ON CHANGE: OR, THERE IS NO MAGIC SIZE FOR AN INCREMENT

Abstract In this article we identify instrumentalism in budgetary processes with regularity in the annual change in the appropriation, and non-instrumentalism with irregularity in the annual appropriation change. This definition focuses interest on structural changes in the underlying budget processes. These changes may be isolated using a combination of statistical and more conventional techniques. Other meanings of incremental, we argue, are appropriate to different objectives in studying budgeting. We attempt to clarify the confusion surrounding the meaning of incremental and to answer some of the critics of our previous work.     

Models of Clientelism and Policy Change: The Case of Conditional Cash Transfer Programmes in Mexico and Brazil

Clientelist systems vary, and this variation influences the adoption and evolution of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes. We find that vertically integrated, corporatist clientelism in Mexico and more locally oriented, bossist clientelism in Brazil differentially shape the choices of governments to turn piecemeal, discretionary CCTs into more expansive and secure benefits.     

A Cross-Cultural Verification of a Social Control Theory

The most discussed social control theory of crime has been put forth by Travis Hirschi. In this paper we are interested in examining the relationship between the elements of the bond and self-reported delinquent behavior. In methodology, the paper is a replication of Hirschi's analysis on a random sample of French speaking adolescents of Montreal.

We were able to replicate Hirschi's findings on commitment, belief, and involvement; but there were some differences concerning attachment. There seems to be a cultural difference in the importance of the attachment to school: it is much less significant in the French sample.     

An Evaluation of Alternative Tax and Expenditure Limitation Policies on Kansas Local Governments

Cross-sectional time series data in a partial adjustment model are used to examine county government fiscal behavior under a "hard" tax and expenditure limitation policy, an aggregate property tax levy limit, versus a "soft" limit under Truth in Taxation in Kansas. Results indicate that under the aggregate levy limit, per capita property taxes, own-source revenues and own-source expenditures were significantly higher than under the Truth in Taxation policy where local officials face many fewer restrictions on their ability to raise the levy.     

Service by Decrees or Degrees?

Please fasten your seatbelt,sir. Would you like tea or coffee? Tell me your seat number and I'll see if I can find a China Daily or Morning Post newspaper for you. On the airlines     

Magic Fountain

<正>We’ve all heard the tales surrounding past legends of people motivated by special quests.King Arthur sought the holy grail,Christopher Columbus sought a magic way to India for riches,and Ponce de Leon searched for the fountain of youth.Fables,     

Libel Lawyers as Risk Counselors: Pre-publication and Pre-broadcast Review and the Social Construction of News1

American libel law presents profound dilemmas about how to provide compensation to individuals for injury to their reputation without destroying First Amendment values of free expression and unfettered public debate. This paper looks at the substantial legal costs incurred by publishers and broadcasters in defending themselves against charges of libel, the response of the courts to limit press self-censorship occasioned by the risks of libel litigation, and the perverse effect they both have on the social construction of the news. These tensions are captured in the role of the media lawyer who reviews news stories prior to publication or broadcast and advises editors about libel risks. Data are presented from interviews of 53 in-house and outside counsel who regularly review stories for newspapers, television stations and networks, magazines, and other news organizations. A paradox emerges: media lawyers, in pursuit of constitutional protections of free speech, have come to enforce responsible journalism, while subtly chilling and shaping the ways the news is told.