Why Does the Electoral College Matter?

The Electoral College is an essential part of the United States’ democratic process. Every four years, citizens across the nation participate in an election to determine the President and Vice President of the United States. However, the outcome is not determined by the popular vote but by the Electoral College. The Electoral College was established…

History of the State of the Union

The State of the Union address is a crucial moment in the United States political calendar. It is mandated by the Constitution (Article II, Section 3) for the President to provide Congress with updates on the country’s current state, as well as recommend measures deemed necessary and appropriate. With the introduction of televised addresses by…

How to Engage in Civil Discourse

Civil discourse is an active pursuit: participants should be actively respectful, open, friendly, and generous. Good faith is communicated not only through words but also facial expressions and body language. Disagreement is a natural and healthy part of conversation; you can and should disagree without being disagreeable. How can I engage in civil discourse?One need…

On American Political Compromise

The headlines proclaim it: compromise in public policy, especially legislative compromise, is now passé.

Are these reports true? If so, how did we get here? Have political compromise and bipartisanship really become little more than relics? The answers, perhaps unsurprisingly, are more complicated than the headlines would have us believe.

The Importance of Civic Education

“We pay a price when we deprive children of the exposure to the values, principles, and education they need to make them good citizens.” ~ Justice Sandra Day O’Connor The success of our democracy and society depends on civic education. It equips us with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become informed citizens actively…