Political Science

North and South Korea
Definition of terms.
Parallel structure - The term parallel structure is commonly used by writers in describing similar ideas which have been presented or expressed in similar ways.

Workers Party of Korea  The Workers Party of Korea which is also referred to as Korean Workers party normally abbreviated as (KWP) is the leading ruling party in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Since its foundation it has been the only ruling party in DPRK.

Songun -  Otherwise spelled as Son gun  is a term used to refer to the North Koreas  policy Known as the  Military First Policy which generally gives the Koreans Peoples Army the very first priority in state affairs and especially in the allocation of  various national resources to the army.

Chuche- is an ideology perceived as the basic cornerstone for any party construction, government operations and party works. Chuche is also perceived as a the monolithic or rather the unitary ideology of the party. The chuche ideology was for the very first time proclaimed in December 1955 as a move to inspire national identity, pride and in order to mold consciousness basically into a potentially strong powerful focus, specifically for internal solidarity centered towards KWP.

Command economy  This is type of an economy in which forces of supply and price of commodities and services is regulated from a central point by the government rather than the existence of market forces. In this case government planners and policy makers sit down to decide what services or products are produced and how do they get distributed.

Commissar  Is a term used to describe a person who has the ability and heshe tries to control public opinion. It is a term commonly used in the communist party to refer to an official in charge political enforcement of party loyalty and indoctrination.

National Defense commission- The National Defense Commission of North Korea otherwise abbreviated as (NDC) is the very highest managing and guiding organ of military matters as defined by the 1998 constitution. NDCs chairman is the chief controller of all the armed forces especially in states where the military predominates. This is the most powerful influential position in the country currently chaired by Kim Jong guiding  II.

Kaesong  Was the former capital city of Korea during the reign of Koryo Dynasty and situated in the North Hwangghae province inclined on the southern hemisphere of North Korea.

Panmunjom  This is a village in Gyeonggi province which lies between the southern and northern border of Korea, where the armistice which halted the Korean War, way back in the year 1953 was signed.

One  among  the most basic  factors which contributed to North Koreans economic downfall was the great reliance on a command economy which lead to inward- looking development which was demonstrated all over in policies of foreign trade, domestic industrial development, foreign capital and in other different forms of international economic development and cooperation (Kyung- Won, 2005). The system of governance characterized by command on economy was too rigid on its policies based on supply of products and services and more so setting of prices.  Rigidity in setting up solid economic policies to favor economic eruption and growth both internationally and domestically was one of the most crucial factors which saw North Koreans economic downfall.

Consequently, such government policies based on establishing and creating economic self sufficiency in North Korea led to its increased isolation and alienation from the rest of the world. As a result its industrial structure and development did not achieve to reflect its international competitiveness, which also shielded the domestic firms from international markets as well as reducing domestic competition (Kyung- Won, 2005). All these factors culminated to chronic inefficiency, limited product diversity, and poor quality production and under utilization of plants. Such kind of protectionist reduced the market space for Korean producers which prevented  limited local producers from achieving the advantage of economies of scale. 

There is significant similarities  between North Koreans economic down fall to that of South Korea vis a- vis that  of Asia. The experience of South Korea was similarly like that of North Korea. Both Experiences in the two hemispheres were characterized by changes in regime across the Korean peninsula thus, replacing the colonial governments which led to changes in policies and leadership (Kyung- Won, 2005). In the southern hemisphere the U.S military took leadership while communist Russia took leadership on the other end. In southern Korea the government established stimulative economic policies which accelerated and promoted growth of indigenous firms while at the same time, it erected stiff tariffs and prohibitions on manufacturing imports. These policies were designed to protect the domestic firms and offer them a change to improve their productivity (Kyung- Won, 2005). These policies formed the background for the collapse of the every first Republican in South Korea in April 1960.

In Asia consequently, despite  its financial crisis in 1997, it was stuck by a similar experience like that of  northern Korea Characterized by change in regime when Thai government floated the baht at the same time pegging down the United States Dollar , after a long period of exhaustive support during severe financial overextension by United States . This change in need characterized the Asians economic meltdown.

After a long period of economic downfall North Korea began gaining stability and sustainability after the postcolonial decades leading to rapid economic proliferation and integration. This again came with rapid economic growth and nuclear weapon innovations which popularized the country to the world super powers, and stimulated United State interests towards establishing diplomatic alliances with the country (Lee, 2007).

Having sprout up with strong nuclear proliferations, United States perceives the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) as a threat to its security. In order to reduce this tension it should engage in diplomatic arrangements with Korea in order to take control over the massive nuclear production for the benefits of its security. Additionally, basing ideas on the notion that the DPRK is a centralist state characterized by specific goals of self- reliance and independence known as Juche U.S continues to feel that giving North Korea chance to run its affairs independently with the advent of nuclear power would be creating room for its self destruction (Jasper, 2005). Thus, to counter down any unprecedented occurrences United States should channel its efforts towards establishing sound diplomatic retaliations with North Korea.

The above question can be addressed effectively by considering the milestones that have been made by American workers since the formation of a nation independent of the British crown. The successful Revolution in 1783 marked an important stage in the workers involvement in politics (Kim 1998, p.2). The establishment of a democratic republic motivated workers to actively push for the amendment in the constitution which guaranteed their fundamental freedoms and right. This was the first step in their active involvement in politics. However, not all issues that affected the working population were resolved. The unresolved issues formed a common basis for the formation of workers parties in various north-east cities during the 1829-1830 (Commons 1918, p.23). They also formed ground for workers strike in the 1830-s during the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century and early 20th century, some of these issues provided for the formation of labor movement which not only advocated for the rights of workers on the job but also in the political realm.

    The problem of workers which was basically social demanded social action for legislative solutions to be established (Yates, 2009). There were two key points that constituted the political agenda of labor. These were the right to vote and the institution of a democratic society. Other key points included the right to a fair wage, the right to safety in the workplace, the right to dignity and respect by employers, the right to form associations and impartial treatment of all workers regardless of age, race, religion or gender. As it stands today, labor has made considerable political gains in these areas. The most notable ones were gained during the 1830s when the property qualifications on the right to vote was abolished and in 1965 when Voting Rights Act was passed as a result of pressure from labor.

    The above instances are a clear indication that labor is remarkable movement in pushing for political agenda. This entirely rests on the fact that a large percentage of the population comprises of workers. As such, labor has influenced the politics of the United States in the past seven decades in a major way. However, there is no unity among union workers in their political choices. According to Donald Beachler, a considerable number of white union members vote for Republicans (Beachler, 2007, p.313-314). He argues that this is because Republicans hold similar views with the workers on majority of social issues. However, Joel Rodgers and Ruy Teixera (2000) noted that union households tend to vote for the Democratic Party more than the rest of the population. They also note that the proportion of unions is declining in the workforce.

    However, despite labors massive political force, the major question regards whether the United States need a labor party. As mentioned, labor has realized remarkable political achievement even though there are numerous issues that have not been resolved. The question of whether America needs a labor party rests on whether the existing political parties have supported the plight of workers. According to Beachler, politicians often seek to exploit issue cleavages within the electorate for political advantage. (Beachler, 2007, p.312)

However, little has been done to address the workers needs which are harmed by globalization. The existing political parties have not protected workers against the changing working environment. In this regard, the survival of workers in America can only be guaranteed by a strong labor party. For instance, Ginsberg and Shifter (1991) observe that Democratic Party has emerged to be a party of social liberals who are not interested in the plight of the working class since 1961 (in Beachler, 2007, p.312).

    Geoffrey Garin and Guy Molyneux report a survey which indicates that seventy five percent of Americans agree that there is need for unions to invest their resources in politics and legislation in order to counter the influence that corporations and special interests have (Garin and Molyneux 1998, p.114). They also report that more union members would vote for a candidate supported by national unions and AFL-CIO and whose position on issues in pro-union. The only way that labor can find such a candidate is by forming a strong labor party and nominating a candidate of their own. The two major political parties in the United States, the Republican and Democratic parties, appear to have served the interest of the employers. Yates argues that democrats are dangerous to workers since they do not have a reputation for being friends of labor (Yates 2009, p.102). The Republican Party on the other hand does the bidding for employers once they are in office (ibid, p.103). As such, Yates argues that there is need for labor to develop its own independent politics which is strong regardless of the policies being furthered by either democrats or republicans.

    When seen from the perspective of workers, America indeed requires a labor party. The strategies that have been adopted by unions to champion the cause of workers have not often been supported by union members since they see unions to be pursuing insider strategy of attempting to gain influence through cultivating relations with particular candidates (Garin  Molyneux 1998, p.114). The general perception of members is that the political system is marred with corruption and general hostility to workers interests. This shows less interest in these strategies and thus needs an approach to political action that offers workers a voice in political debate. The current system obviously excludes them. It is also important to note that a great percentage of American population is composed of workers and their rights need to be seriously considered. Following the fact that democrats and republicans have their own interest, a third political party would result in a more engaged electorate and rigorous debate than the one that has been seen with two political parties.

Labors best strategies and tactics in todays political system
    There is a wide recognition that labor movement is not as strong politically as it was some decades ago. Unions have recognized that there is need to shift strategy for labor movements to have any significant influence on politics. The reduced influence of labor movement on politics is seen in its failure to get Al Gore elected to office in 2000 despite its mobilization effort (Clark 1998, p.52). Considerable challenges have also been posed to labor union with the current two party systems. Workers have especially been used by politicians who exploit issue cleavages for political advantage. It has also been observed that these parties have not done much to address the workers needs in the face of changing economic times. The democrats have particularly become a party of social liberals who are not primarily focused on working class issues (Ginsberg and Shefter 1991, p.89). The two parties have both allied themselves and serve the interest of employers (Yates 2009, p.102). In other words, the two parties are dangerous to workers.

    In line of the above concerns, there have been calls for labor to adopt strategies and tactics that may necessitate their survival in the current political system. There have even been calls for the establishment of an independent politics for it to revitalize its cause. In reaction to the above concerns and motivated by calls for an independent politics, labor has adopted various strategies. This paper will explore some of these strategies and tactics that have been adopted by this movement in order to establish more political influence for the sake of channeling its cause.

    There is wide recognition that unions need to invest their resources in politics and legislation if they are to counter the influence that corporations and wealthy special interests have (Garin and Molyneux 1998, p.114). Union members concur that the political engagement of the union is important since it is their responsibility to protect the rights of the workers and offer them a seat in political negotiations. Even though this need to strengthen the political position of labor is almost universal, the effectiveness of the political action programs advanced by the unions has raised concerns among the members. For the strategies to be effective, the members particularly acknowledge that they must be about them and their needs, and that political action must focus on member involvement and their enlightenment.

    The labor strategies and tactics have focused on these basic goals. This is because members have demanded more political information from their union. It is due to members who have recognized that knowledge is power and more information implies more informed choices. The response of unions has been to provide more information to workers. They have also conducted their politics in ways that include and empower their members (Garin  Molyneux, 1998, p.115). The unions have also ensured that members interest is at the heart of their decision-making. As such, labor has adopted strategies and tactics that are focused on addressing the desires and concerns expressed by members. They have adopted a model of labor politics based on the fundamental principles of empowering and educating working people.

    Labor has constructed their political action programs on issues. According to Garin and Molyneux (1998), issues should precede candidates and parties. Unions have increasingly informed their members on issues that they believe are important to the members and why they think these issues are important. This will invariably strengthen the political stake of unions since members are likely to speak with a single voice. The decreased political influence of labor has been attributed to low levels of knowledge on important issues. As such, sustained education has also been identified as important. Members have acknowledged that there is no way they can keep track of developments within the political and legislative realm. They also recognize that unions possess the expertise and resources to keep track of issues and make judgments in a way that the members cannot (Garin  Molyneux 1998, p. 116).

    Unions have also adopted an approach in which the concerns of specific audiences are addressed instead of relying on an umbrella approach. They have managed to approach their members through the various modern communication media. This approach has especially proven to be effective. They have categorized their members and provided relevant information for each particular group. Labor has recognized that addressing broad concerns of workers may result in the most powerful mobilizing issues being ignored (Bobson 1999, p.121). As such, remarkable results have been realized through the adoption of a more targeted approach.

    The above strategies have the potential of strengthening unions, reengaging members in politics. It will not only revitalize labors political action but also reshape American politics. These approaches have been adopted by unions as a way of reasserting their political influence. Since the adoption of these strategies and tactics, the rate of member turn-out and voting for pro-union candidates has improved remarkably. There is yet much that can be achieved by labor movement in their pursuance and adoption of strategies and tactics founded on the basic principles of empowering and informing their members. Labor has thus recognized that it can only offer working Americans a real political voice through adopting strategies that put their members on the main focus in their political advocacy.

Industrial revolution refers to the drastic changes that took place within the industries which was seen as one of the significant periods in the industry. For many years it has been debated as to whether industrial revolution was of any significant impact and whether the changes were negative or positive. This discussion looks at the changes that came about as result of the industrial revolution and who benefited as a result and also which group of people suffered as result of the revolution.
Prior to industrialization pretty much of life was local in many parts of the world. Traveling from one place to another was not only seen to be expensive but also dangerous as the roads were neglected having been built by unskilled workers However with the coming in of industrialization the road networks were improved to ensure easy transit of goods that were manufactured from one destination to another. Despite the restructuring of road networks mass transportation was still not possible and for this reason landowners to come up with canals which were seen to be more reliable as they less expensive as compared to the roads.

The improvement of transport opened up cheaper means of traveling thus reducing the costs incurred in transport. Some of the ventures that were once considered non profitable became profitable as the transport costs were greatly reduced. However with the many benefits of industrialization also came some problems. Workers were forced to move from their native places to look for work in areas where the cost of production was not as high. This resulted to workers settling low employments and migration of human beings.

The agriculture sector also benefited from the developments of the industries. Prior to industrialization people could only practice subsistence farming. However with industrialization came mechanized farming which helped increase the yields some of which were sold. It was also with the coming of industrialization that practices like crop rotation began. Selective breeding was an important aspect of industrialization which saw new breeds of animals coming into be. Choice of crops was also important during this period. Some crops were seen to do well in particular areas than others. Again due to importation of crops value of some of them decreased at a rapid rate as their demand was low.

With the coming of industrialization there was also a bit of suffering. People lost their jobs since the people who were required were the skilled ones who are able to operate machines. The unskilled people were left without unemployment and thus they lost their source of living.

     In conclusion, industrialization brought about both benefits and sufferings especially both in ancient and modern age. The changes brought by industrialization were complex and had various looks (multifaceted). Making blanket statement as far as these changes are concerned would be erroneous. The whole concept of industrialization is complex as one group benefited from the changes while another suffered.

The ability of President Barrack Obama to maintain his earlier promises concerning gay rights presents him as a consistent leader and facilitates greater social justice for all critical issues for improving the United States image while promoting national development.  Supporting gay rights in todays society brings out the concern of the president with the minority groups and depicts his broad outlook as a democratic leader, who does his best for the sake of the country.  Notably, the presidents support for gay rights can be traced back to his time as the Illinois Senator, when he emphasized on building bridges as the main platform for promoting identity and generating commitment to the states agenda. Adler concurs with political analyst that it is partly out of this consideration that President Barrack Obama received overwhelming support across the nation (Adler, 2009). This paper critically examines the presidents initiatives, the limits and obstacles and assesses his achievements in support for gay rights.

Initiatives by the president concerning gay rights
    Initiatives introduced by the president after assuming office following his victory in the presidential general election in 2007 have further anchored his support for equal rights to all people in the United States. To begin with, the president named Pope Basher, a gay rights activist to the federal government, as a key advisor on issues related to gay rights (Fred, 2009). This initiative came as religious factions heightened their call for people to follow the religious teachings of heterosexuality in the society. The initiative regarding gay rights was seen as a critical message to the nation and the globe too.

    Adam explains that the President Obama further supports implementation of the Employment Non Discrimination Act and emphasized that it should be further expanded to envisage sexual identity (Adam, 2009). Over the last decade, gay people in the society were greatly discriminated for lack of holistic laws in all states. Currently, Sherly indicates that it is only five states that recognize gay rights (Sherly, 2009). As a result, this commitment will be critical in promoting their independence and, indeed, a contribution towards growth and development of the country.

    The president has further initiated a process to remove the highly discriminative policy of dont ask, dont tell in the army (Terry, 2009). The policy employed in the military forces should be based on holistic commitment, sense of duty and individual patriotism as opposed to discrimination. While separating sexuality from the military forces during their operations, this law will further provide the needed image in the military.

    Gay rights initiatives being implemented have had key support from the democrats, who have been very crucial in facilitation of their analysis and implementation. Adam reports that Vice President Joe Biden is working with the president to reinvigorate enforcement of the Mathew Shepherded Act (Adam, 2009).    

Limits and obstacles to executing gay rights authority
    Notably, since President Barrack Obama came to power, his enthusiasm towards fostering gay rights in the nation has been indicated to take a downward shift compared to the time before his election. Adler indicates that this has been due to the key obstacles on his way toward implementing the same powers and legislations (Adler, 2009). While this slow pace has seen great pressure mount on the president, Terry indicates that he is partially arm tied by the congress which must pass different bills before he can ascertain them into law (Terry, 2009). By May 2009, key gay rights bills still remained stalled in the Congress.   

While expressing their freedom of speech in the country, the media and special interest groups have sought to influence the outcome of the different laws relating to gay rights in the nation. To begin with, the media has taken a center stage in bringing to the public key facts and statistics relating to gay rights in the nation. While it is considered a critical tool in educating the public, Adam notes that it has been biased in focusing on key progress of different legislations and focused more on the negative side of the policy progression (Adam, 2009). This has been very critical in that it promotes the wrong perceptions to the community. Faith groups, such as the Catholics, have, on the other hand, strongly emphasized on the need for a religious community that is led by acting on religious teachings and considers gay people to be very immoral.

    While the need to address the problem of gay rights continue generating a major debate in the nation, lack of total support by all democrats harbors major concerns  over the presidents ability to address the problem. Besides, the Republicans are equally divided and the president will require marshal enough support if the rights are to be realized (Fred, 2009). While there appears to be no conflicts in the assimilated strategies, the reports at the grassroots suggest otherwise. With the federal government having enacted none of the national gay rights laws for all the states, the employed strategies are independent and present key conflicts with the local laws. Adler indicates that the independent application of federal gay rights in California has presented the federal government to have failed in its key responsibilities for providing the needed guidance (Adler, 2009).

Achievement and rating of the president
    Though the majority of people belonging to the gay community have indicated the reduced rating of the president towards his commitment in maintain the needed social justice for all, the same notion is indeed far fetched. His consistency has seen the gay community get greater focus at the senate and the national level. This has promoted greater awareness and holistic acceptance in the society. The presidents efforts are therefore well above average and only require greater support by the Congress and the civil society to fully integrate social justice to all gays in the community. Though his strategies are indeed right, they require to be further integrated to the society to gather greater support.

    In conclusion, the discussion represented in this paper supports the thesis statement that the ability of President Barrack Obama to maintain his earlier promises on gay rights presents him as a consistent leader and facilitates greater social justice for all which is very critical in improving the United States portrait while promoting national development. The presidential powers execution is critical in facilitating the countrys ability to assimilate social justice for all.  The initiatives established by the president are indeed very critical, but he must address the key obstacles if gay rights are to be felt fully in the United States. Finally, in concurrence with sociological analysts, leadership requires that all the stakeholders are effectively brought at the negotiating table where new issues are addressed. The president should therefore reach out to the minority groups more, update them constantly on the progress of the gay rights legislations, and incorporate their views at all levels of their development.

The act of discussing the national differences concerning the timing, the intensity, the durability, and the character of economic proves to be almost an impossible task for political historians but not for Liah Greenfeld. She once again attempted repeating her influential earlier research that stress on nationalism in this essay The Spirit of Capitalism Nationalism and Economic Growth.

Greenfeld attempted to assemble comparative histories of England, some countries in Europe and United States. This article basically summarizes what she says in her book with the same title that states that Nationalism is the result when people subjected to a common political authority turn out to share a consciousness of belongingness to a distinctive sovereign community.

In her earlier book like Transcending Nations Worth, she explored the issue of the timing and form of nationalism as the cause for the distinctive subsequent political orientations in Europe and United States. But in this article, Greenfeld tries to argue that parallel changes in consciousness can cause people to overturn millennia of suspicion as they commit themselves to what can be called a belief in economic growth as something desirable and natural. The reason for this is the fact that their identification with the nation spurn shared dignity, relative equality and efficacy among whole citizen of the nation.  There is then a willingness to undertake an economic effort whose outcome depended on the efforts of others.

The changed beliefs, according to Greenfeld enable sustained economic growth in country to country. Greenfeld denies, though prudently, that nationalism can cause reorientation to economic growth wherever it may occur. Greenfelds article self-consciously puts nationalism against Webers Protestant Ethic, though retaining Webers theory of general causal logic. Greenfeld, in order for her argument to gain credibility, she did international comparisons that showed that the sequence of nationalism-belief change-economic growth can happen both within countries and across them. The within-country aspect calls for a demonstration that national consciousness did change whole populations commitments to ones countrys economic activity, and from this sustained growth is fuelled.

The article also implies that both nationalism and economic commitment eventually can transform a country like the United States. She argues also that this necessitates brushing off objections that economic growth in the Netherlands and elsewhere either preceded or caused growth in England.
In reading this article of Lian Greenfeld, the readers are needed to ask only three main questions regarding the research and pedantic lecture of Greenfeld about Nationalism and economic Growth.
First is the question whether the treatment of individual countries enough to describe their experiences with so called nationalism vis--vis economic growth.

The second question is whether within-country and cross-country sequences truly correspond to the arguments logical requirements set by Greenfeld

And lastly, do the so called proposed causal processes hold up to empirical and logical scrutiny
Regarding the first question, this is caused by Greenfelds overly concentrated discussion on ideological transformation that historically intelligent readers will continue to find themselves unexplained information. The second question, on the other hand, is brought about by the dismissal of early developing of Netherlands as something like a special pleading. And the third question is stirred by the unresolved mysterious connection of national awareness and the awareness for national economic growth.

The topic of the reading is the travel to China of the fifty one Japanese from different domains of Japan after the diplomatic ties of the two countries involved became formal. The main argument of the author is whether or not each Japanese sailor had self-interest on the voyage. In addition, various Japanese sailors were thinking of what they could give to the nation-state while they were in Shanghai, China. However, it was also evident that most of the sailors experienced problems while on travel. Some of them were sick and others find it hard to contribute to the nation-state they represent which is Japan. Another problem that besets the sailors is dying away from home. There were unlucky fishermen who died and as well as three Japanese who lost their lives because of dysentery. The cadavers of those who died during the trip were cremated because it is difficult to bring them back to Japan because of extreme heat. Moreover, there is a clarion call for the nation-state Japan brought about by the travel to Shanghai, China. The effects of expansionism must be viewed as a huge factor of Western assault. Without careful preparation on the part of Japan, the fate of China would also happen to the nation-state.

In addition, the author also exposed the fact that Japan does not have a modern centralized state during the 1850s. Besides, there was no national treasury, national army and national taxation. There is no appropriate structure of government that would make the country resemble others. Since there was no foreign ministry, the people who handled the foreign affairs were referred to as barbarians. This situation was changed when Japanese sailors reached Shanghai, China. They were able to learn many things in the country and were mindful of expansionism and the development of the nation-state.

Essentially, we can understand that there are dynamic changes because of the formal diplomatic ties between China and Japan. With that, the main question is Is there modernization involved in the process The radical changes in Japan might be explained in the process of modernization or even with Westernization. In the article, it was explained that due to the influences of countries like China, Korea, and even European countries, Japan was able to develop its structure of government. Later on, Japan had national taxation, national currency, banks, stocks, bonds, and commercial endeavors. Not all Japanese sailors may be successful of the trip to China, but it opened myriad possibilities for the country to have a glimpse of other countries and earn a single fame as nation-state called Japan.   

A week ago, I attended one of the regular sessions of my City Council. Accordingly, I learned that every week, the council holds regular sessions at around nine in the morning on Wednesdays, and in some occasions on Thursday around two in the afternoon when there is sufficient business. The sessions are held inside the Council Chambers of the City hall,  which such sessions are only limited to a few public  spectators. Fortunately, I was one of the few people who were allowed to witness that weeks session.
    
The flow of the session basically included (1) Pledge of Allegiance (2) the Chairs reminder to the public (3) approval of minutes (4) submissions of documents and agenda revision (5) committee reports (6) special presentations and reports (7) public invitation to be heard (8) public hearings on any matter and ordinances on second reading (9) introduction and reading by title of ordinances for first reading (10) general business (11) comments (12) remarks (13) recording of the meeting and (14) adjournment. The items discussed in the session I attended included budgets, committee proposals, and reading and assessment of policies.
    
During my observation and discussions with some of the regular spectators, I learned that every week a list of items is gathered before the City Council. These items will accordingly compose the Council Agenda, which will be taken up for the following weeks sessions. In addition, I observed that each Council member acts as the Citys liaison or representative to several organizations and committees. For that reason, I was able to understand that the city is governed through a commission form of government seeing that there is no city manager, but only a commissioner-in-charge for each of the committee available in the city.
    
In sum, attending city council meetings is very interesting and informative as it provides information, answers to questions and clarifies important issues not only to the public, but also to the City Council. This type of public event indeed provides a setting for discussions between the leaders of the city and the public regarding specific policies, projects and programs, which are very important in a democratic government.