Archive 1/2008

Abstract

Theoretical thresholds aim at answering the question, how strong the support of a political party has to be in order to win at least one seat. The article proposes general formulas for theoretical thresholds for proportional representation at the district level. The goal of their formulation is to refer to the consistent logic of their derivation. Furthermore, this study also compares particular proportional techniques. None of the the three most recognized methods have theoretical thresholds less hospitable to small parties than the d’Hondt method. The least accommodating to a small party are the Imperiali and Modified d’Hondt methods. From a nationwide perspective, more distinct differences were found only in the case of upper thresholds since the differences between lower thresholds are distinctively eliminated with the increasing number of districts. The final analysis of the current electoral system for the Czech Parliment’s Chamber of Deputies showed that it can significantly disadvantage parties with less than 8 percent of the votes.

Key words

theoretical threshold, proportional representation, district and national levels, legal threshold, parliamentary election in Czech Republic

Abstract

Political scientists are in agreement about the fact that the current German political system might be in danger, particularly stemming from right-wing extremism. However, left-wing extremism should not go unnoticed, primarily for its anti-capitalist and revisionist features, use of violence, and persistently Marxist and Stalinist views of the world. Left-wing extremism in Germany falls into two main streams: a Marxist current drawing ideas from late 20th century Communism and anti-fascism, and an anarchist current. On the border of the democratic and extremist milieu is the PDS party, now “Die Linke” party, which belongs to the extremists due to its political program, but not due to its practical policy. However, its position is not clearly defined.

Key words

Left-wing extremism, Germany, political parties, post-socialism, anarchism, anti-fascism

Abstract

This paper deals with the question of what kinds of approaches we can use to investigate the process of goals modification for public and social service delivery programs within local organizations. To answer it we must first collect information about general methodological perspectives on policy and program implementation process in the field of policy analysis (the so-called top-down, bottom-up and synthetic approaches). Next, we present the concept of organizational models of social program implementation as proposed by Elmore (1978). It enables us to uncover which inter-organizational mechanisms matter. during the public program implementation process inside regional organizations, and what the proper sources of program goal modification are. We assume that the combined principles of bureaucracy, managerialism and professionalism included in Elmore ́s models enable us to investigate this goal modification while above all, it creates an institutional environment inside and outside regional organizations.

Key words

public policy, public and social service delivery programmes, policy analysis, policy implementation, implementation gap, modification of policy and program goals

Abstract

Lukáš Linek, Jan Outlý, Gábor Tóka, Agnes Batory (eds.). 2007. Volby do Evropského parlamentu 2004, Hradec Králové, Sociologický ústav Akademie věd a Fakulta humanitních studií Univerzity Hradec Králové, 314 pages.

Key words

Abstract

Jiří Georgiev (ed.). 2007. Princip subsidiarity v právní teorii a praxi, Praha, Vysoká škola CEVRO Institut, 152 pages.

Key words

Abstract

Robert Zbíral. 2007. Institucionální rámec Evropské unie. Právně-politologický pohled, Praha, Linde, 239 pages.

Key words

Abstract

Key words