Protein shakes are a dietary supplement that can be used to lose weight, improve athletic performance, or positively impact recovery times after an intensive workout. They can be purchased as a ready-made product or in powder form to be created at home.

Here are the pros and cons of protein shakes to consider if you’re thinking about adding them to your routine.

List of the Pros of Protein Shakes

1. They provide weight maintenance.
Drinking a protein shake provides an opportunity for losing weight or maintaining a current weight. As part of a meal replacement program, people attempting to lose weight can lose more overall weight compared to those following a standard diet. That is because the average protein shake has fewer calories than any full meal.

2. They are convenient.
Drinking a shake is fast and convenient. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and makes you feel as full as a balanced meal. You can even use fresh fruit with the shake to maintain a complete nutritional profile.

3. They are affordable.
Although you may pay upwards of $100 for a protein shakes mix, you’ll receive multiple shakes from that container. That reduces the cost per servings price dramatically. Most protein shakes are priced at less than $0.50 per serving.

List of the Cons of Protein Shakes

1. On their own, they do provide nutritional loss.
Protein shakes cannot be a full meal replacement. Even if healthy levels of carbohydrates and fats are included with the shake’s formula, the levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants found in a full meal are not found in a protein shake.

2. It won’t provide instant success.
A protein shake is a tool. When used properly, it can help people lose weight or improve their workout performance. If you don’t work out or don’t change your caloric intake levels, however, a protein shake can cause people to gain weight instead of losing it – and not muscular weight.

3. They don’t usually taste very good.
Protein shakes can be challenging to drink because of their flavor. Even with multiple flavors available, many people find that they must add something to the shake to make it palatable.

These protein shakes pros and cons are just the beginning. It can be a tool to improve personal health, but may not be the right choice for everyone. As with any dietary plan, consult your doctor with any specific questions you may have.

Proton therapy is a form of radiation therapy that is used to destroy cancer cells. It provides a targeted beam of radiation to an affected area so that damage to healthy tissues can be minimized.

Here are some of the pros and cons of proton therapy to consider.

List of the Pros of Proton Therapy

1. It provides precise radiation therapy.
Proton therapy can provide extreme targeting of cancer cells that would normally be difficult to appropriately treat. It provides an option to treat tumors that are near vital organs or children who need their developing structures to be preserved.

2. It treats a comprehensive range of cancers.
Compared to other treatment options, proton therapy is more of a universal option for those diagnosed with cancer. It is used to precisely target tumors and the match treatments to the exact size of the tumor.

3. It has a short life.
Proton therapy has a low radiation risk compared to other radioactive treatment methods for cancer. After a treatment session, a patient can leave their treatment room without exposed others to radiation.

4. It can allow people to maintain an active lifestyle.
Most people are able to maintain their activities while being treated with proton therapy. That includes being able to maintain their employment.

List of the Cons of Proton Therapy

1. There are no comparative studies.
No studies exist that appropriately compare proton therapy to traditional therapy options for treating cancer. In 2010, a report issued by the ECRI Institute concluded that proton therapy was only appropriate in about 15% of all cancer cases.

2. Dosing levels can be inconsistent.
Individuals have different treatment needs. The lack of data with this treatment option is another concern. There are few best practices available with proton therapy simply because optimal dosing must come through a trial and error process.

3. It is costly.
In August 2010, Hampton University opened a proton therapy center at the cost of $225 million. The average cost of a facility that treats just 4-5 people can cost $150 million. Even a single-suite option is upwards of $30 million.

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a devastating experience. These proton therapy pros and cons show that even in difficult circumstances, there is still hope to be found.

Purposive sampling is a non-probability sample. It is selected based on population characteristics and study objectives. It may be referred to as subjective or selective sampling. It is also known as judgmental sampling.

Here are the purposive sampling pros and cons to think about and discuss.

List of the Pros of Purposive Sampling

1. It reaches a targeted sample quickly.
Purposive sampling provides options. When a targeted sample needs to be reached quickly, the different types of sampling make it possible to make generalizations from the results that are being studied.

2. There are numerous types available.
Purposive sampling has 7 different primary types. This allows researchers to find homogenous samples, perform typical case sampling, seek out deviant case sampling, or look at characteristics from an entire population.

3. Research designs can involve multiple phases.
Each phase in purposive sampling can build upon the previous one. That means different sampling technique types can be used in each phase, which makes it possible to achieve a wider range of non-probability sampling for researchers to draw conclusions upon. It allows for identifying phenomena that may require further investigation.

List of the Cons of Purposive Sampling

1. Proportionality is a problem.
Purposive sampling does not account for proportionality as one of its primary concerns. The goal is to find a range of cases to provide as much insight as possible in the fastest amount of time.

2. It is prone to researcher bias.
Purposive sampling is based on the researcher. That means their conscious or unconscious bias goes into the data being collected. That bias may make the data seem to be valid, but it can also influence the data and provide false results.

3. It can be difficult to defend.
Because researchers use their judgment in selecting cases, people, or targets for purposive sampling, it can be difficult to defend the conclusions that are reached from the data. Readers typically need additional convincing through other forms of data gathering to find that the results from this type of sampling are valid.

These purposive sampling pros and cons show that it can be a fast form of data collection. They also show that there is an inherent bias that researchers must account for in their work to validate the data they collect.

Limestone is a very valuable natural resource. It is a sedimentary rock that is typically composed of marine organisms. If you’ve found a deposit of limestone, then what you’re really seeing are the skeletal fragments of forams, coral, and molluscs. It is about 10% of the total amount of sedimentary rock found on our planet.

Quarrying limestone is the process of removing this material from the ground. As with any quarrying process, there are certain pros and cons that must be evaluated.

List of the Pros of Quarrying Limestone

1. It can be an economic engine.
Quarries can provide numerous jobs at the local level. People can work at the quarry to extract the limestone that is needed. Drivers are needed to transport the limestone to where it will be processed or used. Processing facilities hire handlers to create usable products from the delivered materials. Local service industries are needed to support these workers.

2. It is often in high demand.
The market for limestone is remarkably consistent. Quarried limestone can be used to neutralize acidity, so it can be added to soils or lakes. Limestone is used in the iron manufacturing industry, is required for cement, concrete, and mortar mixes, and is heated with sand and sodium carbonate to create glass.

3. It is extremely affordable.
Compared to other building materials, the cost of quarried limestone is much lower than most options. A 50-pound bag of limestone chips, for example, can be purchased for around $30. Limestone pavers are about $300 per every 100 square feet of coverage. Although costs are dependent upon the amount of refinement and the final purpose of it, there are few other materials that can match the cost profile of quarried limestone.

4. It is durable.
Quarried limestone is a durable building material. The Great Pyramids were built using limestone. Modern buildings have stood for centuries with this material. It is also easily accessible near the surface, which makes it possible for most quarries to have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. At the same time, it also handles exposure relatively well.

5. It can restore historical landmarks.
Most of today’s landmarks are built with limestone. Quarried limestone is the only option available to us that will allows us to maintain or restore these heritage items to a state that was similar to their original construction.

6. Quarried limestone has unique filtering properties.
The alkaline properties of limestone, along with its unique composition, make it an effective filter for numerous applications. It is the foundation of air purification and water treatment systems of almost any size.

List of the Cons of Quarrying Limestone

1. They can permanently disfigure the environment.
Many limestone quarries can be seen from a great distance away. In many cases, the quarrying work creates changes to the natural landscape that cannot be repaired. That means once the quarry has been established, it often becomes a permanent part of that community, even if it is not being used. Quarries are known to cause sinkholes, damage groundwater tables, and increase the risks of experiencing soil erosion, even when managed properly.

2. Quarries create difficult traffic patterns.
Limestone quarries may create jobs, but they also create costs. Traffic can be a major problem for small communities near a quarry. There may be infrastructure costs required to support the quarry before it can begin operations. Noise pollution, traffic exhaust, and other related traffic problems become part of the experience as well.

3. They can have a negative impact on wildlife habitats.
Indigenous animals, insects, and tress all struggle to survive when a limestone quarry is established. Digging into the ground to remove this natural resource skews the balance of the ecosystem in a way that can make it difficult for many local species to survive.

4. Quarries may have a negative health impact.
Stringent health and safety regulations can offset some of the negative health impacts that quarrying limestone may cause, but not all of them. Inhaling the dust from a limestone quarry is known to cause silicosis and pneumoconiosis. Local populations may suffer from changes to sleep patterns and the increased stress from the quarry can cause unique and unpredictable health concerns.

These quarrying limestone pros and cons show us that we can experience many benefits from this natural resource, but there are several important negatives that must be managed as well. If we take care of the environment, we can benefit from what it provides. If we do not, then the benefits from limestone – or any other resource – will be fleeting at best.

Quartz countertops are manufactured in two different ways. Some are created through the quarried slabs of stone. Homeowners have access to engineered quartz countertops as well, which mixes 95% ground natural quartz with polymer resin.

Here are the pros and cons of quartz countertops to consider.

List of the Pros of Quartz Countertops

1. It is a proven countertop option.
Quartz countertops have been one of the most popular options in Europe for more than a decade. In the United States, quartz is still somewhat uncommon. Since this surface combines the qualities of stone and laminate into one affordable countertop, it offers a versatile option for almost any kitchen.

2. Multiple color options are available.
Whether the quartz is a quarried slab or an engineered solution, virtually any color is an option with a quartz countertop. That makes it a reasonable investment for new construction or for those who are upgrading or remodeling their kitchen.

3. It is a low-maintenance solution.
Quartz countertops are almost indestructible. The durability is so good that it is one of the few countertop options that may come with a warranty. Because it isn’t porous, there are fewer sanitary concerns with this countertop option as well.

4. They resist staining and corrosion.
Because of the durability of the surface, the need to reseal the countertop is no longer required. Quartz countertops naturally resist liquids, oils, and corrosion on their own.

List of the Cons of Quartz Countertops

1. Heat easily damages quartz countertops.
Excessive heat will quickly damage a quartz countertop. Even momentarily setting a hot pan on the countertop is enough to damage it. Heating pads or trivets are a must-have item when these countertops are installed.

2. They can be very expensive.
Quartz countertops may cost upwards of $100 per square foot. That means before fitting and installation costs, a brand-new quartz countertop of 30 square feet may be more than $3,000.

3. Sink options are limited.
Integrated sinks are not incorporated into a quartz countertop. You must use a flush-mount, drop-in, or under-mount sink with this countertop. Using the wrong type of sink can cause the countertop to crack, which may force a full replacement.

These quartz countertop pros and cons show why it is a popular option, but may not be right for every home. It can be a low-maintenance solution, but it can also be difficult to fit or modify.

A radio telescope is used to detect radio emissions. These emissions may come from artificial satellites or from natural objects in the sky. They bring the emission to a focus, then amplify it, allowing for other instruments to analyze what has been received.

Here are the pros and cons of radio telescopes to think about.

List of the Pros of Radio Telescopes

1. They expand our research options.
Unlike other telescopes, radio telescopes are not blocked by celestial dust or debris. They can go through these materials without being reflected or absorbed. That allows researchers to “see” what is happening within a dust cloud, a gas giant, or similar object.

2. We can research more of our universe.
Our universe is primarily composed of hydrogen. In the vastness of space, the cold temperatures make it impossible for hydrogen to emit within the visible spectrum. It does, however, emit in the radio spectrum. Radio telescopes allow us to examine these emissions to learn more about the universe.

3. They can operate continuously.
Radio telescopes can work in virtually any condition. They operate in daylight or at night. They can operate in virtually any type of weather. That means research doesn’t have to stop just because the Earth has rotated or a storm has come in.

List of the Cons of Radio Telescopes

1. There are limited areas to construct new radio telescopes.
Many of our forms of communication are based on radio waves. Televisions, phones, radio stations, and satellites all send information through the radio spectrum. That means a radio telescope must be built in an area with virtually no human population centers to be usable. Most radio telescopes are built in the desert.

2. They have a complex construction.
Radio telescopes are actually composed of several dozen large, precise antennas instead of a single telescope option. This is necessary because the radio signals they detect are very low in energy. That means an array can demand a lot of land space to be operational.

3. The main dish cannot be steered.
To move the point of reception, the receiver must be moved instead of the dish. That requires a radio telescope to have a spherical design.

These radio telescope pros and cons show us that this technology has helped us to explore our universe. The advantages don’t come without a cost, however, but they can be easily managed in most circumstances.

When it comes to schools, there are two types: mixed school and single-sex school. The former is also referred to as co-educational or mixed-sex school where students are both men and women while the latter only accepts students who are either all boys or all girls. This can also referred to as an exclusive school.

Coed schools offer numerous benefits to students but there are also drawbacks that result from attending schools or educational institutions with male and female enrolled students. Let us take a look at the opposite sides of co-educational schools.

List of Advantages of Coed Schools

1. Offers School Diversity
One of the good things about enrolling students, especially kids in mixed-gender schools is the diversity that this decision offers students. If young boys and girls are given exposed to diversity in an early age, they will find it easier to adapt in different environments when they grow up. The diversity this set-up offers is significant in teaching other forms of diversity such as cultural and social.

2. Teaches Equality
With both male and female students attending classes together and participating in class activities, these students will be able to learn about equality between men and women. As opposed to single-sex schools, coed schools treat students equally with no preference to sex, thus, when assignments are given, there are no special treatments and students are graded and evaluated on their performance and not on gender.

3. Promotes Socialization
Some people who were not educated in coed schools often find it hard to socialize with the opposite sex since they are not used to interacting and talking to members of the opposite sex. Conversely, students enrolled in mixed classrooms experience being with members of the opposite sex and become familiar with existing with them. The familiarity will teach them about co-existence and at the same time prepare them when they get out of school where they will have to deal with different kinds of people.

4. Prepares Students for the Real World
Another advantage of co-educational schools is that students are exposed to a normal environment in the sense that society is composed of both men and women. If they are taught and motivated to interact with both sexes, they can use this skill when they graduate in college and be in the real world where men and women co-exist, especially at work.

5. Improves Communication Skills
If a student is studying in a school or university with members of the opposite sex, he or she will be exposed to men and women as well as communicate with them. Since both genders have different ways of expressing themselves, studying in coed schools can help an individual with communication skills.

6. Challenges Sexism
A school with mixed students offer an environment that gives men and women the chance to express themselves and share their views which will teach boys and girls about equality when it comes to sexes. This is because in this educational environment, students are allowed to discuss and debate. As a result, they will be able to explore each other’s perspectives and their differences when it comes to views. This will make it easier for them to agree to disagree.

List of Disadvantages of Coed Schools

1. Can Result to Distraction
One of the downsides of mixed schools where there are both boys and girls is that students might not be able to concentrate with their studies. This is more possible to happen with students who are in high school and college because these are the levels where attraction among students can happen. If a boy has an infatuation on a girl or they will be in a relationship and something goes wrong, this can affect the studies of these students. Studies show that students in single sex schools are able to perform better in academics as opposed to coed students because they are not conscious about themselves and are less distracted.

2. Boys Differ from Girls
Boys are said to be better than girls when it comes to Math while females are better in communications skills and Language than males. Having said that, problems may arise when it comes to performance of students in the classroom. Say, the subject is Mathematics and the boys perform better than girls. The teacher might need to come up with techniques to teach the lesson and this can eat up much of the time intended for more lessons. Moreover, participation in class will not be balanced since one gender might be performing well than the other. This can also affect the atmosphere and the flow of lessons in the classroom.

3. Academic Performance
Some educators who teach in single-sex schools that most students perform better academically in all-boys or all-girls schools than in coed educational institutions. This is because the co-existence of boys and girls in the classroom can lead to shyness or intimidation of some students. When these happen, students who will be intimated or embarrassed to participate in class will end up not performing well, academically.

4. Early Relationships
Students spend most of their time in school and in a coed school, this means boys and girls have more time to be together and interact with one another. One disadvantage is that this can also lead to engaging in relationships and eventually sexual activities. If these kids are still immature and careless, these actions can result to early pregnancy and early marriages.

5. Less Confidence
In a classroom setting where students are all boys or all girls, students are more confident to speak up and perform in class because they are not conscious of what their classmates, who are members of the opposite sex, will think of them. According to a study, girls are less confident in coed schools compared to the confidence shown by female students in exclusive schools for girls. This is because they tend to be shy around their male counterparts especially in participating in class or during recitations. This is more evident in some subjects like Math, Science and Technology.

6. Attention Given to Students
In a coed setting, boys are considered to be independent and able to do things for themselves while most girls, with the exception of some, are seen as fragile. This is a common way of thinking which is not advantageous all the time. With this attitude, girls tend to get more attention and get more assistance when they need help as opposed to boys who are expected to figure things on their own, most of the time.

There are both advantages and disadvantages in coed schools and parents should take these into consideration when deciding on what school to enroll their children at. This is because the school environment has a great impact on the students.

One of the effective methods of producing power is through the use of streaming or falling water. This can be harnessed through the construction of dams across rivers. This process is referred to as hydroelectricity. The principle will utilize the constant flow of water in order to move the turbines, which enable the use of the flowing water’s kinetic energy. As a result, the magnets in the generator will rotate and produce electricity. The water that gets out of the turbine will be returned to the stream found under the dam.

Despite the fact that this technology is not capable of emitting greenhouse gases, there are issues causing it to be on the headlines. Many are concerned that blocking the rivers by building huge dams can have severe social and environmental impact. Some of the issues include blocking of passage for migratory fish, changing of the river’s normal flow, and increasing possibility of earthquakes and displacement of communities within the area.

Many companies are now looking at the potential to utilize water resources to power up their facilities. Consequently, this option has been criticized by local communities as it can disrupt the normal ecosystem. Hence, when considering hydroelectricity, it is important to look at the positive and negative effects that it entails. To begin with, here are a few points to ponder from the list of pros and cons of hydroelectricity as stated below.

List of Pros of Hydroelectricity

1. It is Renewable.
Since this method uses water from the earth to produce electricity, the resource is renewable. Naturally, water that evaporates from the surface of the earth will form clouds and eventually falls back to the earth formed as snow or rain. This means that it will never have to run out of supply and it will not become scarce.

2. Source of Clean Energy.
Basically, hydroelectric power is a clean and green alternative source of energy. In fact, the creation of hydroelectricity will not cause any contamination. Moreover, it will not produce any greenhouse gases or toxins that will pollute the environment.

3. It is Stable and Reliable.
This type of energy source is considered dependable as there are no issues so far as electric power generation is concerned. Many countries with huge hydropower potential utilize hydroelectricity as their main energy source.

4. Requires Low Operating Cost.
The good thing about hydroelectricity when it comes to cost is that it requires low maintenance and operating cost. It also require minimal replacements due to the fewer parts that are present in it. More so, the dams built in these locations have been designed for long-term use. Hence, these facilities will be capable of providing hydroelectric power for a long period of time.

5. Matches Current Demand.
Altering the water streams, creating dams, and getting power can be easier said than done. However, it is not very hard to get going. Once the establishment is in place, it will be easier to deflect the flow of water from one place to another. For instance, if the demand for water is low in a particular area, it will be lowered, redirected and stored until the need arises.

List of Cons of Hydroelectricity

1. Causes Environmental Damage.
Due to the interruptions in the natural flow of water, there are many identified results that can affect the environment. Consequently, it can influence the movement of fish as they move or migrate. This is because fish environments can be influenced with a number of factors, including safe spots, water levels, and water speed. When one of these factors will be altered, there can be a possible interruption in the ecosystem for sure.

2. Cost of Building is Expensive.
Undoubtedly, power plants are very expensive to create, regardless of the type of building. Although hydroelectric power plants are not that complicated to build, it may still require a huge amount of money to begin with. The only advantage is that it will not require specialists to maintain or support personnel that need to be paid large sums of money. So perhaps it will make a good investment to think it can provide an essential source of energy.

3. May Cause Droughts.
A great possibility that happens when building hydroelectric power plants is the occurrence of local droughts. The cost of energy and power are identified depending on the accessibility of water. This can be greatly influenced by a dry spell, causing people not to acquire the power they need.

4. Floods in Lower Areas.
Local populations in low lying locations can become victims of floods due to possible strong water currents that might be released from the dam. More so, it can affect the livelihood of people living in these areas. As a result, more people are then forced to move out to pursue the construction of the dams needed for generating hydroelectricity.

5. Shortage of Water Supply.
Huge dams are built across rivers in countries rich with potential hydroelectric power source. This can cause the interruption of the natural flow of water from one direction to another. When one location does not require too much water supply, it will be redirected to another place so that those looking to build dams in the area can get the much needed water. However, it can cause conflict in the long run when there is scarcity of water supply in that particular area and the water redirected to the dams must be stopped.

Final Thoughts

Building dams in certain locations with potential for hydroelectric power can pose a lot of challenges. Although hydroelectric power plants can be good alternative sources of energy for everybody, there are issues that can hinder their creation. For this reason, it is essential to equate the pros and cons of hydroelectricity when planning to build one. Of course, it can’t be denied that there should always be a gamble when trying to start something new. But perhaps local statistics must be carefully analyzed first before trying to build a revolutionary structure in the community. At least it should comply with safety requirements and should not compromise the environment and the people living within it.

Political parties play a vital role in a democracy. A country can only be considered democratic if its elections are proven to constitute a real competition between two or among several candidates who may be backed by political parties or are running independently.

Political parties are organized groups of people who share a set of similar political aims and opinions and aim to influence public policy by getting their candidates elected. The main functions of these parties are to present their candidates and electoral campaigns to the electorate. But they also perform many other tasks in a democratic country. For one, they serve as institutionalized mediators between society and the duly elected representatives who are responsible for deciding and implementing policies. To illustrate, legislators who are affiliated with a political party and meet with civil society representatives seek opinions from individuals or organizations in the process of formulating public policy. By doing so, they are allowing the demands of their members and supporters to be represented in a parliament and in the government.

In a democratic society, political parties perform key duties, including the following:

• Seeking public policy priorities and civic needs and issues identified by their members and supporters.
• Educating the people how the political and electoral system and general political values work.
• Balancing contrasting demands and turning them into general policies.
• Encouraging citizens to participate in political decisions and turning their opinions into policy options for all.
• Acting as a mediator between the public and the government.
• Choosing and training candidates who are worthy to be elected to public office.

Every political party has internal functions that are determined by external forces, such as political culture, electoral system and legal regulations. But internal processes such as the ideological foundations, party history, personality of leaders and staff members and internal political culture are more influential to a party’s internal functions.

In the United States, there is what they call the two-party system. This means that there are two major parties that dominate the elections and the government. Although this nature of political system has its benefits in promoting good for all people, there are those who criticized it for its disadvantages.

To be able to determine whether having two political parties is actually beneficial to a country or not, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of having them.

List of Advantages of Political Parties

1. Political parties are able to present political information to the voting population in a manner that is readily understandable.
By doing so, there is order in the country through the representation of broad political philosophy of the group. As a result, voters become aware of every party’s stance on certain issues. A good example would be the 2012 Presidential Election between Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama. Each candidate represented major issues of their respective parties to the public.

2. Political parties provide balance through the accommodation of various interests and opinions.
Both political parties are organized groups with differing political views, which make it important for political parties to make decisions that will favor not only few but also all interests and opinions to keep the loyalty of their supporters.

3. Political parties prevent unexpected shifts in political trends that threaten stability in the government.
The US’ two-party system helps promote stability in the government because there will only be two parties sharing power, which can dissolve or change coalitions immediately. Now, if voters disagree on one political issue, they would generally understand that the candidates represent bigger issues that need more attention. This discourages voters from giving up their support for their party. Additionally, elected officials will have time to focus on long-term policies that benefit the public.

4. Political parties encourage political participation.
As a democratic nation, America allows its citizens to freely express their opinions and to support the political party that shares their interest and opinion. Unlike China, the US government encourages the public to participate and cast their votes at the polls. Hence, the public can contribute in making significant changes that will benefit everyone.

List of Disadvantages of Political Parties

1. Political parties might have a selfish propaganda that could hurt national interest.
When political parties carry vested interests and vicious propagandas that benefit only a few and are against other parties, it damages the country’s political environment. And when a certain group cares more for its members rather than the entire country, it does not only harm the political atmosphere, but also disturbs the nation’s peace and order.

2. Political parties could create factionalism.
A country with a party system could render political life artificial. It could create animosity between parties, encourage jealousy and develop occasional riots and insurrection. As a result, the public is forced to form factions because they could not agree on certain levels.

3. Political parties could ruin individuality.
There may be parties that expect or force the people support and share their views blindly. They might not allow its own people to criticize their shortcomings. In short, the people may not be allowed to form their individual opinions on certain issues because they are expected to follow what their party is telling them.

4. Political parties could encourage corruption.
There will be parties that distribute money to the electorate to secure votes for their candidates. Aside from that, their candidates may be making promises only to persuade the voting population into electing them. But once they are elected into office, they might never deliver to their promises. They might also place those who supported them in higher positions in exchange for their votes.

5. Political parties could deprive the country of talented individuals who can contribute to its success.
This is because people from the opposition parties are most likely excluded from participating in the government for the betterment of the entire nation.

When managed properly, political parties can help encourage the people into participating during elections. This ensures that the government officials appointed into different public offices will serve the majority, not only a few.

One of the forms of government is authoritarian. This type is often described as one that has a central government as well as limited political freedom. Unlike an autocratic government, an authoritarian government can have elections. It is also associated to what is known as “blind leadership theory” in that the people have to obey the laws enacted by an authoritarian government.

Just like any other form of government, authoritarian leadership has its pros and cons. It helps to have an idea of its benefits and drawbacks for better understanding.

List of Advantages of Authoritarian Government

1. No Monopoly in Businesses
With the government having central power, it can impose on the prices of commodities being sold by manufacturers to consumers. Since a central government dictates on what products and services are to be offered as well as the number of products to be manufactured or sold in the market, business owners will not be able to monopolize the industry.

2. Instills Discipline
One of the advantages of this form of government is that it imposes rules and laws on the people and this somehow make them become cautious of their actions and be obedient. As a result, this can instill discipline among the subordinates.

3. Faster Law-making Process
Supporters of an authoritarian government posit that with only a few people to come up with laws and decide whether bills are to be passed or not, decisions will be faster and the people can benefit from these laws as soon as possible.

4. Has Policy Goals
Advocates for an authoritarian government claim that this regime exists with policy goals that can result to change, say, eradicating corruption in government. This type of governance is effective in a country where the previous government was not able to solve problems like insurgency, unemployment and corruption.

List of Disadvantages of Authoritarian Government

1. Lesser Freedom
Critics of this form of government say that since the government is run by a leader who heads a central agency or a group of authorities, power will be enjoyed by a small group of people and the people will not have the freedom to voice their concerns and issues. There will be no freedom of speech as well as individual and political freedom.

2. Potential Abuse of Power
Opponents of authoritarian leadership in government argue that since decisions and control of the nation are under the discretion of a single power, there is a tendency for the leader to be greedy for power and eventually abuse this for self-gratification.

3. Possible Unrest of Citizens
People who are not in favor of having a small group of people with power and who dictate on the lives of the citizens are concerned that there will come a time when these people will be sick and tired of their limited freedom. When this happens, this can lead to protests by the people who can turn violent and this can affect not only the economy but also the lives of the majority.

4. Government over the People
In an authoritarian form of government, individualism is permitted so long as it serves the interest of the state. Also, the rights of the people are only acknowledged if these answer to the needs of the government.

An authoritarian government is somehow in the middle of totalitarianism or dictatorship and a democratic form of government. This is why despite its negative aspects there are also benefits people can enjoy.

While the usual definition of ethnocentrism is “the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group of culture”, a more accurate way to describe the term is “judging other groups as inferior to one’s own.”

Ken Barger from the Anthropology Department of Indiana University argues that everyone is ethnocentric and that “it cannot be avoided, nor can it be willed away by a positive or well-meaning attitude.” He notes that addressing deeper issues involved in ethnocentrism requires a more explicit definition of the term. In this case, ethnocentrism can be described as making false assumptions about the ways of others based on our own limited experience.

We are all raised adhering to certain customs and beliefs. However, it’s making assumptions about how others live or go about their lives that prompt false negative judgments. For instance, most Westerners put a value on industriousness that seeing someone else sitting around not doing work is perceived as “being lazy.”

Assuming something about the experience of others also triggers false positive attitudes. For example, those who work in an urban industrial society may think that those living in rural areas are blessed because they don’t experience the stress of modern society. While living in open spaces does alleviate stress, this doesn’t mean that those living in these kinds of places are immune to stress. For instance, there is a constant threat of starvation living in this kind of community as well as the inherent danger in operating machinery. So why are we ethnocentric and what are the pros and cons of being such?

List of Pros of Ethnocentrism

1. It drives individuals to have a strong national pride.
Good things can definitely come about when one loves their country or is proud of where they came from. A sense of national pride does help keep a nation united, which is what is needed especially in times of need. For example, love of country and the desire to uphold certain ideals drive men to serve in the army.

A passion for one’s country is what keep others going as well, especially if they’ve migrated to different country. They are not shy to let others know of the culture and tradition of their homeland. This kind of behavior is beneficial for others to understand the ways of those who grew up different from their own culture.

While a sense of national pride can be seen as a positive trait, often times it can get abused or used for all the wrong reasons – these will be discussed later on.

2. It creates a feeling of belonging.
Not everyone one of us have the capability of being happy while living alone – most of us crave the company of others.

Although wanting the company of those who share your own beliefs and culture produces a wonderful feeling because you all understand each other, it also breeds negative effects. For instance, not mingling with people from different cultures or at least getting to know them will not open your eyes to how different people can be.

3. It allows people to keep old traditions and practices alive.
We grow up following the traditions and practices of the culture we are a part of. However, this tends to fade away or get lost when different cultures are assimilated. For instance, a child from one culture brought up on going to church every Sunday may have different beliefs when they are exposed to other ideas. In a sense, this makes older members who still adhere to the old ways disappointed that the younger generation no longer appreciates their culture.

For some, not exposing young people to other ways may help preserve the old ways. While doing so may help, not allowing them to be part of something else will not broaden their perspectives.

List of Cons of Ethnocentrism

1. It drives us to make false assumptions regarding cultural differences.
As mentioned earlier, we are all ethnocentric. And this is made clearer when we use what is normal in our culture to make generalization about the customs and culture of other people. While we may make these generalizations without being aware that we are using our own culture as a gauge, doing so is way off base and leads us to misjudge other people. As such, ethnocentrism leads to cultural misinterpretation which may result in miscommunication between people.

2. It creates consequences within our own society and with others.
Even if we are from the same culture, there will be some of us who are more privileged than others. Those who have always lived in comfort may not find it easy to see the difficulties being faced by others, especially the minorities and the disadvantaged. But one good way of understanding is to think about how you would react when a concern of yours isn’t recognized, no matter how simple it may be.

Not being able to understand also creates problems in international relations. Ethnocentrism leads to the creation of conflicts as well as hindering conflict resolution just because we failed to understand the other.

Believing in one’s superiority creates extreme forms of ethnocentrism that result in serious social problems. Racism is one of the bigger problems being faced today and despite it being condemned the world over, we still see and hear it happen.

3. It can create a culture that is blinded by their own self-righteousness.
Trouble brews when people believe that their way is the only way. Having someone believe their views are totally or correct or morally superior is dangerous in itself; can you imagine what happens then if an entire population shares the same views?

Yes, ethnocentrism is considered a natural proclivity of human psychology is now a negative connotation. Making premature judgments of other people will always lead to misunderstandings. Our ethnocentric nature cannot be cured as it’s impossible for us to experience every life situation there is around the world. What we can do instead is be aware of our own biases and control them.

In paternalistic leadership, people may feel like the situation that they are in is democratic as workers are encouraged to discuss and comment and their questions are answered. However, decisions will be up to the person at top. To know more about the advantages and disadvantages of paternalistic leadership, read on.

List of Advantages of Paternalistic Leadership

1. High employee loyalty due to employees feeling like they are being heard and their needs are met.
2. Good behavior is rewarded by the person at top, often with goods and food.
3. Absenteeism rates and staff turnover will decrease as emphasis is placed on the employee needs.
4. Most decisions will be made with the employees’ best interests taken into consideration
5. Feedback is invited and encouraged, which improves morale and makes employees feel important.
6. There is an open line of communication between the managers and the employees which will keep employees feeling important and satisfied.
7. There is an understanding that the manager wants everyone to succeed, which can result in a lower amount of competition among employees.
8. The manager is given the power to rule from the idea that they are the most capable in making the best decisions for the team, which fosters trust and loyalty with employees.
9. Managers are very involved in the employee’s personal lives, which makes the employee feel more connected at work.

List of Disadvantages of Paternalistic Leadership

1. Just like a parent, managers will sometimes have to discipline the employee in non-traditional ways.
2. Bad decisions from above cause major employee dissatisfaction.
3. The employees will become more and more dependent on the employer, which can cause an increase in necessary supervision in order to get things done in a timely and appropriate manner.
4. If loyalty to the manager is not established quickly then there can be poor staff motivation.
5. Issues can be cased and exacerbated with employee legislation and rights.
6. Employees rely on the leader more than they would in a typical work setting. Because of this, the team can become highly competitive as they all vie for attention and affection.
7. Managers can become blind with their power and make decisions that only benefit themselves.
8. If roles are not well defined and employees do not know what is needed from them there can be power struggles and internal issues.

As you can see, there are many pros and cons to this type of leadership.

In bank reconciliation, the bank statement balance is reconciled, with the book bank account balance in the client’s books of accounts, resulting to the tallying of the two balances, where the calculated adjusted bank balance should be equal to the figure of the adjusted book bank balance. It involves a structured process of preparation, where forms, which contain pre-printed items, should leave out omission errors and are found on the back side of the hard copies of your monthly bank statement, making the entire process easier. However, this process also has its own set of drawbacks that should be looked into. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of bank reconciliation:

List of Advantages of Bank Reconciliation

1. It makes accounts to be in good standing.
Keeping your account in good standing through bank reconciliation means that, when you are aware about the amount that you can spend in your account, you are less likely to overdraw the account, which means withdrawing or attempting to withdraw more money than what your account have. Keep in mind that overdrawing will negatively affect your credit score and can prompt the bank to charge you fees. While some financial institutions offer overdraft protection, most often they would charge you or your company a fee for using such a service. And if you do not have such type of protection on your account, you will suffer worse consequences.

2. It prevents theft.
As you are going to compare your bank book’s transactions with the bank’s financial transactions, you will be able to spot transactions that are recorded by the institution, but are not in your records. As you can see, recording bank fees is a standard practice as you process your reconciliation, though it might a transaction that you have overlooked to record. By examining further the available original documents, these discrepancies will be revealed. Most importantly, this will reveal bank transactions that were initiated by unauthorized individuals who try to steal money from your account.

3. It will keep mistakes at bay.
You will know that a bank is reliable when it implements procedures to avoid making mistakes in your account, but unfortunately, mistakes do happen sometimes, with the most common being a simple entry error. Nevertheless, banks will be able to correct these mistakes when you point them out after you complete your reconciliation.

4. It helps you detect accounting errors.
By reconciliation, you will be able to detect accounting errors that commonly occurs in business, such as double payments, addition and subtraction errors, missed payments and lost checks. For example, if you have mistakenly recorded an invoice as “paid” on your ledger, bank reconciliation can reveal that you have forgotten to write the check. There are also cases where your bank committed an error in your favor, so you will be liable to return that money, even if you have already spent it.

5. It achieves accurate balance.
A bank reconciliation will reveal which cash transactions have been cleared with the bank and which of those are still outstanding. While a check is the most common form of transaction that would remain open at the end of the statement period, the bank may not clear it as of the ending date of the statement if you made a deposit at the end of the month.

List of Disadvantages of Bank Reconciliation

1. It can create checks that clear the bank after being voided.
As you may have noticed when making check transactions with your bank, if a check has remained “un-cleared” for a long period of time, you might have to void it and issue one for a replacement. Now, if a payee has cashed the original check that you have voided with the bank, the institution should reject it when the payee presents it. However, if you failed to void it, then it must be recorded with a credit to your cash account and a debit that indicates the reason for the payment, such as a decrease in a liability account, an increase in a cash account or an expense account. In a general sense, you should void such an un-cleared check with the bank at ounce if the payee has not yet cashed the replacement check, or you will be making a double payment that will require you to pursue repayment with the payee for the second check.

2. It can issue un-cleared checks that continue not to be presented.
As stated above, a bank reconciliation creates un-cleared checks, which are residual checks that are not presented for payment for a long period of time or are never presented for payment at all. That is why you should treat them similarly as other un-cleared checks even if it is just in a short term, with you keeping them in the listing of un-cleared checks in your accounting to make them as ongoing reconciling items. In the long term, you should ask the payee if he/she ever received the checks to decide whether you need to void them and issue new ones.

3. It risks changes in the dates covered by the bank statement.
Another drawback with bank reconciliation that can cause problems is that bank statement dates can be altered in order to include or exclude some items. This situation can arise when someone at your company requests the bank to change the closing date for your bank account, which can lead to fraud.

4. It makes possible that deposited checks will be returned.
In some cases, your bank would refuse to deposit your check for reasons like you have drawn it on a foreign bank account. This means that you need to reverse the original entry on that deposit, which will become a credit to your cash account to reduce cash balance. Remember that this comes with a corresponding increase in your accounts receivable account.

5. It risks having missing transactions.
Bank reconciliations can have missing transactions. This can be caused by transactions that have been modified while reconciliation is still on process or transactions that have been reconciled in another method of reconciliation.

Basically, bank reconciliation is carried to introduce transparency and efficiency into a business’s accounting system, but it does have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. By doing so, you will be able to avoid problems along the way.

Biodegradable plastics have two classes. These are bioplastics which are made from renewable raw materials and plastics that come from petrochemicals that have biodegradable additives. Created to minimize pollution from plastic pollutants, these plastic types will turn to compost after a certain period of time. However, there are upsides and downsides to the use of these materials.

List of Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics

1. Carbon Emission Reduction
One of the advantages related to the use of biodegradable plastics is the minimal emission of carbon in the air during the process of manufacturing bioplastics. As opposed to the normal manufacturing of plastics that create four tons of emissions, bioplastics only emit approximately .8 tons of carbon that add to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

2. Consumes Less Energy
The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics requires less amount of energy and does not need fossil fuels to be recycled. Conversely, traditional plastics demand more energy in production and at the same time requires the burning of fossil fuel. Since less energy is needed, more bioplastics can be produced while there is less pollution in the environment.

3. Less Landfill Area Needed
Plastics that are non-biodegradable are brought to landfills to discard them. Consequently, land area that could have been used for agriculture, residence or industrial applications is instead converted to landfills. If bioplastics are used, there is no need to add more landfills since these plastics can be absorbed by the soil and be converted to compost or humus.

4. Recyclable
Apart from taking less time to break down when discarded, biodegradable plastics can also be recycled and are non-toxic since they contain no chemicals or toxins compared to other types of plastics that can emit harmful chemicals, especially if burned.

List of Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics

1. Need for Composters
The flipside of using biodegradable plastics is that there will be a need for industrial composters to turn them into composts and availability of the equipment in some countries can be a problem. Apart from the cost, not all countries have the proper equipment especially if this is not the priority of the government. In the end, the bioplastics that need to be processed will not be discarded properly.

2. Engineering Issues
These bioplastics are plant-based and this means that they come from organic sources from farms such as soybeans and corn. However, these organic plants are sprayed with pesticides which contain chemicals that can contaminate the crops and be transferred or included in the finished product.

3. Risk of Contamination
Biodegradable plastics should not be mixed with non-biodegradable plastics when thrown in garbage bins. The problem here is that not all people know how to segregate or distinguish bioplastics from other plastic types. Once these two types of plastics are mixed together, these bioplastics become contaminated and cannot be used anymore. Consequently, these contaminated bioplastics will end in landfills and add to the volume of thrash.

Biodegradable plastics are becoming popular these days because of the increasing awareness on global warming and environmental issues. Despite having disadvantages, it will help to focus on the benefits of using bioplastics and on educating the people on its importance and effects on a global scale.

The United States has always had considerable influence on other nations. The US has significant effect on other countries in terms of pop culture, technology, business practices, etc. However, the gravity of how much influence America has on other governments is evidenced by American Imperialism, which is the military, economic and cultural influence of the US on other lands, which usually goes hand in hand with expansion on a grand scale into other territories. This means to say that this influence could the US’ first step to creating an empire, which was first popularized at the time of James K. Polk’s presidency.

The concept of colonization and imperialism didn’t die when colonies turned into independent nations. For quite some time, American Imperialism ruled everything, and continues to exist to this day.

American Imperialism started during the Spanish-American war in the 1790s. One of the things that motivated American Imperialism is economic. During that time, the US was already gaining industrial power, which means that they were trying to find new markets to sell their goods. Another motive that led to imperialism was military power. In that era, the US needed bases where their naval ships could refuel. Imperialism helped them secure these bases, giving the country more power to show the rest of the world they were strong and important. The last of the motives was cultural influence. This was the time when America felt it needed to spread its superior forms of culture, religion and government to those who didn’t have much. This was also the time when America was competing for territories with Europe. Nevertheless, American Imperialism was also able to promote nationalism. It became a point of pride to ensure their colonies around the world.

Here are some of the important pros and cons of American Imperialism you can consider:

List of Pros of American Imperialism

1. It paved the way for global modernization.
America has always been a leader in many areas. For one, they created the transistor, which allowed people to listen to live broadcasts of current news and events. It was also in the US that modern robotics was first introduced, as well as the exploration of space. All of which have been brought to other countries through imperialism. As a result, other nations were able to develop faster than what they would have been able to do without the US’ help.

2. It helped develop global defense support.
With over 650 military bases in 38 different countries, American Imperialism has helped give the world some level of defensive support, protecting people around the world during conflict. This is by providing training, support, equipment and other resources.

3. It brought about industrialization.
And by extension, imperialism brought about globalization. It paved the way in the advancement of infrastructure and machinery, helping the colonized countries progress. As a result, there was improvement in the standard of living while literacy rate increased exponentially as educational institutes were established. Aside from that, resources were efficiently utilized for manufacturing and trade, improving economies around the world. What’s more, there was a significant increase in competition between local and international markets.

4. It resulted in the exchange of traditions, cultural ideologies and customs.
With America bringing influence to other nations, cultural ideas, language, food, religion and other things are exchanged. This led to nations broadening their horizons.

5. It led to a myriad of technological advancements.
Despite nations gaining higher pedestal long after imperialism was dissolved, no one can deny the fact that such concept brought about significant changes to the colonies in several areas, including transportation, infrastructure, roads, educational institutions and more. Aside from that, there were innovations in science, information technology and healthcare.

6. It helped fuel economic growth around the world.
Innovation is the main focus American Imperialism, which should allow the US to gain as much profit as possible. This resulted in the development of new products and services not only in the United States, but also in other countries. This has fueled economic growth.

List of Cons of American Imperialism

1. It can cause political feud.
No country, person or organization wants to be controlled by another entity, which is the reason that there were a few discords among groups or nations that co-existed before imperialism. Because America obtained cheap labor and had easy access to natural resources from their colonies, there was a gap of differentiation between nations. Aside from that, foul play was becoming more obvious, and then got worse while imperialism continued.

2. It leads to discrimination.
Exchange of traditions and cultures is a good thing, but it should come naturally, not forced. Unfortunately, there were countries that suffered this kind of discrimination as they were forced to adapt to foreign ideas and thoughts despite their protests. What’s worse is that many people from the colonies were shipped and used without them knowing or agreeing, especially in Africa.

3. It causes exploitation.
Citizens of the colonies who did not accept the beliefs of the superpowers of the colonizers can be exploited and punished for doing so. Aside from that, the colonies’ wealth and natural resources were exploited as well.

4. It requires a considerable amount of money to defend more than one nation.
American Imperialism is still present in several countries up to this day. With military bases in numerous places around the world, from Germany to Japan, it will require the US government to support all of these defensive forces.

5. It is seen as unnecessary.
Many opponents of this concept believe that the US government should have spent their own money on developing resources to eliminate dependence from other nations. However, America is spending this money on imported goods. With advancements in technology, the US could have eliminated most imports by producing their own technology.

Now the question is: should America continue to expand to other nations to provide support or should it retract its naval and military bases and give the colonies a chance to stand on their own? By weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you can decide whether you want to support American Imperialism or not.

There aren’t any clear records to show when the wearing of school uniforms really started. But this tradition has certainly been around for hundreds of years. In the United States, it was observed that more schools started to implement uniforms after President Bill Clinton pitched for the use of school uniforms in his 1996 State of the Union. The move was met with mixed reactions as some parties saw it as a nuisance and additional problem for students while others viewed it as the solution to improve the educational system and performance of schoolchildren in the United States. What do you think about school uniforms? This list of advantages and disadvantages might help you decide on your stand on the matter.

List of Advantages of School Uniforms

1. They create uniformity.
There can be a better sense of unity because everyone will wear the same clothes and they have a single identity. Also, there will be less competition among children about who has the more expensive outfits or who looks better or is more fashionable.

2. They give a sense of belonging and pride.
A uniform is an indicator of what school you belong to. This is especially beneficial for students who study in schools that are well known or are considered to be a top school in the locality. You can proudly wear your uniform and ‘show’ other people that you attend a good school.

3. They promote school spirit.
When everyone is dressed the same and feels proud to be a part of their school, it boosts morale. The student body has a greater sense of togetherness and pride, boosting school spirit.

4. They allow parents to save on time and money spent on shopping for school clothes.
Usually, school uniforms can be worn for a whole year or two. This means there isn’t a need to spend for new clothes every semester and parents don’t have to deal with picky children who demand expensive brands or a certain style of clothing.

5. They help students spend less time and energy on choosing what to wear daily.
Getting ready for school in the morning can be easier and faster. Plus, there is less stress in figuring out the whole night what to wear the next day or in trying to keep up with peers and fashion trends. Instead, kids can focus on doing their homework or other beneficial recreational activities.

6. They take away social segregation.
The way you dress usually dictates what sort of click you belong to, such as the goths, jocks, nerds, and so on. If everyone is dressed the same, it can take away the need to put a label on each person and the tendency to just stick with your ‘crowd.’

7. They provide a safer school environment.
Since all students are dressed in uniforms, it can be easier to pinpoint who is not supposed to be in there. This also prevents students from showing their gang affiliations by wearing certain colors or articles of clothing.

8. They encourage students to express themselves in other ways.
Because kids can’t show their individuality through clothes, they will try to express themselves through other methods such as the arts, academics, sports, or extra-curricular school activities.

9. They take away the need to create so many policies related to dress codes.
Most schools that don’t have uniforms have a dress code. But figuring out what rules to include can be taxing because they need to identify what materials, lengths and types of skirts are okay, what sort of footwear are inappropriate, and so on. With uniforms, setting an acceptable standard is easier since there is just one type of outfit to base the policies on.

10. They prevent bullying.
The way children dress is one of the most common reasons for bullying. Kids who dress differently or who can’t afford branded clothes are made fun of and discriminated. School uniforms can help stop this issue.

List of Disadvantages of School Uniforms

1. They take away individuality and freedom of expression.
Learning how to express yourself is a right that most parents want their children to learn from a young age. By not allowing kids to show their individuality through the way they dress, they may feel oppressed and discouraged to develop their own personality.

2. They can be an additional cost.
If children go to school 5 or 6 days a week, they needs at least 2-3 sets of uniforms.

3. They can cause additional stress to students and parents.
In relation to the point above, if the family can’t afford several sets of uniforms, they may have to wash the uniforms when the kids get home. This can be tiresome and takes away time that could have been spent on schoolwork or rest.

4. They can cause discomfort.
Some kids may have allergies or feel uncomfortable due to tightness and rigidness. This can affect their mood and learning throughout the whole day.

5. They promote an intolerance of cultures.
Most uniforms are not designed according to the cultural dress of a population or they represent only one culture. Also, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students may become confused if they should wear a uniform that represents their inner sexual orientation or their external gender.

6. They cause resentment among students.
As children start to develop their own opinions, they won’t like being forced to do something they don’t want to. So requiring students to wear uniforms against their will can breed resentment towards the school, faculty, and even their parents.

7. They could cause outside bullying.
School pride and rivalry is something that some students take very seriously in a negative way. They can taunt or bully kids belonging to a rival school who they can easily identify through the uniforms.

8. They undermine free education.
Unless the school or government will sponsor the cost of uniforms, it will be the students’ families who need to shoulder the expense. And this contradicts the idea of free education since public schools are supposed to provide education at no cost to parents.

9. They become a band aid solution to bigger problems.
Poor academic performance, school violence, and decreasing attendance are some of the major issues schools face today. Opposing proponents question if school uniforms are really the answer to solving these problems.

10. They can hinder a child’s decision making skills.
Since you do not allow students to choose what they can wear, you are taking away their right to make a choice for themselves. This can disrupt the development of their ability to form their own opinions or make choices, and interfere with their transition into adulthood.

A referendum is defined as a general vote by a specific electorate over a specific political question. The decision may take the form of a ballot question, a private survey, or a poll. The results of the vote are then implemented by majority vote.

Here are the pros and cons of referendums to consider.

List of the Pros of Referendums

1. It provides a level of political support for difficult decisions.
If there is a difficult decision to make, then a referendum can solidify support for it. When a majority of the people back a political decision, it helps to create a lock in the choice, making it easier to proceed.

2. It creates specific points of negotiation.
The priorities of the politicians may be different than the priorities of the people. By offering a referendum, the government is able to glean information about what their districts desire, making it easier to create policies or procedures which reflect the majority’s will.

3. It creates a mandate to follow.
In Colombia, the government had negotiated a peace deal with FARC, which had promoted civil conflict within the country for over 50 years. The referendum to proceed with the deal was rejected by 50.2% of the people, which created a mandate for the government to find a different way to operate. If any ruling body is unsure of which direction to go, they can seek a mandate from the people to know how to proceed.

List of the Cons of Referendums

1. It allows for false actors to campaign for specific results.
Referendums allow for a campaign to be started for each side of the question proposed. Campaigns provide space for false actors to misrepresent positions to the general public. Because the goal of a referendum is to provide more information to everyone, the false information offered is often believed.

2. It creates division.
Referendums create division within communities, especially if a narrow victory or loss occurs. These divisions take time to heal, if they ever do.

There is one general rule for a referendum: if you call one, there needs to be a level of certainty that you will win. The pros and cons of referendums show that the political costs for those who lose are often great.

Regenerative braking systems are equipped to hybrid vehicles and electric-only automobiles. The goal of this system is to capture the energy created when braking, allowing the battery to be charged from the process.

Here are the pros and cons of having a regenerative braking system equipped to your vehicle.

List of the Pros of a Regenerative Braking System

1. It improves the fuel economy of the vehicle.
The amount of fuel consumed can be dramatically reduced with this type of braking system. The International Journal of Vehicle Design noted in 2011 that fuel consumption covering the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) was improved by 25%.

2. It allows for traditional friction-based brakes.
A friction braking system is included with a regenerative system to ensure a vehicle is able to stop in time.

3. It prolongs the charge of the battery.
Once the energy is captured by the regenerative brakes, the energy is used to recharge the batteries of the vehicle. Because this energy would normally be lost, it allows each vehicle to experience a prolonged charge while driving.

4. It reduces the wear and tear on the braking system.
Because an electric drive train is part of this system, the greater efficiency given to the braking allows for a reduced level of wear on the brakes of the vehicle. With standard friction brakes, there is no way to accomplish this benefit.

List of the Cons of a Regenerative Braking System

1. It offers a sliding scale of benefits.
The effects of regenerative braking decrease with the speed a vehicle is traveling. At low speeds, friction brakes are required to bring most vehicles to a complete stop. That means there is still energy being lost.

2. It offers a different feel to the driver.
Regenerative braking systems feel different to drivers who are used to traditional systems. The brake pedal on the vehicle often feels soft, described as “mushy” by many drivers. Until you get used to the new system, some may have a lack of confidence in the capabilities of their brakes.

The pros and cons of a regenerative braking system offer drivers new benefits and cost-savings opportunities. It’s one primary limitation is the requirement for friction-based brakes during low speed situations.

A revocable trust is a component of estate planning which allows the provisions to be altered or canceled by the grantor. When income is earned within the trust, it is distributed to the granter. Upon death, the property then transfers to the trust’s beneficiaries.

Here are the pros and cons of a revocable trust to consider.

List of the Pros of a Revocable Trust

1. It offers an income stream for the grantor.
A revocable trust is often referred to as a “living trust.” That is because it can be used by its creator for income while still alive. Then it can be used as an easy method of distributing wealth through an estate after death.

2. It allows for personal control.
In most situations, the creator of the revocable trust can act as the trustee and the beneficiary, which means you’re always in control of the assets which you own. At the same time, it also allows for incapacity protection. The person you’ve named to take over the trust can do so while you are still alive to keep all financial affairs within the family. You’re able to avoid the issue of a conservatorship through the structures of a revocable trust.

3. It avoids the issue of probate.
When an estate is being distributed as an inheritance, some families decide to use a revocable trust to make the process easier. In most situations, the presence of a living trust eliminates the time and expense of probate. Unless there is an unusual situation, courts typically stay out of the plans of a living trust.

4. It offers protection from court challenges.
Challenges to a will are rare. Challenges to a living trust are even rarer. If a lawsuit is filed against a living trust, however, it is more difficult to be successful than a lawsuit against a will. That is because the creator of the living trust stays involved with it, providing evidence that you were competent in the decisions being made.

5. It protects your privacy.
A revocable trust is a private document which includes all involved parties. It does not become part of the public record. That means no one is able to go through a public records search after you pass away to see who got what in your decision to distribute your estate. That is an advantage a standard will is unable to provide.

List of the Cons of a Revocable Trust

1. It excludes some asset types.
Not every type of financial asset you may own qualifies for inclusion with a revocable trust. The most common account type that is excluded is a retirement account, because it would create tax acceleration consequences.

2. It provides no tax advantage.
A revocable trust is a mechanism that makes is easier to distribute wealth to your heirs or create a safer form of income for yourself from standard assets. There are no tax advantages found with this option. If you’re wanting to save on estate taxes or income taxes, then you’ll need to use an irrevocable trust and give up some control over some of the assets.

3. It requires retitlement.
If you’re going to start a revocable trust, then you must retitle all of your assets to permit them to be held by the trust. That is the only way for the benefits of this trust option to be realized. Then the entire estate must be monitored to ensure that the objectives of the trust are being met. Should you choose to not retitle an asset, or you forget about an asset, then it will fall outside of the trust and be dealt with separately.

4. It comes at a higher cost.
The cost to have an attorney draft a living trust arrangement for you in the United States begins at $1,000 in most geographic locations. For a married couple, the cost to prepare a living trust can be as high as $2,500. For that reason, it may not be the right option for everyone. It is one of the more expensive options available for estate planning today.

The pros and cons of a revocable trust are designed to help individuals and couples make important decisions about their finances near the end of their life. It is a way to avoid probate and confrontation while still providing an income source that can be used. It does take time and comes with an added cost, which is why this choice should be discussed with your financial advisor before a final decision is made.

Even kids who love going to school every day feel like they need the occasional break. From kindergartners to high school seniors, prolonged days of school with only two days to recover can make it difficult to learn. It is a schedule which forces teachers to cram as much data as they can into the shortest time possible.

Kids are finding that the need to stay engaged with their lessons is taking them away from the fun activities of school too. With recess time down at many schools, shortened lunch breaks, and fewer creative “specials” available in the United States, the experience that parents remember while growing up is very different than today’s educational routines.

One idea that is gaining in popularity to correct this issue is the 4-day school week. Although moving from five days to four would require a longer school day, it would also mean that weekends were three days in length. That could mean more family time, more diversification in the classes offered, and additional opportunities for learning.

There are some big advantages and disadvantages of the 4-day school week to consider as communities in the U.S., and around the world, consider this new timing structure. Here are the critical ideas to consider.

List of the Advantages of the 4-Day School Week

1. There are fewer moments of wasted time.
A 2006 research study from Yarbrough and Gilman discovered that teachers during a 5-day school week are wasting precious time during their core classes. The structure of school makes it so that it is up to the students to learn instead of having the teachers provide instruction. In 2015, Coastal Conservatory reported that during the average 7-hour school day, over 2 hours of lost educational opportunities exist every day. Moving to the 4-day schedule shifts student movement patterns, reducing the number of lost transition minutes.

2. Students can adjust to the new schedule.
An understandable concern for parents, teachers, and students about the 4-day school week is the extended time required to be at school during the day. Two hours must be added to each day to make up for the added weekend day that is given. That means students are at school for 10-hour day instead of an 8-hour day. Five states in the U.S. have pushed for the 4-day week: New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Their research has found that young students adapt to the new schedule just as well as the older students.

3. It allows students to create an extracurricular schedule that works.
Children who attend schools that have implemented the 4-day schedule are found to be happier about their extra day off. They stay happier than 5-day schedule students throughout the entire academic year. Many of the kids even say they look forward to going to school because it feels productive to them. The issue of student exhaustion tends to be tied to the constant transitions that happen during a compressed schedule, which is reduced during the 4-day week. Then students have more energy to create an extracurricular schedule outside of school for athletics, scouting programs, spiritual activities, and family-oriented options because they have time and energy to do it.

4. The 4-day school week follows the working schedule of many parents.
Outside of the extra day off which students have, the 4-day week at school fits into the working schedule of most parents. The school districts which have implemented the 4-day week typically hold class from 7:30 am to 5 pm each day, or from 8 am to 5:30 pm. That makes it possible for parents to drop off their children on the way to work, then pick them up on the way home. That reduces child care costs throughout the week, especially if parents can shift their own schedule to a 4-day, 40-hour week with their employer.

5. School districts can plan after-school events with greater ease.
Under the standard 5-day schedule that schools use, most practices for athletics occur in the afternoon. Then you’ll have games in the evening and on the weekend. Depending on the location of the school and the size of the conference or division, schools are often forced to travel during school hours to meet their obligations. By adding an additional day off, more athletic events can be scheduled during non-school hours, which means fewer lessons are missed or passed on as a “self-learning opportunity.”

6. Teacher recruitment is easier with a 4-day school week.
The popularity of the 4-day school week became so popular in New Mexico that the state government had to set a moratorium on the practice to determine how beneficial it would be for their students. It is a schedule which is popular with teachers because they get more time with their families as well. Most teachers work outside of their usual 8-hour day anyway, so their schedule isn’t really that different – except for the added day where they can work from home if they wish. Schools with a 4-day week in New Mexico found recruiting to be 20% easier when compared to their 5-day counterparts.

7. It is cheaper to run a 4-day school week for some school districts.
Rural school districts often look at the 4-day school week as an option because they are trying to meet tight budgetary constraints. By shifting to this new schedule, districts are able to immediately cut 20% from their transportation budget. That expense is often the largest line-item for a district behind labor costs. If every school district in the United States were to shift to the 4-day schedule, taxpayers would save over $4 billion. At the local level, districts save between $700 to $1,200 per student each year.

8. Students perform better when compared to the 5-day week.
Many teachers have discovered that the added daily time for each subject they teach allows for the adoption of different teaching styles. Under the 5-day format, most teachers use a lecture-based teaching style that incorporates self-study from textbooks. Videos are watched, and other media is incorporated to create varied content. The average student retains about 10% of this information. Under the 4-day format, teachers are using small-group discussions and practical practice as teaching tools, which improves the retention rate to over 90%. When students remember the information better, they’re able to score higher grades throughout the year and on their standardized tests.

9. The 4-day schedule reduces discipline issues for schools.
According to reporting from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, having fewer days in classes results in some students receiving fewer referrals for disciplinary issues. In Georgia, the Chattooga County School District implemented a 4-day school week and saw discipline referrals decline by more than 70% in their first year on this schedule. That effort resulted in fewer disruptions during classroom time, which created engaged learning opportunities. With the added rest, students were more likely to stay on-task, feel rested, and be focused on the work which was required.

10. It improves the overall attendance rate for students.
In the United States, there were 84 school districts which had implemented a 4-day school week in 1995. Most were small, rural districts where students lived on farms and worked agricultural jobs. By shifting away from the traditional 5-day schedule, student attendance rose by more than 20% on the average day. It is a trend that these districts are still seeing today, more than 20 years after they implemented this schedule change.

11. Teachers take fewer sick days with a 4-day school week.
Teachers take fewer days off during the school year when they’re working the 4-day school week as well. The extra day off gives teachers more flexibility to engage in volunteer activities, hold down a second job if required, or rest after a difficult week. In Melstone, Montana, administrative attendance went up 20% in the first two years of their 4-day school week plan.

List of the Disadvantages of the 4-Day School Week

1. Shifting to the 4-day schedule could be the exception, not the norm.
Although numerous school districts are considering a shift to the 4-day school week, most have not made that change as of yet. If one local district decides to go with the 4-day week while everyone else goes with the traditional schedule, then it may create scheduling conflicts within the region. From athletics to extracurricular activities, many families find that they have very little down time after school because of the 10-hour day that is required. Trying to accommodate other schedules is virtually impossible if your school is the only one in the area on the 4-day week.

2. It doesn’t always save money for schools.
In 2003, the school district of Webster Country, KY decided to make the switch to a 4-day schedule. Over the next three years, the district was able to save just 2% on their overall costs – not the 20% that was expected. That gave them a total savings of about $200,000. The Morrow County school district in Oregon experienced a similar outcome, saving just 1.4% on costs, for a total of $45,000 saved. Unless transportation costs are high in the district, there may not be many opportunities to save money with this alternative schedule.

3. The 4-day week works best in small, rural areas only.
About 10% of the schools on a 4-day week right now are classified as being urban, suburban, or large. The natural isolation of the rural school districts in the United States is what allows the shift from the traditional 5-day schedule to be effective. In larger districts, there is already flexibility built into the schedule, allowing students and teachers to accommodate their personal needs while still working or learning. There are more activities offered in urban districts, which means more student events are managed, and that limits the gains which are possible. Several urban Colorado districts have stopped using the 4-day schedule, opting to return to the traditional format instead, because of the problems they encountered with it.

4. For many students, the fifth day isn’t a day off.
If you’re involved with athletics at school, you will still be going to practices on Monday or Friday, depending on what the extra day off happens to be. Districts keep administrative staff available during the extra day, allowing for the grounds to be open during weekdays. Teacher conferences are held on the day off, as are training days, and the schools must still be cleaned. Even though the idea of a 3-day weekend seems nice, for many employees, it isn’t a reality.

5. The 4-day school week creates a negative impact for families at or below the poverty line.
Although parents might have reduced daycare needs for their children with a 4-day school week because only one day of supervision is required instead of five, the hours remain the same. Watching a student for 10 hours over 5 days, or one 10-hour day, results in the same care cost. Only half of parents are able to shift their schedule to the 4-day, 40-hour week with their employer, which means single-parent homes may not see a benefit at all. Until the kids get older and can legally care for themselves, more strain can be placed on families with this schedule instead of less.

6. It can be difficult for students to find after-school employment.
In high school, students begin to explore their future career options. They look for employment in their community as a way to earn money and learn vocational skills. The legal requirements for working when you’re under 18 make it difficult for students to find a job that is practical. They must stop working by a certain time on school nights, have caps on the hours they work, and other local restrictions which might apply. Even with a full day free for work, the number of hours allowed during the school year on that day are also capped.

7. Shifting to the 4-day school week might eliminate holiday breaks.
To manage the demands of the 4-day school week, many districts have found themselves forced to schedule emergency makeup dates during planned holiday stoppages. This issue is particularly problematic in regions that see a lot of snow each year. If you lose 4 school days because of weather, that means you must replace 40 hours of learning time instead of just 32 hours. For some families, this problem can only be solved by taking their earned vacation time to counter the issue of the weather-related school stoppages.

8. It creates a long school day for some students.
Even with fewer transitions, some students struggle to make it through a 6-hour learning day at school. Extending that time commitment to 10 hours for them is a recipe for disaster. Between homework, school, and riding the bus, they might have 12 hours away from home because of their school schedule. On younger children especially, that schedule can lead to fatigue. When kids get tired, that’s when their choices turn toward negative behaviors.

These big advantages and disadvantages of the 4-day school week offer some school districts an opportunity to make budget cuts without disrupting the classroom. Students and teachers receive more flexibility with their schedule, which may create more time to rest. It might also mean less time at home, more disciplinary issues, and less family contact. Because of the logistics required for this format, the districts which benefit the most from it will likely always be the small, rural schools.