Michael Cohen will soon testify before Congress about his work for Donald Trump. But the hearing’s subject goes far beyond the committee’s jurisdiction, which is government operations and activities.
Slavery was a sticking point at the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Howard Chandler Christy/The Indian Reporter
The Apportionment Clause forbids a direct tax on wealth. Expanding the 16th Amendment would not only allow such a tax but abolish slavery’s last remnant in the US Constitution as well.
The “March for Our Lives” rally in support of gun control on March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC.
AP/Alex Brandon
Despite impassioned pleas for gun control legislation after 2018’s mass shooting at a Florida high school, Congress has failed to pass meaningful reform. Why doesn’t policy follow public opinion?
The Flint Hills Resources oil refinery, near downtown Houston.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Four scholars weigh in on President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech, exploring his statements on immigration, childhood poverty, the border wall and the investigations into his campaign.
Testing new ways to use this technology is underway in Japan.
Reuters/Aaron Sheldrick
These technologies could turn into a powerful tool for fighting global warming, and they have the potential to address historical climate injustices.
The line of succession works like this: If Trump is removed from office, Pence takes over. If both Trump and Pence go, Pelosi would take over.
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Democrats control the House and could impeach Trump if they wanted. But removing the president from office is in the hands of the Senate – which is still dominated by Republicans.
Letter from President Trump to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
AP/Wayne Partlow
After the recent government shutdown and breakdowns in functioning within all three branches, it looks like the separation of powers system is broken or unbalanced. It is – and it isn’t.
President Donald Trump speaks in the Rose Garden.
AP Photo/ Evan Vucci
Timothy Ryan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Andrew W. Delton, Stony Brook University (The State University of New York), and Peter DeScioli, Stony Brook University (The State University of New York)
Research on the psychology of politics reveals that when issues are framed in terms of moral right and wrong, the possibility of compromise becomes very small.
One of the more visible impacts of the shutdown is garbage piling up in parks.
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
The shutdown is highlighting the crucial role government plays in the lives of citizens and businesses, offering a reminder of its fundamental value to the economy.
Ilhan Omar, a newly elected Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, joins other Democrats during a news conference in Washington on Jan. 4 about the introduction of the ‘For the People’ Act.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Confidentiality is written into the code of ethics that governs the profession. Will Congress force them to break it to learn the contents of Trump’s private meetings?
President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The popular opinion is that presidents win government shutdowns, but a review of polling evidence paints a different picture.
Members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., second from right, walk toward the Capitol building, Jan. 4, 2019.
AP/Andrew Harnik
Banned since 2011, pork-barrel spending may well help Congress pass bills on schedule. Now, a powerful Democratic lawmaker said she’d like to resurrect the practice to make passing budgets easier.
Screenshot of ‘Elaine Luria for Congress: Sea Change.’
YouTube
Despite the #MeToo movement, women in politics still face challenges in talking openly about gender equality.
GOP President Ronald Reagan and Democratic House Speaker Tip O'Neill at the April, 1983 signing of bipartisan social security legislation.
AP/Barry Thumma
Most Congresses since the 1970s have passed more than 500 laws, ranging from nuclear disarmament to deficit reduction. Will today’s bitter partisanship hamstring the new Congress’ productivity?
Nancy Pelosi of California, once more Speaker of the House.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
First elected in 1987, Pelosi offers decades of experience at building coalitions and she excels as a Democratic fundraiser. Still, the vote was closer than expected.
What will a divided Congress do over the next two years?
Shutterstock
The new Congress is divided into a GOP Senate and Democratic House. History provides a glimpse of what this could mean: Democrats hold the power to investigate, if not to legislate.
Carol Miller of West Virginia is the only newly elected Republican woman joining the 116th Congress.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
With President Trump insisting on funding for his border wall and Democrats vehemently opposed, a partial government shutdown is possible. Here’s what it could mean for the economy.