Government
The President Didn't Always Have Power Over Trade Deals
Until the 1930s, it was Congress that set the terms of U.S. trade negotiations with other countries and raised and lowered tariffs as it saw fit, while the president did little but sign his name.
How Technology Is Changing the Way We Perceive Democracy
New innovations are forcing citizens to revisit some foundational questions of governance about who should be shaping the future of the country.
Viewfinder: Lori Lightfoot Is Sworn in as Chicago's First Female African-American Mayor
Lori Lightfoot addresses guests after being sworn in as mayor of Chicago during a ceremony at the Wintrust Arena on May 20th, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois.
New VA Software Threatens to Disrupt the Health Care of Thousands of Vets
A review of a new tool to determine eligibility for private care for vets by the U.S. Digital Service recommended the agency scrap the software and start over.
A Senior Adviser to Robert Wilkie Used VA Funds to Pay for Travel Costs
The department paid for Darin Selnick's flights from his home in California to Washington, D.C., hotel stays, and foods with taxpayer funds—raising ethical concerns.
How the Government Shutdown Crippled HUD's Public Records System
Members of the public can no longer submit requests via the Department of Housing and Urban Development's website or track their status.
Trump's Shutdown Illustrated the Ramifications of Minimizing Government
The shutdown was also consistent with a goal long sought by a subset of the Republican Party that wants to dismantle the government.
LĂłpez Obrador Takes on Corruption and Poverty in Mexico Through Austerity
The president has proposed cutting the salaries of public officials, including his own, slashing federal budgets, and laying off 70 percent of non-unionized federal workers.
How the Shutdown Cost the Government Essential Economic Data
During the partial government shutdown, a lot of economic data simply wasn't collected, which will result in gaps in what we know about the state of our economy.
The Government Shutdown Could Mean an Exodus of Public-Sector Employees
There's reason to believe Trump's willingness to freeze worker pay might have created a rift that can't be fixed.
Why Detroit's Plan to Reforest Its Streets Ran Into Roadblocks
Many citizens pushed back against a government-backed urban greening program due to an abiding mistrust of the city and its officials.
Satellites Could Revolutionize the Way Governments Monitor Rural Development
In many countries, national well-being is often monitored through on-the-ground household surveys, but new technology could change that.
Can the Federal Trade Commission Ever Adequately Regulate the Tech Industry?
It's clear that the public has lost trust in the FTC's ability to promote competition and protect consumers. They need to restore that trust to effectively regulate.
What Will Nancy Pelosi's Return to Speaker of the House Mean for Bipartisanship?
In November, Pelosi agreed to new rules allowing for a more open legislative process, but they may have unintended consequences.
A Legislative Battle Looms Over Arizona's Repressive LGBT Education Laws
It is one of seven states with laws that prohibit the promotion of homosexuality and that expressly forbid teachers of health and sexuality education from discussing LGBT issues in a positive light—if at all.
San Diego's Struggle to Find Shelter for Its Homeless Population Continues
As one of the city's three shelter tents is set to come down, the city must figure out what to do with the 150 folks staying there who will need to move elsewhere.
Why Trump Chose a Political Ally as His Next Attorney General
Throughout American history, when presidents have appointed political cronies to be attorney general, they were looking for people only to help them pursue a policy agenda.
The Edit, Episode #13: A Conversation About Corruption in the Department of the Interior
On the latest episode of Pacific Standard's podcast about how our stories are made, we talk with contributor Jimmy Tobias about his investigation into Ryan Zinke's DOI.
Viewfinder: Elections in Peru
A Peruvian soldier stands guard at a polling station during municipal elections in Lima, Peru, on October 7th, 2018.
Campaigns Ramp Up Ahead of the November 6th Elections (in Photos)
Next month's elections will serve as an effective referendum on Trump.
Viewfinder: Protesting the Government in Iraq
Iraqis protest against the government and the lack of basic services outside the regional government headquarters in the southern city of Basra on September 5th, 2018.
More People Than Ever Depend on the Federal Government for Help. So Why Is Public Trust at an All-Time Low?
In her new book, political scientist Suzanne Mettler asks: How can the U.S. government provide so much, yet still be the object of such derision?
Experts Weigh in on Trump's Supreme Court Pick
What experts on constitutional law and civil rights are saying about Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's new Supreme Court nominee.
David Faris Offers Democrats a Plan for Fighting Back
The author and political scientist offers a traditionally timid party some bold ideas.