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My partner and I researched the long process of obtaining a license to sell liquor in the state of Pennsylvania. The first thing we found in our initial research was that liquor licenses are extremely specific. They are different for bars, restaurants, corner stores, etc. There are certain qualifications and papers you must fill out to distribute certain types of liquors. Purchasing a license alone has been know to cust up to 400,000$ in the state of Pennsylvania. There were about a dozen pieces of paper we had to fill out, and basically all of them asked for the same information. They were separate papers asking for the same information to be sent to different departments; it gets frustrating very fast. The process itself has many checks and balances to make sure that the people whom sell the liquor will be responsible, however the paperwork is still too much. The paperwork doesn't operate as part of the checks and balances system, it's just tedious repeated information. This could be a stretch, but I think the system became complicated after prohibition ended. Prior to prohibition everyone could sell alcohol which is why it used to be such a bigger problem then it is today. Prohibition ended, but regulation strengthened, thus we have the system we see in place today.

For our bureaucracy project, Kristina and I decided to research the process of obtaining a building permit for a house in Philadelphia. This flowchart outlines what you need to submit your application for a permit. Here's the link to the real version of the flowchart, which contains some links to websites with the paperwork.

http://www.lucidchart.com/documents/view/4d08c727-33f0-41dc-ab32-7f0f0afcbe04

We did our research by finding the application online, and then searching for the supplemental paperwork as we came across it. Also, we used this site as a guide:

http://www.100khouse.com/2008/12/04/how-to-build-a-house-in-philadelphia-building-permits/

The paperwork that we filled out for this was really complicated. We think this is because a lot of registered professionals are required, so we just didn't understand a lot of the language. It was also difficult because there are tons of different forms to fill out, and you have to figure out which ones are required for your individual building.

If i could change one thing about this bureaucratic process, it would be the availability of information. We had to go around in circles looking for this stuff because it's not outlined clearly anywhere on the city's website. I think that the city should have an easy-to-understand guide to make the building permit process more accesible to average people in Philadelphia.

I think that one reason this process has become so complicated is that there are more regulations than there were when the city was first formed. As regulations are added, more paperwork comes along with it so the organization of the process is a bit confusing.

Overall, I think that researching this process gave me a good glimpse of the inner workings of the city. I never realized it was so hard to just get permission to build something!

This project was to choose a bureaucratic system and create a flowchart about it. My partner was Kim Bush and we had two different topics, I predominately worked on the flow chart for Getting your Driver's License in PA while Kim worked on Registering a car in PA. 

Through personal experience, the bureaucratic system for getting your driver's license and dealing with the paperwork is very straight forward, however, getting to the Driver's License Center and dealing with the workers there is the difficult side of it.

Getting your driver's license begins with the process of getting your learner's permit, and making sure you are fit to drive. There are two forms needed to get your learner's permit, they are the DL-180 (Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application) and if you are under the age of 18 you need the DL-180TD (Parent/Guardian Consent Form). 

After you receive your learner's permit, you have to test for your driver's license. If you are over the age of 18 you can take your driving test whenever you want after you pass the permit test. If you are under the age of 18 you must complete 50 hours and wait 6 months before you can test for your license, you must also bring the DL-180C (Parent/Guardian Certification Form). 

After you take your driver's test, you will have either passed or failed. If you failed your driver's test you will have to re-take that test, however, if you are under 18 you will not have to bring the form DL-180C with you again.

The paperwork for this bureaucratic system is very straightforward, and if you go to the Driver License Center website and it explains the entire process for you.

The process is quite easy, however, if I were to change something about the process, I would make it more difficult to begin the process of getting your learner's permit. In order to make it more difficult, I would suggest that the test is only available after you complete a driver's education course.

Although this process is not as complicated as some of the others, I feel as though they have become more complicated over the years because things have gone wrong within the systems. 

My partner, Marshall Johnston, and I decided to focus on the difficult process of obtaining a liquor license for a restaurant. This process is full of many instances where exceptions occur. There are many options that require people to have different forms depending on their personal preferences. There are options to be applying for a new establishment to use a liquor license or to keep the establishment that the liquor license is already permitted to be used for. It is necessary to buy an already exsisting license from a buisness willing to sell it. This is because the amount of available licenses depend on the population in Pennsylvania. Also, a license can't be sold to anyone outside of the specific county because that is how it's organized according to population. After a license to be sold is found, the buyer can apply for it and bargain a price for what it will be sold. Along with this there are fees for not only the license but the application fees also.

The forms to be filled out aren't simple at all. They ask for a few means of "background checks", like a "criminal report check" and a "tax certification statement". They also ask for every aspect that will be associated with the selling of the liquor such as the areas that will occupy liquor and the amount of space of each of these room. They ask for the information of the employees that will be responsible for the liquor and how long they've been a citizen

I would change the amount of unnecessary paperwork or make it more straight forward. There are many different variables that make it necessary to have different types of paperwork which is one thing that makes it unbearably confusing. I think it's this confusing because of the fact that everyone wants to be able to sell liquor and there are many more restaurants in Philadelphia alone than there are liquor licenses here. 

I thought it was interesting to investigate this process because I often see places around where I live obtaining liquor licenses and wonder why they didn't get one when they first opened. Now I know why and understand why liquor stores aren't open on Sundays. This is because there's a separate license to sell liquor on Sundays.

The bureaucratic task we selected was to have a block party on a street and how to obtain a permit to block the street for a party. The process wasn't quite as complicated as some of the others that were selected by classmates of mine. However, there were a number of steps that were not so straightforward. My partner, Evan Cohen, and I filled out the paperwork. It was significantly shorter than the paperwork for most other processes, but one part of it requires many many signatures from neighbors. It was straightforward, but quite a pain to actually complete it. If I had to change one thing it would definitely be something with the signatures, but I mean I understand why that part is necessary. I think this system is so complicated because it affects so many people. To have a party outside on a residential street affects a lot of people. So it's not too surprising as to why it is complicated.

• Chris Cassise
• Briefly summarize the bureaucratic 'task' that you selected.
• We selected the liquor license as our bureaucratic task for a restaurant in a zone applicable for selling liquor. So we chose two restaurants Adobe cafe and Popis Italian restaurant.
• Give an overview of your process
• We found all the documents that had to be filled out and then seen what the checklist paper on what of them stated we needed to do. From there we created the flow chart using various step by step websites obtaining one and the paperwork documents.
• Reflect upon the paperwork that you needed to fill out. Was it straightforward, easy, difficult, perplexing, etc
• The paper work was only around 5 pages and pretty straightforward. There wasnt any hard parts except for finding out the height and width for how much space the alcoholic beverages are going to be sold on.
• If you could change one thing about the bureaucratic process that you flow charted, what would it be and why?
• I think make some more room to show all the different types of liquor licenses you can apply to if your not a restaurant and maybe show the transfer documents and how that is also a different process then just focusing on obtaining one.
• Why do you think the systems have become so complicated? 
• The systems probably became so complicated to stop fraudulent processing. These documents asked and information asked really show you need everything, you cant just get away with estimating or lying. 
• Other thoughts, reflections, feedback.
• I thought this project was informative and definitively opened my eyes about how confusing and complicated these bureaucratic functions are

http://www.lucidchart.com/documents/edit/4d07c4af-2bac-4ea4-b8a9-391d0afcbe04/0

For our bureaucratic task, we chose to apply for Welfare. Getting Welfare benefits is for families who how have no house income or low income where they are given food stamps, health insurance or regular cash. The process to apply for welfare is not difficult but there is an excessive amount of paperwork. The paper work was straightforward, however filling out the income and rent was quite difficult. The reason the system is complicated is because people are taking advantage of the benefits and there is an increasing of fraud. However, the government does not have any money due to the recession, so they have to be careful with where they spend it. 

By Alex McGrorty and Matt O'Toole

The bureaucratic task my partner and I chose was the process of filing a Restraining Order, or a Protection from Abuse Order.

The process is fairly straightforward, if somewhat tedious. Basically, to file one of these orders, a person has to go to their local county Court of Common Pleas. Upon arriving there and finding the area where a restraining order can be made, there will be several court forms to fill out, such as the Application for Relief from Abuse, the Affidavit for Relief from Abuse and the Request for Nondisclosure of Location. These each respectively give different aspects of the problem.

The Application for Relief from Abuse is a form where the plaintiff (the victim or person filing the order) writes their basic personal information, such as name, address and contact information.

The Affidavit for Relief from Abuse is a form where the plaintiff details what happened to them or what abuse they suffered to make them file the order.

The Request for Nondisclosure of Location is a form the plaintiff will fill out to keep their location classified, so that their abuser cannot access the information. The victim’s location and contact information will have to be on file in this process, and the file is able to accessed by the public, therefore this document is a safety measure to keep the defendant from being able to access it themselves.

These documents should be given to a court clerk, who will present the case to a judge. There will be a hearing regarding the issue, and if the judge decides the case to be legitimate, they can have the order served. However, this will be temporary and only last until the secondary hearing, which will take place after 14 days.

After the 14 day (2 week) period of deliberation, the plaintiff will be summoned to another hearing, where the judge will determine whether the order needs to last another 180 days.  Any evidence or witnesses should be present during this hearing (there is additional documents and forms to be filled out if there is a witness involved).

If the order is given, the plaintiff must have it served by a State Marshall. The State Marshall will deliver the order to the offender (abuser) and order them to obey the limitations of the order. All involved should obey the restraining order, if there is any unlawful contact between parties, the police should be involved immediately.

If there was one thing we could change, I suppose it would be to lessen the 14-day waiting period. Or possibly eliminate the secondary hearing entirely. While I understand this is a period of deliberation by the court officials, if a person is in serious danger and felt threatened enough to file a restraining/protection from abuse order in the first place, then they should be helped immediately and not have to wait so long.

We believe systems have become more complicated because times have changed. We still use archaic bureaucratic methods, even in the face of modern technology and changing times. We possess the technology that could make the process simpler and more straightforward to meet modern needs. 

Flowchart View Link: http://www.lucidchart.com/documents/view/4d08cde6-8c50-4085-a6b3-1e830af90ae1

 PDF Download Link: http://www.lucidchart.com/publicSegments/view/4d0a2ba5-3d7c-4a7a-8e2f-66ee0afcbe04

    What Emma and I did was research all of the steps involved to enlisting in the Marines. The Marines are apart of the Military and we wanted to research the process of enlisting because it interested us. Emma and I knew someone who recently went through the process of enlisting to the Marines, so we used this to our advantage. We kept in contact with this person frequently so we were able to make a document with all of the steps to enlisting. We then talked to this person regarding paper work. She said that she would try and get the paper work from her recruiter. Since this was not possible, we used the steps we found out to create two flowcharts. One was with all of the steps involved in enlisting the marines, including what you would need to do if you failed certain parts. The second one was all the requirements for boot camp. 

    Since we didn't have our own recruiter we weren't able to get the paper work. This didn't affect getting the steps for our flowchart. If I had to change one thing about the bureaucratic process in the flowchart I would have changed needing a recruiter to fill out the paper work. I think that it should be possible for someone considering enlisting in the Marines to be able to look at the paper work beforehand, instead of getting a recruiter first. I think the system has become so complicated because enlisting in the Marines is a serious thing, and not all people probably take it seriously. They want people who know what they are doing, or can learn what they are doing so it's important to have all these steps in order to accept the people who could have a future in the Marines. I enjoyed this project and thought that it was a great learning experience.  

First flowchart:

(Steps to enlisting)

Second flow chart:

(Boot camp requirements)

• Amira Young and myself chose to do our bureaucratic project based off completing the proper paper work to file for a divorce. Our process was very overweleming and helped us to realize that filing for a divorce was extremely difficult and time consuming. The process for filing for a divorce was interesting being as though we learned that most of the process and proper steps we needed to enact was for the good of both parties and any children intertwined. The paper work was the most easiest part maybe because we're just playing but its was hard because i never understood why this process entitled that much effort. Doing the project helped and unlocked answers based on this task. The process of entirely needed because it prevents problems between two parties who might be sore towards each other. Process is the way it is only because its built off of progress and actually works.

For this Bureaucracy Project my partner Taylor Tomasco and I were assigned to create a flow chart on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA). This process involved researching all of the documents needed to complete the FAFSA process. Although we as students cannot complete the FAFSA until January 1st, this flow chart will assist all students preparing to enter into college. This flow chart shows the documents needed, the actual FAFSA form from last year, so that students could get an idea of what the form looks like on paper or online.

We referred to the FAQ, on the FAFSA website to know what information we needed to add to our flowchart, so that no information was misleading. We also printed out the tax forms a student would need, or that their parents would need when filling out this form. We created an alias name and identity to go along with the forms, so that a replica of the forms could be easier to understand; henceforth what information goes where. Filling out this information was a little difficult, because all the information on each page had to make sense.

If we were to change one thing about this Bureaucratic Project, then it would be to document what actually goes into filling this form out; the process, papers, time, and effort with accuracy.

This process has become so complicated in the past decades is because many people attempt to steal others identities so that they could receive a free education. Although there is a limited amount of money, people attempt to use another persons identity to receive the most benefits.

Link to Flow Chart:

https://www.scienceleadership.org/sections/American_Government_-_Laufenberg:2

In American Government, we were given a task to pick a bureaucracy and make a flow chart on the steps of that bureaucracy. The partner I picked was Beth and we decided on doing the steps to obtaining a building permit in Philadelphia. 

We picked this topic without knowing what we were getting ourselves into and didn't know even one step of obtaining a building permit in Philadelphia. The first thing we did was head to google and googled, "building permit in Philadelphia" and came across this site, 100k house, that told us the steps of obtaining a building permit and what each paper/form that needed to be filled out, meant. Then we headed to Philadelphia L&I site to obtain the application and started to fill it out the best way we knew how to.

The paperwork that we had to fill out was very confusing. The paper work needed to be filled out by other people and you have had to contact these people before starting the application. Then you also had to fill out papers like, Zoning permit application, structural design criteria, energy conservation, and more. Most of these paperwork had to be filled out by a hired engineer/architect firm and a lot of contacting.

I don't think I would change anything because even though these steps are so complicated and has a lot of steps, it's made for safety. The city has to be on par with what you are doing because one wrong step/move, someone who wasn't involved, will get hurt.

Flowchart link: http://www.lucidchart.com/documents/edit/4d08c727-33f0-41dc-ab32-7f0f0afcbe04

Block Party: Throwing a block party on a South Philadelphia street.

Over View: Obtain 52 signatures, pay between 10-45 dollars, declare the event, Choose the time, and choose the date. 

Paper work: Our paper work was straight forward. It listed everything you needed and was only 2 pages long.

Change: I would not change a thing about our flowchart, it flows perfectly and is 100% accurate.

Complication: I would say the larger system gas become so complicated because of the many smaller systems that have popped up to only add to the already intricate larger system. 

1. Briefly summarize the bureaucratic 'task' that you selected.

2. Give an overview of your process.

3. Reflect upon the paperwork that you needed to fill out. Was it straightforward, easy, difficult, perplexing, etc.

4. If you could change one thing about the bureaucratic process that you flow charted, what would it be and why?

5. Why do you think the systems have become so complicated?

I think this system has become so complicated because there are a lot of requirements to meet.

6. Other thoughts, reflections, feedback.                                      I thought it was a little bit ridiculous that if somebody had a tattoo on their face or a scar somewhere on there body that they were not qualified to be a Marine.

Published link to flowchart: https://www.lucidchart.com/documents/view/4d08c4ed-3fd8-4682-99e3-7f590afcbe04

A snapshot of our Prezi presentation (flow chart) that shows the process of getting divorce.

1. Find out if you are eligible
2. Fill out ds165 form
3. Wait for visa with your visa number

We did the legal possession of firearms. And for the you first need the application. Fill out and be honest on it. Then hand it in with the fee of $25 and take the interview.

What we had to do was pick a topic so we choose the legal carrying of firearm. After that we looked up the specifications for possessing said firearm. Downloaded the application and signed it. then finally made the flow chart with all the specifications.

It was very straight for ward nothing was much of a hassle.

Nothing really i personally like how we did it and how it is set up.

It became this way so people with mental disorders, criminal records, and drug problems could not apply.

The bureaucratic "task" we selected was legally obtaining a gun license  in the state of Pennsylvania.  It is the process of going through the Gun Unit Personnel to obtain a license to rightfully own and operate a gun.  

The first thing we did was research information on the process of obtaining a gun in different states and how they were different.  Afterwards, we dived into the web to find out the exact process off getting a license.  

The paper work to that I needed to fill out was quick and basic. it was more or less a page worth of questions about myself such as "have you ever been arrested, used drugs, drink often or been in a mental institution. 

If i could have changed on think about the process, i would have changed the length it took. it seemed to not take enough time to get the license.  Theres a lot of other information that could have been asked about such as does your family have a history with guns or such?

I feel the system needs to be be complicated so that everyone cant just get what they need. If everyone could just apply for such things it would make the system too easy to get around.  

1.) Briefly summarize the bureaucratic 'task' that you selected.

The bureaucratic task that my partner and I selected was "Adoption." Adoption is a complicated process to got through and it is rather lengthy. Before even starting the steps, you have to make it a priority to learn about adoption an decided if this is what you really want. Decided if parenting is something that you my want to add to your life. At times this process can be overwhelming, but if you really passionate about taking in a child and if your ready to have a child or teenager in your life to provide for, then this is the best way to go.

2.) Give an overview of your process

The first thing you should do is learn everything about adoption. Whether it's tendencies or statistics, you should want to lean them and keep them in mind. Finding an agency should be easy. Then you have to complete a home-study, so the agency can determine your qualification before you can search for a child that best fist you. Once you find your child, you have to exchange information between you and the agency. Once your information is reviewed the agency will contact you to tell you if your are selected. If you are selected you will meet and visit the child to get acquainted, then receive a placement.  When the placement is finished you will finalize the adoption which include paper work. Finally you will be able to live your new life with your adoptive child.

3.) Reflect upon the paperwork that you needed to fill out. Was it straightforward, easy, difficult, perplexing, etc.

My partner and I were not able to get the actual paper work for adoption. In order to get the paper work we would have had to make online accounts with different agencies websites. Since we aren't really adopting, we did not want to create actual accounts and give the agencies our personal information.

4.) If you could change one thing about the bureaucratic process that you flow charted, what would it be and why?

I would not change anything about the bureaucratic process. I happen to believe that each step within the process is necessary.

5.) Why do you think the systems have become so complicated?

I think systems have become so complicated because the systems have grown and changed. Systems have to make sure that people are qualified for what they want to do. Therefore people might have to endure obstacles and complications, but if they are the right people, then it should be a straightforward process.

Other thoughts, reflections, feedback.

The bureaucratic task that I completed was a flow chart. This task was mildly complicated because I had to make sure that the flow chart corresponded with the application. I most importantly needed to make sure that the flow chart made logical sense and that for each question there was both a yes and no option. My process was probably more difficult than the application because I had to make sure that the questions were gong in the proper direction and that the were as accurate as possible,assuming that this flow chart would be in an assistance in the real world. The paper work was fairly easy,there were some questions that took more time then others but for the most part,filling out this application reminded me of a resume and a job application combined. In this situation,the more information is better so that the social worker can be sure that he/she is making the best decision for the child(ren). If I could change anything about this process,I wouldn't because as I said before these processes need to be a as accurate and precise for the children's safety. These systems have become complicated because there may have been cases where accidents have occurred and often taken lightly. In order to make sure that the least accidents happen as possible,they processes need to be as complex as possible

Bay of Pigs Newspaper Article for Quarter 2.

•  Other thoughts, reflections, feedback.

The bureaucratic 'task' that my partner and myself selected, was how to apply for a divorce in the State of Pennsylvania. 

Our process was very rigorous, and by that I mean that their was certain times where I wanted to give up and goto an alternative route to this "divorce."

As for the paperwork part of this process, let's just say you wont be a big fan of the environmentalist with all the paperwork that is involved with this. By that, I mean that their was certain portions that were almost 8 pages long, and all together I think that we filled out a total of 22 pages in our process. This paperwork is not only long, but it becomes a whole different process, because you have to get judges, non-lawyers, as well as a notary. Thus, making this paperwork difficult to fill out, but also pretty much straight forward with the language it uses.

I think if I had to change anything to this process, I would have to change the amount of paperwork involved. Not only would I do that, but I would try not to make this any more difficult for people than it already is.

 I think the system has become more harder, because since we became such a larger country, the circumstances have changed, and with more circumstances comes unnecessary paperwork.

I sometimes wanted to give Caroline the "OJ" treatment :) 

The online flowchart is : http://www.lucidchart.com/documents/view/4d0b60aa-81d0-4743-a2c7-66840af90ae1 

   In American Government we were asked to choose a bureaucratic task and go through the process of completing it, and the task that I chose to complete was divorce.

    Divorce is a process that needs patience in order to be completed properly and without many complications. My partner and I had a few disagreements here and there about certain topics but other than that it went smoothly and we were able to "final our divorce." The complications that usually revolve around divorce are if children/child are involved, the different types, and amount of paper work needed to fill out. You also need to hire a notary, have a non-lawyer and a judge which if you do not have are roadblocks in the process.  The language of the paperwork is also confusing because the way certain sentences are phrased, if you are able to understand it, then everything is basically straightforward. 

   If I were able to change anything about the divorce process it would be the amount of paper work involved. I felt as if a lot of the paper work was repeated throughout the different packets that were required to fill out.

  The systems may have become much more complicated because in a larger country that circumstances have changed, resulting in unnecessary paper work.