The Political Issues Channel discusses hot topics and important political issues such as conventions, scandals and theories.
The president of the United States has the unique ability to override the justice system, and rid convicts of their record. Where does this power come from, and why do presidential pardons raise so many eyebrows? See more »
Although the arduous Senate confirmation process can break even the strongest candidates, the vast majority of presidential appointees are ultimately confirmed. We present the cases of 10 unfortunate exceptions to that rule.
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When an anthrax attack just after Sept. 11 killed five people and infected 18 more, U.S. residents were sent into a bioterrorism panic. Bioterrorism has actually been around for many centuries, but we keep finding new ways to combat it.
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A fascinating article that explores all aspects of how a newspaper is structured and what has to happen before it arrives in your driveway every morning!
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In an election year, political conventions take over the U.S. media for days, filling TVs, radios and newspapers with political-party platforms and propaganda. But what real purpose do the conventions serve?
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The president of the United States has the unique ability to override the justice system, and rid convicts of their record. Where does this power come from, and why do presidential pardons raise so many eyebrows?
See more »
Whether you indignantly objected when Fox canceled "Firefly" or marched around your nation's capital hoping for change, you're a protester. But would you stop paying your taxes to voice your displeasure? Would you face down a tank?
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The Senate confirmation process is a labyrinthine maze of governmental procedure, cronyism and public opinion that presidential appointees must navigate to attain high-level political positions.
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The Green Party wants to break up American politics' two-party system. But will their beliefs in environmental and social responsibility ever convert U.S. voters?
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In two incidents this week, U.S. troops and Iraqi gunmen have exchanged fire while surrounded by crowds of unarmed protestors. Find out what international law says about combat in civilian areas.
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A virtual border fence uses a complex network of cameras and radar to detect illegal border crossers. Find out how a virtual border fence system works.
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The Darfur region of Sudan has been in a state of crisis since 2003. Whether what's going on in the African province qualifies as genocide is a point of international debate.
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Think of midnight regulations as a flurry of presidential Hail Mary passes. How many regulations can an outgoing president pass before he leaves office? How many of these last-minute regulations will become law?
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President Bush recently referred to the "War on Terror" as "the war against Islamic fascism." Is that an accurate portrayal?
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Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York, preparing to address the United Nations as the leader of Thailand, when he found out he was out of a job. Learn how a coup d'etat works.
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The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 (BTA) combines the resources of several American government agencies to protect food, water and drug supplies from terrorist attacks.
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There's a reason why some governments ban the right to assemble. It can be a powerful statement. But on this day, in this country, no such bans were in effect. What caused millions of people to lift their voice in protest?
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This New Year's Eve, at midnight on the dot, hundreds of millions of pages of U.S. government secrets will be revealed.
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It's common knowledge that if the president of the United States dies or is removed from office, the vice president takes over. But what happens if the V.P. is unavailable?
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Washington and its players have given the world plenty to talk about over the years. See our list of 6 political scandals, including Watergate and the Teapot Dome Scandal.
See more »In an interview, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin reportedly answered a question about flooded vehicles with the statement, "You guys in New York can't get a hole in the ground fixed, and it's five years later. So let's be fair." Learn why, or whether, the WTC memorial project is behind schedule.
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