Equality and due process are two fundamental democratic principles that influence overtime the formulation of public policy on the issue of the existing inequality in US. On one hand, the process of equality has transformed the American society. Inequality process hurts the general moral of the entire society so that philosophers reject discrimination and advocate equal opportunity. Public policy makers take into account this view point.
Nowadays; women, blacks, and other minorities can vote and hold office. In the US Amy, blacks and whites fight in the same units. According to the Supreme Court, all children, regardless of their origin should be educated in the same school. On the other hand, the due process enhances the equality of all citizens before the court. The two principles are interconnected and are suitable to promote a fair employment practice, an ideal work environment and generate diversity in the workplace.
From the same perspectives, this paper examines a case scenario in which the actors, members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) -State of Maryland Public Employees section, fought for employees rights especially, the equality and due process. History repeat itself and AFSCME Maryland has won many battles that strengthened the solidarity and the unity of all its members.
Of Course the State of Maryland Government itself led by Governor O’Malley, state senators and many non profits organization got involved in that query of good governance in favor of public employees. This paper used a framework set forth in the guidelines for case scenario. In this article, both the theoretical and the conceptual framework are used by the researcher to answer the research questions. The author drew the conceptual framework from the disciplinary fields of public policy, sociology, economy and management.
The theory used in this study is the incremental policymaking insight that emphasizes on the best outcomes. This paper is articulated around a background of the study, the variables involved and the relationship among them.Finaly, the researcher took position by drawing conclusion from the data collected through observation, contents analysis and interviews of some experts.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background of the Study
3. Relationships
4. Conclusion:
Project Goals and Themes
This project explores the fundamental democratic principles of equality and due process, focusing on how they shape public policy and governance within the United States, specifically through a case study of the Correctional Officers Bill of Rights (COBR) in Maryland.
- Application of democratic principles in public sector employment.
- The impact of participatory democracy and policy networks on decision-making.
- The role of labor unions in advancing employee rights and good governance.
- The intersection of law, ethics, and administrative policy.
- Mechanisms for due process and the rule of law in paramilitary organizations.
Excerpt from the Book
Background of the Study
Two organizations are involved in my study: The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The first one is the State of Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Its mission is the Public Safeguarding and its vision is to have its employees develop a leadership in order to provide to all Marylanders an environment free of criminal behaviors. The department employs more than 11 000 people. The essential of the personnel is composed of the State Correctional Officers and the State Police Troopers. These two categories of employees, because of the delicate mission of public services they carry dealing with dangerous and violent criminals are subject to disciplinary action due to excessive use of force or violation of policies designed to create and maintain safety and security for the general public ,the offenders and for the employees themselves.
Until 2010, the DPSCS Standards of Conduct and Internal Administrative Disciplinary Process were applicable and were found obsolete and lacked of due process principles. Employees through their exclusive Union (AFSCME) raised the question of government institutions and policy capacity. Public policy should not tyrannize people. But the ways Government make decision is not immutable .They are subject to change under the influence of citizens and policymakers seeking to ameliorate government performance and embrace new approaches to public policymaking process.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the core democratic principles of equality and due process and establishes the research focus on the AFSCME and State of Maryland case scenario.
Background of the Study: Describes the organizational structure of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the historical context leading to the necessity of the Correctional Officers Bill of Rights (COBR).
Relationships: Analyzes the interplay between policy actors, including the union, the Governor, and the legislature, and examines how participatory democracy influenced the passage of the COBR.
Conclusion:: Synthesizes the findings, asserting that the studied concepts are essential and interconnected elements for the effective functioning and consolidation of democracy.
Keywords
Democracy, Due Process, Equality, Public Policy, AFSCME, Correctional Officers Bill of Rights, Governance, Participatory Democracy, Rule of Law, Policy Networks, Labor Union, Public Safety, Administration, Ethics, Separation of Powers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this project?
The project examines the democratic principles of equality and due process within the context of public policy, using the struggle for the Correctional Officers Bill of Rights (COBR) in Maryland as a central case study.
Which key thematic areas are addressed in the work?
The work covers democratic governance, labor relations, public sector policy-making, administrative disciplinary processes, and the ethical responsibilities of public servants.
What is the central research question?
The paper investigates how democratic principles, such as participatory democracy and the rule of law, influence the policy network and protect the rights of public employees in a paramilitary environment.
Which methodology is employed in the study?
The researcher utilizes a framework based on public policy, sociology, economy, and management, applying the incremental policymaking theory to analyze data collected through observation, content analysis, and expert interviews.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body details the organizational background of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the role of AFSCME in advocating for the COBR, the legislative process, and the ethical implications of policy implementation.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Democracy, Due Process, Equality, Public Policy, AFSCME, COBR, Governance, Participatory Democracy, and Rule of Law.
How does the author define the role of the union in this case?
The author views the union as a key actor that facilitates participatory democracy by mobilizing members and engaging in collective bargaining to ensure fair disciplinary standards.
Why is the "rule of law" considered critical by the author?
The author argues that the rule of law is the foundation that prevents arbitrary power and ensures that all public servants, including correctional officers, are held to ethical standards derived from the Constitution.
What significance does the author place on the COBR?
The COBR is presented as a crucial legal instrument that improves morale and provides due process rights, effectively replacing obsolete disciplinary procedures.
How does the project conclude regarding the future of democracy?
The conclusion states that the four concepts analyzed (equality, due process, participatory democracy, and separation of powers) are interconnected and indispensable, suggesting that the failure of one would threaten the democratic system.
- Citar trabajo
- Anani Charles Koudouovoh (Autor), 2011, Essential Concepts and Principles of Democracy. The Correctional Bill of Right State of Maryland, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/198364
