Government
Government structure and the power it holds profoundly affects citizens. Those in office (elected or appointed) are highly motivated to expand their influence. And when influence is achieved, whether it be in dollars or rights, it is at citizen expense. Thus, citizens understanding and responding to these actions is critical to safeguard society’s interests.
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Covers: Overview of different government structures, differences between a democracy and a republic, historical perspectives and changes taking place in America, Electoral College. Read Full Piece Here
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Covers: US Constitution, separations of power, how structures of gov’t intentionally impede political lobbying and collusion. Read Full Piece Here
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If you've ever wondered whether history is more complicated than the stories we often tell, these companion essays are an invitation to take a closer look. They explore the difficult choices that shaped America's founding and the long road from independence to the end of slavery. Rather than offering simple heroes or villains, they examine the incentives, tradeoffs, and unintended consequences behind some of the nation's most consequential decisions - decisions that continue to shape today's debates and offer a framework for thinking about those future generations may one day have.
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Covers: Expectations of government regulations, incentives for governmental agencies, regulatory capture, how free market environment has built-in regulation powers, example alternative is offered for discussion. Read Full Piece Here
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Covers: Roles of the branches of government, shifting of powers, implications for citizens. Read Full Piece Here
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Covers: Discussions of prosecutorial incentives, and societal trade-offs. Includes discussion of downstream effects on policing. Reform proposals are tabled for discussion. Read Full Piece Here
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Covers: Campaign claims, alignment of constituent and representative incentives, bureaucratic factors, and special interests. Read Full Piece Here
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Covers: What happens when a single party has control of house, senate, and executive office? This can be either at the Federal or State level. Discussion includes attributes of single-party control and advantages/disadvantages for citizens. Read Full Piece Here
Each topic includes a full discussion document. Click to expand the section above to view it, along with a set of discussion questions at the end to guide conversation and support facilitation.
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