Congress and Presidency in the United States Essay

Congress and Presidency in the United States - Essay Example The federal government of the United States is divided into three branches that are intended to perform separate functions independently. These branches are the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. However, the legislature is more powerful since it has the role of oversight and making laws that affect the operations of the arms of government. The president, on the other hand, is the head of state and plays a significant role in the coordination of the executive to deliver its mandate to the citizens. Therefore, there is a dependency created by the Congress and the presidency, and they share legislative powers (Dewhirst and Rausch, 2009). While the doctrine of separation of powers was intended that the three arms act autonomously, it has turned out over time that it is a system of shared powers. According to Richard Neustadt, a president is a person trusted by the public to offer viable solutions to problems. Thus, he or she should work not as a master, but as a coworker with the elected leaders in the Congress (Lee, 2012). In this regard, the primary duties of the presidency are to persuade the Congress to legislate on crucial matters. Similarly, the Congress also depends on the president to signs bills into law, thereby making the sharing of power more conspicuous. Nevertheless, there are constitutional provisions that allow the Congress to pass bills into laws. For instance, if the president fails to sign a draft bill in 10 days, it automatically becomes law.

Cheap Air Travel Essay Example for Free

Cheap Air Travel Essay In contemporary society, it is an interesting phenomenon that cheap air travel is becoming increasingly popular. Yet at the same time, people have different opinions over whether it is advantageous for our life. Some people asserts that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages while others argue the reverse. Personally, I’m in favor of the former view. For many countries, tourism accounts for is large part of a nation’s GDP and without it the economy would suffer; to put it another wayï ¼Å' foreign tourists usually spend a lot of money on the services that the host country provides, among others, boosting the souvenir sales in the scenery spots and as a result the local business thrive. Moreover, through encouraging tourism, governments are promoting the image of their cities and countries. . For exampleï ¼Å'in my country, China, where 2008 Olympics was hosted, cheap air travel made long-distance travelling more affordable to common people ,people have a refreshing’s perception of our country. From the opposite standpoint, tourism also allows local people to gain exposures from to people abroad, not only broadening their horizon but also stimulating idea exchange. This win-win situation is not easy to form unless the travelling cost is affordable. I would agree that every coin has two sides. One possible reason for this is that not all tourists have good manners. In some cases their inappropriate behaviors y may even have a negative influence on the local population and even threaten local people’s safety and health, such as the infamous September-11 attacks happened in New York. But these bad situations occurrences are rare and some risk-averse countries therefore establish strict visa policies to particular population which they identify as high risk. From above, I would admit that the trend of cheap air travel has pros and cons. Despite that,However, I’m convinced that this it is beneficial and is worthwhile to be promoted by governments , although we should take effective measures to keep dangerous people away.

Huckleberry Finn - Critical Essay :: essays research papers

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the noblest, greatest, and most adventuresome novel in the world. Mark Twain definitely has a style of his own that depicts a realism in the novel about the society back in antebellum America. Mark Twain definitely characterizes the protagonist, the intelligent and sympathetic Huckleberry Finn, by the direct candid manner of writing as though through the actual voice of Huck. Every word, thought, and speech by Huck is so precise it reflects even the racism and black stereotypes typical of the era. And this has lead to many conflicting battles by various readers since the first print of the novel, though inspiring some. Says John H. Wallace, outraged by Twain’s constant use of the degrading and white supremacist word ‘nigger’, "[The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is] the most grotesque example of racist trash ever written" (Mark Twain Journal by Thadious Davis, Fall 1984 and Spring 1985). Yet, again to counter that is a quote by the great American writer Ernest Hemingway, "All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn†¦it’s the best book we’ve had†¦There has been nothing as good since" (The Green Hills of Africa [Scribner’s. 1953] 22). The controversy behind the novel has been and will always remain the crux of any readers is still truly racism. Twain surely does use the word ‘nigger’ often, both as a referral to the slave Jim and any African-American that Huck comes across and as the epitome of insult and inferiority. However, the reader must also not fail to recognize that this style of racism, this malicious treatment of African-Americans, this degrading attitude towards them is all stylized of the pre-Civil War tradition. Racism is only mentioned in the novel as an object of natural course and a precision to the actual views of the setting then. Huckleberry Finn still stands as a powerful portray al of experience through the newfound eyes of an innocent boy. Huck only says and treats the African-American culture accordingly with the society that he was raised in. To say anything different would truly be out of place and setting of the era. Twain’s literary style in capturing the novel, Huck’s casual attitude and candid position, and Jim’s undoubted acceptance of the oppression by the names all signifies this. Twain’s literary style is that of a natural southern dialect intermingled with other dialects to represent the various attitudes of the Mississippian region; he does not intend to outrightly suggest Negro inferiority.

Lada de Brasil Case

Lado do Brazil is struggling to remain a profitable importer of cars in the Brazilian market. To remain profitable LDB needs to increase its sales and maintain its efficient cost structure. The recession, regulatory uncertainty, and increased competition are all factors that are reducing and threatening the sales and profitability of the company. In order to counter these threats and increase sales, LDB needs a more aggressive sales strategy, needs to continue to leverage its existing relationships with dealers, local parts manufacturers, and the local government, and should solely focus on being a low cost provider.This should allow LDB to maintain profitability throughout the recession, and continue to be the import leader in a growing and underserved Brazilian auto market. Although the relationship with the Russian auto supplier (VAZ) is not the primary focus of our analysis, it is important to note that VAZ is in the midst of an uncertain economic and political period. Their abil ity to provide LDB with cars could be jeopardized, thus, a contingency plan is essential. LDB should explore partnerships with other automakers, Toyota or Hyundai. CURRENT CHALLENGES The most pressing challenge faced by Lada is declining sales.In the second half of the year, sales declined consistently. LDB’s market share declined in Q4, indicating its competitive edge is diminishing. Mitigation of the challenges below is imperative. Market The Regulatory Environment   is a hindrance to our price competitiveness and profitability. The primary issues are high tariffs and potential price freezes, but constantly changing rules (ex. tax exceptions, rate changes) threaten our competitiveness. High inflation and Foreign exchange risk are both consistent threats to our ability to compete in Brazil.High inflation leads to constant re-pricing and decreases the availability of financing. It also leads to cruzerio devaluation relative to the dollar and has caused us to lose money on o therwise profitable sales in the past (taxis). Increased price competitiveness of the market is also of concern. Domestic producers have recently agreed to cut prices in exchange for tax breaks, and there is speculation of new low cost cars entering the market. Internal Parent Supply As the USSR transitions away from Communist rule to a free market economy, VAZ becomes unable to serve its demands for domestic and foreign supply.The ability of VAZ to provide LDB with cars at a competitive price is at risk. In addition, theres are speculations that Fiat will purchase a 30% stake in VAZ, increasing uncertainty of the future of LDB’s parent company. RECOMMENDATION By enhancing sales strategies as outlined below, and by taking steps to protect our price advantage, sales should increase and we will retain our position as a price leader. Sales Strategies Refine Product Offering LDB’s value proposition is selling low cost vehicles. The higher priced Samara has consistently sol d poorly and dilutes LDB’s brand.LDB should phase out the Samara in favor of the Laika and Niva. The Laika has been the best seller and should continue to be popular as a cost conscious choice. The Niva’s strong summer sales, coupled with the less competitive S. U. V. market suggests that the Niva is the best opportunity for sales growth. Increase Direct Sales LDB should expand the direct import program. The elimination of a middle man is advantageous because it reduces consumer prices and can increase LDB’s profitability. Implement â€Å"Just-in-time Delivery†To reduce dealer price risks and to incentivize dealers to sell more Ladas, LDB should leverage their bonded warehouse by executing a policy of â€Å"Just-in-time Delivery† of the cars. Instead of requiring dealers to front capital and use inventory space, they hold a minimum inventory and could purchase cars as needed knowing LDB would deliver promptly. This helps eliminate currency risk bec ause money and cars are exchanged simultaneously. Argentina The pact between Brazil and Argentina offers LDB the opportunity to increase sales by selling cars in Argentina without additional tariffs.If the local market continues to stagnate, this could be an alternative market. Supplier Strategy The supplier, VAZ, is operating in an uncertain economic environment and is experiencing difficulties meeting production. To mitigate this risk, LDB should consider partnerships with Hyundai or Toyota. These firm are both low cost manufacturers with an interest in the Brazilian market that would allow us to continue our import business in Brazil. ALTERNATIVES In the process of reaching the stated recommendations, alternative options were considered.To increase sales, LDB could partner with a local bank to offer financing directly to consumers. This makes our car more accessible to consumers that don’t have the assets to purchase outright. Although we believe this would be an excellent opportunity to increase sales, financing is not a core competency of LDB, and finding a banking partner could prove difficult. An additional alternative would be to sell a more upscale car to cater to a demographic that has higher income, resulting in higher margins. Mercedes is fifth in production displaying that there is an available niche market with few competitors.However, the higher-priced cars are contradictory to LDB’s value proposition and dilute the brand message as the lowest priced car on the market. Unlike Mercedes, Lada is not associated with luxury and prestige. LDB could increase its total demand by engaging in contracts to supply cars to the Brazilian government and large institutions. Due to experience with secondary sales platforms, LDB would be able to navigate relations outside of traditional dealer relations. The volume of the negotiated contracts would also allow for substantial discounts of 25% or more.However, in a recession, institutions are unlikel y to engage in financial commitments, even though our car is the lowest priced. This option may be feasible under more economically prosperous times when firms are actively expanding. CONCLUSION To increase sales and overall profitability in the current market environment in Brazil, LDB should refine its product mix to better fit the domestic demand. Additionally, LDB should further penetrate the market by focusing on building long-term relations with dealers and expanding to sell directly to consumers without access to dealers. While focusing on increasing market hare, LDB should diversify its supply channels to mitigate the risk of VAZ being unable to supply cars at a competitive price. While mitigating the risks in the short-term, these strategies position LDB for long-term success. 1. Figure 3 Figure 3 LDB ’s Business Process LDB ’s Business Process 2 . 2 . Daily . Daily . 2 . 2 . 1 . 1 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 1 . Direct Sales 1. Consumers contact the dealer and purc hase the car in full at a 20% discount. 2. LDB sends the car to the consumer directly. 3. LDB exchanges Cr into USD daily to avoid currency risk Direct Sales 4. Consumers contact the dealer and purchase the car in full at a 20% discount. . LDB sends the car to the consumer directly. 6. LDB exchanges Cr into USD daily to avoid currency risk Dealer Sales 1. Dealers sell the cars to the consumers using our demo cars. 2. Consumers pay the dealer in Cr. 3. Dealers pay LDB in Cr. 4. LDB sends the cars to the dealers. (Just in time delivery) 5. LDB exchanges Cr into USD daily to avoid currency risk Dealer Sales 6. Dealers sell the cars to the consumers using our demo cars. 7. Consumers pay the dealer in Cr. 8. Dealers pay LDB in Cr. 9. LDB sends the cars to the dealers. (Just in time delivery) 10. LDB exchanges Cr into USD daily to avoid currency risk

Mongols

In various times Mongols have been equated with the Scythians, the Magog and the Turkic peoples. Based on Chinese historical texts the ancestry of the Mongol peoples can be traced back to the Donghu, a nomadic confederation occupying eastern Mongolia and Manchuria. The identity of the Xiongnu is still debated today. Although some scholars maintain that they were proto-Mongols, the fact that Chinese histories trace certain Turkic tribes from the Xiongnu complicates the issue. 10] The Donghu, however, can be much more easily labeled proto-Mongol since the Chinese histories trace only Mongolic tribes and kingdoms (Xianbei and Wuhuan peoples) from them, although some historical texts claim a mixed Xiongnu-Donghu ancestry for some tribes (e. g. the Khitan). [11] The Donghu are mentioned by Sima Qian as already existing in Inner Mongolia north of the state of Yan in 699-632 BC. Mentions in the Lost Book of Zhou (Yizhoushu) and the Shanhaijing indicate the Donghu were also active during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC).The Mongolic-speaking Xianbei formed part of the Donghu confederation, but had earlier times of independence, as evidenced by a mention in the Guoyu (â€Å" † section) which states that during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou (reigned 1042–1021 BC) the Xianbei came to participate at a meeting of Zhou subject-lords at Qiyang ( ) (now Qishan County) but were only allowed to perform the fire ceremony under the supervision of Chu (? ), since they were not vassals by covenant ( ).The Xianbei chieftain was appointed joint guardian of the ritual torch along with Xiong Yi. These early Xianbei came from the nearby Zhukaigou culture (2200-1500BC) in the Ordos Desert where maternal DNA corresponds to Mongolic Daurs and Evenks (Tungusified Xianbei). The Zhukaigou Xianbei (part of the Ordos culture of Inner Mongolia and northern Shaanxi) had trade relations with the Shang dynasty (1600-1046BC). The Zhou clan lived near the Beidi (who included the Xianbei) for 14 generations before moving to the Central Plains in middle Shaanxi under Gugong Danfu).Another closely connected core Mongolic Xianbei region was the Upper Xiajiadian culture (1000-600 BC) where the Donghu confederation was centered. After the Donghu were defeated by Modu Chanyu the Xianbei and Wuhuan survived as the main remnants of the confederation. Tadun Khan of the Wuhuan (died 207 AD) was the ancestor of the proto-Mongolic Kumo Xi. [12] In 49 AD the Mongolic Xianbei ruler Bianhe (Bayan Khan? ) raided and defeated the Xiongnu, killing 2000, after having received generous gifts from Emperor Guangwu of Han.The Xianbei reached their peak under Tanshihuai Khan (reigned 156-181) who expanded the vast, but short lived, Xianbei state. Xianbei Empire under Tanshihuai (141-181) Three prominent proto-Mongol groups split from the Xianbei, as recorded by the Chinese histories: the Nirun (claimed by some to be the Avars), the Khitan and the Shiwei (a sub-tribe called the â⠂¬Å"Shiwei Menggu† is held to be the origin of the Genghisid Mongols). [13] Besides these three Xianbei groups, there were other Xianbei groups with Mongolic affiliation such as the Murong, Duan and Tuoba.Their culture was nomadic, their religion Shamanism or Buddhism and their military strength formidable. There is still no direct evidence that the Nirun spoke a Mongolic language, although most scholars agree that they were proto-Mongolic. [14] The Khitan, however, had two scripts of their own and many Mongolic words are found in their half-deciphered writings that are usually found with a parallel Chinese text (for example, nair=sun, sair=moon, tau=five, jau=hundred, m. r=horse, im. a=goat, n. q=dog, m. ng=silver, ju. un=summer, n. m. ur=autumn, u. ul=winter, heu. ur=spring, tau. l. a=rabbit, t. q. a=hen and m. g. o=snake). [15] There is no doubt regarding the Khitan being proto-Mongol. [16] Asia in 500 AD, showing the Nirun (Juan-Juan) Empire and its neighbors Geographicall y the Tuoba Xianbei ruled Inner Mongolia and northern China, the Nirun (Yujiulu Shelun was the first to use the title Khagan in 402) ruled Outer Mongolia, the Khitan were concentrated in Southern Manchuria north of Korea and the Shiwei were located to the north of the Khitan.These tribes and kingdoms were soon overshadowed by the rise of the Gok-Turks in 555, the Uyghurs in 745 and the Yenisei Kirghizs in 840. The Tuoba were eventually absorbed into China. The Rouran fled west from the Gok-Turks and either disappeared into obscurity or, as some say, invaded Europe as the Avars under their Khan Bayan I. Some Rouran under Tatar Khan migrated east founding the Tatar tribes, who became part of the Shiwei. The Khitan, who were independent after their separation from the proto-Mongol Kumo Xi (ofWuhuan origin) in 388 AD, continued as a minor power in Manchuria until one of them, Abaoji (872-926), established the Khitan Liao Dynasty (907-1125). The Khitan fled west after their defeat by the Tungusic Jurchens (later known as Manchus) and founded the Kara-Khitan or Western Liao dynasty (1125–1218) in eastern Kazakhstan. In 1218 Genghis Khan destroyed the Kara-Khitan Kingdom after which the Khitan passed into obscurity. The modern-day minority of Mongolic-speaking Daurs in China are their direct descendants based on DNA evidence. [17][18] The Shiwei included a tribe called the Shiwei Menggu. 19] Bodonchar Munkhag (Chagatai tradition dates ‘Buzanjar Munqaq' to the rebellion of Abu Muslim or 747 AD. [20]) the founder of the House of Borjigin and the ancestor of Genghis Khan is held to be descended from the Shiwei Menggu. The early Shiwei paid tribute to the Tuoba Wei (386-534) and submitted to the Khitans. After the Khitans left Mongolia the Shiwei Mongols rose to prominence, when from the 1130s there were reciprocally hostile relations between the successive khans of the Khamag Mongol confederation (Khaidu, Khabul Khan and Ambaghai Khan) and the emperors of t he Jin dynasty.With the expansion of the Mongol Empire, the Mongols settled over almost all Eurasia and carried on military campaigns from the Adriatic Sea to Java and from Japan to Palestine. Mongols simultaneously became Padishahs of Persia, Emperors of China, Great Khans of Mongolia and one Mongol even became Sultan of Egypt (Al-Adil Kitbugha). The Mongols of the Golden Horde established themselves to govern Russia by 1240. [21] By 1279, the Mongols conquered the Song Dynasty and brought all of China under control of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. 21] With the breakup of the Empire, the dispersed Mongols quickly adopted the mostly Turkic cultures surrounding them and were assimilated, forming parts of Tatars (not confused with a tribe in ancient Mongolia), Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Yugurs and Moghuls; linguistic and cultural Persianization also began to be prominent in these territories. However, most of the Mongols returned to Mongolia, retaining their language and culture. After the fall of t he Yuan Dynasty in 1368 the Mongols established their independent regime as Northern Yuan.However, the Oirads or Western Mongols began to challenge the Eastern Mongols under the Borjigin monarchs in the late 14th century. Present-day Khalkha Mongols and Inner Mongolians are the most prominent of the remaining Eastern Mongols while the Kalmyks (formerly Oirats) in Europe are the main descendants of the Western Mongols. The Khalkha emerged during the reign of Dayan Khan (1464–1543) as one of the six tumens of the Eastern Mongols. They quickly became the dominant Mongol clan in Outer Mongolia.