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Political Issues
The Political Issues Channel discusses hot topics and important political issues such as conventions, scandals and theories.
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How Do Originalists Interpret the U.S. Constitution?
Judge Amy Coney Barrett says her judicial philosophy is originalism, following in the footsteps of her mentor, Justice Antonin Scalia. What does that even mean?
Why Is Populism So Popular Again?
Populism is a political philosophy that divides society by splitting it into two opposing factions: the people and the elite. So who benefits from that?
How Presidential Debates Work
This American institution began with Abraham Lincoln following Stephen Douglas on the campaign trail. Today, the presidential debate is one of the most anticipated markers of candidates' campaigns.
How the Swing States Work
Candidates in U.S. elections spend an enormous amount of their time on swing states. But what exactly are these states and why are they so important?
How New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Became a Political Superstar
She was the youngest New Zealand leader elected in over 150 years and has won plaudits for her handling of the coronavirus epidemic. We get the backstory on Jacinda Ardern and her many achievements.
What Happens if a Presidential Candidate Dies?
It's happened before, and it'll likely happen again. The tricky part, though, is when it happens.
Is Voice of America's Mission of Objectivity In Danger?
Voice of America, the U.S. government-controlled media network, has long had a reputation for being a source of unbiased news in contrast to the government-controlled media in countries it reaches. But will that continue?
What Are the Three Branches of U.S. Government and How Do They Work Together?
America's founders devised a structure in which the three branches of government would co-exist in a system of checks and balances designed to prevent each branch from gaining too much power. But does it still work?
Can the President Cut Federal Funding to Schools for Not Reopening?
President Trump is threatening to pull funding from public schools that don't open due to coronavirus. Can he even do that?
What Exactly Is Antifa and How Does It Work?
Antifa is a loosely organized movement that doesn't have leaders or advocate government policies. Instead, the movement's goal is to oppose fascism wherever it appears around the world.
When Presidential Approval Ratings Really Matter
Every week there's a poll with new numbers on how many Americans approve of the president's job performance. But what do these numbers really tell us and when should we take them seriously?
Test Your Knowledge of Presidential Campaign Slogans
Does the campaign slogan really make or break a candidate? Some of the most successful presidential campaign slogans have had little to do with any actual issues. Take our quiz on victorious presidential campaign slogans to find what worked.
How the White House Press Briefing Went From Daily to Done
White House press briefings, which date back to the McKinley administration, could be the most important means of communication between the White House and the American people. Are they a thing of the past?
Why Countries Use Economic Sanctions to Prevent Conflict
Economic sanctions are one way of pressuring another nation to comply without resorting to war. But the penalties often target the population and not the government. So do they work?
Fight for Equal Rights Amendment Enters a New Era
The ERA just got a big boost from the state of Virginia. Is now finally the time that the ERA will become the 28th Amendment?
Why Libertarians Have a Love-hate Relationship With the 10th Amendment
The 10th Amendment says any power not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution is reserved to the states. But the Constitution is never that simple ... and that's why Libertarians are so at odds with it.
7 Key Questions in the U.S. Slavery Reparations Debate
The question of whether to pay reparations for slavery in the U.S. has been going on since slavery ended but picked up steam this year with a House hearing on the issue. We look at some key issues in the debate.
How Executive Orders Work
Executive orders are directives handed down from the president without input from the legislative or judiciary branches of government. Presidents often use them when Congress won't approve a favored regulation. But should they?
Can You Ignore a Subpoena?
Ignoring a subpoena can land you in jail. So why would anybody do it?
What Is an Oligarchy and Has the U.S. Become One?
Opinions differ about whether the U.S. has become an oligarchy, a society in which a wealthy elite has most of the power.
What Is a Constitutional Crisis?
We've been hearing the words constitutional crisis tossed around a lot lately. But what is one, really?
How Fascism Works
In fascism, the State is all that matters, and constant conquest is necessary to glorify that State. But how do you convince people to support a philosophy that denies their personal value? Is fascism really still alive today?
What's Next for the Green New Deal?
The U.S. Senate voted to quash the non-binding resolution without ever talking about it. But that doesn't mean it's dead in the water.
Bridging the Chasm: Emory Class Delves Into America's Right-wing History
Emory historian and author Joseph Crespino's course aims to examine the history of right-wing ideology in the U.S. while at the same time teaching his students objectivity and empathy.
Is a Border Wall Really Grounds for a National Emergency?
President Trump has threatened to use emergency powers to build a border wall without Congressional approval.
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