Though voting restrictions can and are framed as initiatives of election integrity, the direct result is something much more sinister. Recent election reforms such as voter I.D. laws, restrictions on early voting, and limits to mail-in voting, target specific demographics within the electorate.Read More

Throughout the last two decades, political leaders have had much easier access to the general public of the United States due to technological advances that have taken place. Social media, smart phones, and the 24 hour news cycle have revolutionized communication. These advancements have made it possible for messages to grow more and more apparent...Read More

In trying times, like those we are facing today in the global fight against COVID-19, there arises a sense of unity across the nation. Historically, we have seen people “rally around the flag” while seeking hope in these times of distress. This sense of collective identity tends to boost an incumbent leader’s image.. Contemporary examples...Read More

In Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) the Supreme Court ruled that free speech is no longer protected under the First Amendment when it is intended and likely to provoke imminent and unlawful action, this is referred to as incitement. In Virginia v. Black (2003) the Supreme Court also determined that free speech is not protected under...Read More

One important check specified in the U.S. Constitution is presidential impeachment. Presidents, and other members of the executive and judicial branches, can potentially be impeached and removed from office by Congress. This serves as the ultimate check against presidential authority. The Founders wanted to ensure that everyone would follow the rule of law and no...Read More

In trying times, like those we are facing today in the global fight against COVID-19, there arises a sense of unity across the nation. Historically, we have seen people “rally around the flag” while seeking hope in these times of distress. This sense of collective identity tends to boost an incumbent leader’s image.. Contemporary examples...Read More

The filibuster is the right of extended debate in the Senate. Essentially, it is the ability to talk a bill to death. In the U.S. Senate, a senator (or group of senators) can take the floor and continue speaking on a bill under consideration to block the measure from being voted on. A senator can...Read More

The legislative powers of the United States Congress are explicitly stated in the Constitution. Article I Section I states “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives”. The enumerated powers of Congress are laid in out in Section...Read More

The Melians were stuck between the two warring regional powers of Greece: Athens and Sparta. When Athens came to conquer the neutral island of Melos, the Athenians justified the attack saying, “…the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” The Athenians did what they could by slaughtering all the men...Read More

Based on the Electoral College winner-take-all system, we don’t need to be confident in our ability to count each vote accurately. We only need to be confident that we can count enough votes accurately to be certain of the electoral outcome in each state. If a national popular vote determined the presidency, each vote would be critical.Read More