Declaration of Conscience: Annotated
In June 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith criticized Joseph McCarthy's anticommunist campaigns. She was the first of his colleagues to challenge his Red Scare rhetoric.
What Makes Us Vote the Way We Do?
According to some political scientists, it's more about group identity than personal interests.
The Late-Night Circuit: Why Do Politicians Do It?
With a captive audience of millions and a relaxed atmosphere, the late-night talk show offers a good opportunity to make policy discussions more memorable.
The Voting Rights Act 1965: Annotated
The passing of the Voting Rights Act in August 1965 prohibited the use of Jim Crow laws and discriminatory tests to disenfranchise Black voters.
How the Media Can Define Terrorism
Two scholars argue that the language used to describe violent events influences whether people see it as terrorism—with real-world consequences.
Is Political Backlash Real?
Many people assume that strong movements for minority rights provoke backlash at the polls. But some scholars have doubts.
Is Gerrymandering to Blame for Our Polarized Politics?
Gerrymandering is the process by which districts for the House of Representatives are drawn so that one party has a distinct election advantage.
Why Did U.S. Postmasters Once Have So Much Political Cachet?
American bureaucracy used to work through patronage, an informal system of job-distribution by the party in power. Why did it change?
How Political Events Change Currency Value
What causes shifts in currency after a political event is, essentially, human expectations.
What Affects Our Trust in Government?
Government distrust has been on the decline for decades, but a recent poll shows a slight increase.