But, over the past few years, says Rosen, "a less bitter and more influential Thomas has begun to emerge." Rosen examines the controversy that has surrounded Justice Thomas, and, by taking a close look at Thomas over the past few years, assesses how he might change the nature of American law. (Note that this entire issue of THE NEW YORKER is devoted to the subject of Black America.) [DHR; SD -- doe:05/30/96]

AA96175 -- Tyree, Benjamin P. ABRAHAM LINCOLN: THE FIRST MODERN PRESIDENT (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 5, May 1996, pp. 327-335)

Tyree views Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th president of the United States, as America's first modern president, shaped by America's first modern war -- the Civil War. Noting that "Lincoln's very election to the White House in a four-way race, wholly by northern votes comprising 39 percent of the electorate, triggered southern succession and America's cataclysmic Civil War," Tyree describes how, more than any president until Franklin Roosevelt, Lincoln furthered the centralization of government and the reduction of power of the states. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96173 -- Laurent, Anne. THE GREAT DIVIDE: FEAR, ANGER AND RESENTMENT IN THE FEDERAL DIVERSITY CRUSADE/A STEEP MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB (Government Executive, vol. 28, no. 4, April 1996, pp. 12-22)

The author examines the progress of affirmative action programs designed to foster equal opportunity for minorities and women in the federal workforce. While affirmative action appears to be succeeding in government, Laurent finds that most individuals are unhappy with the results. She reports that "misperceptions of both sides of racial issues are polarizing the federal workforce just as dramatic downsizing efforts are dimming the hope of advancement for workers of all races." [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96170 -- Anderson, Terry L.; Griffin, Melanie. OUR NATIONAL PARKS SYSTEM (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 5, May 1996, pp. 70-77)

The U.S. national park system has come to represent the best of America's natural and cultural heritage. But in an era in which the proper size and function of the federal government is under debate, questions arise about whether or not the national park system is too large or too expensive. Anderson argues that the American taxpayer can no longer afford to subsidize the federal bureaucracy running the national parks, and Griffin argues that the federal government must keep control of America's national treasures. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96165 -- Huntington, Samuel P. DEMOCRACY FOR THE LONG HAUL (Journal of Democracy, vol. 7, no. 2, April 1996, pp. 3-13)

Huntington, director of Harvard University's John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies, examines the prospects for democracy now that the great third wave of democratization has brought democracy to some 40 countries. Noting that the third wave may be losing its outward dynamic and moving from a phase of expansion to one of consolidation, he examines the preconditions which foster democracy and the pitfalls and dangers facing emerging democracies, including communal conflict, foreign war, social decay, and the return to arrogation (rule by elected despot). [DHR; AR -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96164 -- Nye, Joseph S., Jr.; Owens, William A. AMERICA'S INFORMATION EDGE (Foreign Affairs, vol. 75, no. 2, March/April 1996, pp. 20-36)

Although the United States has apparent strength in military power and economic production, the authors argue a more subtle advantage is its increasing ability to collect, process, act upon, and disseminate information. They contend this "information advantage" can not only help deter or defeat traditional military threats at lower cost, but, equally important, is a force multiplier of American diplomacy, including "soft power" -- the attraction of American democracy and free markets. The authors make an eloquent appeal to increase funding of the U.S. Information Agency, which they deem an essential player in the post-Cold War world. [DHR; AR -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96161 -- Keena, J. Bradley. CONTRACT WITH AMERICA II (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 3, March 1996, pp. 52-57)

Although few of its provisions were enacted, the author notes that the Republican Contract with America proved a success in keeping the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives focused on a few key issues and the legislative vehicles behind them. Noting that a yearly or biennial Contract may provide a new means for keeping the legislative branch focused on issues important to the voters, Keena discusses what might be included in a Contract II, including a balanced budget amendment, term limits, and the repeal of the controversial 1993 crime bill. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/02/96]

AA96160 -- Clermont, Kevin M.; Eisenberg, Theodore. XENOPHILIA IN AMERICAN COURTS (Harvard Law Review, vol. 109, no. 5, March 1996, pp. 1120-1143)

The authors, professors of law at Cornell University, examine the widely-held perception that non-Americans face bias, and thus fare badly, in American courts. They find that the data does not support the conclusion that xenophobia is rampant in American courts. In fact, in federal civil actions, they find that foreign plaintiffs and defendants win substantially more often than domestic litigants. After presenting the data, they discuss the possible explanations for these higher success rates. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/02/96]

AA96138 -- Jacobs, Charles. SLAVERY: WORLDWIDE EVIL (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 4, April 1996, pp. 110-119)

Jacobs, of the American Anti-Slavery Group, wants Americans to focus on the 200 million people world-wide living in bondage. He hopes the examples he gives of forced child labor, sex slavery and the sorts of debt bondage resulting from intense poverty will activate American indignation. The democracies focus on infringement of rights by governments; Jacobs argues we should intervene in economic slavery as well. [DHR; MKS -- doe: 04/26/96]

AA96137 -- Carbonneau, Tom. ARBITRAL JUSTICE: THE DEMISE OF DUE PROCESS IN AMERICAN LAW [WITH RESPONSES] (The World & I, vol. 11. no. 4, April 1996, pp. 299-325)

Carbonneau argues that after the passing of the U.S. Arbitration Act of 1925, arbitration has begun to replace the rule of law found in U.S. courts. He expresses concern that citizens will turn to arbitration because of its cost and speed and lose protections found in the court system. Carbonneau sees a danger to court systems as potentially very important legal decisions will be made outside a legal court system. In separate sections, professor's William Park and Douglas Abrams respond to Carbonneau's arguments. [DHR; CRS -- doe: 04/26/96]

AA96136 -- Cochran, Wendell. THE BOYS ON THE 'NET (American Journalism Review, vol. 18, no. 3, April 1996, pp. 40-42)

"A political reporter who's not on-line is behind the curve," says Jeffrey Weiss, a Dallas Morning News reporter. In fact, most newspapers have assigned their reporters to write specifically on what is happening in the electronic world of campaigns, that is, what's happening on the World Wide Web of the Internet. Cochran, who teaches journalism at American University, reports that not only news organizations are using the Web, however. All the major presidential candidates have their own Web sites, as well as the Democratic and Republican Parties. And, say political experts, in the future, electronic mail or e-mail will become the choice for political fundraising. [DHR; DB -- doe: 04/26/96]

AA96129 -- Hernandez, Debra Gersh. A WAVE OF PROTESTS (Editor & Publisher, vol. 129, no. 7, February 17, 1996, pp. 15, 39)

A new U.S. telecommunications law involving the Internet, the Computer Decency Act, has drawn protests that contend it violates free speech protections of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The issue is further contorted by the law's attempt to ban from computer-related media material which is legal in other media, such as the press, including the discussion of important social issues. [DHR; JAM -- doe: 04/05/96]

AA96128 -- Hernandez, Debra Gersh. COURTROOM CAMERAS DEBATED (Editor & Publisher, vol. 129, no. 7, February 17, 1996, pp. 11-13, 46)

Although cameras have been used to record trials in U.S. courts for years, some say they lengthen trials, lead to a circus-like atmosphere, affect the prosecution of a trial and the public's perception of the trial process. Others respond that the camera is less obtrusive and that the trial would not vary significantly in the absence of the camera. Hernandez weighs these arguments, noting that the U.S. Constitution encourages public involvement in civil actions such as trials. [DHR; JAM -- doe: 04/05/96]

AA96122 -- Turner, William Bennett. WHAT PART OF "NO LAW" DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND? (Wired, vol. 4, no. 3, March 1996, pp. 104-112)

In view of what the U.S. Supreme Court has said, "some thoughtful observers of new technology have proposed constitutional amendments to ensure that government does not censor, manage, or restrict electronic communications." But constitutional scholar and attorney William Bennett Turner asserts that there is no need for a new First Amendment for digital communication. He argues that adherence to the bedrock principles of First Amendment interpretation that have developed over the first two centuries of the republic will suffice. [DHR; SD -- doe: 04/05/96]

AA96115 -- Posner, Richard A. JURIES ON TRIAL (Commentary, vol. 99, no. 3, March 1995, pp. 49-52)

"In recent years, a series of highly publicized criminal trials in which obviously guilty defendants were acquitted by juries ... has made the American jury a controversial institution," writes Posner, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School. He examines the growing controversy over the jury system through a discussion of two well-written and informative books on the subject: Stephen J. Adler's THE JURY (Times Books) and Jeffrey Abramson's WE, THE JURY (Basic Books). [DHR; SD -- doe: 04/05/96]

AA96112 -- Erickson, Stephen C. THE ENTRENCHING OF INCUMBENCY: REFLECTIONS IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1790-1994 (Cato Journal, vol. 14, no. 3, Winter 1995, pp. 397-420)

According to the author, today's U.S. term limits movement harkens back to a centuries-old democratic belief that power held over extended periods of time corrupts representative institutions. Nevertheless, 90 percent of those who choose to run for reelection in the U.S. House of Representatives are assured victory. Here Erickson traces the path of reelection rates and congressional turnover historically, focusing on the U.S. House of Representatives. His stated purpose is to provide historical context for the current state of American democracy. [DHR; SD -- doe: 04/05/96]

AA96065 -- Still, Edward; Karlan, Pamela. CUMULATIVE VOTING AS A REMEDY IN VOTING RIGHTS CASES (National Civic Review, vol. 84, no. 4, Fall/Winter 1995, pp. 337-346)

Some U.S. jurisdictions are replacing traditional at-large elections, in which voters are restricted to voting for only one candidate from their designated district, with an alternative election system called "cumulative voting." Cumulative voting allows voters to cast their votes for candidates outside their districts -- and to cast more than one vote for a candidate about whom they feel strongly. Voting rights experts Still and Karlan take a look at the benefits of this alternative to majority- minority districts, using Worcester County, Maryland, as a case in point. [DHR; SD -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96064 -- Silverberg, David. READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE? BOSNIA, PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS LIKELY TO SHAPE FISCAL YEAR 1997 DEFENSE BUDGET (Armed Forces Journal International, vol. 133, no. 6, January 1996, p. 12)

The author predicts that "defense budget issues could become some of the most critical by the time voters go to the polls in November." In this presidential election year, the Republican Congress and the Democratic President may be expected to clash over U.S. involvement in Bosnia and over specifics in the FY '97 defense budget, although neither is likely to see political gain in advocating a lowering of the overall U.S. investment in defense. [DHR,PS; WH -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96063 -- Schick, Allen. THE MAJORITY RULES (The Brookings Review, vol. 14, no. 1, Winter 1996, pp. 42-45)

Since the U.S. budget process was set up by the 1974 Budget Act, hardly anything favorable has been said about it. But Schick, the author of, most recently, THE FEDERAL BUDGET: POLITICS, PROCESS, POLICY (Brookings, 1995), argues that the congressional budget process is working. In this analysis he says that the "rise of a new congressional majority explains why the process was so potent in 1995, just as the failure of Democrats to muster majority support for their policies explains why it was so feeble during much of the time they controlled Capitol Hill." [DHR,ES; SD -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96062 -- Pfaff, William. PROGRESS (World Policy Journal, vol. 12, no. 4, Winter 1995/96, pp. 41-49)

In contemplating the future course of civilization, Pfaff finds little of relevance in the analyses of Francis Fukuyama and Samuel Huntington and comes instead to his own grim, if somewhat cloudy, conclusions. He argues that civilization indeed has progressed, as evidenced by such structures as human rights standards and international law, but that humankind itself has not. "I would myself propose that not only does no evidence exist of man's collective moral progress but that none is to be expected." [DHR,PS; GEO -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96061 -- Newfarmer, Gerald E. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN REFORMED GOVERNMENT DOESN'T WORK? THE CINCINNATI EXPERIENCE (National Civic Review, vol. 84, no. 4, Fall/Winter 1995, pp. 369-376)

Newfarmer, the immediate-past city manager of Cincinnati, Ohio, discusses a recent unsuccessful attempt to abandon the council- manager government in that city in favor of a strong-mayor plan. His discussion demonstrates that the democratically elected city council remains the key to preserving and maintaining the vigor of the council-manager plan -- and that when the city council fails to lead as a group, they open the door to potentially disastrous remedies. [DHR; SD -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96060 -- Kristol, Irving. AMERICAN CONSERVATISM 1945- 1995 (The Public Interest, no. 121, Fall 1995, pp. 80-91)

Kristol, of the American Enterprise Institute, examines the role that neoconservatism has played in the history of American conservatism since the end of World War II. He traces American conservatism through three stages: the renewal of traditional conservatism which led to the presidential nomination of Barry Goldwater in 1964; the emergence and influence of the neoconservative spirit; and the emergence, over the past decades, of "religion-based, morally concerned, political conservatism." The latter, he says, may be the most important of all. [DHR; SD -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96059 -- Hovey, Hal. THE CHALLENGES OF FLEXIBILITY (State Legislators, vol. 22, no. 1, January 1996, pp. 14-18)

For decades state officials have chafed at restrictive federal rules, asserting the need for more flexibility. Today, as the federal government stands poised to return to states some of the programs now run from Washington, it seems their wishes are being answered -- but at a price. Here Hovey, former budget director of two states and president of State Policy Research Inc., assesses the challenges facing states as federal programs are shifted, arguing that state legislators will face a difficult, but not impossible, task. [DHR; SD -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96058 -- Cheers, D. Michael. PAMELA BRIDGEWATER: FIRST BLACK WOMAN CONSUL GENERAL IN SOUTH AFRICA (Ebony, vol. 51, no. 3, January 1996, pp. 122-126)

Pamela Bridgewater, the longest serving U.S. diplomat in South Africa, is the first African-American woman to hold the post of America's consul general in Durban. In this profile, D. Michael Cheers looks at how Bridgewater has mastered the complexities of her current assignment as the gatekeeper and promoter of U.S. interests in the KwaZulu Natal region -- and, in doing so, has earned plaudits from her superiors, her colleagues, and the cross-section of South Africans with whom she has worked. [DHR, SV; KH -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96006 -- Wechsler, Pat. NATURE BOY. (New York, vol. 28, no. 47, November 27, 1995, pp. 42-48)

Away from the spotlight that has shined on many members of the Kennedy family, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., now 41, has spent the last 12 years quietly building a career as an environmental lawyer and activist. He recently took a lead role in the negotiation of a watershed-protection agreement in New York State, successfully bringing together political foes and conflicting interests. Wechsler profiles Kennedy personally and professionally, with extensive quotes from friends, family and associates. [DHR,GI,SV; RT -- doe: 02/02/96]

AA96005 -- Robinson, Lori S. THE RIGHTS MAN AT JUSTICE. (Emerge, vol. 7, no. 3, December/January 1996, pp. 22-26)

Robinson interviews Deval L. Patrick, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice. Patrick talks about the enforcement of civil rights laws in the United States today and answers questions about affirmative action, redistricting, and the new motor voter registration law. [DHR,SV; RT -- doe: 02/02/96]

AA96004 -- Moynihan, Daniel Patrick. CONGRESS BUILDS A COFFIN. (The New York Review of Books, vol. 43, no. 1, January 11, 1996, pp. 33-36)

Part political jeremiad, part political history, this article by Senator Moynihan, Democrat of New York, attacks the current move toward welfare reform as little more than the unprecedented repeal of the social compact to help people in need, notably those covered by the nation's most visible welfare program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Moynihan emphasizes two points: first, despite years of effort and study, no one knows how to crack the conundrum of welfare dependency; and second, the first victims of mandatory work and time-limited welfare benefits will be children. This is political discourse at its best: sharply partisan, deeply analytical, passionately felt. [DHR,SV; HC -- doe: 02/02/96]

AA96002 -- Grossman, Lawrence K. MAINTAINING DIVERSITY IN THE ELECTRONIC REPUBLIC. (Technology Review, vol. 98, no. 8, November/December 1995, pp. 22-26)

"Each year millions more citizens acquire personal computers, link up with computer networks, and communicate their ideas to their elected local, state, and federal officials as well as to one another," writes Grossman, a former president of the Public Broadcasting Service and of NBC News. He argues that in today's burgeoning "electronic republic," an independent public telecommunications trust fund, designed to promote public- interest information, is needed for responsible information on civic affairs to compete with America's commercially driven appetite for "nonpolitical entertainment and sports." [DHR,IC; SD -- doe: 02/02/96]

AA96001 -- Frisby, Michael K. BLACK, WHITE, OR OTHER. (Emerge, vol. 7, no. 3, December/January 1996, pp. 48-54)

A new "multiracial" category on government forms has been proposed as a way to more accurately reflect the racial heritage of a growing number of Americans. Four categories are currently used on census and population survey forms to monitor compliance with civil rights laws. They are: American Indian or Native Alaskan, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, and White. While the designation "multiracial" clears identity problems for some, it draws strong objections from others. The author covers the debate, with input from people on both sides of the issue. [DHR,SV; RT --doe: 02/02/96]

AA95503 -- Darnton, Robert THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. (The Wilson Quarterly, vol. 19, no. 4, Autumn 1995, pp. 42-52)

After briefly exploring the history of happiness, the author dissects two phrases -- "we must cultivate our garden" from the conclusion of CANDIDE, and "the pursuit of happiness" from America's Declaration of Independence -- in an attempt to shed light on the phenomenon known as the "American way of life." [2DC,6SO; KH -- doe: 12/01/95]

AA95473 -- Sullivan, Kathleen M. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTITIS. (The American Prospect, no. 23, Fall 1995, pp. 20-27)

The author discusses and evaluates the current wave of proposals to amend the U.S. Constitution and warns that "the more you amend the Constitution, the more it seems like ordinary legislation." Political stability and maintenance of the rule of law argue against frequent changes in the Constitution that would undermine its coherence as a general guideline for the life of the republic and, incidentally, would also tend to run counter to the interpretive latitude that the Supreme Court has exercised over the years. [2RL; WH -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95471 -- Anderson, Gary M. THE CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY TO TAX AND SPEND. (The Cato Journal, vol. 14, no. 2, Fall 1994 [c1995], pp. 201-219)

While the U.S. Constitution is far from perfect, it has, Anderson says, succeeded in restraining government excesses and guaranteeing a prosperous commonwealth. This is not necessarily so for the country's 50 state constitutions. Using a number of examples, Anderson details some major types of "constitutional pork" guaranteed by state constitutions. He concludes that many of these constitutions contain features that mandate, or at least enable, a variety of coercive wealth transfers to favored groups. (2RL,2DE,2PA; KH -- doe: 11/03/95)

AA95469 -- Teixeira, Ruy A; Rogers, Joel. WHO DESERTED THE DEMOCRATS IN 1994? (The American Prospect, no. 23, Fall 1995, pp. 73-76)

The Republicans tout the 1994 elections as a genuine ideological victory. However, the authors contend that a more significant factor in the desertion of the Democratic party by many was the fact that the bulk of noncollege-educated voters have been experiencing stagnant or declining living standards. The problem, the authors contend, is that the public has blamed big- government Democrats for this adverse trend, and the latter have lacked the energy or inclination to shift the blame to such targets as irresponsible corporate power. [2DC,3EC; WH -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95468 -- Tabarrok, Alexander. A SURVEY, CRITIQUE, AND NEW DEFENSE OF TERM LIMITS. (The Cato Journal, vol. 14, no. 2, Fall 1994 [c1995], pp. 333-350)

Since 1990, 21 states have passed congressional term limit laws. Tabarrok reviews the arguments for terms limits, dismissing most of these as weak because they assume that public support for limits represents dissatisfaction with current politicians. His own "conflict theory of limits" maintains that while it is natural for a voter to express satisfaction with current politicians by voting for them, it is natural also for a voter to support term limits in order to limit the incumbency of future politicians. [2DC,2DE; KH -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95467 -- Bruck, Connie. THE POLITICS OF PERCEPTION. (The New Yorker, vol. 71, no. 31, October 9, 1995, pp. 50-77)

Machiavelli's prince is alive and well, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. In a profile that is, by turns, scathing, insightful, funny, admiring and frightening, NEW YORKER writer Bruck examines the rise of Newt Gingrich to become the second most powerful U.S. national political figure today. Bruck portrays Gingrich as a political omnivore: consuming issues, allies and models of leadership from Ataturk to futurist Alvin Toffler. In Bruck's view, Gingrich possesses an uncanny ability to "rotate issues in three-dimensional space": Conservative Opportunity Society versus Liberal Welfare State, for example. "If he can define reality for a large enough number of people, he can make it so." [2DC,2PA,2DE; HC -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95465 -- Herz, Peter J. WHERE HUMAN RIGHTS DON'T MATTER. (The World & I, vol. 10, no. 9, September 1995, pp. 54-59)

Herz offers a critical overview of China's treatment of women, its minorities, its prisoners and its citizens who are members of religious organizations. He also briefly touches on economic rights and market restrictions and their impact on U.S. commercial relations. [1EA,2HA; JAM -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95464 -- Doro, Marion E. THE DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS IN AFRICA. (Choice, vol. 33, no. 2, October 1995, pp. 245-257)

In this bibliographic survey of the evidence of democratization in Africa, Doro finds that the "literature reflects an ambivalence about whether these political developments represent fundamental changes or are simply another cycle of political behavior." More than 100 works are cited, and additional research resources are provided, including general references, scholarly journals, news digests and periodicals. [1AA,2DE; JAM -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95463 -- Case, Tony. STRIDING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE. (Editor & Publisher, vol. 128, no. 41, October 14, 1995, pp. 18-19)

The journal's associate editor assesses the privatization of the Pan-African News Agency (PANA) under UNESCO's guidance. He notes that PANA has made a "remarkable turnaround" in three years, slashing its budget in half, and enlarging its work force by one third, to 120. By next year, the service hopes to beam news via satellite to 75 countries from Asia to America. PANA is promoting its product in America with a free sampling program aimed at Black-owned newspapers. [1AA,4FF,1UN,4CD; JAM -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95462 -- Ayittey, George B. N. BLACK AMERICA WAKES UP TO BLACK AFRICA. (The World & I, vol. 10, no. 9, September 1995, pp. 68-73)

When TransAfrica denounced Nigeria's military regime in April 1995, it was the "first time prominent Black Americans (had) mounted a highly visible public campaign against a Black African government," says Ayittey, president of the Free Africa Foundation. He asks why it took so long for African Americans to speak up, and discusses what standards and strategies they should apply to African countries. An insert addresses questions about foreign aid. [1AA,2DC,2DE,2HA,2FP; JAM -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95461 -- Murphy, Richard. LEARNING TO LOVE THE U.N. (New York, vol. 28, no. 41, October 16, 1995, pp. 48-57)

Murphy presents an analysis of the United Nations on its 50th anniversary that suggests that while the organization has its faults, including being "bloated and bureaucratic," it is also "surprisingly and anachronistically committed to saving the world." [1UN,2FP; JAM -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95460 -- O'Hanlon, Michael. HOW TO BE A "CHEAP HAWK." (The Brookings Review, vol. 13, no. 3, Summer 1995, pp. 32- 35)

The author calls for a post-Cold War shift in United States defense policy that would permit an additional 5 percent in cost savings over the proposals of the Clinton administration. This would entail shifts in the approach to coping with regional wars, in naval and Marine forward-presence operations, and in deployment of nuclear warheads. It would include placing less emphasis on nuclear deterrence and shaping forces and military operations more explicitly for multilateral military activities. [1DE; WH -- doe: 11/03/95]

AA95459 -- Kitfield, James. COUNTERPROLIFERATION. (Air Force Magazine, vol. 78, no. 10, October 1995, pp. 56-59)

Desert Storm gave defense officials a new look at the danger weapons of mass destruction (WMD) can pose during a regional conflict. And the Clinton administration responded with the "Counterproliferation Initiative," a package of programs designed to prevent adversaries from acquiring or using WMD. Kitfield looks at counterproliferation measures the Department of Defense and the military are exploring today. They range from counterforce strikes to destroy the weapons of mass destruction to various protective measures. [1AC,1DE; SD -- doe: 11/03/95]

Articles on U.S. Elections

AA97070 -- Buckner, Jennie. PUBLIC JOURNALISM: GIVING VOTERS A VOICE (Media Studies Journal, vol. 2, no. 1, Winter 1997, pp. 65- 68)

The author is editor of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER daily newspaper. She defends her paper's participation (along with five other North Carolina newspapers, six television organizations and three radio stations) in a project called "Your Voice, Your Vote," which was designed to stimulate in-depth coverage of the candidates' positions and voter interest in the recent elections. The project reflects a new trend known as "public journalism." Buckner's article provides a snapshot of this approach. [DHR; VS -- doe: 02/06/97]

AA97004 -- Scott, Steve. BATTLE OF THE WHITE HATS (The Washington Monthly, vol. 28, no. 12, December 1996, pp. 37- 41)

Campaign finance reform in California has been an issue for sometime, notwithstanding the recent election, when two propositions, 208 and 212 were on the ballot. Both propositions were similar in form, but distinct in their particulars, representing markedly different philosophies about campaign fiance reform. Scott reports on the two sides, Common Cause and U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG), and their philosophies about campaign finance reform, relating how both institutions almost came to blows over their differences of opinion. [DHR; DB -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96537 -- Barnes, James A. TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE? (National Journal, vol. 28, no. 44, November 2, 1996, pp. 2334-2338)

Analyzing the results of the 1996 U.S. presidential election, staff correspondent Barnes says Robert Dole's candidacy may have been frustrated by his inability to latch onto a single theme and present it to the voters early in his campaign. Barnes also points out that President Clinton was able to ride the public's optimism about the economy well before Dole was even nominated. [DHR; SG -- doe: 12/31/96]

AA96464 -- Kaplan, Morton A. THE SUPREME COURT AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 10, October 1996, pp. 126-127)

Kaplan, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, analyzes Supreme Court decisions on Congressional redistricting. He examines questions relating to who holds the jurisdiction to decide these issues, redistricting's effect on elections and on the people whom it is designed to impact, and the Supreme Court's consistency. A new policy is advocated by Mr. Kaplan, who is also editor and publisher of THE WORLD & I. [DHR; DR -- doe: 11/01/96]

AA96405 -- Haskell, John. REFORMING PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES: THREE STEPS FOR IMPROVING THE CAMPAIGN ENVIRONMENT (Presidential Studies Quarterly, vol. 26, no. 2, Spring 1996, pp. 380-390)

Drake University's Haskell suggests that nomination of presidential candidates has degenerated into a political bazaar characterized by too much money and meaningless discourse. However, he believes that this inefficiency can be alleviated by moving the presidential primary to an earlier date in the election year. Subsequently, he criticizes Iowa and New Hampshire for having an outsized influence on the presidential nomination process. His analysis follows with a discussion concerning how the single-vote method is applied within the status quo, annunciating its inefficiencies. [DHR; GG -- doe: 09/12/96]

AA96390 -- Lapham, Lewis H. LIGHTS, CAMERA, DEMOCRACY! (Harper's, vol. 293, no. 1755, August 1996, pp. 33-38)

Lapham reflects on the reasons for the American public's widespread dissatisfaction with the prospect of the November presidential election. He posits that the American political system grants parallel sovereignty to both a permanent government (composed of a secular oligarchy of large companies, the media, and the civil and military services) and a provisional government that reflects a spiritual democracy that exemplifies the nation's moral aspirations. He examines the roles of these two parallel governments in promoting today's attitude of "grave foreboding." [DHR; SD -- doe: 09/04/96]

AA96355 -- Lewis, Michael. BILL AND BOB'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE (The New York Times Book Review, July 28, 1996, Section 7, pp. 10-11)

Michael Lewis reviews Bob Woodward's new book, THE CHOICE, about the Presidential campaigns of Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. Lewis criticizes the book for being less about the campaign and more about "random goings-on in the Clinton White House or the formative stages of the Dole campaign." He adds that the book is worth reading, however, because "you can learn a lot about the way people who make a living from politics think," referring specifically to Dole's campaign manager, Scott Reed, and to political strategists in general. In an accompanying sidebar, Michael Wright reviews a new version of a 1988 autobiography of Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth, UNLIMITED PARTNERS: OUR AMERICAN STORY. [SV, DHR; RT -- doe: 08/08/96]

AA96318 -- Crabtree, Susan. POLITICS OF FAMILY VALUES (Insight on the News, vol. 12, no. 23, June 17, 1996, pp. 8-10)

Democrats have adopted formerly Republican family-values rhetoric during this election campaign; President Clinton now rivals conservative Republicans with frequent references to traditional, two-parent families. The author discusses how "family values" issues are influencing the 1996 presidential campaign and how each party is defining the term. [DHR; SD -- doe: 07/24/96]

AA96258 -- Stone, Ann E. W.; Weyrich, Paul M. Q: SHOULD REPUBLICANS DROP THE ANTIABORTION PLANK FROM THE PARTY PLATFORM? (Insight on the News, vol. 12, no. 23, June 17, 1996, pp. 24-27)

INSIGHT magazine asked two prominent Republicans whether the antiabortion plank should be dropped from the Republican Party platform. Stone, chairman of Republicans for Choice, a political-action committee, argues the plank is "out of touch with voters and rank-and- fie Republicans"; while Weyrich, president of the Free Congress Foundation, counters that "taking life from the platform will take the life out of the GOP." [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96257 -- Sabato, Larry J.; Simpson, Glenn R. WHEN PUSH COMES TO POLL (The Washington Monthly, vol. 28, no. 6, June 1996, pp. 26-31)

The authors examine the increasing use of massive negative phoning campaigns in U.S. elections. "Push polling," which uses the telephone as the primary means for delivering attacks in political campaigns, operates under the guise of legitimate survey research to spread "lies, rumors, and innuendo about candidates." Sabato and Simpson argue that this largely ignored explosion in negative phoning dramatically increases the negativity in American politics. [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96256 -- Eastland, Terry. QUOTA KING (The American Spectator, vol. 29, no. 5, May 1996, pp. 33-35, 71)

"Affirmative action promises to become a central issue in the presidential race -- especially in California, where voters this fall will be asked to approve a ban on government preferences," says Eastland. Although President Clinton has acknowledged that there are problems with some affirmative action programs and declared that he is against quotas and reverse discrimination, Eastland argues that Clinton continues to be a strong supporter of race- and sex-based preferences. Eastland, of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., is the author of the recently published ENDING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: THE CASE FOR COLORBLIND JUSTICE (Basic Books). [DHR; SD -- doe: 06/28/96]

AA96230 -- Shapiro, Walter. LET'S GO TO THE MAP! (Esquire, vol. 125, no. 6, June 1996, pp. 54-56)

Shapiro examines how the electoral college might impact this fall's presidential election. He predicts how the electoral vote will go in each region of the United States (New England, Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the Great Plains, the Rockies and the West) -- giving Dole a possible 248 to 226 win over Clinton. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/30/96]

AA96226 -- O'Beirne, Kate; Ponnuru, Ramesh. THE UNNECESSARY GOP MELTDOWN (National Review, vol. 48, no. 10, June 3, 1996, pp. 23-25)

Republicans have good ideas and decent polling numbers, but according to the authors, defeatism continues to plague the Party. They examine the reasons for the GOP's demoralization, noting that never before has the Republican Party had to coordinate so many power centers, or deal with so many divisive issues under increased media attention. [DHR; SD -- doe:05/30/96]

AA96225 -- Cooper, Matthew. THE LIEUTENANT: WHY DOLE'S SENATE DISCHARGE ISN'T ENOUGH (The New Republic, vol. 214, no. 23, issue 4246, June 3, 1996, pp. 27-29)

Bob Dole has resigned his post as Senate majority leader to clear the way for an unencumbered run for the Presidency. Although Cooper thinks the move will help Dole, his assessment of Dole's character and track record leads him to believe it won't save him. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/30/96]

AA96174 -- Roman, Nancy E. ABORTION: STILL A KEY ISSUE (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 4, April 1996, pp. 88-93)

"Although some politicians wish it would go away, abortion remains a leading issue with key voting blocs in both the Republican and Democratic parties," says Roman. She looks at the abortion debate's possible impact on congressional elections, the Republican presidential primaries, the Republican platform, and the 1996 presidential campaign. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96172 -- Judis, John B. THE THIRD RAIL: ROSS PEROT, AMERICA'S CHARLES DE GAULLE? (The New Republic, vol. 214, no. 21, issue 4244, May 20, 1996, pp. 22-25)

"Here in Washington," writes Judis, "campaign junkies obsess about whether Ross Perot's candidacy will help Clinton or Dole. But the more important question concerns Perot himself: Will he succeed in his quest to establish a third party that outlasts his candidacy and supplants the Republicans or the Democrats?" Judis examines whether the Texas billionaire, wittingly or not, is contributing to the transformation of American politics. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96171 -- Ansolabehere, Stephen; Iyengar, Shanto. WINNING BUT LOSING: HOW NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNS SHRINK ELECTORATE, MANIPULATE NEW MEDIA (Quill, vol. 84, no. 4, May 1996, pp. 19-22)

In their investigation of the impact of paid political advertising campaigns on the electorate, the authors found that high-tech campaigns can "stimulate people to vote and instill a sense of confidence in government, but only through positive campaign messages." They discuss the demobilizing effects of negative campaigning on the electorate and the failure of "ad- watch" campaigns, in which the media attempted to monitor campaign advertising, to combat the problem. [DHR; SD -- doe: 05/20/96]

AA96156 -- Edwards, Lee; Goode, Stephen; Pascoe, Bill. A WATERSHED ELECTION? (The World & I, vol. 11, no. 3, March 1996, pp. 24-43)

In this three-article special report on the U.S. elections the authors look at President Clinton's prospects for reelection; chances for the Republicans to hold on to their majorities in Congress; and the future of the "Republican Revolution." They argue that President Clinton's strategy of positioning himself between the Democratic Left and the Republican Right helps his reelection chances -- but it also enables the Republicans to position themselves as the party of less government and probably retain their majorities in Congress. [DHR; SD -- doe: 04/30/96]

AA96139 -- Samuels, David. PRESIDENTIAL SHRIMP (Harper's Magazine, vol. 292, no. 1750, March 1996, pp. 45-52)

The credibility or viability of Bob Dole's presidential campaign could be gauged by the candidate's financial strength in fund- raising efforts even before the first primary vote had been cast, says Samuels. He takes a look at Dole's high-powered fund- raising, including a December fund-raiser held in Boston to honor the Doles' twentieth wedding anniversary. There, guests who contributed $1,000 a plate to dine in an "anonymous" ballroom, hoped to help Dole and perhaps meet potential business clients. Samuels characterizes Dole as Ahab-like in his inexorable pursuit of the presidency. [DHR; AH -- doe: 04/26/96]

AA96114 -- Hernandez, Debra Gersh. COVERING ELECTION CAMPAIGNS (Editor & Publisher, vol. 129, no. 8, February 24, 1996, pp. 12-13)

"A lot has been said about improving media coverage of campaigns but, judging by the criticism, little may have been accomplished," writes Hernandez. She looks at the media's failure to keep its promise to improve campaign coverage after the 1988 presidential elections. S. Robert Lichter, co-director of the Center for Media and Public Affairs comments, "What we've seen is journalism trying to move front and center to take over the campaign from the candidates at a time when the public is calling for exactly the opposite." [DHR; SD -- doe: 04/05/96]

AA96057 -- Amy, Douglas J. ELECTIONS IN WHICH EVERY VOTE COUNTS (The Chronicle of Higher Education, vol. 42, no. 18, January 12, 1996, pp. B1-B2)

According to the author, the winner-take-all (single member district) election system has been discarded by all but the United States, Canada and Great Britain among Western democracies because "it is seen to have a number of serious drawbacks," including denying representation to large numbers of voters and discouraging voter turnout. Here he discusses efforts to promote the proportional representation system used by most democracies - - a system that has its drawbacks, but has the merit of insuring that legislatures reflect the actual support of vote-getting parties and holds the promise of restoring the U.S. public's faith in elections. [DHR; JT -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96056 -- Starobin, Paul. THE CONCEPTUAL SCOOP (Columbia Journalism Review, vol. 34, no. 5, January/February 1996, pp. 21-25)

Starobin takes a look at the intellectual political analysts covering the 1996 U.S. elections. These academics and journalists are "conceptualizers" who are more interested in interpreting voting trends and explaining social developments in historical context than in reporting the daily soundbites of the campaigns. [DHR,GIC; JAM -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96055 -- O'Brien, Maureen. FRONTRUNNERS: THE BIG POLITICAL BOOKS OF 1996 (Publishers Weekly, vol. 243, no. 2, January 8, 1996, pp. 42-44)

The 1996 U.S. presidential election year has called forth a strong list of titles, according to this book publishers' journal. This is a brief review of a few of the best current and upcoming books on the candidates and the issues, including the Clinton presidency, Republican challengers, and political philosophies and strategies. [DHR,SV; JAM -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96054 -- Houston, Frank. THE VIRTUAL TRAIL (Columbia Journalism Review, vol. 34, no. 5, January/February 1996, pp. 26- 28)

"Nando.net" is one of the many Internet services that will cover the U.S. elections over the World Wide Web -- providing up-to- the-minute news coverage, interactive discussions, political critiques and other services previously provided by newspapers and broadcasters. How the Internet will change the political landscape is a big story in itself. And Houston looks at the importance of the Internet, "as a new platform for candidate stumping, as a new source of information, and as a new medium for voter involvement." [DHR,GIC; JAM -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96053 -- Erickson, Steve. IN THE ZONE OF PERCEIVED FAITH (Rolling Stone, no. 726, January 25, 1996, pp. 54-59, 75)

This is the second in a series of novelist Erickson's forays into 1996 presidential primary analysis. Here he focuses on Republican frontrunner Kansas Senator Robert Dole and the New Hampshire primary. He presents a somewhat cynical yet insightful look into the campaign and U.S. politics generally. [DHR,SV; JAM -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96052 -- Erickson, Steve. A NATION OF NOMADS (Rolling Stone, no. 724/725, December 28, 1995-January 11, 1996, pp. 103-112, 146)

An account of a "Left-winger's" journey through "Right-winger" territory, this free-wheeling political analysis is the first of ROLLING STONE magazine's series on the 1996 U.S. presidential elections. Erickson is a novelist and veteran observer of political campaigns since 1988. Here, he looks at the Republican candidates and the American electorate in general. [DHR,SV; JAM -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96051 -- Alterman, Eric. THE GOP's STRIKE FORCE (Rolling Stone, no. 727, February 8, 1996, pp. 30-31, 56-57)

Alterman, a senior fellow at the World Policy Institute, appraises from a liberal perspective "the Right-wing propaganda machine" in the United States. He says that "Republican domination of the airwaves and fiber-optic cable networks is certain to increase during the next election cycle." He assesses the influences of corporate, foundation and religious organizations on the Republican electorate, and describes how advanced communications technology permits instant networking to influence legislators. He refers to a "`paranoid style in American politics' as the source of the Right's ability to inspire citizens to ignore their own economic interests in favor of crusades...." [DHR; JAM -- doe: 02/26/96]

AA96003 -- Hernandez, Debra Gersh. FORMATS RECOMMENDED FOR PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES. (Editor & Publisher, vol. 128, no. 46, November 18, 1995, pp. 12, 45)

This article describes the formats recommended by the Commission on Presidential Debates for the presidential and vice presidential debates to be held in September and October 1996. The settings will include a town-hall format and an informal conversational arrangement, as well as the more traditional standup podiums. [DHR,GIC; JAM -- doe: 02/02/96]

AA95469 -- Teixeira, Ruy A. WHO DESERTED THE DEMOCRATS IN 1994? (American Prospect, no. 23, Fall 1995, pp. 73-76)

The authors contend that a significant factor in the 1994 defeat of the Democratic Party was the fact that the bulk of the non- college-educated voters have been experiencing stagnant or declining living standards. [DHR doe: 12/03/95]

AA95418 -- Berke, Richard. ONE DAY AT A TIME--CAMPAIGN '96: AN INSIDERS GUIDE TO WHO MUST DO WHAT WHEN TO GET YOU-KNOW-WHERE. (New York Times Magazine, Sept. 3, 1995, pp. 38-35, 44, 50, 54, 56)

Describes the Republican Party contenders for the presidency, as well as some likely independent candidates. [DHR doe: 10/06/95]

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