Study of Comparative Government and Politics (Essay Sample)

IntroductionCountries are governed by policies and provisions of law. Domestic policy is a particular area of public concern that contains administrative decisions, government programs or laws within the country. They directly affect issues and activities that happen within any nation’s borders. It is different from foreign policy in that the latter is a detailed law and approach of a particular government as it advances its interests to other countries worldwide. In most states, domestic policies cover economic and areas of social affairs such as taxes, health care, social welfare, natural resources, education, personal rights among other matters of mutual interest.Traditionally, conservatives believed in government control and the significant role in managing economy of the country. According to them, economic inequality and poverty could not be solved by a ruling body. However, in the current world, liberals and most people support any effort by governments in providing economic security to its citizens and ease human suffering through enactment of policies (UN 2009). Certain domestic policies are of a controversial nature among people of different personal beliefs, religion, and culture. Other policies are widely adopted in almost all nations of the world without any form of reservations.In this essay, the domestic policy for comparison is the United States Patriot Act 2001 and the United Kingdom’s Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. Both acts relate but not limited to homeland security in varying extent. Safety is a core role and a point of primary concern for any typical government. How to secure one nation is a factor of many variables that may or may not be applicable to other countries. A little consideration would, therefore, indicate that there are major similarities as well as differences of the above policies in terms of nature, objectives and factors that led to the adoption of these policies. United States Patriot Act 2001This Act is also popularly known as ‘Uniting and Strengthening America Act by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001’. It was enacted by the US Congress on October 26, 2001 at the request of the then president George Bush. This act can be regarded as a response of the government towards the terrorist attacks experienced on September, 11 the same year (Stefoff 2001).The primary objective of this law was to enhance domestic security through broadening of powers of the government bodies to enable them to identify and stop acts of terror on American soil. There has been major controversy surrounding this law. The supporters believe that it is the best tool for investigations and arrest of terrorists while the critics on the other hand counter the act with claims that it gives immense powers to government bodies to an extent that civil liberties and democracy is threatened.The factors that led to the enactment of United States Patriot Act 2001 are of broad scope. However, all the elements surround measures of enhancing homeland security. The most evident categories can be derived from the titles forming the policy. These include economic, social and political factors. The provisions of this act were meant to address the following issues in a summary: (Abele 2005)
1. Domestic security against terrorist attacksConsidering the fact that this act served as a response to September 11, this title authorized measure for enhanced domestic security services in order to prevent such terror occurrences in the future. Counter-terrorism agencies especially the FBI received much power and financial support in executing their mandate. The National Electronic Crime Task Force and the role of the president in matters concerning the fight against terrorism were expanded and defined. This title also was protected the Muslim community in the US from possible discrimination and victimization.
2. Money-launderingMoney laundering can be readily associated with financing of terror activities. This title facilitated detection, prevention and prosecution of International money launders. This provision was divided into three subtitles. The first one dealt primarily with strengthening of banking rules aimed at preventing money laundering particularly at the international arena. Secondly, it was to enhance clear and healthy communication between security agencies and financial institutions on matters concerning money laundering. The last subtitle was aimed at preventing counterfeiting and smuggling of currency. These provisions went a long way in ensuring factors aiding terror activities within the US borders was contained.3. Welfare of victims and families of victims of terrorismThis title aimed at addressing an important social concern that is brought about by terrorism. Through adoption and amendments of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, the victims of terror attack affairs were taken care of. Payments of the officers of public safety who are killed or injured were expedited making not later than thirty days. Financial compensation for families whose loved ones died in the line of duty was not the only provision under this title. Psychological and emotional care was also made available. This was aimed to ease the social effects of terror and improve the welfare of American citizens.4. Sealing intelligence loopholesThis title was created through amendment of National Security Act of 1947. The Director of Intelligence was to establish sound priorities towards intelligence gathered both locally and abroad. The scope of Intelligence was widened and well financed under this act. Protection of classified data and information is also critical to ensuring that any state security is guaranteed. This provision enabled quicker dissemination and proactive approach when dealing with the terror attack and other threats to national security. Sharing of the information was the sole role of The Director of Central Intelligence and the Office of the Attorney general.5. Protection of the US bordersOwing to the fact that most terror attacks are executed by foreigners finding their way to the country, border surveillance is an essential factor. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 is the law that gave birth to this provision through amendments. The US borders were classified into subtitles in this provision and detailed measure to secure these borders outlined against each subtitle. The northern border was the area of the central focus. Proper identification and screening at points of entry was made a mandatory exercise in order to prevent entry of anything that can pose a threat to the security of American citizens.
United Kingdom’s Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001This act was formally introduced formally to the United Kingdom Parliament on 19th November 2001. This was only two months after the terror attack in New York on September 11. The policy received royal assent later in December the same year and came into force. It was a step ahead in the fight against terrorism among other factors that affected the well-being of the UK citizens majorly through crippling of the terrorist’s financial muscle through freezes and bans. This Act received a number of critical reviews with most of the citizens giving a clean bill of health blueprint on it (Harison 2013). It was aimed at improving measure to counter as well as deal with other emergency or catastrophic incidences that are not necessarily arising from terror attacks.The factors that led to the enactment of this law related to the following:1. TerrorismConsidering the bombing incident in the US the same year and the fact that Britain and US are allies, UK was likely to be targeted by terrorists as well. This law was, therefore, an attempt calculated to prevent terrorism not only within UK, but also all over the world. Under this part, the policy was meant to cripple terror attacks seizure of the suspected terrorist assets. It made legal easier issue of freezing orders to bank accounts and other property belonging or alleged to belong to terrorists.2. Disclosure of information and IntelligenceThis subsection defined classified information and protection of any information that its disclosure would pose a threat to national or international security. Public bodies were required to exercise responsibility in the way they handled any information in their domain. The Secretary of State also mandate to regulate internet providers and telephone services and retain data from these sources for purposes of national security.3. Issues with Immigration and AsylumThis part gave powers to the Home Secretary to certify anyone who is not a British citizen and those suspected to be perpetrators of terror attacks be detained indefinitely or be deported. The legality of the deportation process was not a factor to consider in this case.In December 2004, the Law Lords decision was against this provision in a case filed by some of the detainees who were all suspected terrorists. A review in March the following year saw the measure removed and replaced by control orders brought by Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2005.4. Weapons of mass destruction and Aircraft securityUnder this part, the secretary of state was given a mandate to make new regulations that include detention of any aircraft where an act of violence is likely or is suspected to occur. It also made it legal to regulate and deal with chemical or biological weapons or setting off of a nuclear explosion. Racial hatred was made a criminal act. No one was to be racially or religiously aggravated under the law.
5. Bribery and CorruptionThis is a social concern that is addressed by this provision. Any person offered a reward for in exchange of any duty or service they are supposed to carry out under th...