History and Patterns of Left and Right Politics

History and Patterns of Left and Right Politics ROLE OF LEFT/RIGHT IDEOLOGIES TODAY INTRODUCTION ‘Left’ and ‘Right are widely used terms today which are differently by scholars. The essay seeks to explore the history of the Lefts and Rights. It defines their views, analyses its importance in the context of the past as well as the present. The relevant terms have a different meaning in varied political systems. An attempt has been made to give it an objective, perspective and to view its varied dimensions critically. We understand how the ideological beliefs have changed over time and the importance of role played by the Left/Right has altered. The Left-Right political spectrum classifies political Positions, ideologies and parties. The Left includes the socialists, communists, secularists, anti-imperialists, anarchists and anti-capitalists. The Rights are the conservatives, capitalists, monarchists, traditionalists, Nazis and Fascists. The main factor dividing them is class. The Left’s target is ensuring social Justice via economic policies but the Rights defend private property and consumerism. The Left upholds the power of human reason to attain progress, believes in secularity and sovereignty exercised through legislature. To the Rights, this is anti-clerical, unrealistic and reveals class hatred. They believe that the Church is instrumental in binding people socially and a strong political leadership can reduce social and political divides. The Left oppose this as authoritative, repressive and dislike any religious doctrine being imposed on the population. HISTORY OF LEFT/RIGHT IDEOLOGY The term Left and Right evolved during the French Revolution of 1789, when the members of the National Assembly were demarcated. The supporters of the king were positioned to the President’s right and the revolutionists to his left. With different historical phases, the seating arrangements changed. The terms had no link to political ideology but only to seating in the legislature. The 19th century saw a cleavage between Monarchists and Republicans after the Third Republic was established there was a demarcation between supporters of a strong executive on the Right and the people who supported the primacy of the legislature on the Left. But in the twentieth century, Left and Right described the citizen’s specific political ideologies. The Rights were the party who upheld the interests of the upper or dominant classes while the left was associated with the lower economic and social classes. While the Rights favored aristocracy and wealth, the Lefts fought for equal oppor tunities for the less advantaged. (Left-Right Politics) CURRENT PATTERNS OF LEFT AND RIGHT IN DIFFERENT POLITICAL SYSTEMS Different geographical regions have different patterns of Left and Right. Political thinking has expanded from its Western European origin all over the globe except the Middle East. Most citizens including the voters and political elites in developed democratic countries use the Left/Right scale for their political programs, government, parties, candidates, issues and social movements. It plays a significant role in the making voting decisions and giving support to the political parties. Though Japan and US still have a liberal versus conservative outlook, the Left/Right considerations affected 90% of the highly educated to define where politics is shaped by religion, ideological Left/Right divisions are not considered. In Communist countries which are now being exposed to western influences, the Leftists or ex-communists parties which adhere to earlier social systems are â€Å"conservative†, whereas the Rightists are regarded as â€Å"liberal and revolutionary†. In les s developed countries like Uganda, the Left/Right dimension is seen by elites as an economic issue while the masses view it from the political angle. But in all regions the Left/Right identification is prevalent among the educated and those who are politically active. (The Limits of Ideological Globalization) RELEVANCE OF THE RIGHT/LEFT IDEOLOGIES History reveals that ‘Left’ or ‘Right’ are terms that are antithetical as well as exclusive because no doctrine can simultaneously be both ‘Left and ‘Right’. The gulf between the two cannot be bridged because they are poles apart. They are in reality descriptive because they analyze two sides of a conflict. They are evaluative as they argue on both the positive and negative aspects. Left/Right is not just related to politics but influences sociology, economics and philosophy too. The political universe has adopted two opposing ideologies – ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ which gives shape to their political thought and government. Sartre says that ‘Left and ‘Right’ are just ‘empty vessels’ without any analytical value. Political debaters have used these terms but they have no evaluative application. It can be argued that ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ are not just ideologies but are opposing programs related to solving political problems and social interests. Therefore, it is suggested that new groupings based on problems should be formed. The present democratic society is multifaceted, where many forces operate. These forces agree on some matters and disagree on others. So two contradictory forces exist but there is also an intermediate central position which leans either towards the ‘Left’ or ‘Right’. Hence there is a moderate left which leans towards the centre and an extreme left opposed to it and vice versa for the right. In politics the antithesis between Left and Right is dependent on the period and the circumstances. After the Italian unification, the Rights were predominant but this was followed by a period of Left predominance. Fascism – a Right wing movement – failed, and the Lefts rose to prominence. It is a universal fact that two opposing parts are interdependent and if one is nullified the other too becomes invalidated. Left and Right are two parts of a whole, which stand and fall together. With the decline of Communism, a radical expression of the Left, the Rights were on their way up. The collapse of the Soviet government put an end to a Left wing government of a specific historical period. In modern mass politics, this political cleavage classifies ideologies, differentiates parties and their candidate’s proposals and acts as a communication tool between politicians, the mass media and citizens. It is also instrumental in guiding the electors to comprehend complexities of politics and reach conclusions. Most people subscribe to the view that a demise of ideology has been reached and traditional differences between the ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ have been overcome. But research on electoral behavior in legislative elections has revealed that an individual’s Left/Right self placement is a major predictor of voting choices and its importance is increasing. The Left/Right is important today as an explanation of voters’ choices especially in European Parliament elections. Though the terms Left and Right are challenged by many they are still a part of political terminology. Since socialism is declining, one wonders at the future of the Left. The old Left is analyzed and assessed in order to form a new Left. In democracies, one can hear of â€Å"Left in Parliament† and â€Å"Right in Parliament†. Even politicians are termed As Left winged or Right winged. Left and Right are terms used to differentiate political thought and activity. It is now claimed that the two labels are fictitious. Both the Left and right wing movements today face complex and novel problems. In the end their programs for electorates are more or less the same and they propose the immediate ends. On the basis of this argument, the Lefts and the Rights do not have a reason to exist because alleged differences and disputes between them do not exist. Personal animosity is unreasonable because the opposing sides are arguing for the same targets. (Left and Right Significance of a Political Distinction) ALTERNATIVE DIMENSIONS TO THE LEFT/RIGHT AXIS Left and Right, today, are non-adequate terms. The present confusion may give birth to new dominant ideologies. New ideas make old alignments inappropriate. To make necessary changes, work should be done at a quicker pace, according to the current political scenario. The industrialized nations of the world, including the US are confronted with a situation where the obsolete political groups cannot be called a Left/Right axis as they have become multi-dimensional. In US, the Republicans and Democrats are confused as to how to form alliances on the basis of these dimensions. This lack of coherency is creating difficulties in taking political action. The first dimension is that of secularism versus religion. The religious group who has hitherto played a traditional role is challenged by the advent of science, which is playing a pivotal role by the influence it has. This threatens the security of the religious leaders who are retaliating by seizing political power. Another dimension is the ethnic domination versus multi-culturalism. The large ethnic groups like His panics that have arisen have wrested political control. The point now is more than inclusion versus separation and the ‘melting pot’ model US had as a part of its national creed is questionable. Thirdly, the neo-colonial dimension that prevailed is now confronted with internationalism. With the evolution of the World Bank and IM, trade is controlled by the industrialized world which in turn leads to control of political philosophy. Ethnic and religious domination is now insecure because of internationalism and secularism. The fourth dimension is that of Laissez Faire capitalism versus government oversight. Capitalist economy has resulted in social and wealth inequality. US has ignored basic infrastructure investments, health, and welfare and introduced policies which favor financial manipulation. A new wealthy class has arisen and resulting in marginalization of organized labor. Economic disparities and the growth of a wealthy class highlight the dimension of conservation versus growth. While growth is favored, its implications on earth are overseen. Overpopulation excessive consumerism and waste in industrialized countries depletes natural resources. This excess results in disaster. It has already affected the availability of fresh water and fossil fuels. Shortage of these materials would result in persuading those that have them, to give them up. The conservationists would be willing to introduce changes in consumption patterns but not make real sacrifices. (The End of Left/Right Politics) CONCLUSION After analyzing the various aspects of Left/Right politics various conclusions can be drawn. It has existed since the time of the French Revolution, yet, its significance and role in politics has changed. After analyzing the current patterns in various political systems we see that ideological differences based on the Left/Right polarization still play a vital role in politics world over. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Left/Right polarization is not redundant rather it has changed its form and ideological beliefs. REFERENCES Left-Right Politics  http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left%E2%80%93right_politics The Limits of Ideological Globalization-Hans Geser  http://socio.ch/internat/t_hgeser5.htm Left and Right Significance of a Political Distinction – Norberto Bobbio The End of Left/Right Politics – Robert Feinman  http://robertdfeinman.com/society/left_right.html

Mother Daughter Relationship in I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen Es

Mother Daughter Relationship in I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† by Tillie Olsen If Only.... Almost every parent dreams of giving their children what they never had growing up. However, unavoidable situations cannot be changed and we are forced to make do with what life gives us. Life’s twists and turns are not always predicted, we get caught up with other things and lose sight of the important ones. In the story, â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing,† Tillie Olsen portrays the life and regret of a young single mother struggling to raise her daughter Emily. Olsen points out through uncontrollable circumstances in society, Emily’s mother is forced to become a working-class mother who must hold down a job and care for her child. To many the ideal mother-daughter relationship is not like the one we find is this story. This is neither the fault of the mother nor daughter. In the beginning, while she is ironing, the mother of a nineteen-year-old girl reflects on her daughter’s childhood. She is caught between feeling responsible for Emily’s unhappy childhood and realizes that she was powerless in making her life better due to the lack of alternatives. As she is ironing, the mother remembers back to when her eldest daughter was an infant. She was a young, inexperienced mother who followed â€Å"like the books said† (204) and considered Emily to be â€Å"the first and only one of [her] five [children] that was beautiful at birth† (203). During the worst years of the Depression, her husband deserts the family leaving them to fend for themselves. With no money or savings available to support the two, her mother is forced to find work and Emily is handed over to a variety of temporary ... ... her child. Olsen articulates the difficulties, obstacles, and struggles faced with non-privileged families in the story. The character of the mother in â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† is one that is strong and wise. Throughout the story, she reflects on various events in Emily’s life that shaped the person she is today: self-sufficient and independent. At first while she is still young, she looks at her helpless daughter with guilt and pity because she is not able to give her the life she deserves. However, Emily grows into a young adult woman, Olsen points out the mother soon realizes that her daughter is a lovely, capable woman with potential. Her only hope is that Emily herself can and will realize it for herself. Olsen’s suggest that our circumstances shape who we are, but no matter the situation, we can still overcome them because there is potential in everyone.

Stereotypes

In todays’ society it seems as though everyone is placed into a stereotype that has been developed of every race and how everyone within that race acts/or is. Stereotyping is an issue that affects all races and gender. If someone were to ask what is a women supposed to do when they grow up, is the typical response still to get married, be a stay at home wife and mother, while the father figure of the family goes to work to support the family? What about the women who don’t want to stay at home, the women who want to go and have a career?Stereotypes are present in everyday life, placing the idea that you are only allowed to do what is described in that stereotype. Women are not only affected by what a typical women should do stereotype, but as well as race stereotypes or stereotypes that are based on characteristics that are attained. Women are slowly, but surely starting to change the typically stereotype of them along with proving that they are more than just this obje ct they are looked at as. Stereotypes are present in our lives from when we are a young age. Children’s’ television shows are just as guilty of this problem as regular television shows are.Dora the Explorer, for example, that teaches Spanish to children. But, the main character Dora is of course Hispanic, giving the impression that Hispanic people always speak Spanish to young children who have not been exposed to the multicultural world that America is because they simply wouldn’t be able to comprehend the idea. These stereotypes are even present while going through school being taught that there are different cliques and that you can only fit into one certain clique, like a jock, a nerd, or the dumb cheerleader.There cliques are revealed in multiple shows that attract teenagers. Not only is television responsible for teaching children these stereotypes from a young age, there also are the internet and magazines that contribute to this problem. Technology is no t the only thing to blame; there is also influence by who you grow up around. You are not fully able to make your own decisions or opinions about certain things until you are an adult. The background of your childhood and who you grow up around greatly influence your opinions.Stereotyping only continues in television shows and movies that attractive adults. Examine a typical television sitcom, what role are the women characters playing? For example, in the television show, The Big Band Theory, one of the main characters is an attractive blonde woman who seems to lack intelligence at times. Her best friends in the sitcom are two guys that would fit a nerd type role. It is as if the â€Å"nerds† are only friends with her because of her looks. Stereotypes evident in our lives since we are young, giving the idea that you fit into one of these stereotypes.Such as if you are blonde, then you must be dumb or if you are Asian you must be intelligent. The idea that characteristics you hold places you into a certain stereotype and along with that stereotype you must do the things that are associated with that stereotype. On the other hand, there are many television shows and movies that actually challenge traditional views of women. For example, in the movie Legally Blonde, a blonde white woman in her middle 20’s named Elle Woods depicts what one would think of as â€Å"dumb blonde†.She wears all pink, almost always, her hair and make-up is always perfect and has that high pitch â€Å"like oh my god† voice. But she surprises everyone when she goes to Harvard Law School to become a lawyer; even the professors and fellow collages at the college doubt her. In the end, she prevails and surprises everyone with her knowledge. Elle Woods would be a perfect image of â€Å"girl power†. The thought that yes women can are smart enough to accomplish their dreams that not only men can go to college, get a degree, and become a high paid profession l ike a doctor or lawyer.There are tons of other movies and television shows that depict women the same way as Legally Blonde, so does that imply that women can eventually break these stereotypes that have been placed upon them? Many women do just what these movies and television shows depict women doing. More women go to college to earn degrees and obtain a high paying job. There are women that are doctors, surgeons, and the head CEO’s of companies in todays’ society. These women are the bosses of many other women, but more importantly men.These are prime examples that women are not just staying home taking care of the children in todays’ society, they are going to a well-paying job every day then coming home to do other responsibilities. Women as a whole are breaking these traditional stereotypes that haunt us all. But, the main question behind the problem of stereotyping is who is coming up with these stereotypes? It is not physically possible to classify multi ple people into the same group, simply because everyone is an individual and is completely different from anyone else.Stereotypes are politically incorrect because of these facts. For example, the stereotype that all black people like fried chicken and watermelon. It is nearly impossible that every African American in the world likes these types of food; there is at least one that does not, therefore proving the stereotype invalid. But, we still use these stereotypes every day without even thinking about doing it and by doing these you are in return neglecting the fact that everyone is an individual.In order to stop stereotyping these types of issues must be looked at. While all stereotyping can be considered negative or hurtful depending on what is said. There is a difference between stereotyping and making an observation, as stated before stereotyping would be saying something like all African American people like fried chicken, while on the other hand saying something like there are many Asians at the Science and Engineering library on campus would be considered an observation.By saying an observation, it wouldn’t be considered a stereotyping because the observation is seen with that persons’ eyes therefore in their eyes it would be considered true. Alternatively, stereotyping is stating something that can’t be proven true and also usually possess some kind of hatred or hurtful feelings behind the statement. I believe that many people often get these two ideas mixed up with each other, causing further confusion and more hatred towards certain groups of people. Stereotyping is clearly a large problem in todays’ society.First, the problem needs to be addressed on where it starts, which is often at a young age. The surroundings in which you grow up influence your opinions and ideas as your mind develops which is often the beginning of this problem. This problem develops further with todays’ technology such as television, movi es, the internet, and social networks. Technology is a large part of the stereotyping problem by continuing to show how women should act and be, but it also challenges the problem as well.In order to stop stereotyping, women need to continue to make advances in the world to prove that we are not just an object that stays at home and cleans. Women holding high paying jobs and taking care of themselves without any help is becoming a more common idea. I believe women are starting to change the common stereotype of them and with these advances the idea of stereotyping can start to come to an end but only with the help of everyone in todays’ society.

Internet Usability Importance

Internet Usability Importance Internet usability is a very important activity that helps to improve the internet-user interface mainly by utilizing domain names. Internet usability refers to the design and positioning of a website for ease of interaction with the users.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Internet Usability Importance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Internet usability entails such activities as web site design, human-computer interaction, Web site usability, online brands, and online marketing, among others (Bevan, Kirakowski Maissel 1991). Domain names are an essential ingredient in the process of trying to enhance the internet- user interface. Effective domain name policy is thus important in improving internet usability. The application of domain names is different from one country to another and this may result in contradictory domain name policies, thereby inconveniencing end users. There are enormous benefits associated with improved internet usability including higher customer satisfaction, higher sales, reduced support costs, and higher productivity. Internet usability is also affected by the application of domain name policies. Available literature calls for the establishment of standards for use by domain name policy makers in their quest to enhance domain names usability. Modern day domain name policies differ markedly within a country and between countries. As a result, these contradictory policies tend to inconvenience end users, in effect reducing the certainty of the domain name of a given entity. Nielsen (2003) opines that when users are examining how credible a given destination is, they often have to use domain names. Consequently, the ability to predict these kinds of domain names is paramount. In a recent study conducted by Cutrell and Guan (2007), the researcher found out that users spent nearly a quarter of their time (25%) while online searching for various domain names on different sea rch engines. It is important to understand the concept of usability and how it can be tested. Usability refers to the interaction between a system and / or product with the user. Usability is an assessment of the potential of a product to fulfill the objective of the user.Advertising Looking for essay on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Product usability can be determined by visual consistency, ease-of-use, as well as a coherent, spelt out process for evolution. Internet users use the usability testing technique to assess the task time, ease-of-use, and the perception of users about the experience they have had with the internet. A formal usability testing of the internet entails the use of a usability lab armed with video cameras. On the other hand, usability testing can also be done informally, in which case paper mock-ups of either a web site on a given application are utilized. Various renowned web sites have enrolled the services of usability engineers who ensure that the site is friendly and easy-to-use, to give the customers a positive experience. Some of the parameters that may be used to measure usability include satisfaction, acceptability, and performance (Bevan, Kirakowski, Maissel, 1991). In addition, Nielsen (2003) argues that domain names are a very critical element of web user interface. Nielesen (2003) further opines that individuals will try and guess the different names of sites that they may have visited previously, or not. The allocation of domain names in a consistent manner may enhance website usability. Some of the benefits associated with improved website usability include reliable domain name structures, enhanced usability for end users, as well as steadfast internet access through following of the established domain name allocation standards. Domain branding enhances internet usability. Arnodl (2007) contends that there is scarcity of experimental studies on domai n name branding. Separately, Haara and Nilsson (2000) are of the opinion that unforgettable domain names are crucial in helping to enhance online brands. Similar sentiments have also been echoed by Nielsen (2003), who further argues that individuals will attempt to deduce the names of different domains for those sites that they may or may not have had an experience with before. The usability and predictability of domain names is largely dependent on successful domain name policy. If at all we hope to overcome the challenges associated with poor domain name usability, there is the need to implement a policy evaluation framework for the domain name in question.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Internet Usability Importance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion Internet usability refers to the design and positioning of a website for ease of interaction with the users. In order to improve internet usability, there is need to ensure effective domain name policy. Some of the benefits associated with improved internet usability include higher sales, reduced support cost, enhanced customer satisfaction, and higher productivity. Website engineers use such parameters as satisfaction, acceptance, and performance to test internet usability. The branding of domain names also leads to enhanced internet usability. Reference List Arnold, B., 2007. auDA and dot-au statistics. Web. Bevan, N., Kirakowski, J., Maissel, J.,1991. What is Usability? Proceedings of the 4th  International Conference on HCI. Stuttgart, Germany: Elsevier. Cutrell, E., Guan, Z., 2007. An eye-tracking study of information usage in Web search: Variations in target position and contextual snippet length. Conference on  Human Factors in Computing Systems. San Jose, California, USA: Microsoft Research. Haara, A., Nilsson, G.., 2000. The Web Site as a Brand an Empirical Investigation of Four Online Companies. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nielsen, J., 2003. Usability 101: Introduction to Usability. Web. Appendix   Graphic Organizer

Sociology Vs Psychology (research paper) essays

Sociology Vs Psychology (research paper) essays Looking at social issues and social processes in other societies help us see our own society more clearly. Furthermore, events, trends, and personalities within society are shaped by global forces which may be beyond our control but not beyond our understanding. That's why there are sociology and psychology. Although, they are both social sciences, they use different methodology. Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior. As the study of humans in their collective aspect, sociology is concerned with all groups activitieseconomic, social, political, and religious. It is a science which seeks to provide sophisticated explanation to peoples behavior. Sociology is a social science because its subjects are human beings, people's social behavior. It investigates the structure of groups, organizations, and society interaction within these contexts. Sociology also offers research that can be applied to any aspect of social life: street crime, delinquency, welfare or education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problem of peace and war. Sociology begins with the observation that human are intensely social creatures. Virtually everything people do, they do with others. They are constantly building and rebuilding groups. From families and lunchroom cliques, to multinatio nal corporations and international alliances. The structure of society both creates and limits opportunities, but the main lesson and message of sociology is that the structure of society affects people's attitudes and behavior, often in ways they don't consciously perceive. Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes, and it has grown out of many, often conflicting traditions. Seven perspectives dominate modern psychology: the biological, evolutionary, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and sociocultural views. ...

Hello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Hello - Essay Example This necessitated that I study the management information systems (MIS). I realized this early enough and had the opportunity to change over from finance. MIS is concerned with processing data into information. I have seen how MIS enables quick and reliable referencing apart from efficient and effective coordination. I have been witnessing this while at the college administration and the library services. As far as our family business of real estate is concerned, technology such as customer relationship management (CRM) can help to enhance relations with customers and increase customer value over time. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is one used by many service organizations as it helps to develop and maintain relations with the customers. Browsing through the dailies I also understand that economic downturn and market globalization have posed a challenge to the real estate market. These challenges range from revenue-generation to cost-cutting measures. I know SAP (Systems, Applications and Products) is one such technology which integrates application for managing all types of real estate. SAP is particularly interesting to me because in Saudi Arabia real estate market and constructional development is undergoing phenomenal growth. Incorporating modern technology in the family business would add value as communication and modern technology have become fundamental for any business. I would like to employ technology to integrate green solutions in real estate projects. Green buildings have profound impact on productivity. The consequences of such projects can bring about reduction in costs while enhancing employee efficiency. It keeps the employees motivated which in turn positively impacts productivity. I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead of me in accomplishing my task. The use of technology such as SAP and CRM are fairly new to my home country. I would first need to educate the people in my

European Court Of Justice and Free Movement of Persons Essay

European Court Of Justice and Free Movement of Persons - Essay Example The move from the European Community to that of European Union was reflected in a number of specific EC Treaty provisions, including the enlargement of competence in the fields of education and culture, and of course the launch of the sacred status of citizenship of the Union2. The Treaty on European Union (here after referred to as TEU or Treaty of Maastricht) has introduced for the first time a systematic concept of citizenship in the Community ambit through Articles 17 to 22 (renumbered after the Treaty of Amsterdam). Article 17 states that Citizenship of the Union is hereby established and that every citizen holding the nationality of the Member State shall be a citizen of the Union. Following the Amsterdam amendment citizenship of the Union shall complement and not replace national citizenship. The rights and obligations emanating from the citizenship of the EU are then specified in the following articles 18-22/ ex-art. 8a-8e. They include the right to free movement and residenc e (art.18), active and passive electoral rights in the municipal elections and elections into the European Parliament (art. 19), right for diplomatic protection (art. 20), petition rights to the European Parliament and right to refer matters to Ombudsman (Art. 21). The actual TEU provisions are contained in a new Part Two of the EC Treaty devoted solely to this topic. However, it is the right of free movement and the right of residence which, as they have been right through the debate on European citizenship, form the foundations of Union citizenship. ... Article 17 states that Citizenship of the Union is hereby established and that every citizen holding the nationality of the Member State shall be a citizen of the Union. Following the Amsterdam amendment citizenship of the Union shall complement and not replace national citizenship. The rights and obligations emanating from the citizenship of the EU are then specified in the following articles 18-22/ ex-art. 8a-8e. They include the right to free movement and residence (art.18), active and passive electoral rights in the municipal elections and elections into the European Parliament (art. 19), right for diplomatic protection (art. 20), petition rights to the European Parliament and right to refer matters to Ombudsman (Art. 21). The actual TEU provisions are contained in a new Part Two of the EC Treaty devoted solely to this topic. However, it is the right of free movement and the right of residence which, as they have been right through the debate on European citizenship, form the fou ndations of Union citizenship. 2 Article 18 EC provides for freedom of movement and residence within the territory of the Member States. Ivo Shlosark refers to the Maastricht Treaty introducing the concept of citizenship into community law as something of a new phenomenon3. Despite the introduction of formal provisions on citizenship the concept itself was hardly a policy innovation of the Treaty of Maastricht4. The concept of citizenship itself was considered from a very early stage in the development of the Communities. Indeed, since the Treaties of Rome (1957) the Community has legislated fundamental rights and provisions inherent in freedom of movement. Historical steps on the way to European citizenship include the Tindemans Report (1975)5, the introduction of direct Parliamentary