Jon Gould, American University School of Public Affairs
GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have pushed Gorsuch’s nomination onto the full Senate. Both the Republicans and Democrats are getting ready for a fight.
For Nick Xenophon, the past few days have brought home just how difficult things can become when you hold a great deal of crossbench power.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
The trenchant stand that Nick Xenophon – who is usually a compromiser – and his team took this week against the omnibus bill saw a disconcerted government resort to a risky tactic.
Scott Morrison’s move to create a mega ‘omnibus bill’ alienated the Nick Xenophon Team.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Within the Turnbull government there is gnashing of teeth in the wake of the Nick Xenophon Team (NXT) giving the thumbs down to the omnibus bill. This bill includes the childcare reform package and trade-off…
Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour earned $5.6 million in 2015-16.
AAP/Tracey Nearmy
Tony Abbott’s proposal for a constitutional change to make it easier for a government to pass legislation blocked by the Senate does not have support in his own electorate, according to polling.
After all of the legal controversies of the past year we have ended up in essentially the same position – the Senate will include a One Nation senator from Western Australia, but not Rod Culleton.
Sarah B. Snyder, American University School of International Service
An analysis of four failed presidential cabinet nominees reveals what obstacles Trump’s nominees might face during the confirmation process.
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?
What’s missing for elections using technology are careful transparency and scrutiny measures to help mitigate risks and build trust.
Reuters/Charles Mostoller
Elections worldwide are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. But, typically, the electronic systems adopted suffer from weak transparency and scrutiny even when the outcome is challenged.
Sen. Jeff Sessions listens as then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks, October 2016.
AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File
Sarah B. Snyder, American University School of International Service
In 1981, many criticized Ronald Reagan’s nominee to head human rights initiatives in the State Department. Here is how activists mobilized to ensure the nomination was rejected.
Mitch Fifield and Mathias Cormann congratulate Employment Minister Michaelia Cash after the ABCC bill passed the Senate.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
Trump won’t be the first president who’s a Washington outsider. To push his agenda through congress, he’ll need his establishment-friendly VP. Will Trump loosen the reins?
Attorney-General George Brandis has pre-empted his opponents in the Senate by rescinding his controversial direction that all requests to the Solicitor-General for advice must go through him.
Senator-elect Todd Young, R-Indiana, thanks supporters after winning his race at an election night rally in Indianapolis.
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Hopes among Democrats of gaining a majority in the Senate were dashed. Here’s what a narrow Republican majority might mean moving forward.
The Senate’s legal and constitutional affairs references committee split along party lines with two government senators supporting George Brandis.
Mick Tsikas/AAP