Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Recent research shows that low self-control increases the risk of becoming a victim of violence. However, this research has not examined how neighborhood context mediates and interacts with propensity to be violently victimized. Using data from waves 1 and 2 of the longitudinal cohort study (i.e., 9, 12, and 15 year old cohorts) of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, we assess how neighborhood conditions ( e.g., concentrated disadvantage) in which kids live may impact the relationship between self-control and violent victimization. First, we estimate the direct effect of neighborhood conditions on their violent victimization while adjusting for self-control. Second, we assess the interactive effect of neighborhood conditions and self-control on violent victimization. Using negative binomial regression models that make adjustments for the clustered nature of the PHDCN data, our results give mixed support for neighborhood effects on violent victimization. Implications for neighborhood research and self-control theory are discussed and limitations are addressed.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: For over ten years, Maine has offered an innovative program to undergraduates called the Maine Public Policy Scholars Program. This program offers one student per year from each of the University of Maine System campuses the opportunity to work on a Maine policy issue of their choiceand learn both from other scholars and from an outstanding panel of Maine political figures and academics. This paper outlines the history of the program, how it works, shows how it matches many best practices in service learning, and speculates on how useful it might be as a model for other states.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This essay suggests a strategy for teaching political philosophy. In response to the usual difficulties in capturing the interest of students and in an attempt to guide them through a detailed consideration of a political theory, a two-step approach is suggested. First the student’s attention is directed to the contemporary relevance of the questions posed by the classical political theorists, and then, a simple model of the internal structure of a political theory is used in order to facilitate the analysis and comparison between theories.

Supporting Publications:
Supporting Document

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: With the passage of Clean Election legislation in 1996, Maine became one of the first two states (along with Arizona) to provide full public funding for state legislative candidates. Previous research findings are mixed on whether or not public funding increases the competitiveness of legislative elections.

Public funding has now been in place for four election cycles (2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006). Using data from all four election cycles, we explore the electoral effects of public funding in Maine at the aggregate and the individual level. The inclusion of 2006 data allows for the analysis of election data for the two cycles before and two cycles after redistricting to test and control for and influences of district changes. By utilizing both aggregate and individual data, we can study both institutional changes of public funding on the election process along with the individual behavior of both incumbents and challengers.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Having a timely and appropriate knowledge has been key to the different political and military leaders of different societies through the ages. In this sense, since ancient times until today, intelligence has played an important role in decision-making