In Your Own Words Discuss What You Believe Are The Two Most ✓ Solved

In Your Own Words Discuss What You Believe Are The Two Most Relevan

1) In your own words, discuss what you believe are the two most relevant reasons for low voter turnout in local elections compared to national elections. Please include what makes them the most relevant. Your response should be at least 75 words in length. 2) Describe the evolution of big city politics and the effect reform had on machine politics. Your essay should be at least 200 words in length. 3) Discuss the history that led to the creation of suburbs and then to suburban sprawl. Characterize the governing issues that arose based on urban sprawl, and discuss a solution that you believe is the most effective and efficient answer to the issues that surround governing metropolitan areas. Support your answer with specific examples. Your essay should be at least 500 words in length and include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding voter behavior is crucial in analyzing democratic participation. One of the primary reasons for low voter turnout in local elections compared to national elections is voter apathy, which stems from a perceived lack of impact or importance of local elections. Citizens often believe that local elections have less influence on their daily lives or that the outcomes will not significantly change their community. This perception diminishes motivation to participate, especially when contrasted with national elections that often garner more media attention and public interest. Additionally, voter registration complexity and limited accessibility serve as persistent barriers. In some jurisdictions, the registration process is cumbersome, requiring voters to navigate complicated procedures or meet strict deadlines, discouraging potential voters from participating. Limited polling hours and inadequate voting facilities further exacerbate this issue, disproportionately affecting working-class individuals who cannot easily access polling stations during limited hours. These factors combined contribute significantly to the low turnout observed in local elections, highlighting the need for reforms aimed at increasing accessibility and public awareness.

The evolution of big city politics reflects the transformation from traditional, boss-driven machines to more transparent and reform-oriented structures. Initially, urban politics was dominated by political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York City, which relied on patronage, reciprocity, and corrupt practices to maintain control. These machines effectively managed urban governance, providing social services and employment in exchange for political support. However, widespread corruption, inefficiency, and inequality led to public discontent and calls for reform in the early 20th century. Progressive reformers aimed to eliminate patronage and implement professionalized, bureaucratic administration, enhancing transparency and accountability. Reforms included establishing civil service systems, creating non-partisan elections, and implementing merit-based hiring practices. These changes reduced machine influence but also faced resistance from entrenched interests. Over time, reforms shifted the focus toward professional governance, municipal reform efforts, and increased citizen participation. Today, many cities emphasize transparency, accountability, and community involvement, reflecting a significant departure from the opaque machine politics of the past. Nonetheless, debates about political influence, reform effectiveness, and the role of political machines continue, underscoring the ongoing evolution of urban politics.

The development of suburbs and the subsequent phenomenon of suburban sprawl have significantly shaped metropolitan regions in the United States. Post-World War II economic prosperity, coupled with increased automobile ownership and federal policies favoring home ownership, contributed to the growth of suburbs. Suburbs initially offered a desirable alternative to crowded urban centers, providing more space, better schools, and perceived safety, fostering a sense of community and tranquility. As populations expanded, suburban areas grew outward, leading to urban sprawl characterized by low-density development, increased reliance on automobiles, and fragmented land use. This expansion posed numerous governance challenges, including infrastructure demands, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and disparities in service delivery. The dispersed nature of sprawl made coordinated governance difficult, straining regional transportation, water, and waste management systems, and worsening socio-economic segregation.

Addressing urban sprawl requires strategic, integrated approaches emphasizing sustainable and coordinated regional planning. One of the most effective solutions involves implementing comprehensive land-use policies that promote Smart Growth principles. These policies encourage higher-density development, mixed land uses, and redevelopment of existing urban areas, aiming to reduce dependence on automobiles and preserve green spaces. For example, Portland, Oregon, has successfully employed smart growth strategies, resulting in improved transportation options, preserved open lands, and revitalized urban cores. Additionally, forming regional governing bodies that facilitate collaboration among municipalities can enhance infrastructure planning and service provision, reducing fragmentation and inefficiencies. Public transit investments are crucial, providing reliable alternatives to car travel, reducing congestion, and decreasing environmental impact. Moreover, community engagement in planning processes ensures policies align with local needs and garner public support. Overall, adopting sustainable land use and regional governance frameworks can address the challenges of urban sprawl efficiently and effectively, fostering resilient, livable metropolitan areas.

References

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• Haid, C. (2020). Suburban Development and Urban Sprawl: Causes and Consequences. Journal of Urban Planning, 36(2), 205-224.
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• Petersen, R. (2017). The Evolution of Big City Politics: From Bosses to Citizens. City & Community, 16(1), 3-17.
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