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Politics and Governance

Shaholli: Abolish the Filibuster

The time to abolish the filibuster is long overdue. The filibuster is not in the U.S. Constitution. It is not codified law. It is simply a procedural mechanism adopted by the Senate at the suggestion of Vice President Aaron Burr in 1805. Burr thought the previous question motion, which only required a simple majority to […]

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Politics and Governance

Democracy Vouchers Empower Voters, Lessen Big Donor Influence

Out of the 535 members of Congress, only 11 receive a majority of their campaign funds from small donors. Seattle’s 2017 Democracy Vouchers program reversed this trend, resulting in an election where 87 percent of all contributions were from small donors. Moving forward, democracy vouchers provide a promising template for future electoral reforms that look […]

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Health & Social Policy Politics and Governance

For Families or Politics? Drug Testing for Welfare Access

In the policy arena, legislators should address the wellbeing of children and families. This is where supporters of these bills fail to employ good policy.

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LBJ School Popular Culture

Pop Culture and Politics Collide at 59th Annual Grammy Awards

Photo: Dale Edwin Murray Music’s biggest night got political as the industry’s stars used their air time to push their platforms. Jennifer Lopez kicked off the night with a call to action for her fellow artists to use their voices now to effect change. She then referenced Toni Morrison saying “this is precisely the time […]