Format: Research Piece (min. 2500 and max 3500 words, 1.5 spaced,
excluding cover page)
This is an individual assignment worth 40% of your overall
coursework. The research paper must show evidence of research and proper
citation.
Research Question:
The
Caribbean region comprises a diverse group of countries and territories, each
with its unique political structure influenced by historical, cultural, and
colonial legacies. The region also presents
a unique political landscape shaped by its colonial past, socio-economic
challenges, and aspirations for democratic governance.
Countries
such as Jamaica,
Antigua, St. Lucia
and the Bahamas
are constitutional monarchies within the Commonwealth realm. They recognize the
British monarch as the head of state, represented locally by a
Governor-General. The political system is parliamentary democracy, with a Prime
Minister as the head of government. Countries such as Trinidad and Tobago,
Dominica,
Barbados and Guyana
are republics. They have a President as the head of state and a Prime
Minister as the head of government. Haiti
is an example of a presidential republic. The President is both the head of
state and the head of government. The political system is based on a strong
executive branch. Suriname
operates as a parliamentary republic. The President is the head of state,
elected by the National Assembly. The Prime Minister is the head of government,
responsible to the parliament. Meanwhile there are countries such as Cayman,
Puerto Rico, Aruba which are dependent territories.
Research
question: Analyze the variety of political systems found
in the Caribbean and discuss how its colonial past has shaped its varied political
systems of governance and culture. Contrast the characteristics of constitutional
monarchies, such as Jamaica, with
republics like Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. Is the current system working for us in the
Caribbean or is it time to change our system of electing officials?
In answering the question
ensure to discuss the following:
1.
The
impact of colonialism on the political development of the Caribbean nations
2.
The
typical electoral processes in the Caribbean, including general elections,
presidential elections, and local elections.
3.
The
mechanisms in place to ensure free and fair elections. The common challenges
faced during elections, such as electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and
logistical issues?
4.
Is
the current system of government working?
IMPORTANT TO NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Essays should be accompanied by a
Reference/Bibliography. No less than 3 sources should be used. Wikipedia
and online dictionaries are not sources. Please refer to notes on
plagiarism.
APA format to be used
