Policy Today - Government (Separation of Powers)

Government (Separation of Powers)

Time for a Second Constitutional Convention?

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Thursday, 18 October 2007; Written by Dan Schwartz

PT speaks with Larry J. Sabato, author of the recently published A More Perfect Constitution. Reminding us of Jefferson’s quote that, “the earth belongs always to the living generation,” Professor Sabato advances 23 proposals in line with Jefferson’s call for a new Constitution every 19 years—including asking the states to call a Constitutional Convention.

New Congress, Old Gridlock

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Friday, 29 December 2006; Written by Howard M. Unger

Americans voted for change, but can the new Democratic majority overcome structural roadblocks?

China & India: Pork - Different Time Zones, Same Politics

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Friday, 27 October 2006; Written by James Pethokouki

Pork knows no boundaries.

There's an old saying about how you really don't want to know the ins and outs of making sausages—or laws. That venerable axiom is doubly true when it comes to the messiest of laws: a budget. Just look at what happens inside the Beltway when the White House and Congress start divvying up taxpayer money. Defense programs get approved because they are in key lawmakers' districts. Tax breaks get passed because they benefit powerful corporate lobbying groups. Then there are those now infamous earmarks—money spent on pet pork projects—that are quietly inserted into the federal budget by lawmakers of both parties. Last year they may have gone too big when $223 million was earmarked to construct a bridge—the infamous Bridge to Nowhere—connecting a small Alaskan town to an island with just a few dozen inhabitants.

Political Cronyism: The Team You Know

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Friday, 15 September 2006; Written by Victoria Colette Reynolds

Policy Today magazine cover showing people hoeing in a field

April 5, 2006

"One person's crony is another person's trusted advisor.”

Making it to the top of the political mountain in America takes more than a splash of charisma and a bag of ideas. More and more, you need the right connections to succeed in the political jungle. And with presidential appointees like Michael Brown and Alberto Gonzales grabbing the wrong kind of headlines, people on both sides of the aisle are growing uneasy.

Ultimate Issues for the Supreme Court

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Thursday, 14 September 2006; Written by PT Editors

Policy Today magazine cover showing American founders meeting

September 8, 2006

John Roberts' confirmation hearings give the Senate an opportunity to examine the structural forces that have reshaped the Supreme Court over the past 50 years. Chief Justice Rehnquist's passing and Judge Roberts' nomination to take his place make that enquiry even timelier.

Q&A: Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Friday, 15 September 2006; Written by PT Editors

Policy Today magazine cover showing three soldiers on patrol

February 1, 2006

PT talks to U.S. Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, about the process of congressional oversight.

Q&A: Congressman Christopher Shays

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Wednesday, 1 February 2006; Written by PT Editors

Policy Today magazine cover showing three soldiers on patrol

February 1, 2006

PT talks to Christopher Shays, U.S. Congressman from Connecticut and vice-chair of the House Government Reform Committee, about congressional oversight and checks and balances in today's government.

Q&A: Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Details: Category: Government (Separation of Powers); Published: Thursday, 14 September 2006; Written by PT Editors

PT talks with former House Minority Leader and now Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, about congressional corruption, institutional concerns and the role of leadership in fostering an honest, effective government.