Away and ‘Waiting on the world to change’ Essay Example for Free

Away and ‘Waiting on the world to change’ Essay Change is a process, transition or alteration that affects all aspects of life and can affect attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Michael Gow’s play ‘Away’ conflicts emotional, spiritual and mental change expressed through the characters along their journey of change. Gow has chosen characters such as Coral, Tom and Gwen to demonstrate the different types of changes that occur in the play ‘Away’. Gow uses techniques such as Intertextuality, allusion, structure, stage direction and symbolism to present the transformations the characters experience. In the song ‘Waiting on the world to change’ composed by John Myer, change is demonstrated through the reference of war and the hope of a change in future. Myer uses poetic techniques and symbolism to show the changes presented in the song. Change can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who experience it. Emotional change is displayed through both texts although it is displayed through Gow’s play ‘Away’ more so than in Myer’s song. Gow presents emotional change demonstrated by the Character coral. The emotional breakdown experienced by Coral due to her son’s death showed the audience her inability to function normally. Her journey is about an emotional recovery as she lost her social identity and struggles to find connection with others as she â€Å"can’t find anything to say† (Act 2, scene 2). Coral learns to symbolically ‘walk again’ and reconnect with the living world and accepts that there is life and death. Change can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who experience it. The use of Intertextuality of a play with in a play represents the life of the characters. Coral’s ‘Stranger at the shore’ symbolises Coral’s internal change and it shows that she has overcome her emotional, mental and spiritual conflicts and her character has encountered transformation. â€Å"I’m walking, I’m walking† Coral says in the ‘stranger at the shore’ at the end of the play which symbolises her internal change and the acceptance of her son’s death. Similarly, the sense of emotional change expressed through the lyrics in John Myer’s song is helplessness as he sings Its hard to beat  the system, when were standing at a distance.† John Myer is expressing frustration through emotive language in the fact that he alone cannot change the world to a more positive place. Change can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who experience it. Spiritual change was explored through the character of Tom in Gow’s play ‘Away’ as he demonstrates to his parents that he is aware of his approaching death and he accepts his fate. This is shown through the intertextuality technique of a play within a play and it acts as a symbolic metaphor used to represent the life of the character and an insight of what will happen to them as the play continues. As Tom becomes more accepting of his illness, his character demonstrates spiritual changes. Gow uses the structure of the play to the advantage of displaying Tom’s spiritual change throughout the play as not everything is revealed at once, keeping the audience engaged. When Tom’s illness is revealed, it inspires other characters such as Gwen, to encounter change also. When Gwen is informed of Tom’s illness, her thoughts of him change and in turn her personality towards others changed also. The reality of Tom’s death alters the perspectives of the characters and their encounter spiritual change in the way that they learn to appreciate the value of the present, but also to know where they are heading. It can be seen that change can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who experience it. Gow uses Gwen’s character to display mental change. At the beginning of the play Gwen is highly critical of Tom, unaware of his condition. Her change can be demonstrated through her dialogue as at the beginning of the play it shows negativity and seen as a source of conflict which changes to caring and of value. â€Å"This case won’t close† is an example of the attitude and conflict that Gwen was expressing before her character encountered change. Her change in attitude and perspective made her realise what she has is of real value. The techniques that present Gwens lack of self-understanding are stage props. In act 4, scene 2, the Bex she refers to was used as a remedy for what she can’t cope with. Later on Gwen rejects the prop of Bex and tries to come to terms with her new self. The turning point of Gwens change is the knowledge of Tom’s illness. Stage directions such as the miming in act 5, scene 1 where no dialogue was used to the reconciliation taking place between characters such as Coral and Roy and Gwen and her family. The relationship between Gwen and her family after her changes becomes closer as Gwen shows them affection. An example of this would be the difference in reactions when Gwen received her Christmas presents. She was affectionate and thankful, showing her character’s change by comparing that to her previous reaction when Jim ‘forgot’ the presents at home. Changes can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who experience it. Gow uses allusion in his play ‘Away’ which helps to present conventional meanings about the concept of change to the audience, achieved through the use of Shakespearean texts. It is a stage direction as the fairies in the opening scene symbolise a storm which refers to the internal conflict within the characters and the consequences of their individual changes just like a storm creates changes after it has occurred. The storm is a necessary destruction that brings the characters together on a ‘magical’ beach to be restored and reconciled. The characters at this point have all experienced change and the storm is a catalyst of their transformation. Upon coming home after the family holidays, the play completes a full circle by ending the play where it started. As the play completed a full circle, so have the characters that have undergone a total transformation in outlook by the end of the play. Shown through Gow’s play ‘Away’, changes can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who experience it. Alternatively, ideas of change presented in the Myer’s text/clip are different to those shown in ‘Away’. Ideas of change presented are that change is gradual and takes time. The composer’s attitude towards change is that its affects may not be immediate and this is expressed through the repetition of the phrase ‘waiting’. The repetition emphasises the need for time as well as hope that change will come one day. It serves as an indication that change is gradual and this reflects on the message being expressed by Myer. In order for change to occur, Myer expresses that a change of attitude and perspectives is needed. â€Å"We see everything that’s  going wrong with the world and those who lead it.† These lyrics assist in conveying the composer’s message that people don’t have the right attitudes or contributions to make a change. It can be seen that change can take many forms and has a range of effects on those who ex perience it. Change is clearly expressed through both texts and provides similar values or concepts in encountering change. Coral’s mental and emotional state is overcome by the acceptance of her son’s death while Tom and Gwen present spiritual and mental change when the reality of Tom’s condition has been recognised. Gow presented change through techniques such as symbolism, structure, stage directions, allusions and intertextuality. John Myer’s text resembles change with the use of poetic techniques and symbolism. The song displays the hopefulness and determination for a changing future. Both texts use techniques to show the change encountered and both focus on the value of change. As it if evident in both texts, change can take many forms and has a range of effect on those who experience it.

Ansoff And Sfa Evaluation Management Essay

Ansoff And Sfa Evaluation Management Essay GM could use product development to improve revenue on a number of brands. However GM must work to drive down costs. Using Porters (1984) cost based generic strategy. It shows reducing costs can also create a competitive advantage. If costs are lowered and price is kept relatively similar this will improve profits (Hines, 2004). This could be seen as a suitable and acceptable option. However how could the costs be reduced? Many suppliers are suffering similar problems from the recession. One strategy would be too merge or acquire existing suppliers, a method of external development (White, 2004), which would reduce costs, improve core competencies and could even lead to technological development. However is this feasible? The strategy has risk, as this may not necessarily reduce costs or improve profits therefore it is not totally acceptable. GM should continue operating in Europe for the foreseeable future. They have changed the business strategy to focus on becoming leaner and developing core brands, while investing considerably in diversification (Sunderland, 2009). This is the best strategic option open to GM however it must be managed well. Applying it to the main success criteria can highlight how this is the best action (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington, 2007): Suitability This strategy addresses the position of GM. Outlined within the SWOT analysis was the need for product development and the introduction of smaller car ranges. GM have already committed to investing if it gets new products into the market faster (Vlasic, 2009). Additionally McAlister (2009), states that GM are already working on new products that they can continue building within the UK plants beyond 2013. An identified strength was its large supply and distribution network therefore using this core competency it can implement new product ranges. If a competitive advantage is gained then it can use the European market as an additional sales environment. Although Yip (2003) states global strategies can have different driving forces, competencies can still be applied if GM understands the local cultures (Lynch, 2003). Staying in Europe is a logical step. To withdraw now could lead to larger costs in the future, such as re-entry into the market as sales in this area cannot be ignored. Ec onomies of scale exist such as an extensive knowledge through suppliers etc so risk would be low for the implementation of any new strategies. Feasibility GM are a global organisation, they have an existing network of both tangible and intangible resources. However significant investment is needed in RD, which could be attained through selling underperforming brands, although as mentioned GM are willing to commit to this aspect. There are no significant issues of time scale but change is not always immediate. For this strategy to work the rate of change must be quick (Johnson et al, 2007) and adopting a new culture is the priority so the management and workforce must show commitment. This could be difficult as the previous culture was slow to react and very bureaucratic (Maynard, 2009). In the future resources may be needed within Europe and by opting to stay GM will have greater access, making the option more feasible. Acceptability A number of stakeholders benefit from this strategy. They government expect GM to keep sales high in order to pay back their debts and this can be achieved more efficiently by existing in a larger market. GM advised there will be a number of job losses, helping towards their restructure and reduction of wages (BBC, 2009). Additionally GM has made the correct decision ethically. This business is vital for a number of industries and therefore helps towards employment so withdrawing from Europe could have a huge effect on suppliers, distributors etc. Finally GM has also made the best decision for their owners. Staying in this market will increase sales and further product development could help sustain a competitive advantage. Although diversification failed in 2004 (Vlasic, 2009) with the mass produced but under marketed EV1 range (Vlasic, 2009), it is possible with the correct investment and understanding it can be a success. Although as outlined above this is the best strategy available to GM, focus must be placed on developing new technology. Bowmans strategy clock (appendix 12) shows that offering differentiated products at a market average price can lead to increased sales through high perceived service benefits (Wheelen and Hunger, 2008). If GM were to market any new technology at a high price it could lead to strategy failure as these products may already exist. In comparison if GM introduces similar products at a lower price it could create an immediate and sustainable competitive advantage. Example 2 Ansoff Matrix, proposed by Igor ansoff, used to classify and explain 4 strategies for business growth. For the case studied, GM opted for consolidation and market penetration. GM uses consolidation strategy (Ansoff) to increase sales without drifting from its original product, we speak of market strategy. GM wants to penetrate this market by improving product quality and provide a real service to these customers. To achieve its goal, GM spends large sums of money in marketing and communication, like advertising for example. This strategy is important for GM because retaining existing customers is cheaper than attracting new customers. It therefore decided to keep five brands already in its possession. Yet, GM is moving beyond its customer base to attract new customers for its existing products. This strategy often involves the sale of existing products into new international markets. For example, the new GM wants to expand its market share thanks to the demand emerging countries like Brazil, China, and India. Indeed, these countries are expanding and it is a growing market for years in the motor industry. Evaluation of the strategies To evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy of the new GM, the SFA (Suitability, Feasibility and acceptability) is an important tool. This theory presented by Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (seventh edition, p. 371, 2005) may help us to analyze the potential of the strategy. The suitability of this strategy is well. The old GM was producing big cars and consumed a lot. They were not economic and do not respect the environment. Thus, the American manufacturer has seen its sales fall in recent years. In addition, the feasibility of this option is good. The new GM has a lot of knowledge and an impressive physical capital. GM already knows the brands it represents. In addition, engineers are working continuously to develop more economical cars. There is a university in the company to provide access to information. Moreover, GM today focuses on 5 brands instead of 11; it can devote a largest share of investment in the RD sector. To finish, GM has received some aids. To finish, the acceptability of this strategy is good. GM is supported by many governments and organizations (for the development of new energy) for its restructuring. It receives financial aid. The US government spends money for GM restructuration, in return GM has to develop clean cars. Personally, I chose the same option as it is obvious that the Old GM had a wide range of products. But they do not come up to consumers expectations. In addition, I took the risk to launch the company into emerging market because there is great potential in sales. Thus, I proposed new models for this market and even open factories, specifically to come up to consumers expectation. Example 3 Identification and Evaluation of Strategy Product development and related diversification (Ansoff, 1988) Mc Afees software will provide Intels chips with hardware-enhancing security (Takahashi, 2010) which leads to a competitive advantage. This strategy is classified as product development since Intel delivers a technologically modified product to its existing market (Johnson, Scholes Whittington, 2008). As Mc Afee remains an independently run security company which stays in its market (BBC News, 2010) it is regarded as one key player in the emerging market of cloud computing (Takahashi, 2010). This vertical integration enables Intel to expand to new markets, diversify the risk through a broader product portfolio and enhance its growth perspectives. Therefore Intel follows the strategy of a related diversification (Johnson et al, 2008). Suitability The strategic directions are suitable as long as they address the key issues identified previously (Johnson et al, 2008). As Intels current market is almost stagnating, the strategic direction should enable long-term growth. Moreover it should incorporate the knowledge of consumer and technological trends in mobile computing. With the acquisition of McAfee, Intel addresses the trend for security and energy efficiency in chips. Moreover they react to the saturated market of PCs as McAfee is expected to be a key player in the growing market of cloud computing (Takahashi, 2010). Another issue arises from anti-trust regulations which prevent Intel from acquiring competitors. A vertical integration does not violate any laws while it enables Intel to enhance its growth perspectives in new markets (diversification). Feasibility Intels strength to finance their investments from their operating profit supports the financial feasibility of the acquisition strategy. Intels healthy financial position allows the company to exploit RD to integrate McAfees security software in their chips. Moreover they gained much experience with MA initiatives from the past (Intel, 2010). This implies that they have strong resources and competences in place which enhance the strategys effectiveness. Acceptability The acquisition was decided unanimously by the both boards. However, falling stock prices of Intel (Appendix 6) reflect suspicious shareholders (Hardawar, 2010). A possible reason for mistrust is seen in a lack of understanding of the gains in comparison to the immense acquisition costs. Intel argues that the financial position justifies the $7.68bn acquisition (BBC News, 2010) which is supported by the assumption to regenerate the $5 billion cash spend for the acquisition in less than a year (Hardawar, 2010). However, the deal may help Intel to gain wider long-term profit margins which reflects a higher shareholder value (King, 2010). Since the acquisition enhanced Intels vertical integration focus and does not place any threat towards anti-trust violations, there is no risk incorporated with governmental intervention (Hardawar, 2010).

Heart of Darkness Essay -- essays research papers

When considering a work of literature, the title can be just as important as the context of the story. Literary devices such as contrast and repetition help develop the symbolism of Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness. The use of contrast can be seen within the differences between the black and white people along with the differences between the civilized and uncivilized. The phrase "Heart of Darkness" itself is repetitious to describe certain places, events, and people. Joseph Conrad successfully relates his title to the African continent, the people, how the people were treated, and the soul of Kurtz. The title can relate to the wilderness in the center of Africa where Marlow is headed. In the story, the commander sees England as many men viewed Africa. It is a "sea the colour of lead" and "sky the color of smoke" which conveys the place as dark and gloomy. Furthermore, Englishmen wanted to colonize Africa and they were willing to sacrifice their lives for the journey. Marlow shows that wilderness really isn't a place for men to be. The sheer size of "darkness" makes the people powerless, despite the fact that they feel that they can make improvements in Africa. Through it all, the darkness provides many challenges for the civilizers and as a result, their conditions become worse, causing them to achieve very little. Wilderness is a very significant symbol becau...

Emotional Release: Benefits of Art Therapy Essay -- Art Therapy

Title Emotional Release: Benefits of Art Therapy A 6-year-old girl sits next to her therapist, with signs of anxiety upon her face. Pieces of paper, pencil and some markers are placed in front of the girl. She is hesitant to speak out, but these colors do help release some of the tension in the air. She begins to draw and paint, in a matter of fifteen minutes she finishes with a sequence of fourteen pictures: â€Å"A little girl pig is attacked by a man who wax her with a big stick and hits her in the face with a stone, although she has done nothing wrong to him. So the police come and take the man away in their car, under a blanket, and the little pig is taken to hospital by ambulance, â€Å"real bad hurt†. It’s a very long way. In hospital, she is put a stretcher, also under a blanket, and taken for an x-ray. She’s â€Å"real worried† about it and her mother doesn’t know she’s been hurt. In the x-ray picture, sticks and big lumps of stone can be seen inside the pig, where the man has wounded her. The little pig is so ill, she looks sick and her face is still damaged, she might die†¦ she is going to get better? She’s a bit better†¦ just a bad eye†¦ now she’s really better, wearing a pretty dress, decorated with a red heart. The End† (Murphy 1). Estimates predict more than 3.3 million children experience verbal or spousal abuse each year, (Osofsky 3) but not all can tell such complete or symbolic stories; what many choose to do with art materials is make a tremendous mess. Through just this story, many significant themes for the abused child can be reflected: the experience of physical damage, the trepidation of dying, feelings of isolation, the absence of the mother, the sense of injustice, the longing to feel whole an... ...02).  Ã‚  Creativity  in art therapy: Prime mover or silent partner.  Ph.D. dissertation, The Florida State University, United States -- Florida. Web. 15 Nov. 2010.   Malchiodi, Cathy A. (2006). The art therapy sourcebook. McGraw-Hill Professional. Web. 3 Dec. 2010. Murphy, By Jenny. (2001). Art therapy with young survivors of sexual abuse: lost for words.  Psychology  Press.Web.14 Dec. 2010.   Osofsky, J.  The Impact of Violence on Children.  The Future of Children: Domestic Violence and Children  (1999) 9(3):33-49. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. Specht, Sanne.  (30  July). A Picture Is Worth: The stories behind the art therapy pieces on display as compelling as those of the young artists.  McClatchy-Tribune Business News. Web.15 Nov. 2010. Wolff, Rudi. (2007,  May). Engaging art.  Behavioral Healthcare,  27(5),  34-5.  Web. 20 Nov. 2010.                                            

Adolescent Case Study Essay -- essays research papers

Adolescent Case Study I. Identification A. Kathy Johnson is a 14 year old female, a freshman at Parkway High School, and resides at 789 Parkview Way, Bossier City, LA 70000. II. History of Family A. The subject lives with her biological mother and stepfather. The child's biological father resides in Bossier City as well, but he has not maintained a relationship with the child since he divorced her mother in 1981. The child also has a brother who lives out of state and has no relationship or contact with him either. B. The subject comes from an upper middle class family. Her stepfather is a high school graduate and owns his own construction business. Her mother is a homemaker and quit school during her sophomore year. C. The subject and her family live in Southern Gardens, a small subdivision in Bossier City. The family, for the most part, keeps to themselves and does not have any close, personal associations. The few associates they have are business colleagues and people from their church groups. D. The stepfather is a relatively healthy male, approximately 6'1" tall, dark brown hair, brown eyes, weighs around 200 pounds and has no known physical illness. The mother is 5'4" tall, blonde hair, brown eyes and has noticeable symptoms of depression and a significant drinking problem. Presently she is in good overall physical health. E. Most of the family's interest revolves around the subject's athletic activities such as baseball and church related activities such as Sunday services and youth centered groups. F. The family attends a full gospel, nondenominational church on a regular basis. Their political views are primarily democratic. G. The family is of Italian descent and somewhat antisocial. They rarely see anyone on a personal basis and have no close personal friends. III. History of the Case A. The subject is approximately 5'5" tal... ...ubject is suffering from physical and emotional neglect from her parents resulting in depression, low self esteem, aggressive tendencies, and bouts of hypochondria. V. Recommendations My recommendations would be to remove the subject from the abusive situation by placing her in a temporary foster home and to require her parents to undergo a full psychiatric evaluation. She should remain in the foster home until her mother undergoes and successfully completes an alcohol rehabilitation program and receives counseling for the physical and emotional abuse which she has endured. The stepfather should be required to stay away from the subject and her mother until he undergoes counseling and no longer exhibits signs of aggressive and abusive behavior. Other recommendations for the subject would be to prescribe antidepressants combined with group support with other adolescents suffering similar situations and problems. Her aggressive tendencies and low self esteem need to be addressed by placing her in a loving and emotionally stable and supportive household where she would be allowed to experience some freedom from the emotional burden of having to run a household virtually by herself.

Psychology and Care Plan Essay

Questions 1 – Be able to assess the development needs of children or young people and repare a development plan. 1.1 – Explain factors that need to be taken into account when assessing development. * Progress * Improvement * Behaviours * Look at goals within care plan are they on track? * What activities they are partaking in and how well are they dealing with them. * Whether they are interested, compliant and accepting or not. 1.2 – Assess a child or young person’s development in following areas :- physical, communication, intellectual/ cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural and moral. A) Please see attached sheets of evidence (Daily session record and behaviour tick sheet) 1.3 – Explain the selection of assessment methods used. A) These methods are used to monitor mood, behaviour, what the young person has been doing during that session also the date and time of the session, so we can monitor if something is a regular occurrence on or at a certain time of day (looking for patterns). 1.4 – Develop a plan to meet the needs of a child or young person in the work setting. A) Please see attached care plan 1 – Be able to promote the development of children or young people 2.5 – Implement the development plan for a child or young person according to own Role and responsibilities, taking into account that development is holistic and interconnected. * Monitor the care plan on a daily basis to be aware of any changes and implement if necessary. * If I notice certain areas of the care plan are not working efficiently to meet the needs of the young person and could be improved upon it is my responsibility to report this back to the correct senior member of staff, so they can review and update if necessary. * When working with the young person if I notice any changes/ unusual behaviours to report to senior. 2.6 – Evaluate and revise the development plan in light of implementation. A) In reading the care plan since it was last reviewed I would advise it does need an update in regards of :- * The YP’s getting up in the morning as states that he is not good at getting up, but now is a lot better and tends to get straight up and for a shower with no issues and with little prompting. * The care plan states what the YP likes for breakfast but does not state that he also likes to make it himself. * Again stating the YP is getting better at going out and likes to go out, but doesn’t state specific preferences as he particularly likes to go to the park on the swings. * In the care plan I have noticed it doesn’t make aware that the YP finds his PECS strip useful at times instead of verbal communication and also avoids confusion with the YP * All others areas of the care plan remain unchanged at this time but will continue to review and monitor, so that any changes can be implemented asap to enable improvement and progress for the YP. 2.3- Explain the importance of a person centred and inclusive approach and give examples of how this is implemented in own work. * To meet the INDIVIDUAL needs of the Young person to ensure they are gaining all the positive effects and influences around them and developing at their individual pace. * Individual care plans of which the Young person has input * Following and adhering to the care plans * Residential meetings – asking the young people if they are happy with surroundings, if not what they would like to change. * Giving the YP’s choices of meals, activities and clothing to show individuality and personality 2.4– Observation 2.5 – Encourage children or young people to actively participate in decisions affecting their lives and the services they receive according to their age and abilities. * Residential meetings * Asking likes and dislikes * Giving choices around personal hygiene/ dietary needs * Giving choice in social activities * Choice of clothing for personal identity * Supporting in finance matters, giving them a choice what to spend their personal finances on. * Given as much choice and inclusion in decisions to meet individual needs 2 – Be able to respond to inappropriate behaviour 3.7 – Explain the features of an environment or service that promotes the development of children and young people. A) Within the service to be aware through care plans of the trigger points of YP’s that initiate the inappropriate behaviour B) To be aware through the care plan how best to respond to the individual to defuse inappropriate behaviour C) Use positive reinforcement and praise when individual responds well and behaviour improves, hopefully enabling young person to develop and recognise themselves that the inappropriate behaviour is not rewarded or acceptable, hopefully making the occurrence of inappropriate behaviour less often. 3.8 – observation 3 – Understand how working practices can impact on the development of children and young people. 4.9 – Explain how own working practice can affect children and young people’s development. * My different approaches and attitude can affect the YP’s mood, behaviour etc as if I appear abrupt or aggressive in manner it may cause the YP to become aggressive themselves or non-cooperative and act out. * If I do not follow care plan this may have an effect on the YP as I am not meeting their specific needs which may cause agitation as they may not be getting what they need. * If I follow the care plans and have a happy positive attitude towards the YP it is more likely they will be content. 4.10 – Explain how institutions, agencies and services can affect children and young people’s development. A) They can have a positive effect on development by setting guidelines and standards to follow that are suitable for the individuals needs and ensuring reviews are done regularly to keep up to date with any changes and ensuring all the services etc are working with one another with a clear exchange of information to be able to work towards a common goal for the best outcome for the individuals development. B) If the above did not happen it would have a negative effect on the individual as no one could assure them that the quality of standards and individual needs are being met and this would have a negative impact on their development as structure and communication is key. 4 – Be able to support children and young people’s positive behaviour 5.11 – observation 5.12 – Evaluate different approaches to supporting positive behaviour. A) When using different approaches such as verbally praising and positive actions to reinforce positive behaviour, this encourages positive responses and outcomes enabling them to complete set tasks and activities within their care plan. 5 – Be Able to support children and young people experiencing transitions 6.13 – Explain how to support children and young people experiencing different types of transitions. A) Being aware of the YP’s fears and concerns of the transition by communicating with them. B) Explaining the reason to the YP of why transition taking place C) By providing initial support and on-going if required D) Accompany them during transition E) Make others aware of the concerns/ support needs the YP may have F) On-going discussions with the YP to allow them to express any fears or concerns with an on-going transition.

Athenian democracy and The roman empire

The city-state of Athens was prosperous until, in 508 B.C., it became a democracy.   With the change to democratic rule, the majority of the people had all the decision-making power, with the minority being left with no influence whatsoever.As a result, the majority became a ruling oligarchy whose disastrous decisions brought about Athens’ end.   Athens was forced into a series of wars, including that with Persia, and the Peloponnesian Wars.The oligarchy having made too many poor decisions, class warfare made its way onto the scene.   The poor fought to steal the wealth from the rich.   Division due to class warfare, and the overall lack of support and confidence in the ruling government, made it easy for Alexander the Great to defeat Athens in 338 B.C., thereby ending their democracy. 1â€Å"Rome established a republic in 509 B.C.† 1   Under this new system, the Senators were elected by popular vote.   However, limits were placed on their power, as a sort o f check-and-balance system.   This was a safeguard that left the people free, and under this freedom they prospered.Factors which contributed to the expansion of the Roman Empire included superior methods of warfare, superior building and architectural capabilities that linked the empire, and money enough to support and maintain a large army to conquer, and then defend, the newly gained territories. 2 The land was the means by which the money was earned for the empire.Though the Romans did not have the advantage of superior weaponry, or anything different from their enemies for that matter, they were capable of beating armies much larger than themselves.   As the empire expanded, roads and aqueducts were constructed that allowed the empire to be united despite the large territory.   In fact, some of these original roadways are still in use today. 2As the Roman Empire continued to expand through additional conquered lands, they were able to maintain the stronghold by having ade quate military on the boundaries of the empire, thus holding back the Barbarians who sought to encroach upon   the empire.   The Germans were always looking for a â€Å"way in.†Ã‚  Another factor that contributed to the success of the Roman Empire were the â€Å"ideas of justice† they initiated.   These ideas of justice had already been formed into basic laws, which governed the entire empire, by 451 B.C.   These laws lay â€Å"down what one could and could not do.† 2   These self-same laws were written on 12 plates of bronze.   Today they are known as the Twelve Tables, and are the â€Å"first examples of written law.†The demise of the Roman Empire was greatly impacted by the greed, excessive spending, and over-taxation of the people by some of the latter emperors.   By the time that Commodus was assassinated, the imperial coffers were empty.   Other emperors, such as Caligula, wasted vast amounts of money on parties for the wealthy where food and drink was consumed to the point of vomiting.