The Electoral College Good or Bad free essay sample

House of Representatives. Each of these electors meets in their respective state capitals and cast their vote for the offices of President and Vice President. These electors are supposed to represent the popular vote that took place the month before. These votes are tallied and a winner is declared. While the process seems simple, there are major flaws in the United States Electoral College. The first major flaw is the fact that there is no federal or constitutional law against an elector casting their vote for someone other than the winner of the popular vote in their state. There are a few states that have laws concerning this, but most of the time there is little penalty for someone who doesn’t vote the way that they are told by the majority of voters. In fact, a number of states impose nothing more than a monetary fine. Voters who vote for someone other than pledged, known as â€Å"faithless electors†, have not actually changed the outcome of any U. We will write a custom essay sample on The Electoral College: Good or Bad or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page S. presidential election so far. However, the possibility remains that they have the potential to do so. A wide-open loophole such as this should not exist in our election system. Even disregarding the loophole of faithless electors, the U. S. Electoral College system has failed the United States a number of times, most recently in the 2000 election. In the presidential elections in 1876, 1888, and 2000, the Electoral College elected the person that did not receive the popular vote. This happens because majority of the states have a â€Å"winner-takes-all† approach to electoral voting. This means that whichever candidate wins the popular vote in that state earns all of that state’s electoral votes. For example, a candidate could win a large state like California, which has a lot of electoral votes, by a narrow margin and would receive all of that state’s pledged votes. Combine this with results from other states and a candidate can technically have won the popular vote, but receive less electoral votes. The system obviously favors small states because, regardless of population, each state has a minimum of 3 electoral votes. While it would seem that our nation would have long abolished the Electoral College, especially since it has changed the outcome of at least three of our presidential elections, there are good reasons why that has not yet come to fruition. The best reason that the Electoral College is still intact is because it forces candidates to campaign in areas that they would not normally. If the vote was purely a popular one, candidates could easily campaign in heavy populated cities and completely disregard smaller rural areas. By giving states like Alaska and Rhode Island, that have small populations, the minimum 3 electoral votes, it forces candidates to value these states that would otherwise be ignored. This also means that our President-elect, in theory, should also appeal to more voter groups overall geographically, socio-economically, and ethnically. I understand why the U. S. Electoral College was first created, but I think times have changed and that we should abolish this outdated system. Especially with all the advances that we have made in technology, conducting a popular vote would now be a fairly easy process than a century ago and we need to take steps to change the way that we conduct presidential elections. The 2000 election, a mere 13 years ago, would have had a completely different outcome if we would have had a popular vote versus the Electoral College. Elections are supposed to represent the will of the people and because the Electoral College has failed to do that, it needs to be redesigned to ensure that does not happen or eradicated altogether. By not taking corrective measures, we are devaluing the vote of each and every American citizen. References U. S. Constitution. Article II, Section 1, Clause 2. Why the Electoral College, P. Andrew Sandlin, December 13, 2000. Lewrockwell. com. December 13, 2000. Retreived May 20, 2013.

Reillys Law of Retail Gravitation

Reilly's Law of Retail Gravitation In 1931, William J. Reilly was inspired by the law of gravity to create an application of the gravity model to measure retail trade between two cities. His work and theory, The Law of Retail Gravitation, allows us to draw trade area boundaries around cities using the distance between the cities and the population of each city. History of the Theory Reilly realized that the larger a city, the larger a trade area it would have and thus it would draw from a larger hinterland around the city. Two cities of equal size have a trade area boundary midway between the two cities. When cities are of unequal size, the boundary lies closer to the smaller city, giving the larger city a larger trade area. Reilly called the boundary between two trade areas the breaking point (BP). On that line, exactly half the population shops at either of the two cities. The formula is used between two cities to find the BP between the two. The distance between the two cities is divided by one plus the result of dividing the population of city B by the population of city A. The resulting BP is the distance from city A to the 50% boundary of the trade area. One can determine the complete trade area of a city by determining the BP between multiple cities or centers. Of course, Reillys law presumes that the cities are on a flat plain without any rivers, freeways, political boundaries, consumer preferences, or mountains to modify an individuals progress toward a city.

Clench vs. Clinch

Clench vs. Clinch Clench vs. Clinch Clench vs. Clinch By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between clench and clinch? Their meanings are identical, but usage varies. To clench or to clinch is to hold tight. However, clench has limited senses of grabbing something or tightening a part of one’s body, such as a fist or a jaw. Clinch, though it is a variant of clench, is much more diverse in usage, with literal and figurative meanings. It refers to bending or flattening nails, screws, and other fasteners, to closing or settling a deal or an argument, or to guaranteeing a victory. It can also be a noun, referring to the action of holding or hugging, and a clincher is someone or something that secures or settles. The predecessor of clench and clinch is cling, which also has a sense of holding tight, as when someone clings to someone else or to something (whether an object or an idea), but it also refers to things that hold together or adhere, such as material (like fabric or plastic) that wraps closely around a person or an object. Clutch, more distantly related to the other words, has the same basic meaning as clench and clinch but has an additional connotation of sudden movement. In addition, unlike its synonyms, it may suggest an aborted or unsuccessful attempt to grab something or someone. Clutch is also used as a noun to describe a hold or an attempted hold, and it may refer to a mechanical part that holds other components in place during a shifting of gears, or to a pedal that activates such a part. It also has a figurative meaning of â€Å"a difficult situation,† or one may figuratively be caught in someone’s clutches or in a clutch caused by circumstances. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 Idioms with HeartCapitalization Rules for the Names of Games50+ Words That Describe Animals (Including Humans)

Behaviors of customers and Environment Influence on Marketing Essay

Behaviors of customers and Environment Influence on Marketing - Essay Example Attracting customers is an integral part of marketing, but retaining them is even more important. This can be achieved through several means including understanding the behavior of current and future customers and the environment. In addition, recognizing changes in the market environment allows the firms to capitalize on marketing opportunities or prepare for threats in the market. Understanding of the market environment requires the firms to be conversant with current market trends, technology developments and competitors’ strategies. Therefore, this paper seeks to analyze customers’ current and potential behaviors and the market environment, as well as they affect marketing strategies. In order to successfully market their products firms need to understand both the behavior of current and potential customers and the influence of the marketing environment. In understanding the current customers’ behavior, marketers are able to do an analysis of their buying trends. This also helps to recognize the prevailing needs of the customer and hence produce products that satisfy target customers’ needs. It is also very important to be aware of the consumer buying process so as to influence the choice of the consumer. In doing so, it is paramount to understand that the buying process consists of several stages, all of which are of great interest to marketers (Thomas, 1995, p.248).

The Correlation between obesity and poverty Annotated Bibliography

The Correlation between obesity and poverty - Annotated Bibliography Example The BMI of normal people lies below 25 kg/m2 (Kopelman, Caterson, & Dietz, 2010). According to Smith (2009), the BMI of an overweight individual lie between 25 kg/m2and 30 kg/m2, while the BMI of individuals suffering from obesity exceeds 30 kg/m2. Through studies, it has become apparent that obesity correlates with poverty. According to Smith (2009), poverty can lead to obesity, and at the same time, obesity can lead to poverty. Studies have shown that obesity and poverty can have a direct or indirect influence on each other. It is apparent that overweight and obesity correlate with poverty because most people do not afford healthier diets (Lane, 2006). Based on calories; diets composed of fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables enhance normal health, but they are far more expensive than diets consisting added fats, added sugars, and refined grains (Lane, 2006). In some American communities, local convenience stores do not offer vegetables, fruits, or other fresh, whole, and real foods. In an urban setting, an individual should have a car in order to access real foods that rural markets offer. Research shows that an attempt to reduce food expenditure tends to drive individuals toward added fats, added sugars, and refined grains, which have a likelihood of causing obesity. On the other hand, being obese can make an individual poor because obesity and overweight bring about various kinds of sicknesses. Sick individuals spend most of their time in hospitals and other health institutions, thus such individuals are not economically productive (Bolin & Cawley, 2007). Diseases associated with obesity include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and cancer (Blass, 2008). Those people who are suffering from obesity related ailments develop a weak health and cannot be able to contribute toward income generation in a significant manner. Diseases such as diabetes, heart

The Types Of Conflict Social Work Essay

The Types Of Conflict Social Work Essay PART 1 Introduction As individuals we work with people, interact with them and might disagree or agree with them on issues. Conflict management means putting in place ways that reduces bad aspects of conflict and raising the good aspects of it at standards the same or higher than the place where the conflict took place. Additionally, conflict management seeks to improve learning and group results, that is capability or performance in a business environment (Ra him, 2002). People might disagree in decision making because they might have ideas of their own. Conflict may be important to groups and businesses, when managed well, it increases group results (e.g. Alpert, Osvaldo, Law, 2000; Booker Jame son, 2001; Ra-him Bono ma, 1979; Kuhn Poole, 2000; Church Marks, 2001). Part 1 of this paper explains conflict, its types and my experience of it at Mining Building and Contractors Ltd ( MBC,Obuasi), Ghana and a conclusion at the end. Part 2 of this paper explains building trust, relationships and communic ations, the importance of these skills to an organization as well as a personal reflection on these skills and a conclusion. Conflict may be defined as a basic variance between individuals due to differences of opinions, ideas, beliefs, values, needs or objectives. Types of Conflict Intrapersonal It is a conflict that develops within an individual when he argues with himself about something. It could be simple as wanting to use office item for personal use when he knows he shouldt be doing that. Interpersonal It is a conflict between two separate individuals, this form of conflict is what people typically have in mind when they think of conflict. Functional Ambiguity and role specifications in organizations could create problems. Intergroup This conflict normally happens in the cases of various ethnic or racial groups. Each group could feel threatened and may feel that their respective culture is not duly respected. Conflict Management Conflict management is about helping improve the positive aspects of conflicts. It does not necessarily mean doing away with conflicts. Personal experience I worked at MBC Ltd, Obuasi with a colleague at the Accounts Office. My colleagues uncle was the Marketing Manager but wasnt in good terms with Mr. Ocloo, the Accountant, who was our boss. I got to know our boss was someone who was really passionate about his work and disliked lazy and insolent people. I built a strong relationship with my boss and always listened to and respected his views. My boss observed my colleague most of the time missing at the office, this continued for a few weeks. My colleague had been visiting his uncle during periods which there were no work at the office. One day I returned from an errand to find out my colleague had had a confrontation with our boss because of his continuous absence during working hours. He also had reported the case to his uncle who had come and exchanged words with our boss and had worsened the situation. I quickly called my colleague and spoke to him about the way our boss had observed him for a long period before voicing out his fr ustration. I recommended to him outside apologizing to our boss. I also advised him to go back to his uncles office to calm him down. I then ensured he explained things to his uncle and admit it was his fault to make peace. I later talked to my boss for hours explaining that, my colleague was at fault but he really left when we had finished with our work. I wanted to make sure the case does not escalate to higher levels and wanted it solved that day. It wasnt easy because we had to stay behind after office hours when everyone had left to resolve the issue. Both my colleague and his uncle came back with my colleague apologizing and acknowledging the mistake that brought about the conflict. I helped solve the solution because it would have really developed into a real mix-up which would have brought other parties and disciplines into the matter. Conclusion Every day we work with people, who might wrong us or rub us in a way. I personally think conflict is unavoidable but can be managed. At the workplace individuals should always be thoughtful and always try to negotiate with fellow workers to resolve conflicts. Workers must be sensitive to the feelings of other workers and understand that individuals may react to anger, fear and frustration. Workers should provide viable solutions to problems amongst themselves. Mangers should identify and analyse the reason for conflict to understand the root cause of conflict. Any solution for resolving the issue should be aimed at doing away with the root cause. Managers need to have good communication skills to be able to empathize with all the concerned parties and put across their solutions convincingly. Conflicts should be resolved in a healthy way without favouring any individual; all parties involved should be treated with respect and spoken to politely. Managing conflict effectively is valuab le in the progress of an organization. PART 2 Introduction Nowadays, businesses are looking for ways to help maintain trust, build good relationships and acquire communication skills in helping them achieve growth in their workplace. Trust is explained as the condition of preparedness for an interaction with something or someone without protection (Duane C. Tway, Jr.,1994). Trust, relationships and communication at the workplace is very essential to the success of a business and wellbeing of people at work. Trust is seen by others as equivalent to trustworthiness, explaining trust in the subject of individual traits that stimulate positive expectations on other individuals behalf(e.g., Butler Cantrell, 1984; McKnight et al., 1998).Organisational relationships can be grouped into functions, departments and teams; union, staff and the management. These relationships are influenced by how people individually treat each other in the workplace, http://www.dol.govt.nz/er/bestpractice/prc/infosheets/GPG-WP-RELATIONSHIP.pdf (Accessed on 03/12/12). Culture of trust is beneficial in disorganized and uncertain places, (Bjerke, 1999). Why the need for Building Trust, Relationships Communication? Effective communication, trust and good relationship with workers is an organization is vital in attaining results, eliminating stress and providing a vibrant atmosphere where workers feel free to ask for help, share opinions and also actively contribute in progress of organization. These skills help encourage team members encourage each other and work efficiently and effectively. Fostering these skills in the workplace enhances decision making and implementation in an organisation. Trust gives way to developing a relationship more effective between the trustor and trustee (Blau, 1964). To build successful relationships in workplaces involves trust. Trust brings about efficient communication, healthy relationships and employee motivation in an organization. Having these elements at the workplace motivates employees to work harder. The existence of these skills in the workplace makes organizational goals easy to achieve. Any organisation that excels in these skills is able to get thin gs done progressively and successfully. Personal Reflection When I started work at MBC Ltd, (Obuasi), the first thing I did was to learn and quickly adapt to the organisational behaviour and culture. The next thing was to win the trust of fellow workers and build good communication levels and relationships with them. I was humble, obedient and was always eager to work. I became more involved in issues of workers in the company. This made me my boss favourite and made him sometimes go to the extent of discussing his personal issues with me. I had already won his trust and had built a vibrant relationship with him. As a new worker of the company, it was not done overnight but through hard work I was able to achieve it. If I saw workers not in good terms at work, I will quickly try to address it. I will have a conversation with the people involved and if it was still not working, I will try a higher authority. I always made sure that no party felt betrayed or offended but it was always a win-win case. I also kept private information from others confidential. When we had finished with work and the place seemed boring I would suggest a group meeting where we thrived on issues to be addressed at the office. We did this at least two times and really helped us a lot and always brought the best in us. I suggested this to fellow workers but did not work at start because some managers did not agree with the idea. Gradually interest for it grew and the company now holds a special meeting once every month where selected workers from various departments share views and discuss problems facing them to managers. This really improved communication and enhanced good relationships and trust in the organization. Conclusion Communication, trust and relationships can be improved in all workplaces, no matter the size of the company. The basis of an individuals interaction in the workplace is through these skills. These skills are very important and should be amalgamated into team building in every organization. Individuals should be encouraged to stop engaging in activities that will reduce trust existing between workers. Workshops and meetings should be organized to prepare and educate workers on developing good communication skills and fostering healthy relationships among themselves. It is never easy to impress or satisfy everyone at the workplace because we are human but we must also know that it takes a lot of effort to fix a broken relationship or trust that existed between workers than to prevent it from happening. If any company wants to move from being just a working group to a high performing one these skills must be taking seriously. None of us is perfect but we can be much more effective and e fficient if we work on building good relations, having easy and simple communication systems and being trustworthy. This will inspire and influence others to help build a successful business environment.

Manpower Issues Essay

The fast food industry is a labor driven sector. It has an extensive requirement of manpower to serve the increasing flow of consumer traffic at the outlets. Skilled labor with fast pace of work is the basic requirement for this job. It is mostly youngsters who are eligible for this job but it can be stressful and at times hazardous. This industry requirement for long hours of duty, on the toe at all times and attentive to the needs of the customer is quite an uphill task. There is no doubt that the emergence and growth of this industry sector has solved the unemployment problem to a great extent. Many youngsters have found a living in this industry but the pay packages earlier were not very attractive. The pay scales have no doubt improved now but the work conditions remain almost the same. The Back Yard Burgers currently employ over 10,000 people throughout their chain of restaurants. Each restaurant employs around 25 employees, of which some are part timers. A company-operated restaurant has a unit supervisor and two co-unit supervisors. Each unit supervisor reports to the district manager. A district manager has about five to eight restaurants in their supervision. Their role constitutes of keeping tabs on all aspects of operations and management of the restaurants in their jurisdiction. Each of these district managers’ report to the Director of Operations. The company endorses strict training and personnel development strategy. All personnel have to go through a personnel-training program on fast friendly and efficient customer service, restaurant cleanliness, and proper management of day-to-day operations. The employees have to go through classroom sessions that brief them about aspects of food safety, sanitation, laws, and regulations related to the food industry and operational aspects of restaurant. The company envisages labor to be a critical factor in the coming years since the opportunities have increased manifolds. The demand for skilled labor is rising and this will lead to higher wages and compensation packages. Managing and retaining quality workforce in this industry will be a little difficult task and the key to effective manpower management is to keep the employees happy and satisfied with their jobs.