Political Issues

Confusing wording in legislative documents often leads to misinterpretation of the draft's intent. Is that the case with the Affordable Care Act?

By Maria Trimarchi

As long as there has been civil discourse, there has been civil disobedience. In other words, protesting against the status quo is nothing new. But what was the largest one ever assembled?

By Robert Lamb & Dave Roos

Like the more politically liberal Occupy Wall Street movement, the Tea Party has attracted intensive media coverage. But what does this now formalized entity stand for, and who makes up its ranks?

By Cristen Conger

Women have the right stuff to excel in politics, but they still make up well under 20 percent of the U.S. Senate and House. Could this minority status actually be making them better politicians?

By Cristen Conger

Whenever a presidential election rolls around, third parties often have a moment in the limelight. From Internet-privacy-loving Pirates to Ayn Rand-toting Objectivists, what are some of the most unusual third parties out there?

By Cristen Conger

Libertarians are certainly enjoying their moment in the spotlight, but does anyone know what they really believe? This article will shed some light on a political philosophy that could influence the upcoming election.

By Dave Roos

It's probably more than you think. Learn more about how many cities have a ban on plastic bags.

By Rachel Cemansky

The U.S. Constitution touts freedom of the press, but a closer look at the law — especially as interpreted by the Supreme Court — shows that press "freedom" has its limits. How are journalists bound by the law?

By Dave Roos

Citizen journalism refers to the efforts of average citizens or amateur journalists to gather news and spread accurate information. The question that surrounds the practice, however, is defining what makes a professional journalist.

By Dave Roos

Ever wonder how the 24-hour news cycle is possible? You can thank digital satellite news gathering for a large part of the constant flow of information.

By Jane McGrath

Do you remember the phrase "film at 11"? If you do, you were around before electronic news gathering made the world move a little faster.

By Jane McGrath

Each September, Americans remember the document that Revolutionary War general and national assemblyman Marquis de Lafayette called "little short of a miracle." But what don't you know about the U.S. Constitution?

By Julia Layton

The United States spends a huge chunk of its national paycheck on debt obligations. Where is all that money going?

By Dave Roos, Melanie Radzicki McManus & Yara Simón

If you think filibusters have been in the news more lately, you're right. In the 1950s, the Senate averaged fewer than one per session. The 116th Congress (2019-2020), however, threatened filibuster 270 times. Why the big increase?

By John Kelly & John Donovan

You always hear stories about politicians and government employees leaving their jobs to return to the private sector and vice versa, but did you know that the phenomenon actually has a name? It's known as the Revolving Door -- and some critics think it could damage the country irreparably.

By Josh Clark

If you're a child in the United States, you can't legally vote, drive, hold public office or even see some movies without an adult with you. But that doesn't mean you don't have constitutional rights.

By Chanel Lee

China is generally viewed as the next candidate for "superpower" distinction, but does that mean it will take over the world? What would that entail?

By Charles W. Bryant

Some of the most pervasive rumors during the debates over health care reform involved people over the age of 65. But as it turns out, many of the Affordable Care Act's provisions are something for seniors to be excited about.

By Molly Edmonds

Medical professionals in the United States have some of the most advanced diagnostic equipment in the world, but when it comes to keeping track of patients' medical histories, we still rely primarily on pen and paper. Why should we switch?

By Molly Edmonds

Governments around the world have long combined capitalism with socialism -- with varying results. What brought the two together in the first place?

By Jessika Toothman

The idea of a democracy, in which each citizen gets an equal vote to contribute to decision making, can sound tempting. But in practice, is democracy an efficient way to govern, or does it just equate to mob rule?

By Josh Clark

In tough economic times, you might be tempted to classify health insurance as a luxury -- and decide to get rid of the expense. But health insurance is one thing that should remain in your budget no matter how bad things get. How can you find the right plan?

By Molly Edmonds

Shopping for shoes, books and private yachts is fun; shopping for health insurance is not. But don't despair. The good news is that it's getting much, much easier -- and putting in the work of buying insurance is far preferable to dealing with sky-high medical bills.

By Molly Edmonds

An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure, but Americans seem to forget that when it comes to health care. Most of us just wait to see the doctor when we're already sick. Could changes to preventive services coverage convince more of us to go?

By Molly Edmonds

When you make a large purchase, such as a car, you do a little comparison shopping, looking at different features and prices until you find the perfect fit. You can't do that with the health insurance market. At least, not until now.

By Molly Edmonds