10 Tips for Better Business Writing

10 Tips for Better Business Writing 10 Tips for Better Business Writing 10 Tips for Better Business Writing By Mark Nichol Writing in a business environment is an activity with associated norms, challenges, and opportunities. Keep the following points in mind as you craft communication in the context of a company or an organization. 1. Clarity Be clear. Clarity is the primary goal of all communication, and in business writing, the degree of transparency in one’s message can determine whether one succeeds or fails in a venture, whether you’re transmitting a report or closing a deal. State the intention of your message, provide the necessary details, and request the precise response you need or want. 2. Active Voice Employ active construction (subject-verb-object). â€Å"This report was sent to me by John Smith† is not wrong, and it’s probably the best choice if you want to distinguish one report from another, but consider whether â€Å"John Smith† should be the subject of the sentence; the active syntax is more vigorous, and usually more appropriate. 3. Direct Language Construct concise, declarative statements. Your goal is to provide or invite information, or to persuade or be persuaded. Your time is valuable to you, but the recipient or recipients of your communication also have constraints and deadlines, so take the time to express yourself with economy and directness. 4. Simple Words Favor plain, clear words and phrases over technical terms, jargon, or buzzwords. Take care not to complicate your vocabulary or stiffen your tone in an attempt to seem more businesslike or expert. By all means, use proper terminology to enhance clarity and demonstrate your knowledge and skills, but imagine how you would speak to your intended audience, and write with a conversational glossary in mind. 5. Tone Strike a balance in tone that depends on the particular context of the communication. Even within categories (memos, whether in print or in email form, or marketing content), the feel of the correspondence will depend on many factors. Consult with management and colleagues, study precedents, and consider the audience when settling on the voice of a particular message. 6. Role Consider the role of a particular piece of communication. If it’s summarizing a report, don’t go into so much detail that the report itself is unnecessary (unless, of course, you’re providing an executive summary for a company leader who doesn’t have time to read it). If it’s part of a larger project, match your writing style to the approach of the overall suite of materials. 7. Goal Focus on the expected or hoped-for outcome. Whether you’re writing to a superior or a subordinate, or to a colleague or someone outside your company or organization, be clear but courteous about the goal of your correspondence. 8. Candor Avoid euphemisms or generic references; name topics outright. Diplomacy is a foundation of successful business transactions, but you can undermine success by seeming too solicitous or vague about sensitive matters. Be forthright in your discussion. 9. Formality Standards for business correspondence have become more relaxed, but maintain a professional tone, avoiding slang or text-speak, exclamation points, and overly informal salutations and sign-offs. 10. Words with Friends Be cautious about making exceptions about formality when corresponding with coworkers or associates you consider friends or confidants. Just because you dish or swear when the two of you chat in person doesn’t mean you should do so in email messages or other electronic communications located on a company network. Drop the formality a notch, certainly, but don’t document your lapses in professional behavior. 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 Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Creative Writing 10155 Boxing IdiomsPlurals of Proper Names

USS New York (BB-34) in World War II

USS New York (BB-34) in World War II USS New York  (BB-34) - Overview: Nation:  United States Type:  Battleship Shipyard:  Brooklyn Navy Yard Laid Down:  September 11, 1911 Launched:  October 30, 1912 Commissioned:  April 15, 1914 Fate:  Sunk July 8, 1948 as a target ship USS New York  (BB-34) - Specifications: Displacement:  27,000  tons Length:  573  ft. Beam:  95.2  ft. Draft:  28.5 ft. Propulsion:  14  Babcock and Wilcox  coal-fired boilers  with oil spray, triple expansion steam engines turning two propellers Speed:  20  knots Complement:  1,042  men​ Armament (as built): 10  Ãƒâ€"  14-inch/45  caliber guns21 Ãâ€"  5/51 caliber guns4 Ãâ€" 21  torpedo tubes USS New York (BB-34) - Design Construction: Tracing its roots to the 1908 Newport Conference, the  New York-class of battleship was the US Navys fifth type of dreadnought after the earlier  -,  -, -, and  Wyoming-classes.   Key  among the conferences conclusions was the requirement for increasingly larger calibers of main guns.   Though debate ensued regarding the armament of the Florida- and  Wyoming-class ships, their construction moved forward using 12 guns.   Complicating the discussion was the fact that no American dreadnought had entered service and designs were based on theory and experience with pre-dreadnought ships.   In 1909, the General Board advanced designs for a battleship mounting 14 guns.   The following year, the Bureau of Ordnance successfully tested a new gun of this size and Congress authorized the construction of two vessels. Designated USS  New York  (BB-34) and USS  Texas  (BB-35), the new type featured ten 14 guns mounted in five twin turrets.   These were placed with two forward and two aft in superfiring arrangements while the fifth turret was situated amidships.   The secondary armament consisted of twenty-one 5 guns and four 21 torpedo tubes.   Power for the  New York-class ships came from fourteen Babcock Wilcox coal-fired boilers driving vertical triple expansion steam engines.   These turned two propellers and gave the vessels a speed of 21 knots.   Protection for the ships came from a 12 main armor belt with 6.5 covering the vessels casemates.    Construction of  New York  was assigned to the New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn  and work commenced on September 11, 1911.   Proceeding over the next year, the battleship slid down the ways on October 30, 1912, with Elsie Calder, daughter of Representative William M. Calder, serving as sponsor.   Eighteen months later,  New York  entered service on April 15, 1914,  with Captain Thomas S. Rodgers in command.   A descendant  of Commodore  John Rodgers and Captain Christopher Perry (father of Oliver Hazard Perry and Matthew C. Perry), Rodgers immediately took his ship south to support the American occupation of Veracruz. USS New York (BB-34) - Early Service World War I: Arriving off the Mexican coast, New York became the flagship of Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher that July.   The battleship remained in the vicinity of Veracruz until the end of the occupation in November.   Steaming north, it conducted a shakedown cruise before arriving at New York City in December.   While in port, New York hosted a Christmas party for local orphans.   Well-publicized, the event earned the battleship the moniker The Christmas Ship and established a reputation of public service.   Joining the Atlantic Fleet, New York spent much of 1916 conducting routine training exercises along the East Coast.   In 1917, following the US entry into World War I, the battleship became flagship of Rear Admiral Hugh Rodmans Battleship Division 9.    That fall, Rodmans ships received orders to reinforce Admiral Sir David Beattys British Grand Fleet.   Reaching Scapa Flow on December 7, the force was re-designated the 6th Battle Squadron.   Commencing training and gunnery exercises, New York stood out as the best American ship in the squadron.   Tasked with escorting convoys in the North Sea, the battleship accidentally rammed a German U-boat on the night of October 14, 1918 as it entered Pentland Firth.   The encounter broke off two of the battleships propeller blades and reduced its speed to 12 knots.   Crippled, it sailed for Rosyth for repairs.   En route, New York  came under attack from another U-boat, but the torpedoes missed.   Repaired, it rejoined the fleet to escort the German High Seas Fleet into internment following the wars conclusion in November.    USS New York (BB-34) - Interwar Years: Briefly returning to New York City, New York then escorted President Woodrow Wilson, aboard the liner SS George Washington, to Brest, France to take part in the peace negotiations.   Resuming peacetime operations, the battleship conducted training activities in home water before a brief refit which saw a reduction in the 5 armament and the addition of 3 anti-aircraft guns.   Transferred to the Pacific later in 1919, New York began service with the Pacific Fleet with San Diego serving as its home port.   Returning east in 1926, it entered Norfolk Navy Yard for an extensive modernization program.   This saw the coal-fired boilers replaced with new Bureau Express oil-fired models, the trunking of the two funnels into one, installation of an aircraft catapult on the amidships turret, addition of torpedo bulges, and the replacement of the lattice masts with new tripod ones.   After conducting training with USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) and USS Arizona (BB-39) in late 1928 and early 1929, New York resumed routine operations with the Pacific Fleet.   In 1937, the battleship was selected to transport Rodman to Britain where he was to serve as the US Navys official representative at the coronation of King George VI.   While there, it took part in the Grand Naval Review as the lone American vessel.   Returning home, New York commenced a refit which saw the expansion of its anti-aircraft armament as well as the installation of XAF radar set.   The second ship to receive this new technology, the battleship conducted tests of this equipment as well as transported midshipmen on training cruises. USS New York (BB-34) - World War II: With the beginning of World War II in Europe in September 1939, New York received orders to join the Neutrality Patrol in the North Atlantic.   Operating in these waters, it worked to protect the sea lanes against encroachment by German submarines.   Continuing in this role, it later escorted American troops to Iceland in July 1941.   In need of further modernization, New York entered the yard and was there when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7.   With the nation at war, work on the ship moved quickly and it returned to active duty four weeks later.   An older battleship, New York spent much of 1942 aiding in escorting convoys to Scotland.   This duty was broken up in July when its anti-aircraft armament underwent a major enhancement at Norfolk.   Departing Hampton Roads in October, New York joined the Allied fleet to support the Operation Torch landings in North Africa. On November 8, in company with USS Philadelphia, New York attacked Vichy French positions around Safi.   Providing naval gunfire support for the 47th Infantry Division, the battleship neutralized enemy shore batteries before steaming north to join Allied forces off Casablanca.   It continued to operate off North Africa until retiring to Norfolk on November 14.   Resuming escort duties, New York shepherded convoys to North Africa into 1943.   Later that year, it underwent a final overhaul which saw further additions to its anti-aircraft armament.   Assigned to the Chesapeake as a gunnery training ship, New York spent from July 1943 to June 1944 engaged in educating sailors for the fleet.   Though effective in this role, it badly reduced morale among the permanent crew. USS New York (BB-34) - Pacific Theater: Following a series of midshipmen cruises in the summer of 1944, New York received orders to transfer to the Pacific.   Passing through the Panama Canal that fall, it arrived at Long Beach on December 9.   Completing refresher training on the West Coast, the battleship steamed west and joined the support group for the invasion of Iwo Jima.   En route, New York lost a blade from one of its propellers which necessitated temporary repairs at Eniwetok.   Rejoining the fleet, it was in position on February 16 and commenced a three-day bombardment of the island.   Withdrawing on the 19th, New York underwent permanent repairs at Manus before resuming service with Task Force 54.    Sailing from Ulithi, New York and its consorts arrived off Okinawa on March 27 and began bombardment of the island in preparation for the Allied invasion.   Remaining offshore after the landings, the battleship provided naval gunfire support for the troops on the island.   On April 14, New York narrowly missed being struck by a kamikaze though the attack resulted in the loss of one its spotting aircraft.   After operating in the vicinity of Okinawa for two and half months, the battleship departed for Pearl Harbor on June 11 to have its guns relined.   Entering the harbor on July 1, it was there when the war ended the following month. USS New York (BB-34) - Postwar: In early September, New York conducted an Operation Magic Carpet cruise from Pearl Harbor to San Pedro to return American servicemen home.   Concluding this assignment, it shifted to the Atlantic to take part in Navy Day festivities in New York City.   Due to its age, New York was selected as a target ship for the Operation Crossroads atomic tests at Bikini Atoll in July 1946.   Surviving both the Able and Baker tests, the battleship returned to Pearl Harbor under tow for further examination.   Formally decommissioned on August 29, 1946, New York was taken from port on July 6, 1948 and sunk as a target. Selected Sources: DANFS: USS  New York  (BB-34)NHHC: USS  New York  (BB-34)MaritimeQuest: USS  New York  (BB-34)

Linear Programming Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Linear Programming - Assignment Example Brass Ltd. manufactures two products named Masso and Russo. These products require machining and assembly hours for their production. The available capacity of each of these hours is limited. Also there are government controls on the maximum output of each type. Under these constraints, the company needs to develop an optimal production plan. The company also needs to know the impact of marginal increase in the constraints on its profitability. The selling prices of the products are also controlled by the government though demand is unfulfilled. The first assumption of the above model is the assumption of independence. This implies that the production of both products is independent of each other and so is their impact on the number of machining or assembly hours. Therefore, the two effects can be added to each other. The second assumption is the assumption of linearity. In other words it is assumed that a linear relation exists between the number of products and machining or assembly hours. This assumption makes possible the use of linear programming model for the given problem. The optimal solution can be obtained by solving the above model through Excel solver as shown in Figure 4.1 (Taha, 2009). In the beginning, the number of products of each type is taken as 1. The objective function value is the decision variable as it needs to be maximized. The number of products is the output variable while the constraints are given by the various inequalities. Sensitivity analysis is performed to notice the impact of a marginal increase in the value of machining hours and assembly hours on the objective function. From the figure, it can be noticed that when the available capacity of machining hours is changed from 700 to 701 hours, the profit increases by $15. When the available capacity of assembly hours is changed from 1000 to 1001 hours, the profit increases by $10. This increase in profit with marginal relaxation of

Team Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Team Development - Essay Example The study of group behavior and team development has evolved from various disciplines originating among social scientists to organizational management. Contemporary studies of group behavior recognized the need to understand the relationships between group members and different factors affecting their development as a participating and performing team. There are studies which support the concept that groups influence work behavior. According to Heathfield (2010), a team is defined as â€Å"any group of people organized to work together interdependently and cooperatively to meet the needs of their customers by accomplishing a purpose and goals† (par. 1). Groups have to be planned not only in their formation but more so in their development for them to be productive and efficient. Each team undergoes varies stages of development depending on their size and objectives. The extent of cohesiveness that a team develops influences the level of performance of a group. High performing teams are influenced by factors such as mission, roles, leadership, communication, decision-making, systems/procedures, climate, rewards, and competence. It is learning how these teams evolve from a basic structure composed of individuals to a complex, performing team that makes theoretical applications of group development worthwhile. Being considered at the number 1 retail discount store in the US today makes Walmart the employer every employee seeks to be a part of. The Jobs and Employment News (JEN) site presented a career development study at Walmart which avers that â€Å"while many other companies look at training as an occasional issue, Walmart considers training as part of their regular work environment† (JEN, 2010, par. 4). The various training programs lined up for Walmart associates are as follows: new associate orientation, cashier simulated training (CST), summer internship program, manager in training (MIT), fresh food academy of classes, engagement

Study summary Essay Example for Free

Study summary Essay The issue of â€Å"profiling† among in policing is not a new concern and considering the efforts devoted against the practice as well as other forms of discrimination, the evidence of its prevalence in the study of Alpert, MacDonald and Dunham (2005) is alarming. The researchers’ main objective was to determine if racial, situational and demographic variable influence police discretion in the establishment of types of suspicion. In doing so, the researchers hoped to determine the vulnerability of minority populations for police suspicion and stops: whether the reasons cited to justify the suspicions were determined by behavioral or non-behavioral factors and if there are any predictors to determine discretion. The research points out that police officers are supposed to be suspicious in that they are specifically trained to develop cognitive schemas or map seemingly unrelated individual, places or events. Several of the researches cited for the study indicate that there are specific cues for suspicion that often coincides with racial, cultural or ethnic characterizations. When something does not fit the schema, there is a natural prompt to pay more attention to it. Though this is not simply a case of one person being the odd man out, the suggestion is that people, not just police officers, have a tendency to see contrasts more easily. This has been indicated by in the case of Terry v.Ohio where the U. S. Supreme Court decided that, â€Å"There is also a realization of the variances on culture that exists which leads both to a realization of unique cultural characteristics as well as awareness of differences, value systems, trade and cross cultural politics† (p. 415) The researchers assume that police suspicion is based on their prior knowledge, observation or experience of similar cases. Thus, there is also a need to understand how knowledge, experience or observations are acquired. The researchers believe that understanding the said factors will not only enhance insights to whether the hypothesis that minorities are more vulnerable to police suspicion but also how they determine the value systems of police officers. According to the study, race remains to be a critical factor in behavioral suspicion. Based on the same research, there is greater association of juvenile delinquency among minorities. Non-behavioral factors also dominate the basis of police suspicion which includes matching descriptions of individuals, activities or transportation. In either case, though suspicion may be influenced by race, it did not directly mean that police action will be directed to the individual. This also implies that based on the factors that influence police suspicion: there was no direct correlation to actual stops made by the police. In making a critique of the study, there is a need to consider the limitations and scope of the researchers’ subjects and methodology. The researchers admit that current data for the research is limited to the observed officers and neither was there significant investigation was made to the origin and nature of suspicion cues amount these officers. It should be noted as well that developments in criminal justice systems follow changes in society: customs, politics, and economics all influence what is determined to criminal behavior, what the corresponding punishment should be and what compensation can be made available to victims. Thus, as much as suspicion cues are determined by social factors, social behaviors are also determined by these cues. Another question that can be further studied by the research is from its determination that suspicions are influenced by race but not actual actions taken by the police. What discriminates the influence of social characterization in the development of suspicions? Are police stops not vulnerable to racial identification or is the presence of criminal justice mechanisms that deter its impact? Furthermore, the study was not able to determine if there are measures to deter the prevalence of discriminatory factors in police suspicions. Essentially, there is a need to further investigate the mechanism of race and other discriminatory factors to be able to reinforce its significance. Based on researches on motivation, there is greater realization that people are motivated by internal factors and external factors that they can be either aware of or not. In the case of profiling, it can then be assumed that the factors that raise the suspicion of police officers are both influenced by their experience and their own personal orientations. Thus, another enhancement of the study can be to determine the dominance of internal and external factors against each other suspicion formation and the subsequent police action. The research admit that their study will not so much answer questions but rather more of them. In any setting, the study of what influence perceptions is always difficult because of its dependence of so many variable both measurable and not. Regardless of the lack of definitiveness, is a good study of social perceptions and policing. Utilizing the study, further researchers can be effectively developed to enhance the performance and discretion of police officers in dealing with issues regarding race and other social characterizations. Reference Alpert, Geoffrey P. , Macdonald, John M. And Dunham, Roger G. (2005). Police Suspicion And Discretionary Decision Making During Citizen Stops. Criminology,43(2): 407-434.

The South China Tiger Essay -- Endangered Species Wildlife China Essay

The South China Tiger As a result of â€Å"the South China Tiger [being] one of the most endangered tiger subspecies in the world† (State Forestry Administration, 2000) China implemented the China Action Plan For Saving the South China Tiger. China’s State Forestry Administration developed the plan because it was necessary to minimize the threat of extinction posed by humans to these tigers. Without intervention, the South China Tiger would go extinct. Historically, â€Å"The South China Tiger was widely distributed, [its range area was about] 2000 kilometers from east to west and 1500 kilometers from north to south† (State Forestry Administration, 2000). What lead to the South China Tiger being classified as extinct was the ignorance of people about the tiger’s ecological and reproductive fragility. According to the China Action Plan, â€Å"During the thirty years before 1980 the wild population of the South China Tiger suffered from continuous large-scale hunting, deforestation of their habitats for timbers, reclaiming of agricultural lands, and pollution from chemical fertilizers†. A combination of human encroachment and habitat destruction resulted in both a decrease in the numbers of South China tigers in the wild as well as a decrease in the habitat in which they were able to live. The Ministry of Forest of the Peoples Republic of China combined its efforts with the World Wildlife Federation to conduct a study of the South China Tiger from 1990-1992. â€Å"The outcome of the survey revealed that there were about 20 to 30 South China Tigers living in the wild at that time. Therefore, the South China Tiger [was] on the brink of extinction† (State Forestry Administration, 2000). There are two different types of South C... ...te Forestry Administration, 2000). The South China Tiger is only one of several species that is endangered due to human activities. It is important for both governments and individuals to become aware of the threats that they pose to species in order to prevent extinction in the future. Without knowledge and awareness many species will meet that same fate as those of the Dodo bird and the Passenger Pigeon. However with appropriate awareness, monitoring and preservation programs it is possible for humans to prevent the complete extinction of the so many vital species and organisms that share this planet with mankind. References 1- China Action Plan for Saving the South China Tiger, Draft Outline. State Forestry Administration, P.R. China. Oct. 2000 2- http://www.5tigers.org/Research/Schina.htm. 3- http://www.home.aol.com/tigertrail/china.htm

State and Local Government Essay

What is Federalism? The United States has one of the most complicated forms of government in the world. With many levels and subdivisions, this form of government is called federalism. Within the United States, federalism is marked by a continuous change in the system of connections between the national, state, and local governments. At times, the different levels of government act independently and at other times, the levels became so entangled that it becomes impossible to tell apart the responsibilities of one from the other. Federalism is just one of the three main systems of power used by the United States. There are two ways, other than pure federalism, to organize power among national and regional governments. Pure federalism is also known as a federal system. In a federal system, the central and regional governments are divided in power and responsibilities, and the governments do not depend on each other for their power. Voters elect candidates into both the regional and central levels within a federal system allowing the United States to have a representative government, meaning that people elect representatives to legislate on their behalf. Another system of government is the unitary system. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in the central government. The central government then grants special powers to the regional governments. Voters elect people into the central government and then the central government assigns people to the regional governments. France’s government is an example of a unitary system. The third system of government is the confederal system or confederacy. In a confederacy, power is concentrated more in the regional governments than the central government. Voters elect people into the independent regional governments and then these independent regional governments grant legal authority to the central government. An example of a confederal system would be the Confederate States of America. The federal system describes the system of power that the United States has. This means that the regional governments (states and localities) and the central (national) government are independent equals. Because of this, the  federal system allows for these regional governments to experiment with policy. These experimental acts by the regional governments give them the label of laboratories of democracy. However, for some years now, federalism has been linked with the concept of devolution. Devolution is the process of powers and responsibilities being taken from the national government and given to the state governments, which clearly goes against the â€Å"independent equals† idea in federalism because states are gaining more power. This could be a result of the states abusing their power of experimenting with policy. Although states might abuse their power of experimenting, the actual practice of experimenting is considered an advantage. Experimenting is one of the many advantages of federalism. Federalism allows for flexibility among state laws and institutions as well as reduces complications because the states are able to accommodate citizens’ interests, which is shown by how much easier trade is now. Another advantage of federalism is that it enables the achievement of national goals, which is shown when the goal of creating an interstate highway system was achieved in the 1950s. Although federalism is full of advantages, it comes with a price. Unfortunately, federalism increases complexity and confusion, which could be a great inconvenience for people. Federalism can cause confusion between state and federal governments because of the vagueness of the exact division of powers among them. Federalism promotes the duplication of efforts and the reduction of accountability. It also makes it difficult to coordinate, which is shown when police or fire departments in different cities or states can’t communicate with each other. This was clearly shown during the Three Mile Island accident that almost caused a huge catastrophe. Another drawback would be that federalism creates inequality in services and policies. Federalism is not a perfect ideal, but rather it plays host to a balance of both advantageous and disadvantageous outcomes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, is a classic example of how federalism shapes policy. In trying to aid in the relief for hurricane Katrina, FEMA was unsuccessful in their efforts. They were not  able to communicate with state and local governments and coordinate procedures in providing relief. However, during hurricane Sandy, FEMA provided great help and relief for people because they were able to efficiently communicate and coordinate proper procedures. This shows how coordination can go from bad to good because of the resiliency of FEMA in federalism. Federalism in the United States has a Constitutional base. The Constitution grants powers to the different levels of government. Enumerated powers are grants of authority that are explicitly given to the federal government, meaning that they are written in the Constitution. One of the most important pieces in the Constitution is the national supremacy clause, which states that federal law takes precedence over all other laws. This allows the process of the federal government overriding areas regulated by state law, called preemption. Exclusive powers are also another set of powers stated in the Constitution. These are powers given solely to the federal government. The powers of creating and upholding an army and navy, declaring war, and regulating commerce are all exclusive powers. Education is run by the states because running education is not stated as an exclusive power. Another set of powers stated in the Constitution are concurrent powers. Concurrent powers are powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments. The right to tax, borrow, and spend are all powers that can be exercised by the federal and state governments. Implied powers are another set of powers given to the federal government through the Constitution. These powers are broad, but undefined, powers that were essentially created on the idea that not all powers could possibly be listed to meet the needs of the developing nation. These include the general welfare clause, the necessary and proper clause, and the interstate commerce clause. The general welfare clause gives Congress the authority to provide for the â€Å"general welfare†. The necessary and proper clause gives Congress the right to pass any law that they think is â€Å"necessary and proper† to help in carrying out the responsibilities of the federal government as they are defined in the Constitution. The interstate commerce clause gives Congress the right to regulate interstate commerce. These clauses have been broadly interpreted which, in result, has been giving Congress more and more implied  powers. While the Constitution has been shifting more power into the hands of Congress, there isn’t much stated for the state governments. It does, however, state the full faith and credit clause. This clause requires that states recognize each other’s public records and acts, meaning that contract, wills, and marriages that are valid in one state are all valid in all other states. In essence, this clause is the financial backbone of state and local government. Another clause that was stated in the Constitution for state purposes is the privileges and immunities clause. Under this clause, states are prohibited from discriminating against the citizens of other states. The Bill of Rights was also something put into the Constitution to promote individual and state rights by limiting the power of the federal government. The Tenth Amendment addresses the power of the states. It guarantees a broad and undefined set of powers be reserved for only the states and people. The Fourteenth Amendment also deals with specifying the powers of states. This amendment makes it so that the states cannot deprive individuals of the rights and privileges of citizenship and it also requires states to provide due process and equal protection guarantees. The Constitutional basis for federalism in the United States is a big part of its government. Federalism is not a cut and dry system, however. There are many different types of federalism. One of these types is dual-federalism. It is the idea that federal and state governments have powers and responsibilities that are separate and different. Dual-federalism is the midpoint between nation-centered federalism and state-centered federalism; nation-centered federalism being the belief that the nation is the basis of the federal system and that the national government should take superiority over the states, and state-centered federalism is the exact opposite. Advocates of states’ rights agree with the compact theory and believe in a government for the states. Whoever advocates states’ rights believes that states should be able to make their own decisions without any interference from the federal government. The compact theory is the idea that the Constitution represents an agreement among the sovereign states to form a common government. It  took the practice of nullification to an extreme back during the 1820s and 1830s. Eventually, national policies kept upsetting the southern states in the U.S. and that led to secession arguments. The concept that it is impossible for state and federal governments to have different and separate jurisdictions and that both those federal and state governments must work together is called cooperative federalism. Cooperative Federalism comes in different forms as well. The first form of cooperative federalism is â€Å"Layer Cake Federalism†. This form of federalism consists of delineated lines that separate federal, state, and local governments. â€Å"Layer Cake Federalism† is rarely used. The second form of cooperative federalism is â€Å"Marble Cake Federalism†. In â€Å"Marble Cake Federalism†, federal, state, and local governments are so thoroughly mixed with each other that they are impossible to separate from each other. This form of federalism is more common in the United States. The third form of cooperative federalism is â€Å"Picket Fence Federalism† or centralized federalism. Centralized federalism is the concept that the federal government should take the leading role in setting national policy, with state and local governments helping to implement the policies. Centralized federalism has shifted power from the states to federal government. The power shift can be seen through grants given to the state governments by the federal government The federal government supplies many different forms of grants-in-aid. The first form is a categorical grant, which is money given for specific programs, leaving the state and local governments with little discretion on how to spend it. The second form of a grant-in-aid is a general revenue sharing grant. These grants come with few constraints and they leave the state or locality with almost complete discretion over how they want to spend the money. All grants given by the federal government come with constraints crosscutting requirements. Crossover sanctions are federal requirements that mandate the grant recipients to pass and implement certain laws or principles as a condition of receiving the fund. Sometimes the federal government issues action-requiring direct orders to the states and localities but don’t provide any financial support for that action. These  orders are called unfunded mandates. These grants have all helped in shifting power from the state governments to the federal governments, but there has been a new form of federalism that has been shifting power back to the state governments. This form of federalism is called new federalism. New federalism is the belief that states should receive more power and authority and less money from the federal government. Block grants were the type of grants that were preferred in new federalism. They are federal grants-in-aid that are given for general policy areas and leave states and localities with wide discretion on how to spend the money within the designated policy area. Unlike new federalism, ad hoc federalism is a form of government that could differ from time to time. Ad hoc federalism depends on the issue at hand. It is the process of choosing a state-centered or nation-centered view of federalism on the basis of political or partisan convenience. In other words, ad hoc federalism can be swayed either towards the states or towards the federal government by whichever party has the dominant hand in Congress. The Bush-era was described as entering the United States into ad hoc federalism. This type of federalism is not definitive. To sum things up, federalism cannot be described in one single sentence. Federalism has its ins, outs, ups, downs, and can be all over the place. Federalism’s many forms are what make this system of government unique and different from the others. It has taken the United States into some fortunate and some not-so-fortunate times. It is a complicated concept that will continue to change as the United States advances even further into the future.

Sabrina Charatain Essay

Supreme Court meets for the first time at the Merchants Exchange Building in New York City on February 2. The court, made up of one chief Justice and five associate Justices, hears its first case in 1792. The nation's first census shows that the population has climbed to nearly 4 million. In 1791, first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, are ratified on December 15. In 1793, Washington's second Inauguration Is held in Philadelphia on March 4. Ell Whitney Invention of the cotton glen greatly Increases the demand for slave labor.In 1797, John Adams Is Inaugurated as the second president In Philadelphia on March 4. In 1800, the U. S. Capital Is moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D. C. On June 15. U. S. Congress meets in Washington, DC, for the first time on November 17. Gabriel Prosper, an enslaved African American blacksmith, organizes a slave revolt intending to march on Richmond, Virginia. The conspiracy is uncovered, and Prosper and a number of the rebels are hanged. Virginians slave laws are consequently tightened.In 1801, Thomas Jefferson is inaugurated as the third president in Washington, DC on March 4. In 1803, Mammary v. Madison: Landmark Supreme Court decision greatly expands the power of the court by establishing its eight to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional on February 24. United States agrees to pay France $15 million for the Louisiana Purchase, which extends west from the Millponds River to the Rocky Mountains and comprises about 830,000 square miles. However, the treaty was signed May 2. As a result, the U. S. Nearly doubles In size.In 1804, Lewis and Clark set out from SST. Louis, Missouri on an expedition to explore the West and find a route to the Pacific Ocean on May 14. Jefferson had his second inauguration on March 4. In 1 805, Lewis and Clark reach the Pacific Ocean on November 15. In 1809, James Madison is Inaugurated as the fourth president on March 4. The War of 1812 Is when U. S. Declares war on Britain over British interference with American maritime slipping and westward expansion on June 18, 1812. Madison later has his second Inauguration on March 4, 1813.British capture Washington, DC, and set fire to White House and Capitol in August 1814. Francis Scott Baltimore. Treaty of Ghent is signed, officially ending the war in December 24, 1814. In 1820, Missouri Compromise was an effort to maintain the balance between free and slave states, Maine (formerly part of Massachusetts) is admitted as a free state o that Missouri can be admitted as a slave state; except for Missouri, slavery is prohibited in the Louisiana Purchase lands north of latitude 36030†² on March 3.

General William Sherman essays

General William Sherman essays William Tecumseh Sherman was born on May 8, 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio. He received his education at the United States Military Academy and then eventually became a Union General in the U.S. civil war. Sherman declared his resignation from the army in 1853 and became a banking firm in San Francisco. He became the president of the Military college in Louisiana (currently LSU) from 1859-1861. Sherman offered his services at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 and was placed in command of a voluntary infantry regiment. He became a brigadier general of the volunteers after the first Battle of Bull Run. He was the leader at the battle of Shiloh and was then promoted to general to the volunteer. Following the battle of Chatanooga, he was made supreme commander of the armies in the West. Sherman fought along with the likes of Ulysses S. Grant and against Robert E. Lee before he became commissioned lieutenant general of the regular army. Following Grant's election to presidency, Sherman was promoted to full general and was given command of the entire U.S. Army. He retired in 1883 and died in 1891. William Sherman was a very talented and successful man. He is remembered by many accomplishments, but is probably remembered most by his famous march to the sea. The march was probably one of the most celebrated military action in history. Sherman rallied sixty thousand men and they marched from Atlanta to the Atlantic Ocean, then north through South Carolina destroying the last of the South's economic resources. Commander Bedford Forrest was in Tennessee, and with Atlanta secured, General Sherman dispatched George Thomas to Nashville to restore the order there. Thomas and John B. hood engaged in many skirmishes which threatened Thomas's supply line. Sherman decided boldly to use a plan which was completely opposite of the plan Grant laid down six months earlier. Instead of the Confederate armies being the object ...

Tips and Examples About Asking for Information in English

Tips and Examples About Asking for Information in English Asking for information can be as simple as asking for the time, or as complicated as asking for details about a complicated process. In both cases, its important to use the appropriate form for  the situation. For example, when asking for information from a friend, use a more informal or colloquial  form. When asking a colleague, use a slightly more formal form, and when asking for information from a stranger, use an appropriately formal construction. Very Informal Structures If you are asking a friend  or family member for information, use a direct question. Simple Question Structure: Wh? Helping Verb Subject Verb How much does it cost?Where does she live? More Formal Structures Use these forms for simple, everyday questions in stores, with colleagues at work, and in other informal situations. Structure: Pardon me / Excuse me   Can / Could you tell me Wh? Subject verb? Can you tell me when the train arrives?Pardon me, could you tell me how much the book costs? Formal and More Complicated Questions Use these forms when asking complicated questions that require a lot of information. These should also be used when asking questions of important people such as your boss, on a job interview, etc. Structure: I wonder if you could tell me/explain/provide information on... I wonder if you could explain how health insurance is handled at your company.I wonder if you could provide information on your pricing structure. Structure: Would you mind verb ing   Would you mind telling me a little bit more about benefits at this company?Would you mind going over the savings plan again? Replying to a Request for Information If you would like to provide information when asked for information, start your reply with one of the following phrases. Informal Sure.No problem.Let me see. More Formal Id be happy to answer that.I should be able to answer your question.Itd be a pleasure to help you. When providing information people will sometimes also offer to help in other ways. See the example conversations below for an example. Saying No If you do not have the answer to a request for information, use one of the phrases below to indicate that you are unable to answer the question.  Saying no, is never fun, but sometimes its necessary. Instead, its common to offer a suggestion as to where someone might find the information. Informal Sorry, I cant help you out.Sorry, but I dont know that.Thats beyond me, sorry. More Formal Im afraid I dont have the answer to that question.Id like to help you. Unfortunately, I dont have that information / dont know. Role Play Exercises   Simple Situation Brother: When does the movie start?Sister: I think its at 8.Brother: Check, will you?Sister: Youre so lazy. Just a second.Brother: Thanks, sis.Sister: Yes, it starts at 8. Get off the couch sometimes! Customer: Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find menswear?Shop Assistant: Sure. Menswear is on the second floor.Customer: Oh, also, could you tell me where sheets are.Shop Assistant: No problem, sheets are on the third floor at the back.Customer: Thanks for your help.Shop Assistant: My pleasure. More Complex or Formal Situation Man: Excuse me, would you mind answering some questions?Business Colleague: Id be happy to help.Man: I wonder if you could tell me when the project is going to begin.Business Colleague: I believe were beginning the project next month.Man: and who will be responsible for the project.Business Colleague: I think Bob Smith is in charge of the project.Man: OK, finally, would you mind telling me how much the estimated cost will be?Business Colleague: Im afraid I cant answer that. Perhaps you should speak to my director.Man: Thank you. I thought you might say that. Ill speak to Mr. Anders.Business Colleague: Yes, that would be best for that type of information. Man: Thank you for helping out.Business Colleague: My pleasure.

Fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Fashion - Essay Example One, there was an atmosphere of freedom. Two, the industrial era was growing. And three, there were people whose ideas were catching up with the youth of those times. What was happening was a new generation shaken by the war and psychologically drained was left without mooring. It was left to this generation to lead or to be lead. The economic scenario was grim. In this environment, a new culture emerged that was to give the haute couture in Paris a run for its money! Fashion was no more to be treated as the private domain of a few individuals. It became mass based. It became an industry that rolled out quality, ready-to-wear stuff in mass productions. There was awareness to move away from the elitist class to more bourgeois order and reap the benefits of a freer and more powerful society (Mid Twentieth Century). The 1950s emerged with the market targeting teenagers for music and fashion. The trends were becoming bolder. Women were wearing shorter skirts. Popular movies set trends in what to wear and more than eager teenagers in huge droves styled themselves after their divas. Christian Dior introduced a New Look silhouette that bespoke the freer atmosphere after the war restrictions. The New Look silhouettes included longer skirts with emphasis on waist and shoulder lines (1950s fashion). In the 1960s, a class of fashion designers emerg... In the 1960s, a class of fashion designers emerged of the likes of Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, and Emanuel Ungaro. They brought about radical changes in the way people wore clothes. This was also the time when the skirt had metamorphosed to mini-skirts. The hippie culture towards the latter part of the decade added its own imprint on dresses and the bell-bottom trousers was one of them. Since then, the world has not looked back. The pattern of wearing clothes continued from the 1960s to the 1970s. The jeans also made their presence felt and people began wearing them in large numbers everywhere. Jeans were increasingly tattered to give the wearer the look of randomness. However, this was also the time when the shift was taking place away from the mini-skirt and the skirts began dropping to below the knee levels. Shoes were more flat and pointed or rounded in leather or canvass. From the 1970s the trend for changes continued albeit more sporadically until the closing of the millennium in 2000. In the mid-1990s the insistence on more formal clothes became a necessity and young people were told to be formally attired. These were the days of recruitments. Technology advanced. Management got more powers in decisions of recruitments and lay off. They could tell their recruits what to wear. In many firms they wore uniforms. This trend has continued to this day. Fashion and the Arts In arts, fashion covers a wide array of interests from handicrafts and photography to knitting and shoe making. Each stream is a field by itself and nurtures its own discipline. From time to time, one or more disciplines come together to exhibit their wares for a few days to weeks. Fashion is in essence