Teachers should give less homework Essay

Let’s imagine waking up super early in the morning, then making your way to a place that’s complete chaos, called School, then going through seven class periods, seven slow hours. Doing tons of work in classes working hard. So when the day is finally over you’re just ready to go home and relax, not to do stressful, super hard homework that you were given that day. I believe teachers should give less homework for many reasons. One being, us students get overwhelmed when we have too much homework. If homework for one class takes us 45 minutes up to an hour, imagine doing homework for all seven classes that you attend. Another reason being children would have more times for activities outside of school, such as sports, family time, or even academic activities outside of school, if they didn’t have so much homework to finish. High School kids don’t get as much sleep as they should because they are up doing countless amounts of homework for the maximum of seven classes, and if we aren’t doing homework were studying for a test or possibly even multiple tests we might have the following day. More work doesn’t mean necessarily mean more learning. Assigning more homework isn’t helping us students learn more, especially if it’s really overwhelming and we don’t understand how to do it, so we don’t. If teachers limited the quantity of how much homework we had, then they would receive better quality back, meaning if you assign us less homework/decrease how long the assignments are, and then you can expect us to do more quality work on what you do assign. Family time is valuable. We want to be able to truly spend time with our family members in the evenings, but we can’t accomplish that because homework takes up all that time we would have normally used. And, yes, I know that for lots of students it’s the TV that’s their companion at night instead of their parents. But that’s not how it is with all the students. There are definitely families out there who want to relax together in the evening but simply cannot do so because their child is entrenched with homework. Plus, the teachers could benefit from this as well. Less homework means less tracking and grading for teachers. If this were the only reason for giving less homework, then it would not be a very good one. But as it stands, there are lots of great reasons to give less homework, but those are some reasons why I believe teachers should give less homework.

Alexander II and Reform

Alexander II was known as a reforming czar. Was he primarily a reformer? Alexander II executed many reforms during his time in power but did he reform for the sake of reforming? In the essay I will conclude whether or not Alexander had objectives in which reforming only partook as a secondary effect, and if so, what â€Å"was† he primarily? From a political point of view the landlords most likely opposed the peasant liberation reform in 1861 (Berghorn, 2009) which affected the Russian countryside. The landlords felt that they were being robbed of their property, the serfs. These were awarded full citizenship. (Lovett, 2003) This might have made Alexander II less willing to reform. However many of the serfs couldn’t leave the land they previously were bound to and so their freedom only existed legally as many remained, bound, to their landlords. (Lovett, 2003) This was as such a good solution to Alexander II as it inspired faith in some peasants that reforms were coming whilst sending a message to the landlords that their authority wasn’t threatened. From a military point of view Alexander had seen Russia take heavy casualties in the Crimean war and as he feared Europe’s more militarily advanced countries gaining influence he started in 1857 to execute the army and naval reforms. (Troyat, 1992) (Lovett, 2003) This should therefore have been a very appealing option to Alexander II as he could claim the reforms in his own name and at the same time preserve his power. From an economic point of view the Russian Empire was outdated. In order for Russia under Alexander II to play an important role as an economic power they had to industrialize. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Russia) The emancipation reform could certainly have been an attempt to as well as pleasing the serfs demanding freedom trigger a movement of urbanization and increased factory production. In that sense the emancipation reform could have served yet another cause of trying to westernize and making it seem like Alexander was a man trying to please his people. From an ideological point of view the theses of Alexander reforming secondarily is supported by the fact of some peasants and middle-class citizens adopting the socialist ideas of Karl Marx. This ideological standpoint was dangerous to Alexander II as it included an overthrow of the czar’s power. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Marx) Another ideological group dangerous to Alexander was the nihilists who later on came to practice terrorism which threatened his life. (Radzinskij, 2008) Contradicting the reasons to reform was the orthodox Christian church that could not agree to these reforms and had given him his power combined with his upbringing which had taught him to preserve royal power as a primary initiative. From a social point of view czar Alexander might have reformed as a reaction to his father’s harsh policies imposed on the people as this was arguably a reason the pressured situation had emerged. An example of this would be the educational reform. (Lovett, 2003) Alexander also introduced a judicial reform based in the French system which greatly simplified criminal matter and rendered the different parties involved in a judiciary process more equal. (Troyat, 1992) The latter reform should reasonably have upped Alexander standings with many groups and fulfilled the cause of making him seem like a reformer in order to soothe radical group such as the nihilists mentioned above.

To Build or Buy a Small Business

402 Small Business Professor, Ricardo Toye| To Build or Buy | Week 4 Assignment 1| Cornelius Gaskins 1/22/2013 | Craft a brief (1-2 pages) strategy for a business concept that would directly compete with the small business you selected. Explain the rationale for the strategy in detail. â€Å"It Bakes Good,† with a delicious flavor that is sure to please. Watching customer’s satisfaction is the goal. Developing a Bakery as a counter business with a competitive strategy to navigate through barriers set up by existing Bakeries is the plan at hand. The initial bakery is deals with astries, breads, croissants and coffee, teas and other beverages. Also you can read  Business Ethics Comprises This new business strategy involves a similar menu with other cooked foods served at breakfast, lunch and dinner from soups, salads, potato dishes, sea foods and beef dishes. The floor plan will include a rail like leader to guide the people through the food ordering line. The pickup counter will be positioned away from the ordering line to give customers quick access to sitting if they have not already chosen their seating. The food menu will sit on the wall above the ordering counter in big letters easy to read among picturesque background to add a serene touch of comfort while the customers enjoy their meals. The beverage counter will be located in an area away from eating customers yet close by to allow access to water, coffee and other drinks. The location of the business will be in the inner city in a high density area, well lighted, with street parking and clean sidewalks. The building exterior will be freshly painted with freshly installed windows allowing both customers on t he inside to see out and people passing by the clear view of seeing within. Large colorful neon lights will advertise the business at night and day.The Bakery will operate as a Partnership. Three Partners will initially start the business although others may join at a later time. It is projected that the initial investment of the partners will be enough to start and operate the business for at least six months while additional investment capital can be sought after and obtained. This plan is looking to find a niche in the current business district to both serve eat and go customers while providing doggie bags for the same and catering to those customers who want to take their purchases home. I will be open to the possibility of selling ingredients for those ustomers who may be interested. The rationale behind this new business is to appeal to the customer base having cooked food on the menu that is freshly cooked served on china and eaten with silverware. The aim is to provide an at home environment with a touch of fast food convenience. Determine if it would make more sense to open the new business you describe or to purchase the existing business you selected. Explain your reasoning. The option of buying the existing business has the appeal of adding the menu additions and the dinning room modifications to this business.Would the temporary modifications lose money for the new owners while the remodeling is done or could regular operations continue? Would the business changing from the existing business to a Partnership have an impact on the bottom line? Or would it be necessary to change the current form of ownership? Could buying the existing business be converted to the new dinning floor plan while still meeting any fire codes for customer access to safety in the invent of a fire? Considering that both businesses would exist in similarly constructed structures it is believed that the first requirement ould be met. The usage of the current customers has an appeal since the current business operations has been consistent on the profit where the purchasing of inventory and the cash register receipts have indicated. The lack of similar Bakery businesses in the general area continue to be a plus for the location and buying the existing Bakery would limit competition for awhile. Considering remodeling cost, purchase price as opposed to starting a new business cost buying the existing business appears to be a better financial bargain. For the existing usiness the baking and dishwashing equipment are in satisfactory working order. The purchasing a grill to prepare food has a reasonable cost and the food prep area is already in place. The dinning area will require the purchase of tables and chairs that would have to be bolted to the floor during remodeling. Comparing the requirements for initiating a new business as opposed to buying an existing business, the buying of the existing business has the better appeal based on how the later is up a nd running. While the new business has some hurdles may exist as far as the condition of the uilding foundation, plumbing, electrical systems and the roofing condition and whether the business is responsible for repairs or the building owner. It is important to note that the existing business could have problems that cannot be seen but has to be investigated to be discovered. Problems such as ill-will between the suppliers and a customer as well with other neighboring businesses. â€Å"Jump starting the cash flow will have better potential due to existing operational elements such as customers, inventory and equipment already in place. † (http://www. sba. gov/content/buying-existing-business)Discuss the most appropriate form of ownership for your new business (assuming your current financial situation). Considering the new business Partnership as the form of ownership and considering the current form of ownership used buy the owner of the existing business, both really has no thing to do with what form one owner prefers over what form another owner prefers. Each form has both advantages and disadvantages. The most noticeable concern over owner a business is liability responsibility, what can be taken from the owners to cover liabilities and cannot which taxes hould be a major concern. â€Å"You report and pay taxes on a partnership like you would in a sole proprietorship; you and your partner pay income taxes on individual shares of the profits, but no tax is paid on the partnership. You report your share of the profit earned during the tax period that ends within the year being reported (by December 31or June 30). This is done whether or not profits are actually distributed. The rate of tax is the same as for the individual, and the income is reported on an individual 1040 form (Schedule E). A partnership return has to be filed with the IRS for nformation purposes only (Form 1065). You and your partner are personally liable, including personal assets, for debts and judgments. Creditors can collect from either you or your partner — even if you did not necessarily contract the debt. † (CIS/0939/pdf) â€Å"Sole proprietorships and partnerships are easy to set up — you don't have to file any special forms or pay any fees to start your business. Plus, you don't have to follow any special operating rules. LLCs and corporations, on the other hand, are almost always more expensive to create and more difficult to maintain.To form an LLC or corporation, you must file a document with the state and pay a fee, which ranges from about $40 to $800, depending on the state where you form your business. In addition, owners of corporations and LLCs must elect officers (usually, a president, vice president, and secretary) to run the company. They also have to keep records of important business decisions and follow other formalities. If you're starting your business on a shoestring, it might make the sense to form the simplest ty pe Of business — a sole proprietorship (for one-owner businesses) or a partnership (for businesses with more than one owner). One note has to be included regarding the Partnership which is the dissolution procedure following the quitting or death of a Partner. Following the attempted sale of the quitting partners share of the business or attempted sale to the current partners who may or may not be able to afford the price, the initial Partnership business has to be dissolved and a new Partnership established with the exclusion of the previous partner that left the partnership. Thus both buying an existing business as well as forming the rigt form of ownership both present issues that has to be considered by the new owners.Considering the Partnership dissolution aspect a Partnership still can be entered into with each original pertners with ca n agreement on how any quitting partners share is dispursed. Outline a business plan for your business. Visit http://www. sba. gov for tools and templates. The initial feasibility test for the business seems to have passed certain test through the current numbers produce by the existing Bakery. The location is good, customer interest in the product is proven while competition for Bakery goods comes from large retailer in limited quantities unlike he freshly baked items or freshly cooked menu dishes. It is estimated the initial investment cost less the estimated earnings would yield between a 7 to 9 percent return. Each member of the partnership has a hand in the formulating of the business plan. The initial outline of the business plan will include the following elements: Simple business plan outline Executive Summary: The Bakery is designed to provide customers with freshly baked goods while also giving them the opportunity to have a sit-down meal or just grab a cup of coffee with a pastry.Having conducted a feasibility study on the success potential of this business in the location chosen it was found that potent ial customers enjoyed the products sold by the previous bakery and enjoy the option of lounging while eating a restaurant style meal. The objective is to provide customers with a competitive products located their homes. To earn a 7 to 9 percent return on the initial investment during the first year. The mission of the Bakery is to provide customers with freshly baked goods that they enjoy eating minus the plastic wrapped brands sold in the big box retail outlets. Company Description:The store location is neatly situated in a business district catering to a wide range of business on a busy thorough fare moments from the residential area in every direction from the Bakery. This location is already familiar to most of the customers from the previously owned bakery. The operation of the Bakery is from 6am to 10pm. Orders can be called in on the phone or placed on the internet site at www. It Bakes Good. net The store policy for payment of gods is cash and credit card only. Product or S ervice: The main products of this Bakery are freshly baked pastries, croissants, donuts, breads and cakes.On the menu freshly prepared menu foods includes sea food dishes, soups, sandwiches, Beef , chicken and pork dishes. The main benefits customers receive from the store is freshly baked goods, the option to place orders ahead of time by phone or on the internet or within the store. Market Analysis: The location has proven to be profitable for the previous bakery. Its customer base remained loyal to returning to purchase goods as well as using the bakery to prepare special occasion dishes for birthday parties, anniversaries, and other customer defined events.Strategy and Implementation: Be specific. Include management responsibilities with dates and budgets. Make sure you can track results. Web Plan Summary: For e-commerce, include discussion of website, development costs, operations, sales and marketing strategies. Management Team: Describe the organization and the key management team members. Financial Analysis: Make sure to include at the very least your projected Profit and Loss and Cash Flow tables. Strategy and Implementation Summary SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities ThreatsCompetitive Edge Marketing Strategy Sales Strategy Sales Forecast Management Summary Personal Plan Financial Plan Important Assumptions Breakeven Analysis Projected Profit and Loss Projected Cash Flow Projected Balance Sheet Business Ratios Considering this is just an outline a few of the elements were addressed to give an idea of what the plan entails. Of course there are the remaining elements that have to be explained. (http://www. cals. uidaho. edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS0939. pdf) http://www. sba. gov/content/buying-existing-business

Term Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research - Term Paper Example However, during the party, where Madame Loisel has an amazing time, she loses the necklace. In a haste to replace the necklace without Forestier knowing, Loisel and her husband spend all of their money, as well as money they do not have, to buy this new necklace. The debt puts the Loisels into poverty. The irony of this story is seen at the end, when Loisel meets up with Forestier after many years, only to find that the necklace that was lost was hardly worth a percentage of the one used as a replacement. The themes found in â€Å"The Necklace† are irony and greed. Madame Loisel longed for a life of luxury. She refused to go out because she felt that she did not meet any of the standards of the â€Å"rich women,† as was stated in the story. She lusted after what others had, and cared not for all that she had in her average life. It was Madame Loisel’s greed that caused the ironic outcome of the story. Had she not been so set on being charming and living, if only briefly, the life that she had longed for, she would have not lost the cheap necklace and gone on to replace it with a much more exquisite piece of jewelry. Her greed brought in the irony of her and her husband having to live worse than ever for ten years. Her greed blinded her of just how precious life was despite all of the material possessions. It was because of this that enabled her to witness how others below her were forced to live. From the first paragraph of the story, â€Å"The girl was one of those pretty and charming young creatures who sometimes are born, as if by a slip of fate, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no expectations, no way of being known, understood, loved, married by any rich and distinguished man; so she let herself be married to a little clerk of the Ministry of Public Instruction,† it was clear that Madame Loisel was a self-spoiled girl. This is shown in the way that she automatically links being pretty to having a perfect, rich

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Rhetorical Analysis - Essay Example The essay or article of Craig Brown was not intended for the medical community because it did not spoke of any revolutionary research or life changing findings in the medical field but rather the dilemma that confronts the physician when they try to extend the life of a patience using the advances in medical technology. He introduced himself and what he does by using metaphors as he narrates the complexity of his job from being an obstetrician â€Å"where fresh-faced tulips are popping up at all hours† (which is not his specialty) to seeing patients of all ages until he touched on taking care for â€Å"threadworn elderly, those facing an eternal winter with no green in sight, is definitely the most difficult thing I do†. He introduced himself as a medical doctor not by enumerating his credentials but rather by narrating in a literary manner the dilemmas he faced as a physician which gave face and feelings to the profession that the readers can easily relate and sympathi ze. In a way, the article was a human interest essay because it emphasized the humane aspect of taking care the elderly from the point of view of a doctor. Dr. Craig Brown’s human interest approach in the article made him more credible both as a doctor and a writer. This is because he showed that he does not only knows his job very well but also knows the human aspect of it and the dilemmas that accompanies in treating patient who are already in their twilight years. His moral stature and credibility became more pronounced that served as an ethos of the article and elevated his stature as an authority who knows the subject as well as the human aspect of it. Thus, it impresses to the reader that he is not only a competent but compassionate as well which made the article close if not endearing to the readers. During the duration of the article, one can readily observe that the essay is replete with heart wrenching scenario in elderly care that the reader can almost feel the bur den of the doctor as he attends to the patient. This is the use of emotion in the article as rhetorical tool of pathos or emotional appeal. After establishing credibility and getting the interest of the reader in his creative and flowery introduction, the author begun narrating his case by capitalizing on the emotional aspect of his job in dealing with elderly who are in their twilight years as the pathos. It is obviously noticeable that even if the author spoke of diseases and medical condition, he did not dwell deep on medical terms but instead used words that are common to the readers such as arthritis, diabetes to avoid distracting the readers with jargon and lose the emotional appeal of the article which explains why the approach was very powerful. The author did not argue by capitalizing on his credentials but persuaded the reader on his point of view by narrating the emotional dilemma that doctors’ feel when attending to these patients that sometimes, living in agony i s worse than death itself. Perhaps the doctor knows that he may be questioned as a practicing physician if he will argue his main point that prolonging life in pain worse than dying itself. As a physician, he is sworn to Hippocratic Oath or in Dr. Craig’s words, he is in a â€Å"do no harm business† and arguing that old people are better off to accept death as they come than suffer a long agonizing life may not

See notes below disscuss the concepts APPROACH, DESIGN and PROCEDURE Essay

See notes below disscuss the concepts APPROACH, DESIGN and PROCEDURE according to Richards and Rodgers (2001) framework - Essay Example It was only after the emergence of psychology as a branch of science that interest on the evolution of methods based on the research findings of how human acquire learning and how they respond to different modes of teaching took a paradigm shift. And as part of a changing world system, the methods have also evolved to become more effective over the years. (Anthony, E.M. 1963). Most of us learn to speak at least two languages. Our first language (L1) is known as our native language, and is acquired from our childhood years. The Second Language (L2), also known as foreign language, is acquired as taught in schools, or by living in a state where another language is spoken. Acquiring the first language in most situations is as effortless as learning normal routines. We learn it because we are exposed to it most of the time. On the other hand, learning a another new language calls for greater effort and dedication, and persistent application of the trial and error methodology. (Sally Morrison). The emphasis on this type of language teaching is on how an individual can successfully grasp a second language over a given period of time. It is suitable for the classroom as well as the individual student, because every student who wants to learn a new language has different learning needs, and the instructor has to choose the right method to be used in teaching the classroom which can be easily understood by everyone and does not alienate any student in the class. (JoAnn (Jodi) Crandall, p.3). The existence of various methods for learning the second language has made the task for instructors simpler albeit more strenuous. On the one hand, they have a fine array of systematic learning to suit different needs and tastes. On the other, they have the unenviable task of studying each method separately, and then they choose the method best suited for the purpose. 3. Approach, Design and Procedure Richards and Rodgers developed a three levels framework to help instructors in choosing the right method. The three levels: Approach, Design, and Procedure, are interrelated to each other as the content of each level directly affects the contents of the other levels. Richards and Rodgers implied that in order to select the best method, we should look at each method as a separate series of theories and applications, and that the methods can be evaluated by comparing and coordinating the three interrelated levels. Now let us define the three levels first. (Richards, J. and T. Rodgers. 1986). Approach Approach refers to a particular theory that supports and serves as a foundation of any methodology. No methods exist alone unsupported by theoretical views, and that is why methods and theories must be viewed together. Design is the creation of

Geology of Puerto Rico Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Geology of Puerto Rico - Research Paper Example These rocks are overlain by younger  Oligocene  rocks to recent  carbonates. There are also othersedimentary rocks that are part and parcel of the geology of Puerto Rico. Typically, the Northern Oligocene to the rather recent carbonates is composed of Most of the caverns  and  karst  topography. The geology of Puerto Rico has made it very mountainous from the way the island was formed. There are also seventeen lakes in the island which are all manmade and fifty rivers (Otis, 2005). The island’s formation, topography, hydrography and climate make up Puerto Rico’s current geologic composition harmoniously; showcasing the natural beauty of the island. This paper seeks to analyze the geology of Puerto Rico from concepts of its formation, topography, hydrography and climate. Puerto Rico is strategically placed between the  Caribbean  and  North American plates, just at the boundary. As a result, there is deformation that is occurring to the island ion the present day due to the interactional stress between these plates. The results of these seismic events include geological hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. Looking into the structure of Puerto Rico, the Jurassic rocks are the oldest rocks (Meyerhoff, 1933). These rocks are mainly found at  Sierra Bermeja  in the southwest part of the island and are about 185 million years old. They are believed to have originated from the Pacific Ocean  realm and constitute the bulk of the oceanic crust. In the Jurassic period, the main body mass (the Pangaea super continent) was split into two. This led to the formation of two land masses. On the North was Laurasia and to the south was Gondwana. As a result, the continental climate was transformed from dry to humid due to the presence of more cost lines. This was the first process of the formation of Puerto Rico. The land masses were pushed from the ocean overlying on top of each other thus forming hilly and mountainous landscape. The

Expanding a Multinational Company Research Paper - 1

Expanding a Multinational Company - Research Paper Example The revenue earned by the company in 2012 is $4.2 billion. After doing a market research on different countries the company decided to extend its operations to Singapore. Environmental Analysis An environmental scanning of the new market chosen for expansion of Network Manufacturing Company is being done using PESTEL analysis. PESTEL analysis helps to analyse the macro economic factors which are used in the environmental scanning (Lorat, 2009). Factors Analysis Political The political structure of Singapore is headed by the President at the top, who is the Head of the State. It is followed by the Prime Minister who is the Head of the Government and then the cabinet which consists of the executives who are also controlled by the President. The political structure of the country allows many foreigners to come and reside in Singapore and carry out their businesses without the fear of any political barrier. Thus the company will not face any threat from the political environment of Singa pore. Economic The Gross Domestic Product of the country in 2012 is $239.7 billion. The Gross National Income per capita is 59380 (in Euros) and the present inflation rate is 5.2 per cent (Singapore Economic Development Board, 2012). It is a well developed country and is highly successful for carrying out businesses. The country has an open business environment and is free from corruption. Therefore, the chosen company does not possess any threat from the economic scenario of the country and can carry out its business in the new market chosen freely and successfully. Social Singapore is a place of various cultures. The country possesses a strong social responsibility and allows different foreigners from all parts of the world with diversified cultures. The country is also known as a nation of many languages as the residents here speak in different languages. Thus the social environment of the country allows many outsiders to reside in the country and continue their business operatio ns. The chosen company is free from the barriers related to the social and cultural dimensions of the country. Technological The country is full of new technologies and allows many foreign investors as well as many foreign companies to continue their operations in the country under the controlled administration of the government. Environmental The environmental factors of the country support foreign investors as well as foreign businesses to start and continue their operations in the country. The country possesses a code of ethics for the businesses running there. It includes transparency; coordination among the managers, the directors and the investors and professionalism in the business. A business following these ethics will have no environmental barrier from this country. Legal The regulatory business of the country helps to encourage the businesses that are operating there. The regulatory framework of the country favours the businesses running there. The investments that are ma de by the foreign investors are supported by the law of Singapore. Entry strategy and Ownership Structure A company expanding into a new market involves a lot of risks. The company may possess several threats from the new market. Thus it is always beneficial for the company if it goes into a joint venture with an existing company in Singapore. It will reduce the

Roles of the Medieval Queen Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Roles of the Medieval Queen - Assignment Example Regent Queens participated in the feudal assemblies of the kings together with some of the vassals (Shahar 146). In addition, they also made judgments in their area of governance and discussed both economic and political issues. Various conditions certified a medieval queen role during the period the fall of the Roman Empire end (476 AD) and approximately (1500 AD). The specific conditions included being a king’s wife, the position of a retired queen and as an heiress with specific birthrights. Additionally, the one would ascend to the position of medieval ruler given the relationship with the king and his advisers. A queen or empress consort was a wife to a reigning emperor or king. A queen consort shared the king’s social status and rank, which allowed her to exercise feminine powers over servants in the palace. She supervised the servants to ensure that they performed their chores (Shahar 151). The consort queen also had a role in a dowry to the king and, acting as his helpmate. A consort queen would also play a part in the church by raising money to build them. A consort queen also motivated church reforms and gave moral support to people in the kingdom. However, the roles of a queen consort in the kingdom were limited because she did not usually share king’s full Regent military and political powers (Lecture notes). A Queen Regent was a monarch who ruled a kingdom in her rights. She was not a wife to the king. The Queen Regent acquired and exercised sovereign powers over the Kingdoms she inherited from the previous king (lecture notes). She ordered the military, got into negot iations and partook agreements with other kingdoms as she deemed fit. The Queen also took charge of the throne through primogeniture. As the firstborn daughter without brothers in the royal family, she had rights to inherit the kingdom from her parents. For instance, Queen Melisende born in 1105 acquired the kingdom of Jerusalem from her father, King Baldwin II, during her early 20s.   The queen died in the year 1161 at the age of sixty years after serving on behalf of her father.

Electrical and Electronic principles Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Electrical and Electronic principles - Lab Report Example When connected to the DC power source, the current flows through the circuit. The potential difference increases while the capacitor is being charged. When the voltage on the terminals is of the capacitors is equal to the power supply voltage, the capacitor is fully charged. When the circuit is disconnected from the power supply, the capacitor is said to be discharging through the resistors. The voltage across the circuits then drops gradually until it is zero. At first, there is very little charge in the circuit. When power is supplied from the DC source, a charge builds up in the both the resistors and the capacitors. It is noted that as the charge increases in the circuit, the current recorded on the circuit gets smaller. From the experiment carried out above, we can learn that the changes in both the voltage and current in a multisim circuit when charging and discharging. The charge Q in a circuit is dependent on the amount of voltage present and in turn this influences the current measured on the circuit. When the amount of charge gets larger, the amount of current measured gets smaller. When discharging, the voltage across the resistors and the capacitors drops gradually until it reduces to zero. The phase angles of both current and the voltage in this circuit have equal but opposite magnitude. The tests carried out in the lab and through simulation of the multisim circuit have been used to demonstrate that these conclusions are true. In conclusion, it has the concept of charging and recharging of multisim circuits has been well understood and all the factors that influence the obtained results have been identified hence the objective has been fully

Political Ideology Essay Example for Free

Political Ideology Essay Abstract: Are these heady days for Nigerian political parties? This is the main question, which this paper addresses with emphasis on political ideology, being the first and most important vehicle of a political party. It is argued that despite all pretences to the contrary through their manifestoes, as much as the superficial classifications as the â€Å"left† and â€Å"right†, â€Å"progressive† and â€Å"conservative†, Nigerian parties seem to be bereft of clear ideological commitments. This conclusion is predicated upon the relegation of politics of issues to the background across the various republics, and in its place the ascendancy of identity and money politics. Other factors include the rising magnitude of political vagrancy on the basis of selfish and parochial interests, the high level of party indiscipline, absence/weakness of party cohesion and internal democracy, and the high mortality and turnover of party leadership. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of this for Nigeria’s democratization and democratic consolidation, before concluding with some recommendations. 1. Introduction. Are these heady days for Nigerian political parties? It does not seem so. Although, the decade of the 1990s witnessed the massive spread of what Huntington (1991) referred to as the â€Å"third wave† of democratization to Africa, including Nigeria, leading to an unprecedented resurgence of multiparty politics, there is no controversy about the fact that the mere adoption of party pluralism will not automatically advance the cause of democracy without the institutionalization of certain institutional parameters to promote and sustain due process in theory and practice (See, Bratton and Van de Walle, 1992; 1997; Sorensen, 612 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria 1993). One of the most complex and critical institutions of democracy is political party. Political parties, as â€Å"makers† of democracy, have been so romanticized that scholars have claimed that neither democracy nor democratic societies are thinkable without them. They not only perform functions that are government related, such as making government accountable and exercising control over government administration; and electorate related functions such as political representation, expression of people’s demand through interest articulation and aggregation as well as structuring of electoral choices; but also linkage related functions, playing an intermediary and mediatory role between the government and the electorate (see, Moore, 2002; Lapalombara and Anderson, 2001; Simon, 1962). Following Omotola (2005a) and Egwu (2005), Saliu and Omotola (2006) have pointed out that political parties can only cope effectively with these responsibilities to the extent of their political institutionalization in terms of structure, internal democracy, cohesion and discipline, as much as their autonomy. The element of party autonomy is very crucial. For, as Alli Mari Tripp has argued, and rightly so, those organizations that have asserted the greatest autonomy have generally been able to â€Å"select their own leaders, push for far-reaching agendas, and involve themselves in politics to a greater extent than organizations that have been tied to the regime/or dominant party, either formally or through informal patronage networks† (Tripp, 2001:101). A note of caution is necessary here to avoid confusion. The relationship between political parties and the state is a complex one. This is because it is the party that forms the government, the latter being the institution of the state. To now talk of a hard-line demarcation between the two may be unrealistic. Yet, the relationship should be well defined such that political parties, especially the one in power, as a critical segment of both the state and society, can enjoy some reasonable degree of â€Å"societal autonomy†, the absence of which poses serious threats to â€Å"political liberalization, democratization and democratic consolidation† (Tripp, 2001:105). In such a situation, multiparty democracy can be adapted for the â€Å"politicization of ethnicity and further 613 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria elite enrichment encouraging a confrontational and divisive system† (cf Dicklitch, 2002:205). The import of the foregoing discussion, to take a cue from Saliu and Omotola (2006:2), is that the level of political institutionalization of political parties and their institutional strengths are directly correlated to their ability to discharge their ascribed responsibilities, and by extension, the strengths of democracy. When well institutionalized, political parties can serve as a set of mediating institutions through which differences in ideas, interests and perception of political problems at a given time can be managed (Olagunju, 2000; Omotola, 2005a). However, when the reverse is the case, the democracy project and the general system stand the risk of perversion and eventual breakdown. Whatever the case, it is important to note that at the very heart of the success or otherwise of political party is the important question of political ideology. The issue of ideology has been so central to the activities of political parties across time and space that Anson D. Morse (1896:76) has argued that ideology, being the durable convictions held in common by party members in respect to the most desirable form, institutions, spirit and course of action of the state, determines the natural attitude of a party towards every public question (cf. Iyare, 2004:81). In an incisive piece on â€Å"political party convention†, Richard Davies and Vincent J. Strickler (1996:1025) similarly argue that â€Å"ideology functions as planks†, that is, single issue statements within the platform, the exact ideological orientation of which is often used as a bargaining chip in seeking party unity. Here, the platform connotes a statement of the official party position on a variety of issues. Okudiba Nnoli (2003:177-82) also concludes that ideology is a very crucial aspect of politics, not only by serving as a cognitive structure for looking at society generally and providing a prescriptive formula, that is, a guide to individual action and judgement, but also as a powerful instrument of conflict management, selfidentification, popular mobilization and legitimization. It may, therefore, be correct to assert that the first and most important vehicle of a political party, under an ideal situation, should be its ideological stance. 614 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria In reality, however, this is seldom the case. Perhaps, due to the shallowness of democratic roots especially in the developing countries, other forces of identity particularly ethnicity and religion would appear to have taken the place of ideology. The rising influence of money politics represents another crucial limiting dimension (see, Nugent, 2001a: 2001b; 2001c; 1999; 1995; Gros, 1998; Omotola, 2004). What is the situation with Nigerian parties? Put differently, do Nigerian parties have ideology? How has its ideological condition shaped and influenced the course of party politics in the country? The main thrust of this chapter is to critically engage these questions with a view to suggesting ways of reviving and raising the consciousness of Nigerian parties with regard to the centrality of ideology to party activities and effectiveness. The paper is organized into a number of sections. Firstly, it will analyze the place of ideology in political theory. The second substantive section situates Nigerian parties in historical perspectives, tracing briefly their origin and growth as a precursor to the analysis of the place of ideology in Nigerian parties across different epochs. The last substantive part of the paper, drawing on its immediate preceding section, engages the central question of whether Nigerian parties have ideology or not. It is argued that despite all pretences to the contrary through their manifestoes, as much as the superficial classifications as the â€Å"left† and â€Å"right†, â€Å"progressive† and â€Å"conservative† parties, Nigerian parties seem to be bereft of clear ideological commitments. This conclusion is predicated upon the relegation of politics of issues to the background across the various republics, and in its place the ascendancy of identity and money politics. Other factors include the rising magnitude of political vagrancy on the basis of selfish and parochial interests, the high level of party indiscipline, absence/weakness of party cohesion and internal democracy, and the high mortality and turnover of party leadership. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of this for Nigeria’s democratization and democratic consolidation, before concluding. 615 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria 2. Ideology and Political Theory. Ideology represents a typically crucial element of political parties and their activities. It is a set of ideas about politics, all of which are related to one another and that modify and support each other. Though relatively enduring, it is yet a dynamic phenomenon, capable of being modified by new issues. It was in this light that Philips W. Shively (1997) defines an ideology as â€Å"a continually developing, organized set of ideas about politics that helps us to make sense of the myriad of political questions that face use†. For Okudiba Nnoli, ideology typifies â€Å"a systematized and interconnected set of ideas about the socio-economic and political organization of society as a whole† (Nnoli, 2003: 178). The concept of ideology, is, historically, deeply rooted in political theory. As a concept, it was coined by the late eighteenth century French philosopher, Destutt de Tracy (1754 – 1836). According to Nnoli (2003:177), Destutt de Tracy used it to describe a new scientific discipline that systematically studies ideas, emotions and sensations – the science of ideas. This conception has since changed and ideology has come to embody the ideas themselves. As a result of the changes, ideology has come to be presented as a subject representing two contradictory realities – the good and the bad, the former depicting ideology as â€Å"a system of thought that animates social or political action†, and the latter as a â€Å"misleading, illusory or one-sided criticism or condemnation† (cf Nnoli, 2003:178-79). This was the kind of debate that dominated political discourse in the midnineteenth century. For instance, in their: The German Ideology, Marx and Engels (1960) took a swipe at Hegel and his-co-travelers, describing them as ideologists of the bourgeois system, not articulate about the material conditions of social and political life. Yet, they went ahead to articulate another conception of ideology based on class analysis as a device for articulating the conflicting interests of different social classes (Nnoli, 2003:178). 616 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria. From whatever perspective one looks as it, the reality of political life across political systems, developed or developing, is the fact of multiple political options from which inevitably, choice(s) must be made. At such critical crossroads, ideology provides a ready guide for appropriate action. Philips W. Shively posits that ideology is useful to people, both for their own personal ease and satisfaction and for their public political activities. At the individual level, ideology helps to make sense reasonably easily and quickly of the varied political questions that come to one’s attention. In terms of its public utilities, it helps people to make persuasive arguments convincingly to enlist popular support for a given public policy (Shively, 1997:46 – 47). On the whole, therefore, ideology is an indispensable element of politics. It does not only serve as a major instrument of state power, playing major role in the acquisition, use and consolidation of power, but also functions as political lifeline for the animation of politics, forcing individuals and groups alike to make political judgment, especially in the face of competing and conflicting divides, as between capitalism and socialism, during the Cold War. On these notes, Nnoli (2003:181-83) summarizes the functions of ideology as that of providing: A cognitive structure for looking at society generally, be serving as an explanatory and justificatory category for societal realities; A prescriptive formula – a guide to individual action and judgment as a basis for the legitimization of public polities when in conformity with popular belief; An instrument of conflict management and the integration of society by limiting the basic values and issues over which societal members and disagree; A means of self-identification for the satisfaction of specific personality needs, a means of self-evaluation and social solidarity; A dynamic force in both individual and collective commitment action for or against the ruling class or decision. That is, it provides a powerful basis for mobilization; 617 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria Enhancement of the political appeals of a political party, by differentiating one party from another; and Negatively, may serve not only as a serious impediment to national integration and suppress the underprivileged, but also to disguise authoritarian rule. This is because, it tends to provide individuals with â€Å"imaginary avenues of escape from the harsh realities of social life† (Nnoli, 2003:183). It is important to note that ideologies do have certain defining attributes. Most notable among these include the fact that they are not simply the creation of those who hold them. Rather, they tend to take on a life of their own and guide the political views of their holders in unanticipated ways (see, Price and Sullivan, 1980; Freeden, 1996). In most cases, ideologies originate from seemingly irreconcilable antagonistic settings, tend to be exclusive, absolute and universal in character; and can be personalized and turned into a sacred belief similar to religious beliefs. While it is not entirely permanent, it is, however, resistant to fundamental changes (see, Sibley, 1970; Nnoli, 2003; Enemuo, 1999). Some illustrations suffice. Across time and space, various forms of ideologies have emerged at different times, Marxism and not in the least, African socialism. For space constraints, we can not examine each of these here. It is however important to note that most of these ideologies do fit correctly to the aforementioned attributes. For instance, almost all such ideologies such as conservatism and socialism emerged in situation of acute social strain, in response to liberalism and capitalism respectively. While liberalism emphasizes individualism (freedom, liberty), conservatism harps on collectivism characteristic of welfarist states. Despite their long history, attacks and counterattacks against each other, both liberalism and conservation still remain prominent ideologies in western democracies particularly the United States of American and Great Britain (see, Rudolph, Jr. , 1996; Kay, 1976). Today, the emphasis in political theory is predominantly on democratic ideology. David Howarth 618 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria defines a democratic ideology as one involving the classification and analysis of different types of democratic ideologies, as they are articulated and function in concrete societies. It includes various democratic forms and institutions as capitalist/liberal democracy and radical democracy. It also reflects on the differences within a given type such as direct and indirect variants of liberal democracy (Howarth, 2001: 191-94). Essentially, democratic ideology centers on the way in which the language and rhetoric of democracy function as a tool of ideological justification and legitimization by political elites and ruling classes. It also focuses on cultural and ethnical conditions for the proper functioning of liberal democratic states and societies, requiring in the least, a belief in or at least an acceptance of democracy (see, Putnam, 1993; 1995; 1996). Above all, democratic ideology typifies the use of democracy by social groups and political forces to constitute their identities and advance their interests. Here, according to Howarth (2001:193), â€Å"democracy is itself a key ideological element in political mobilization and struggle, and is used to create political frontiers between differently located social groups and agencies. Democratic ideology therefore captures the whole essence of our theoretical postulations on the centrality of ideology to the exploits of political parties. What needs to be added is that an umbrella party (Catch-All Party) that seeks to appeal to diverse interests, usually by adopting a general or vague platform, may not necessarily stick to only one ideology and vice versa. This is the case in the United States where in the two dominant parties – Democrats and Republican – there are Liberals, Moderates and Conservatives. The reverse is the case in Great Britain where the Labour and Conservative parties are each highly centralized and less catch-all in nature than American parties (see, Rudolph, Jr. , 1996: 1021). Yet, in either case, the parties are known for their well-defined and distinct ideologies. 619 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria 3. Origin and Growth of Nigerian Parties Philips, W. Shively (1997:200) observed that although political party had turned to be useful for a variety of tasks that require control or communication, it was first invented for more limited and self serving purposes. This observation aptly captures the Nigerian reality. At its inception in 1923, precisely 24 June, 1923, following the introduction of the elective principle by the Clifford constitution, Nigerian parties had very limited and self-serving objectives. The main objective was perhaps, that of buying legitimacy for the colonial government through very limited franchise restricted to Lagos and Calabar. Richard Sklar, in his seminal work – Nigerian Political Parties – demonstrates articulately how the emergence of political associations such as the People’s Union, was only in response to the prevailing realities of colonial administration (Sklar, 1963; Coleman, 1958). Little wonder, when the first political party in Nigeria, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) emerged in 1923, under the leadership of Herbert Macaulay, its activities were restricted to contesting elections into the Lagos city council. For years, the UNDP was hegemonic in its dominance in electoral politics in the country. This was to be challenged by the Lagos Youth Movement latter Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM)- formed in 1934 and defeated the NNDP for the three seats allocated to Lagos that year. By 1944, the increasing tempo of nationalist agitation had resulted in the formation of another political party – the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (CNCN), under the leadership of Herbert Macaulay and later Nnamdi Azikwe (see, Sklar, 1968: 46-50). This was followed, in quick succession, by the transformation of the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, a Yoruba sociocultural organization, into a political party, the Action Group (AG) in 1950 under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Northern People Congress (NPC) in 1959 with dominance in the northern region. By 1951, a breakaway faction of the NPC consisting mainly of radical youths based in Kano formed the Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU). These parties dominated the political landscape of the country particularly in their respective regions in the 620 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria march towards independence and in the First Republic (see, Dudley, 1973; Sklar, 1963). Although the Second Republic (1979 – 1983) witnessed the emergence of more political parties, there was no much difference with what obtained under the First Republic. Rather, what happened was the reincarnation of parties of the First Republic under different nomenclatures with some additional parties. The parties included the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) replacing the NPC, AG and NCNC, respectively. Others were the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Great Nigerian Peoples Party (GNPP), and later Nigerian Advance Party (NAP), which was registered in 1982, after failing the first round in 1978 (Osaghae, 1998). These parties constituted major actors in the Second Republic. Under the aborted Third Republic, there was a fundamental change in the mode of party formation in Nigeria. This pertains to the official formation of parties by the state after a series of experiments with different political associations (see, Oyediran and Agbaje, 1991). The parties were the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC), the former being a little to the left and the latter a little to the right (see, Olagunju, et al, 1993:216; Omoruyi, 2002). This development, executed after the dissolution of the thirteen associations that applied for registration has been as part of the grand design to execute a â€Å"hidden agenda† to perpetuate the military regime in power (Osaghae, 1998:220). The eventual annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election by the military regime of general Babangida lends some credence to this claim. The country once again returned to multi-party democracy in 1999 following the transition inaugurated and successfully completed by General Abdulsalm Abubakar. Initially, three political parties – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Peoples Party (APP), later All Nigerian People Party (ANPP), and the Alliance for Democracy (AD) were registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). By December 2002, the number of registered parties rose to thirty (30), while additional three 621 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria political parties were registered in January/February 2006 (see, Simbine, 2005; Onu and Momoh, 2005). This presupposes the opening up of the political space for democratic opportunities and development. But in reality, the opportunities associated with such openings are yet to be positively exploited for the political development of the country. This may not be unconnected with the poverty of ideology that characterizes Nigerian parties, as will be demonstrated in the next section. 4. Nigerian Parties and Ideological Dispositions Let us begin with parties of the First Republic, that is, the NPC, NCNC and AG. Ideologically, the NPC was an essentially conservative and elitist party, while the AG and NCNC appeared to be progressive and welfarist, predicated upon socialist ideology. Even at that, it may be difficult to delineate the very ideological orientation of these parties. They, however, share a common feature of ethno-regional ideology, seeking to capture and consolidate power in their respective spheres of influence/region. They were also driven by a commitment to the nationalist struggle, though in varying degrees, against colonialism. The ambiguity as regards their ideological disposition can further be gleaned from the pattern of alignment between/among the parties. For example, the resolve of the NPC and NCNC, two ideologically incompatible parties, the former to the right and the latter to the left, to enter into the alliance that formed the government during the First republic attests to this. Scholars have pointed out that the alliance was a â€Å"marriage of inconvenience†, and would have been better between the AG and NCNC. Because the alliance was not informed by a commitment to a belief system and principles espoused by party ideology, it crumbled, sooner than expected, like a park of cards (see, Dudley, 1993; Post and Vickers, 1973; Olaniyi, 1997:87). In terms of ideological orientations, parties of the Second Republic would appear, safe for the GNPP, to be the reincarnations of the parties of the moribund First Republic. 622 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria For this and related reasons, there were no fundamental differences in party politics and activities, as the country was â€Å"once again mired in a vituperative and vicious politics† (Yaqub, 2002; 125). This was graphically captured by the unprecedented pace of intra and inter-party factionalization and conflicts. Political vagrancy permeates the political landscape, leaving in its wake major realignments and coalitions among the parties (see, Osaghae, 1998:139 – 44). Notably, the formation of the so-called forum of the â€Å"progressive† governors consisting of PRP, GNPP, NPP and UPN was unable to survive long, as the ruling NPN used its federal might and patronage to attract decampees from other parties. Eventually, it succeeded in wooing the NPP of the East, in a manner reminiscent of the First Republic into an alliance, which like the earlier one, collapsed sooner than expected. The eventual breakdown of the alliance marked the beginning of internal crisis for the NPP, following the refusal of some of its top leaders particularly Mathew Mbu and Professor Ishaya Audu to resign their appointments in government (Osaghae, 1998:140). Logically, it may be argued that if the parties had been guided by a clear commitment to a particular belief system and principles, much of the crisis and contradictions that characterized party politics under the Second Republic could have been averted. But, since the parties were motivated largely by ethnic competition for power through their respective ethnic champions, nothing more could have been expected. As Osaghae has argued, while the instrumentalist†, to the attainment of this feat (1998:144). The degeneration of party politics through political vagrancy, elite factionalization and weak institutionalization led to the military coup of December 31, 1983 that brought the Second Republic into an abrupt end. Yet, the NPP and GNPP appeared to be liberal in ideology with a strong belief in mixed economy; the NPN conservative with emphasis on free market system and respect for traditional institutions. The PRP, a leftist and most radical party had a populist, antineocolonial agenda and advocates social revolution and income redistribution; and the UPN; the most disciplined, socialist/welfarist in orientation was based on the 623 J Shola Omotola, MS., Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria philosophy of free education and heath care delivery (see, Ujo, 2000:91-102; Osaghae, 1998:118-122). The aborted Third Republic witnessed a new experiment in party formation, when for the first time in the history of party politics in Nigeria; the government created and imposed two political parties on the system. Ordinarily, the existence of two political parties should represent two different ideological camps, as has been the case between the Labour and Conservative parties in Britain and Democrats and Republican parties in the USA. This was not the case with respect to the SDP and NRC in Nigeria. Although, while one was a little to the left and other a little to the right, nothing much differentiates the parties, at least not in ideological dispositions (see, Jinadu, 1995; Lewis, 1994; Oyediran and Agbaje, 1991; Adejumobi, 1997). Yaqub (2002:128) had written about party politics under the Third Republic that: The way incompatibility had been manifested in the two parties †¦ was not fundamentally due to serious ideological divisions (in any case, the manifestoes of the parties, despite phrase – mongering of â€Å"a little to the left†, and â€Å"a little to the right†, did not articulate much programme differences), but to assert, that even if we are to borrow Babangida’s words, the â€Å"old lines of cleavages and primordial loyalties† once again simply asserted themselves. If parties of previous republics were found wanting on ideological stance and commitment, those of the Fourth Republic are obviously worse. Omoruyi (2002:8) has noted that the manner of origin of the parties does not fit into what we know from literature, their composition fluid and unstable, and can be viewed as mere instruments of transition from military to civil rule. And for the future and with the prospect for more parties, â€Å"they raise more questions than answers to the lingering political problems for Nigeria†. According to him, the PDP, for example, draws its founders from â€Å"all and sundry political persuasions: conservatives, radicals and progressives† (Ghali – Na’bba, 624 J Shola Omotola, MS., Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria 2001: cf Omoruyi, 2002:8), most of whom supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and flirted with the military during the annulment and in the post-annulment period; including some serving as ministers or members of the ING or as member of the Abacha undemocratic constitutional conference or as leaders of some of the five political parties set up and managed by General Abacha’s aides that finally endorsed him as the sole presidential candidate in April 1998 (Omoruyi, 2002:8-9). The APP did not differ in any respect as its founders also served as ministers or as aides in different parts of the country under Abacha. The AD that looks different was, however, affected by its inability to meet the federal character clause in the constitution and up till today remains essentially a Yoruba party. It was perhaps the foregoing faulty origin and precarious foundations of these parties that have been largely responsible for their seeming ideological barrenness. Although, the PDP and APP (ANPP) were status quo parties, given their capitalist and conservative dispositions; and the AD progressive and radical in appearance, none of them seems to have clear policy positions as a basis of popular mobilization and legitimacy of their actions. Judging by their activities, it has been observed that â€Å"there’s almost nothing to chose, between PDP and other parties in terms of ideological learning† (Iyare, 2004:92). Simbine (2002:2005:23) has also observed that the manifestoes of the first three political parties were â€Å"essentially the same in content†, as they were not crafted differently, and the strategies for achieving objectives did not differentiate parties from each other. In a seeming self-indictment passage, Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Information and PDP stalwart observes: In terms of cohesion and firm ideological learning, there is a problem but PDP will be transformed, PDP will be strong, PDP will be strengthened ideological, PDP will be more organized, PDP will be in power for 30 years (quoted in Iyare, 2004:94). 625 J Shola Omotola, MS. , Redeemer’s University, Move, Ogun State, Nigeria Given the obvious poverty of ideology that characterizes the first three political parties of the Fourth Republic, PDP, APP and AD, it should not be surprising that almost all the other parties that sprang up or broke away from them did no do so because of ideological disagreements. Neither was it that they have articulated alternative views of governance for sustainable democracy and development as a viable basis of popular mobilization to wrestle power from the incumbent party. Rather, they were products of adversarial elite behaviour taken to the points of irreconcilability. Little wonder, these parties also have no ideological stance on major national questions other than the transformation and manipulation of forces of identity particularly ethnicity and religion (see, Simbine, 2005). The implication is that the â€Å"so-called political parties are not in competition with one another. They are in factions; these factions are more in competition within themselves than with another party† (Omoruyi, 2002:17). An informed observer and consistent scholar of Nigerian politics captures the scenario thus: Unfortunately, the succeeding generations of party leaders, despite having their forbearers’ legacies to draw from and better educational background into the bargain, have not demonstrated this perspicacity.

The Essential Characteristics of Effective Teaching Essay Example for Free

The Essential Characteristics of Effective Teaching Essay Essential Characteristics of teaching include having the skills and ability to plan a lesson, to manage a classroom, to give the children the time to learn collaboratively and for the teacher to have knowledge of the topic and be able to provide the knowledge in a way the children will learn and gain the desired knowledge. In the video of ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008), Karen Whitehouse, the teacher, shows all these characteristics of teaching in her classroom for pre-primary children in planning, class management, collaborative learning and knowledge through Mini-Beasts, which is a lesson plan. The Mini-Beasts lesson from â€Å"Knowledge and Understanding of the World† (Davies and Gooding, 2008) provides the idea of the ‘lesson plan’ (Appendix A). It focuses on the children learning about â€Å"Ants† and includes a science experiment of ‘How ants get food, water and shelter’, and also ‘How an ant would get these essentials to live’. These essential characteristics of teaching show that you need to be organised and ready for the lesson for it to work and achieve the desired results. This can be seen in the video. Davies and Gooding, 2008). â€Å"Karen†, the teacher in â€Å"the video† and the implementer of the ‘lesson plan’ (Appendix A) about â€Å"ants† shows these characteristics. To be an effective teaching one must apply these characteristics of collaborative learning, knowledge of the Australian curriculum, an organised lesson plan and class management. For teachers, a lesson plan is the planning and preparation for a lesson and they display the teacher’s knowledge and understanding of the curriculum in all subjects. (Whitton et al. , 2010, p 144). In the video (Davies and Gooding, 2008) Karen had a clear class plan for the students to learn about the mini-beasts ie. Insects. In using the interactive whiteboard she was able to engage the students to learn and use their prior knowledge to answer questions from the teacher i. e. ‘What does a butterfly do, does it fly, crawl or is it a slug’? This allows the children to use prior knowledge of what a butterfly is and also getting the children ready for the main activity of the â€Å"Mini-beast† and utilising their new knowledge. For example, when the teacher (Karen) places the children in small groups and has organised different activities for all the different mini-beasts, which the children can learn on the blue mat. One activity was ‘What is the lifecycle of a butterfly? ’ This is featured in â€Å"the video† (Davies and Gooding, 2008), â€Å"Whitehouse†, which has a clear class plan of what was expected of the children to achieve from the lesson. In â€Å"the video† (Davies and Gooding, 2008), â€Å"Whitehouse† had work sample portfolio mini-beasts called ladybeetle, found in the Australian curriculum. This lesson plan enabled the children to learn and be able to describe objects and events that they encounter in their everyday lives. Students will also be able to make predictions and investigate everyday phenomena. (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Report Authority, 2010) The ‘lesson plan’ (Appendix A) ant science; experiment of food, water and shelter allowed the children to predict ‘what the ant would eat’. The children after fifthteen minutes-in relation to ‘ant ‘colony’- saw if they were able to correctly predict the right food, which the ‘ant’ would eat. This demonstrates that the children were taught the knowledge of the two characteristics i. e. Investigate and predict, as recommended in the Australian curriculum portfolio (ACARA, 2010) Planning a lesson is a guide to follow but needs to have a purpose of knowledge and understanding, which complies with the Australian curriculum. To be successful in teaching, a teacher needs sound and in depth knowledge of the Australian curriculum’s areas of teaching (Whitton et al, 2010, p144). In the Australian curriculum teachers need to focus on children’s needs, and the knowledge they require? They will need knowledge of the local world and be taught the aspects of science in everyday life. They can achieve these requirements through the lesson plan Mini-beasts (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Report Authority, 2010). In â€Å"The video’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008), â€Å"Whitehouse†, it has a clear idea of testing the children’s prior knowledge though the Australian curriculum by asking them to answer multiple questions. For example, asking questions similar to what the lifecycle of a caterpillar is, or what is the scientific language of a caterpillar’s body. This is displayed â€Å"in the video† (Davies and Gooding, 2008), when the teacher, Whitehouse, when the children are asked questions from their prior knowledge (previous lessons) on the blue mat at the start of the lesson. ‘Whitehouse’ is asking them to think harder, to previous lessons and allowing the children time to gather the information and review their own knowledge. This encouraged each individual student to achieve to his or her best ability I have gathered this information from â€Å"the video†, (Davies and Gooding, 2008) where the lesson plan is also evident. Appendix A) by also getting the children to think from previous lesson on the prior knowledge they have learnt, i. e. the ‘lesson plan’ (Appendix A) Another effective aspect of the ‘lesson plan’, (Appendix A) is clear when the children are ask to talk among themselves in small groups and discuss ‘What an ant does’. Placing children into small groups al so provides the children time to learn off each other and understand the other children’s perspective (Briggs et al. 1999). Having the knowledge in teaching means having sound knowledge and being able to show your knowledge of the topic as a teacher. This will help and benefit the children’s learning experience and help them to learn and developing cooperation with each other in a collaborative learning environment. Collaborative learning is a tool for students to study together as a group. In â€Å"the video† (Davies and Gooding, 2008) this method of learning is displayed multiple times, showing students who were allowed the time to work together to discuss the topic or question. This creates a comfortable and fun learning environment. While the children are working together ‘Whitehouse’ is seen â€Å"the video† (Davies and Gooding, 2008) walking around to each group to see if they are understanding the question and what they have come up with together while discussing the question’s topic. This gives the teacher the opportunity to offer any suggestions and steer the student’s in the correct direction. As stated by Briggs, ‘placing two heads together is better than one’. This is an effective method of learning, as it allows the children to learn from one another. By talking to each other in a group, the children learn and develop leadership skills and group/social skills and have a better understanding of each other’s opinion. This promotes a friendly environment and to ability of the children to converse with one another, allowing them to agree or disagree with one another. Similarly encouraging children to discuss and collaborate together gives the children time to work, develop skills and let everybody take a turn to voice their opinion in regards with a question or experiment. Bennett et al, 1991). The ‘lesson plan’ (Appendix A) shows collaborative learning in placing the children in groups of 4 and predicting and discussing ‘What the ‘ant’ would eat in either the form of a cake, honey, ham, cheese or bread’. The children were able to talk through the method of the experiment and were encouraged all to have a say to see what their opinion was on the food the ant would eat. They were also allow ed to explain to the class why they believed the ant would eat that particular food. This gives the children the time to learn more and encourage each other to be comfortable and speak in the group and in front of class. They were also in safe environment where they would and could not potentially be judged by anyone in the class. Seen in ‘the video’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008), ‘Whitehouse’ offers all the children a chance to talk and answer a question or ask a question without being ignored. Collaborative learning is a tool for students to learn and have an understanding of. By understanding what they are learning, the teacher is allowed time to discuss with each group, while managing the class effectively. Class management is the second learning area for teachers in getting children to focus. (Whitton et al. 2010, p144) The teacher’s role is not only to plan the lesson but also to have quality organisational skills and management of the class. In ‘the video’, (Davies and Gooding, 2008) â€Å"Whitehouse† manages the class in multiply ways. Counting to five is one example, and it attains the children’s attention. This gives Whitehouse the ability to quieten the class, gain control, the knowledge the children are listening and most importantly allows the teacher the full attention of the student’s to begin teaching. In knowing the children are ready to learn, ‘Whitehouse† does not have to raise her voice, or call out names to be quietened. ‘Whitehouse’ also signal to be quite by placing her index finger to her mouth, which displays to the children that you have to be quite before moving on and learning further. This displays to me that ‘Whitehouse’ has the control of the class and patience By displaying patience, its clear Whitehouse prefers not to discipline any children is a negative way. This provides a secure, happy environment, where good manners are praised. The ‘lesson plan’ (Appendix A) I have developed, utilises and incorporates the techniques displayed by Whitehouse’ in ‘the video’. I have included the use to control and management the class technique by including the counting to five exercises. This can be used in a large or small learning environment to achieve a collaborative learning environment. I also used techniques from ‘the video’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008) in which ‘Whitehouse’ worked around the children so everyone was permitted the opportunity to talk in front of the class and give an answer. This allowed all children the chance to show what they had learnt from the ‘ant experiment’. In the video, class management is exhibited (Davies and Gooding, 2008) as not being primarily all about getting the children to concentrate but about sharing caring for the children. Making sure all understand the experiment and the activities required of them. Class management is about the children, focussing on them and providing a comfortable learning environment, where they can learn from another, while providing support and care to all the children in the class. Planning, knowledge, collaborative learning and class management are all essential characteristics of a effective teaching. Planning shows that ‘Whitehouse’ had a clear organised class plan and stayed with the class plan throughout the lesson. Whitehouse also showed that using resources got the children more involved in the lesson. Knowledge is shown in ‘the video’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008) as the children where able to follow instructions of the mini-beasts exercise, understanding the topic of ‘ants’ and using their prior knowledge learn more about the topic. (Appendix A). Collaborative learning is displayed in ‘the video’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008) when ‘Whitehouse’ made sure that every group was open in learning as a group. This provides the children the ability to work in small groups and develop their skills of learning off each other in a social situation. Class management from ‘the video’ (Davies and Gooding, 2008) demonstrates that ‘Whitehouse’ has clear ways of managing her class in a graceful manner, while still being interesting to the children, in using the interactive whiteboard and the activities. Theses characteristics of Whitehouse show me an organised teacher who gives one hundred per cent of her time to the children through planning. Giving the children the time to co-operate with each other and the teacher allows them to learn and succeed in a comfortable, happy, fun, learning environment.

The Effects Of Abortion Philosophy Essay

The Effects Of Abortion Philosophy Essay Unwanted pregnancy represents a major cost of sexual activity. It is predicted that abortion legalization generated incentives leading to an increase in sexual activity, accompanied by an increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using Centers for Disease Control data on the incidence of gonorrhea and syphilis by state, we test the hypothesis that abortion legalization led to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. We found that gonorrhea and syphilis incidences are signi ¬Ã‚ cantly and positively correlated with abortion legalization. In fact, the  stress experienced by women who get abortions may stem not from the procedure itself but from the simple fact that the  pregnancy  is unwanted. In addition, the researchers found that womens  religious  affiliation had no effect on whether they had abortions; devout Catholics were just as likely to abort as women belonging to religions more tolerant of the procedure. Nor did religion affect womens long-term well-being after abortion, once education  level, income, and initial self-esteem were taken into account. Effect of religion in abortion, By  Lisa Tolin, published on July 01, 1997 last reviewed on June 14, 2012 A significant number of patients suffer psychological complications as a consequence of abortion, and 10-20% experience severe depression. The risk factors for such psychological complications originate with abortions performed under pressure, eugenic abortions, or late abortions, and with cultural or religious hostility against abortion. The response to abortion consists of four phases: phase 1 is short and comprises the immediate reaction and alleviation that the pregnancy is over; phase 2 can last for several weeks or months, with anxiety and even guilt being experienced by 20% of women 2 years after the abortion; phase 3 corresponds to a pathological phase, that is, when anxiety is transformed into disease in 10-20% of women (symptoms of this depressive disease include insomnia, crying, inability to concentrate, anxiety, and panic attacks); phase 4 consists of reactivated mourning. Treatment depends on the phase: for anxiety, counseling is indicated; for depression, anti-depressi on drugs; however, these are contraindicated in the first trimester if the patient becomes pregnant. For breast-feeding mothers, tricyclic antidepressants are indicated and during such treatment counseling should be suspended. Although the effects of such treatment methods have not been adequately assessed, it could be concluded that they do not cause any harm. The efficacy of treatment choices needs to be studied. The effects of  abortion  could be either physical or emotional and they will range with each woman who experienced this procedure. It may be difficult to tell beforehand who is at greater or lesser risk for such effects, and the fact that  abortion  is legal in most places certainly reduces risk of physical complication. That being said, there can be complications to this procedure of a physical and emotional nature, and it is wise to understand any possible risk factors. EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF ABORTION Right after an  abortion, women may feel some soreness and cramping. This, and possibly bleeding from the procedure, which is generally no heavier than menstrual bleeding, may last for several weeks. Some women also experience stomach upset that can take the form of vomiting or simply nausea. These tend to be normal after effects of  abortion, but if women feel concerned they should contact their doctor or the clinic where the procedure was performed. Sometimes complications do arise after an  abortion, though risk of this is low. Women should watch in the first few weeks for signs or very heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain in the pelvis or severe stomach pain. These signs might suggest dangerous infection or hemorrhage and need immediate medical care. In extremely rare instances, death does occur during or after an abortion, but risk of this is about on par with risk of death during childbirth. There are also emotional effects of  abortion, which do exist and need to be noted and looked for. Of these, the most significant is the development of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a risk any time a pregnancy ends, at any stage and no matter how. The body can respond by becoming deeply depressed as pregnancy hormones rapidly fall. What this would suggest for most women seeking an  abortion  is that they have a strong support system; this could be the help of friends, group support, work with a counselor, or a supportive family. Isolation after an  abortion  tends to increase risk for serious depression, and the circumstances under which a woman gets an  abortion  may also make depression more or less likely. Those who feel conflicted about the decision or must keep it secretive may suffer more. Other emotional effects of  abortion  exist. Some people feel guilt, while others feel relief. Without full-blown post-partum depression, some women may still feel tearful, moody, or simply endure a difficult emotional ride during the first few weeks to several months after abortion. Again, not all women have this experience, but some do. Understanding the effects of  abortion  allows women to make informed choices. There are strong arguments for and against this procedure, and people on both sides of this issue may frequently hold up one or two of the effects as a reason for or against having an  abortion. What is most important is that effects be neither aggrandized nor minimized. It is important for anyone who faces this decision to understand effects clear of taint of a political position. PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF ABORTION When an abortion is performed on a woman, she becomes subject to many physical complications. Blood loss during the procedure causes diversion of blood flow to various organs and can result in shock. When the canal of the cervix is dilated, the insides of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the abdominal cavity are exposed to invasion by bacteria. Abdominal infection can cause peritonitis and abscess formation. Severe hemorrhage often follows an abortion. Instruments can perforate the uterus causing injury, infection, and bleeding to internal organs. Deaths from abortions, although rare, are usually from heavy bleeding from complications with anesthesia. Women who have abortions increase their risk of breast cancer by fifty percent, according to a new study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Abortion of a first pregnancy interrupts the natural growth process of the breast, leaving millions of cells at a high risk. It has been found that future pregnancy failure is increased by forty-five percent with just one previous abortion. Other complications are a greater risk of premature births, tubal pregnancy, sterility, and damage to the cervix. As a result of abortion, women suffer many physical injuries. Not only do these women bear physical side effects, but they also suffer many emotional side effects. Among these are depression, long-term grief reactions, anger, sexual dysfunction, guilt, flashbacks, memory repression, suicidal ideas, and difficulty keeping close relationships. In a new study by post-abortion researcher David Reardon, who operates the Elliot Institute for Social Sciences Research in Springfield, Illinois, it was found that twenty-eight percent of women who had abortions later attempted suicide, and over half of these women did so more than once. Drug and alcohol abuse increased four times among women who aborted compared to those who carried to term. Ninety-eight percent of women regretted having had an abortion. Seventy-two percent of women said their abortion did not improve their life. Twenty percent of post-abortive women reported a nervous breakdown, and ten percent were hospitalized for psychiatric care. Of the two hundred and sixty women surveyed, over sixty percent said their abortion made their life worse. Written By:  Tricia Ellis-Christensen Edited By:  O. Wallace Last Modified Date:  31 October 2012 Copyright Protected:  2003-2012  Conjecture Corporation SPIRITUALL EFFECTS OF ABORTION In addition, abortion hurts women spiritually because it is not simply a process of evacuating the contents of a uterus, but the ending of a human life. God states in the sixth commandment, Thou shall not murder. Each baby is created by God and is part of His plan as stated in Psalms 139:13-14, You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mothers womb you saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe Human life does not begin when the baby breathes, or when its heart begins to beat, buts its life is continuous and inherited. Life is passed from family to family and recorded in the Bible back to the first human beings created by God, Adam and Eve. Professor Garret Hardin, Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, stated Life ends often, but it never begins. It is just passed from one cell to another. All biologistsare in agreement with that When a women interrupts Gods plan of life through abortion, she may suffer spiritual void and separation from God. Not only do abortions end the life of a baby, but they also have harmful physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of the women involved. We need to protect and value all human life from the moment of conception to natural death. The future of America and our world rest on that. When people think about the role of men in abortion, it seems that they usually think about the stereotype of the man who forces the abortion or the male who abandons. However, there are many roles the man may have played in the experience. One man may have been involved in several abortions, each with a different scenario. The impact on fathers is mitigated by the role they play in the abortion. They fall into separate categories. National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2006 Feb 24]. Abortion; [updated 2006 Feb 21; reviewed 2006 Feb 21; cited 2006 Feb 24]. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/abortion.html EFFECT OF ABORTION ON MEN A man can come to recognize that an abortion experience touched him in many different ways. Each man has his own unique story but there seem to be some common elements. For men who opposed the abortion, the significance is immediate and impactful. He may think, contemplate or obsess about what happened. The experience is never far from his consciousness. The man who seems to agree, is neutral, supports the abortion or just abandons the partner may not have an active awareness of the significance of the experience until years later. Some trigger events for these men may be the birth of another child, seeing an ultrasound during a pregnancy, or a conversion experience of some kind that may bring it to the fore. It may be seeing an ad, reading an article or being aware of the Roe vs. Wade anniversary and the marchers around the country. It may be hearing someone elses abortion experience or suddenly being aware that the partner they had the abortion with is not doing well, if she is sti ll in his life. It may be that in seeking counseling for marriage problems, drug or alcohol abuse or sexual addiction, an astute counselor or pastor asks about past pregnancies and abortions. Something has opened the door to awareness that allows the man to begin considering the impact of an abortion experience in his life.   National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing  1-800-5WE-CARE   P.O. Box 070477, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0477 copyright 2007 NOPARH Conclusion Abortion is not the appropriate way to deal with any pregnancy, whether it is being intentional or non-intentional. This procedure should not be legal in any country. Children should be given the opportunity to live their lives. In my personal opinion, the procedure of partial birth abortion should be banned. This form of pregnancy abortion should be viewed by the pregnant women before they go through the procedure so that they can understand what they are about to do. I think all women contemplating an abortion should actually view an abortion procedure as well as understand what the negative psychological and physical effects they can have post abortion. I feel that women should be counseled before the procedure and have at least three days to consider the abortion facts, and health effects of abortion, as well as the implications of the procedure. The Lord said thou shall not kill, and having an abortion is like a legal life taking process.

Wedding Speech by the Bride :: Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Wedding Speech by the Bride It is not traditional for the bride to speak but I thought it only right that I start married life by having the last word and I would like to take this opportunity to thank several people. Firstly, thank you for biting the bullet, proposing, and turning up today, on time and appropriately dressed. You are the love of my life, my best friend, and now my husband. I don't think anybody could be happier than I am today, and I can't wait for us to share the rest of our lives together. It means a lot to be your wife, after five years of being your girlfriend, and I’m sure he's happy now that he can start to let himself go. To my in-laws, thank you for making me feel so welcome in your family. Thank you for raising him so well, although I understand that the warranty is out of date now and the refund deadline has long since passed. I might keep him for a while though as he has so many qualities: charm, brains, and beauty are sadly the only ones missing. To dad and mom, thank you for your love, support and care over the last twenty-eight years and also for the generous financial contribution toward this wedding that helped us push the boat out a little further. I feel privileged to be sharing our day with most of the friends and family who have been so important to us. Many of you have traveled from afar: Australia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Singapore, Germany, the UK, and some of you have had to take time off work to be here. Thanks to all of you for the efforts and sacrifices you have made to be with us today.

Romantic Contradiction in the Poetry of John Donne Essay -- Poetry Poe

Romantic Contradiction in the Poetry of John Donne John Donne's poem "Elegy 19: To His Mistress Going to Bed" is closely related to "The Sun Rising" in its treatment of love, lust, and togetherness. Both discuss and argue different stances on the same topics, but are united by their language and development. The structure of "Elegy 19" and use of poetic techniques relate it directly and indirectly to "The Sun Rising". In "Elegy 19", there are forty-eight lines of adoration of the mistress of the title; this poem is full of reverence, veneration, and respect for the female form. In passages such as Your gown going off, such beauteous state reveals As when from flowery meads th' hill's shadow steals or perhaps Full nakedness! All joys are due to thee. As souls unbodied unclothed must be, To taste whole joys. Gems which you women use Are like Atalanta's balls, cast in men's views Donne clearly has a high and lofty image of the human female form. Yet this deification is undermined by the lusty, bawdy qualities of the poem. For example, when Donne reaches the conclusion of the poem he does not summarize his mistress' physical beauty, but instead promises sexual adventure. This is seen in the final three lines, Here is no penance, much less innocence. To teach thee, I am naked first; why then What need'st thou have more covering than a man? which clearly negates (or at least portrays negatively) the earlier, more romantic aspects of the poem. Other words have double meanings, which furthers the bawdy aspects of the poem, making seemingly innocuous passages into ribald declarations. Examples of double usage of words include "labor", which means both ‘get to work s... ...mplies sexual activity. Indeed, despite its romantic qualities, invoking the bed the lovers share as the center of the sun's orbits has a clear sensual tinge; it is as if the sexual activity of the lovers is the center of the world, for what else is a bed the symbol of, if not consummation of love? So in these two Donne poems, "Elegy 19" and "The Sun Rising", various poetic structures are used to create a split atmosphere of both romantic love and sexual love, which coexist within the fabric of the poetry. Donne skillfully uses such forms as direct address, indirect address, both stanzaic forms conventional and unconventional, and adept language manipulation to convey two messages simultaneously, and in doing so he paints an accurate portrait of the reality of love: that there is always a mix of romantic and sexual sentiments in the relationships between lovers.

Early Western Civilization in the 18th century :: European History

Early western civilization just following the feudal period was a very interesting time in Europe. There were many new innovations and problems in the way of life of the people of that time. Agriculture was still the main occupation of the time for most people. Two big problems that the people faced were those of war and poor harvest. It was said that perhaps the largest problem was the problem with poor grain. For the majority of people there was also the problem of land. For these people they either had no land of their own or insufficient amounts of it to support a family even when times were good. Poor harvests also had an effect on government as well. Bad harvests tended to cause the taxes to fall and couldn’t provide sufficient provisions for the army. One thing that did seem certain, however, was that monarchs didn’t help much with their pursuits of glory by means of war and food consumption. Serfs were the main labor forces in the feudal period. However in the â€Å"legal† sense there were really no serfs in Germany. That could be why the freeing of the serfs made minimal progress in Germany. The state needed the flourishing peasants for recruits for the army and for their houses and barns for lodging for the soldiers. For the peasants there were really no luxuries in their lives. They had little furniture and clothing and basically survived on what they or their neighbors could grow. Also what little money they had could only have been spent on items that they could not be dispensed with. Most of their dwellings were also not as clean as those of other areas since the women worked more in the fields. The schools for the common people were very poor. Most of the teachers were not competent enough to teach, the school houses were in disrepair, often the teachers would have to live in the school houses, there were often no separate classes, and the curricu lum was extremely narrow. Transportation was also a big issue of that time. Things moved very slowly at this time, especially goods. Canals and achievements in roads only provided moderate improvements. The real â€Å"Revolution† in transportation did not come until the invention of the railroad. The busiest and most used roads of the time were the footpaths, mule path and local roads of which the best credited to the Romans.