Political Issues

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?

By John Donovan

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?

By John Donovan

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.

By Josh Clark & Melanie Radzicki McManus

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?

By Ed Grabianowski & Patty Rasmussen

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.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

It's happened before, and it'll likely happen again. The tricky part, though, is when it happens.

By Julia Layton

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?

By Patrick J. Kiger

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?

By Patrick J. Kiger

President Trump is threatening to pull funding from public schools that don't open due to coronavirus. Can he even do that?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

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.

By Patrick J. Kiger

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?

By Dave Roos

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.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

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?

By Patrick J. Kiger

European nations just implemented crippling sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine. But what exactly are sanctions and do they really work as intended?

By Patrick J. Kiger

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?

By John Donovan

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.

By John Donovan

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.

By Dave Roos

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?

By Dave Roos

The Select Committee investigating Jan. 6 just subpoenaed former president Donald Trump. What happens if he ignores the subpoena?

By John Donovan

Opinions differ about whether the U.S. has become an oligarchy, a society in which a wealthy elite has most of the power.

By Patrick J. Kiger

We've been hearing the words constitutional crisis tossed around a lot lately. But what is one, really?

By John Donovan

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?

By Julia Layton & John Donovan

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.

By John Donovan

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.

By John Donovan

President Trump has threatened to use emergency powers to build a border wall without Congressional approval.

By Patrick J. Kiger