Senate Reform Founders on Whether It’s Even Needed
Americans widely perceive the U.S Senate to be a pretty dysfunctional place. But a handful of observers with firsthand experience of the chamber wonder if that’s the case.
Chipping at Monumental Egos
A Texas representative wants to lay off naming taxpayer-funded programs or projects for sitting members of Congress until after they leave the Hill.
Muslim-American Terrorism Down in 2010
While U.S. Rep. Peter King holds hearings on the threat of homegrown Islamic terrorism, those who actually look at the issue say the incidence is small and dropped last year.
Slugging — The People’s Transit
In Washington, D.C., commuters have taken thousands of cars off highways via a homegrown rideshare system known as "slugging." Can the government create more slugs — without stepping on any?
Helping World’s Poor? There’s An App for That
Technology, such as the humble cell phone, may knock down some of the impediments that tarnish the name of foreign aid.
Bargaining and Budget Shortfalls: Are They Linked?
Wisconsin’s fiscal free-for-all over limiting collective bargaining raises hard-to-answer questions about public unions and state deficits. Answers vary by the measures chosen.
Drug Testing Welfare Recipients in Vogue
Proposals to test Americans on the dole for illegal drugs seem grounded more in stereotypes and less in data.
Might Public Broadcasting Follow BBC Model?
Efforts to defund public broadcasting arrive as the commercial model of broadcasting shows its qualitative seams.
Social Media – The U.S. Government’s Conflicted Response
The U.S. government has an awkward relationship with social media, praising its use in Egypt and suing in its use for WikiLeaks.
Democracy No. 11 on Realpolitik’s Top 10 List
Watching events in Egypt, Americans’ idealistic promotion of democracy abroad speaks in a whisper.