UNT Theses and Dissertations - 92 Matching Results

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Budgetary Decision-Making in the Texas Legislature
The government of any state has the responsibility of providing for the health, safety, welfare, education, and protection of its citizens. To accomplish these goals, states have created elaborate and complex administrative organizations staffed by thousands of bureaucrats. The increased demands of the citizens of each state upon their state governments for better education, highways, and increased protection are reflected both in the expansion of the agencies created to provide these services and, in turn, in requests for funds in ever increasing amounts to expand the scope of the services. The ability of a state to fund each agency's request is definitely limited; no state is sufficiently wealthy to grant every request. Rather, a state must make some judgment in the distribution of its limited resources (money) among competing and demanding sources. This requires planning and is called budgeting, which one writer has defined as "one of the major processes by which the use of public resources is planned and controlled."
Civil Rights Legislation of the 1960s: The Support of Republican Congressional Leaders Helped Make Possible Its Passage
The efforts of Republican congressional leaders to secure passage of civil rights measures during the 1960's will be emphasized in this thesis. Also, an effort will be made to present objectively the views of Republican congressional leaders toward civil rights measures and to show how they contributed, in the day-to-day legislative proceedings, to the passage of these measures.
Slums and Blight: A Case of Local Government Inaction Beaumont, Texas
An attempt has been made in this study to analyze, examine, and investigate the efforts of the city of Beaumont, Texas, through its comprehensive plan and its planning process, to alleviate or combat the blighted areas of the city and to determine to what extent the comprehensive plan document has been implemented.
State Party Organization in Texas: An Analysis of the Membership and Staff of the State Executive Committees
The purpose of this study is to analyze the state executive committees of the two major political parties in Texas and to present facts regarding the membership of the committees (the policy-makers) and the professional staff of the state party organization (the administrators of party policy).
The Berlin Crisis of 1948 : A Theoretical Model of a Crisis Situation
This study views the deeper reasons for acute crises between national systems or blocs of national systems as a function of major changes within the larger international structure. It seeks to construct eclectically a systematic and analytic model of acute international crises showing their occurrence between the balance of power and bipolar structures of the international system.
Input Model for Foreign Policy Crisis Decision-Making
The purpose of this thesis will be to examine the decision-making process in crisis situations, defined as those presenting a high threat and short decisional time. Crisis situations in the area of foreign policy have become more acute and dangerous since the end of World War II and the rise of nuclear weapon delivery capabilities.
Khrushchev and Socialist Realism: a Study of the Political Control of Soviet Literature, 1960-1963
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the topic of political control of literature within the Soviet Union. The specific scope of this examination includes an investigation of Nikita S. Khrushchev and his utilization of socialist realism as one of the primary methods of literary control during the period, 1960-1963. A study of literature and its political control will demonstrate the important and dynamic roles which the political control of literature fulfills in the political system.
Limitations of Hungarian National Power in World War Two
This study covers a period of a quarter of a century of Hungarian history, focusing on questions that affected the country's World War Two participation. It invokes the aid of value forming principles in order to reach conclusions. Its guiding principles relate to political theory affecting international relations.
The Relationship of Technology to United States Foreign Policy through Technical Assistance Programs to Underdeveloped Countries
The focus of this work lies in an examination of the effect of technological sophistication upon, and the reactions to technological sophistication by, the United States in its active participation in the international arena. Specifically, this work is to be an examination of one aspect of twentieth century technology, that of the transfer of technology, within the foreign policy considerations of the United States. This work will be further limited to an examination of American foreign policy of technology transfer to the underdeveloped countries of the world.
The Local Administration of the War on Poverty with the Maximum Feasible Participation of the Poor; its Problems and Prospects: Community Action Program
The present study examines the background of the Economic Opportunity Act in a local administrative structure. An extensive investigation is made of the Community Action Program of Laredo, Texas. The Community Action Program is a new approach which is still in the formative period and this receptive to constructive suggestions for change. Perhaps, it is hoped, this study will point the direction for such change, to the benefit of the long-run effectiveness of the poverty program as well as healthier interlocal relations.
Party Platforms as Sources of Public Policy in Texas, 1946-1963
"This study is being made to assess the actual importance of the platform in recent gubernatorial elections in Texas. Because an intensive analysis is undertaken, the scope of this thesis has been limited in two ways. First, it is confined to the years 1946-1963 spanning the Administrations of Governors Beauford Jester, Allan Shivers, and Price Daniel. Secondly, in an attempt to compare the executives with one another, platform promises related to education, health and welfare, highways, and taxation adopted at the Democratic State Convention have been included. The method utilized to determine fulfillment of a political promise has been to compare the Governor's recommendations to the Legislature with the resulting action. In particular, an attempt has been made to (1) describe the Democratic primary election, with special reference to the issues raised; (2) to discuss the Democratic State Convention with a listing of the planks mentioned above; and (3) to analyze proposals in the Governor's State of the State Messages and special messages and to compare them with the resulting legislative action." -- leaf 1.
Characteristics of Texas' 1964 National Political Convention Delegations
"It is the purpose of this study is to examine these characteristics of the delegates from Texas to the 1964 Democratic and Republican national nominating conventions, as well as to compare and contrast their characteristics. It is a basic assumption of this study that the characteristics of national convention delegates are important in the determination of the character of the convention as an institution."-- leaf 2.
Federalism's Expanding Dimensions: a Case Study of Decision-Making of the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport
"This paper analyzes the decision making processes in the federal system through a case study, that of the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport controversy, and reveals the role of the many governments and interest groups involved. ...In this study the background of conflict is reviewed, after which the CAB [Civil Aeronautics Board] decision, accomplishments and problems are discussed. The presentation will reflect the cooperative role of all governments in the federal system, plus pressure groups that contribute to decision-making in the federal system."-- leaves 2,13.
The Sino-Indian Border Confrontation of 1962
This thesis presents a brief history of the Sino-Indian relations, and describes the issues leading up to the border dispute between China and India in 1962.
A Study of the Justice of the Peace Court System with Emphasis on That of Dallas County, Texas
This thesis seeks to examine in details the arguments centering around the American justice of the peace court system and evaluate the justices of the peace of Dallas County in the light of these argurents. A second purpose is to evaluate the positions of critics and defenders of the present justice system in the light of the needs of the litigants who come before te justice courts in Dallas County--or who would come before the replacement court advocated by the Texas State Bar Association. Finally, a sunmary analysis leads to recommendations for best serving the interests of these litigants. In the preparation of this study, wide use was made of both wrItten materials and personal interviews. The first three chapters are based largely on written materials, many of which are primary sources. The written source materials include reports, journal, articles, especially articles in legal periodicals, books, newspapers, court case reports and statutes. The latter chapters, the most significant part of the study, are based almost entirely on personal interviews and observations of the justice courts.
Black Versus Black: Division Within a Judge
This thesis attempts to answer the following questions: (1) has Hugo Black abandoned his philosophy of the "absoluteness" of the First Amendment which has long been his basis of decision-making in problems involving the First Amendment, and (2) has he ceased to maintain his strong position for individual liberties?
Comprehensive Health Planning
The purpose of this study is to conduct an examination of the concept of comprehensive health planning the type of which is mandatory if society is ever to realize comprehensive health services for the multitude of people in that society.
Equal Representation and State Legislative Apportionment: a Study of the Political Impact of the Legislative Reapportionment Decisions
This study is concerned with the political impact of the Supreme Court's decisions concerning state legislative apportionment. First, an attempt is made to describe the political environment in which they were made, with special reference to the existing bases of representation in the states and the political reaction to the decisions. Secondly, the study traces the major issues relating to judicial enforcement of the apportionment standards enunciated by the Supreme Court and the modification and development of those standards that followed the initial decisions. Finally, the extent to which reapportionment has been successfully enforced by the courts may suggest some tentative conclusions about the viability and utility of the equal population doctrine as a constitutional standard, as well as some of the possible political consequences of enforcement of that standard.
The Political Theory of John F. Kennedy
This thesis is an attempt to reveal John F. Kennedy, the politician, as a political theorist. Kennedy's philosophy was the underlying current for all his political action, and in the test of time and history, the measurement of his success is more likely to be weighted in favor of his political theory than in favor of his political accomplishments.
The Attitudes of Non-Elective City Administrators toward their Publics: a Study of Cases in Two Cities
This essay explores the question of what role does the public play in the operations of government, especially considering the bureaucracy of a democratic government.
The City of Denton Computer Installation: A Study of Conversion in a Medium-Sized Municipality
It will be the purpose of this thesis to describe and analyze the events and factors which shaped installation of the first electronic data processing system acquired by the City of Denton, Texas--a "medium-sized" municpal organization operating under the council-manager plan. Because the environment may have some degree of effect upon such an effort within the public sector, a certain amount of space will be given over to description of the community as a geographic location, as an aggregation of people engaged in varied activities, and, by implication, as a background for the operation of a municipal government.
The Dallas Transit Company: Transition from Private to Public Ownership
Dallas, Texas, faces transportation problems common to all metropolitan areas. This thesis will examine the effort of the City of Dallas to find a solution to a particular transportation problem, that of public transit. Events leading to the city's purchase of a privately owned transit company and problems encountered during the year after the purchase will be primarily considered in this thesis. The basic methodology consisted of interviews with persons directly connected with the transit operation, including city administrators, City Council members, and transit board members. A newspaper reporter, closely associated with the problem from beginning to end, gave an objective, eye-witness account of the situation. Additionally, newspaper accounts of the transition from private to public transit ownership provided a useful chronology, and letters and public documents supplied other information. City leaders realized that a good transit system was a vital part of a balanced Metropolitan program of transportation. Because the privately owned transit company was not providing adequate bus service, the city found it desirable to assume public ownership of the transit operation through purchase of the Dallas Transit Company in January, 1964.
Japanese-American Internment: Prelude, Pressures, Practice
The present essay, studying the historical, social, political, and military factors, traces the development of ideas culminating in the detention. Considering the affair in this manner should more clearly explain the "why" of Japanese removal. Particularly, the concept of "military necessity," the Army's major reason for evacuation, is considered with emphasis on factors which contributed to the development of this position. The role of Lieutenant General John L. DeWitt, the primary advocate of removal based on necessity, is explored.
Perón of Argentina: Case Study in Political Charismatic Leadership
The thesis here is that the Argentina of the 1940's provided a perfect matrix for the rise of a charismatic leader. Juan Perón did not emerge as an European-style fascist or the traditional Latin American dictator. Rather, he was called forth by his environment to exercise authority over his followers in a leader-mass, savior-disciple relationship. Perón's base environment was Argentine. Thus, Argentine patterns, values, and culture outlined the scope and methods of his rule. For this reason the total social and political behavior of the Argentine people will be studied and equated with the Perón phenomenon.
The Role of Governor Price Daniel as a Legislative Leader
List of tables -- Chapter I. Price Daniel: a biographical sketch -- Chapter II. Governor Daniel and the fifty-fifth Texas legislature -- Chapter III. Governor Daniel and the fifty-sixth Texas legislature -- Chapter IV. Governor Daniel and the fifty-seventh Texas legislature -- Chapter V. Techniques used by Governor Price Daniel in Exercising legislative leadership-- Bibliography.
Why Did Socrates Die? A View of Man and the State
This thesis presents the political theory of Socrates, his trial and death, and looks at the reasons for Socrates' choice of death. In addition the author discusses the meaning of Socrates as it pertains to intellectual evolution and the maturity of societies.
Community Improvement and Code Enforcement in Fort Worth, Texas, 1961-1966
"The purpose of this study is to outline and analyze the efforts of the City of Fort Worth in the area of community improvement through code enforcement in the years 1961-1965. It is hoped that this study will enable those in the field of municipal government or other related fields to gain a better understanding of the need for community improvement through code enforcement and a better knowledge of methods to implement such a program."--leaf 1.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transportation Study: A Case Study in Intergovernmental Relations
This thesis studies and explores the history of the highway system in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Various laws enacted to establish an effective transportation system are discussed including the different government agencies affected and their relations.
The 13th Congressional District in Transition: a Preliminary Analysis of Representation
The relationship between the representative and the reapportioned district is the central feature of the present study as it attempts to assess selected facets of the 13th Congressional District in transition.
Albert Camus: Perspectives on the Nature of Political Revolt
The scope and purpose of this thesis is an evaluation of Camus' literary and philosophical works and their implication to the concept of political revolt. His examination of the origins and effects of modern political revolutions provided insight to the nature of the twentieth century totalitarianism. His ideas also helped to explain the modern emergence of "irrational" terror and political oppression.
The Community Junior College: A Study of the Dallas County Junior College
"The thesis is concerned with the intricacies and problems of community leadership in a metropolitan environment, and the work with a state governing agency that oversees all work done within its jurisdiction...The thesis consists of the history and function of the junior college movement in the United States, the history of Dallas County Junior College from the time it was just an idea up to March 15, 1966, and brief statement of the future course of this vast undertaking." -- leaf 1
Philosophical Irrationalism and Italian Fascism
The purpose of this work will be to trace the development from responsible scholasticism to irrational political violence, and to locate the various sources from which the intellectual acceptance of anti-humanitarian violence spring forth.
President Truman and the Taft-Hartly Act
Truman's activity prior to the passage of the Taft-Hartly Act, his veto, and his later use and conception of the law will form the main framework for this analysis. Although this will be the main emphasis of the study, an analysis of Harry S. Truman's earlier attitude development, especially toward labor, merits research, in so far as these attitudes affected his actions during the period under consideration.
Processes and Principles Involved in the 1950 Reorganization of the Department of Commerce
The federal administrative structure has undergone many changes as a result of governmental reorganizations. In analyzing one of these various reorganizations, the author was convinced that though there were many reasons for change, the plans were based on some set ideas, congenial to the efficient working of governmental machinery. This study will demonstrate how the principles of public administration are employed and emphasized in the reorganization plans.
The Goals of the Peace Corps
Agencies such as the Peace Corps are by nature benevolent, which means they are devised for the expressed purpose of granting aid to other persons. In this case, the avowed purpose is aid for the underdeveloped nations of the world. However, politicians lodged in governmental authority are not humanistic solely for the sake of helping others; there are political aims to be gained. What these aims are and how they affect the operation of a youth corps for peace is a major concern of this thesis.
Probation and Constitutional Protection
This thesis analyzes the relationship between constitutional protections and probation in America. That relationship is not a clear one because traditional protections of individual rights focus on the person accused of a crime while probation focuses attention on the convicted defendant. Students of public law have paid little attention to the defendant following his conviction.
Sam Rayburn and New Deal Legislation, 1933-1936
Sam Rayburn's record as Speaker of the House was undoubtedly his best known accomplishment during fifty years in Congress. Nevertheless he played a vital role as proponent of the New Deal during the period from 1933 to 1936 when he was Chairman of the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee. Since Rayburn's role in passage of early New Deal statutes has been neglected, the purpose of this thesis is to examine his contributions to the Roosevelt Administration as leader in the debates on key legislation.
Tom Clark: The Role of Antitrust Law in the American Economy
This thesis will analyze the work of Mr. Justice Tom C. Clark, in one field of law -- antitrust legislation. It is hoped to gain insight into the accomplishments and shortcomings of Mr. Justice Clark and to provide an appraisal of the Supreme Court's participation in the formulation of policy in the antitrust field.
Tom Clark: the Role of Government in the Protection of Individual Rights
Tom Clark has fulfilled a dual role in the development of the American legal system: He has served as a moderating influence, often arbitrating the differences between opposing factions on the Court; and, he has served as a figure of caution and restraint upon the members of the Court, developing a judicial philosophy which is deferential to other units of government.
Administrative Reorganization in the Southwest Region of the Federal Aviation Agency
The purpose of this study is to examine an example of administrative reorganization which can provide useful information to those interested in the continuing process of administrative reorganization.
The Post-World War II American Policy Toward Germany, Particularly as it Culminated in the Entrance of the Federal Republic of Germany into NATO
The purpose of this thesis is to show first how the policy of the United States toward Germany developed during and after World War II: second, to describe that policy in its relation to the entrance of West Germany into the western European community.
Evidence and Military Law Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
The purpose of this study is to analyze certain major reforms in the Code in an effort to determine whether or not the "status quo" has been change. These reforms are: (1) henceforth all military legal proceedings are to be governed by a single Code equally applicable to all the services; (2) all military judicial proceedings are to be governed as near as practicable by the rules of civil procedure and evidence observed in the criminal proceedings of the United States district courts; (3) all persons charged with an offense are to have competent legal counsel at all stages of pretrial and trial proceedings; (4) all persons subject to the Code are assured that they shall not be subject to compulsory self-incrimination; (5) all who are subject to the Code are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and (6) all are guaranteed an automatic and mandatory review (under certain conditions) of their trials.
The Federal Independent Regulatory Commissions: Some Recent Criticisms and Recommendations
It is the purpose of this thesis to point out areas of failure and weaknesses in the Federal independent regulatory commissions, and recommendations for improvement, as seen by Louis J. Hector, James M. Landis, Emmette S. Redford, Bernard Schwartz and the Special Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight. A secondary purpose of the study is to present action taken by Congress and President Kennedy in response to recent criticisms of the commissions. The scope of the thesis is limited to the major problems of policy-making, personnel matters, and efficiency of the major independent regulatory commissions. The material presented in the thesis covers five chapters. Chapter I includes a general introductory statement, the purpose and scope of the study, and the method of organization. Chapter II is a presentation of the criticisms and recommendations of Hector, Redford, and Landis in respect to the problems of policy-making and coordination faced by the independent commissions. Chapter III examines the problems of commission personnel in respect to qualifications, turnover, and ethical conduct. Chapter IV concerns the efficiency of the independent commissions, showing examples of delay and incompetence in the performance of the functions of the CAB, the FPC, and other commissions. Criticisms and recommendations include those of Hector, the Special Subcommittee, and Landis. Chapter V, the conclusion, re-emphasizes the importance of the problems facing the commissions. Attention is given to action taken by Congress and President Kennedy to improve the efficiency of certain commissions. An analysis of the criticisms and recommendations of the sources used is presented.
The Movement for Trinity River Development
This thesis analyzes the movement for Trinity River improvement and describes the methods used to promote the project.
Selected Issues in Government and Steel
The purpose of this study has been to examine selected issues involved in the growth and development of the steel industry with particular reference to the part played by government. A secondary purpose is a study of the steel industry, itself - its founders, type of organization, and some of its problems.
An Analysis of the Political Career of Carl Schurz, 1868-1888
Carl Schurz, appearing on the American political stage during a period of great change, felt the influence of human events as he formulated his political thinking. He also was affected by his German birth, education, and revolutionary activity before his immigration to the United States. Indeed, it appears that much of his political thought was reaction to existing circumstances or events rather than pure contemplative thinking.
Government and the Housing of the Indigent Aged of Dallas--Possibilities and Actualities
National aid, transmitted and modified by the state and supplemented by the community, is only beginning to be specifically applied to the housing needs of the indigent aged. It is to the question of government's role in the housing of this element of the population that this study is addressed.
Voting Habits and Political Attitudes of Negroes in Austin, Texas
"This thesis is a study of the Negro voter in Austin, Texas. The writer hopes that the findings of this study will be a valuable addition to our knowledge of the Negro voter in American politics. The thesis certainly does answer pertinent questions about Negro politics in Austin, Texas. What is the attitude of the Austin Negro toward the two major political parties? What are the attitudes of the Negro voter towards Negro political leaders and organizations? What are some of the personal factors which affect who does and who does not vote among Negroes? What is the influence of the poll tax upon the political behavior of the Negro? It is hoped that this study will answer these questions and others concerning Negro political life in Austin."-- leaf 1.
Fourth Freedom
It is the purpose of this paper to show that the Post Office must be a service and not a business. It will be shown that the Post Office Department is gradually changing from a service to a business.
Congressional Legislation as a Remedy to Prevent Communist Influence of Labor Unions and Union Officials
The United States and other nations of the free world are presently engaged in a life and death struggle. This conflict is between democracy and Communism--freedom versus slavery. In the classical definition of war, opponents and battlefields were readily defined, but in this "Cold War" conventional arms are only a part of the over-all battle plan. The persistent effort of the Communists to infiltrate and dominate the American labor movement is one of these battlefields. Domination and control of labor unions has been a primary goal of the Communist Party in the United States. In recent years, the power of organized labor has demonstrated its strength throughout our national economy. Labor organizations have the power to create, in this country, a state of national emergency. The problem is how this power can be controlled and protected for the American worker.
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