We need to take political violence seriously

In recent years, the chances of violent political instability have risen dramatically as politicians' inflammatory rhetoric and the prevalence of disinformation continue to polarize the nation. How do we restore the health of our polity? Darrell West outlines steps to mitigate the very real risks of future armed conflicts. 

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Using individual income tax data in automatic voter registration systems to increase voter access

Each year, more than 150 million U.S. households file their income taxes. Imagine, then, if all of these tax filers could simultaneously register to vote. The immediate prospects are dim for federal legislation to improve voter access, but in her new report, Vanessa Williamson assesses the effectiveness of using state income tax data for the purpose of automatic voter registration or re-registration.

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2 women, 2 Republican parties

In Alaska, former governor and former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is running in a special election to fill Don Young's open congressional seat. Rep. Liz Cheney ran for re-election to her congressional seat in Wyoming. No two candidates more clearly represent the war within the Republican Party. Elaine Kamarck explains what the outcome of these races could mean for the future of the party.

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Power Politics

By Darrell West

The current political atmosphere is poisonous for those who operate on the basis of facts, reason, and logic. How do we step back from this dangerous precipice? And how did we get here? Senior Fellow Darrell West tackles these questions and more in his newest book, which serves as a sorely needed call-to-action on behalf of American democracy.

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More from Governance Studies

Parent interest is vital to COVID-recovery interventions. During the 2020-2021 school year, children attending school primarily in-person lost about a quarter of an academic year of annual progress. Education experts discuss the critical role of parents in fighting pandemic-induced learning loss.

Federal privacy negotiators should accept victory gracefully. For the first time ever, a congressional committee teed up a comprehensive information privacy bill for a floor vote. Cameron F. Kerry breaks down what the American Data Privacy and Protection Act proposes. 

The most important election you never heard of. Soon, the International Telecommunication Union will elect a new Secretary-General. Tom Wheeler discusses what this could mean for internet freedom. 

Are Americans finally ready for a third party? Discontent with the U.S. party system is at its highest point in decades. William Galston draws from research to assess how Americans feel about revamping our two-party system.

What drives increases in state funding for education? State-level investments in elementary-secondary education have gradually been increasing since 1960. Education experts identify "change points" in education finance reform.