Nearly one of every four people in the US is unaffiliated, which has prompted speculation that this would increase support for liberal policies. A scholar provides some lessons from history.
Just a little obstruction at the Senate.
Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
Daniel Wirls, University of California, Santa Cruz
Republicans were able to push through a tax plan and a flurry of judicial nominees after the Senate curtailed use of the filibuster. It’s time to go all the way.
Democrat candidate Doug Jones has had an unlikely win in the hard-fought Alabama Senate ballot.
Reuters/ Marvin Gentry
Doug Jones has won a tough battle to represent Alabama in the US Senate; meanwhile, the crucial byelection in Bennelong is neck-and-neck, with huge implications for the government if it loses.
Who’s afraid of rising sea levels?
David Goldman/AP Photo
The White House is deciding whether or not to stay in the Paris climate agreement. But a large majority of Americans – including Trump voters – want the U.S. to participate and lead.
Jon Ossoff speaks to supporters during an election-night watch party.
AP Photo/John Bazemore
As America becomes more diverse, many think it will also become more progressive. But one analysis of demographic trends points to gains for Republicans.
One girl’s message for Trump.
Brennan Linsley/AP Photo
Roy T. Meyers, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
A 2010 law that requires the executive branch to set goals and an obscure Senate rule may be the Democrats’ best chance to influence GOP plans to repeal and replace Obamacare.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence, second from left, with House Speaker Paul Ryan, center, and other key Republicans discuss the repeal of Obamacare.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
An analysis of more than 30 years of congressional voting reveals that a few key members of Congress determine whether a president will achieve their agenda. Who are they, and can Trump win them over?
Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine at the Democratic National Convention 2016.
EPA/Justin Lane
Trump’s noxiousness aside, it remains the economy, and the Democrats’ abandonment of their traditional base that explains Trump’s ascent, according to American commentator Thomas Frank.
President Barack Obama meets with Paul Ryan, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell at the Oval Office.
REUTERS/Carlos Barria
As deadlines loom large for Congress, is there any hope for avoiding gridlock? A political scientist examines one common, informal way members build relationships across the aisle.
Which economy do you live in?
Partisan minds via www.shutterstock.com
Ian Anson, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
New research shows that ideological media employ a powerful method to bias partisans’ economic beliefs. In turn, partisans perform mental gymnastics worthy of Simone Biles to preserve those biases.
Trump speaks to the Detroit Economic Club at the Cobo Center in Detroit.
Eric Thayer/Reuters
Trump revisited familiar themes during his economic address in Detroit and offered a few new ones. Two of our economic experts express their takeaways.
Professor in U.S. Politics and U.S. Foreign Relations at the United States Studies Centre and in the Discipline of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney