On German Democracy

Negotiations over government formation is not a crisis.

Mugabe Removed As Head Of Zimbabwe’s Ruling Party, Threatened With Impeachment

After more than thirty years in power, Robert Mugabe is on his way out in Zimbabwe, but that doesn’t mean things will improve.

Australians Vote Overwhelmingly In Favor Of Marriage Equality In Non-Binding Referendum

An overwhelming majority of Australians voted in favor of marriage equality in a non-binding referendum. The ball is now in the court of the nation’s legislature to move forward.

The Roy Moore Case and the Nature of US Political Parties

The Moore situation illustrates the nonhierarchical nature of US parties. This is nothing new.

Democracy and Institutional Design I: A Basic Preface on Regime Type

The first in an occasional series.

Spain Moves To Take Over Catalonia In The Wake Of Independence Declaration

Things are heating up very quickly in Catalonia.

John McCain Is Taking On Donald Trump Without Regret

John McCain has been standing out from his fellow Republicans largely by unleashing on President Trump, and it is unlikely to end anytime soon.

Spanish Prime Minister To Remove Catalonia’s Government From Power

Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy has said he will act to remove Catalonia’s pro-independence leadership from power.

Obama Blasts Trump’s ‘Politics Of Division’

President Obama spoke out yesterday against his successor and the America he has created.

Without Mentioning Trump, George W. Bush Rebukes Trumpism

Without mentioning his successor by name, former President Bush delivered a stinging rebuke to Trump and Trumpism.

Representative Government and Line Drawing

A complicated concurrence to Steven Taylor’s recent postings.

A Weak Defense of Extreme Gerrymandering

More thoughts related to Gill v. Whitford and the problem of extreme gerrymandering.

Skewed Majorities are Bad for Democracy

And even moreso when they are consciously created by the winner.

Catalan Government May Declare Independence Next Week, But It Will Be Meaningless

After Sunday’s referendum, the government of Catalonia says it may declare independence from Spain as early as Monday. However, it’s likely to be a completely meaningless act.

Supreme Court Appears Split In Political Gerrymandering Case

The Supreme Court appears split on the question of whether or not partisan Gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

Tensions In Spain Rising As Catalan Independence Referendum Draws Near

As the date for Catalonia’s disputed independence referendum nears, tensions are rising between Madrid and Barcelona.

Hillary Clinton Won’t Rule Out Challenging The Legitimacy Of The 2016 Election

Some more interesting post-election commentary from Hillary Clinton.

Sean Spicer Does The Emmys, And The Punditocracy Freaks Out

Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer poked fun at himself on last night’s Emmy broadcast, and the political pundits are all in pearl-clutching mode because of it.

Catalan Independence Vote Set For October 1st, Propelling Spain Into Crisis

In less than a month, voters in the Catalan region of Spain will be voting whether to remain part of Spain or assert independence.

Federal Appeals Court Dismisses Challenge To Commission On Presidential Debates

A Federal Appeals Court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Gary Johnson and Jill Stein regarding their exclusion from Presidential debates.

Defense Secretary Mattis Joins Tillerson In Rebuking Trump Over Charlottesville

Another Cabinet member rebukes the President for his comments about Charlottesville.

Trump Goes To Phoenix And Returns To Old Form

Donald Trump gave a campaign-style speech in Phoenix last night and reminded us of everything that’s wrong with him.

The Limits of Free Speech

The dangers of the tyranny of the majority have only magnified.

The ACLU is Right to Defend Free Speech for Awful People

Yes, even Nazis must have their rights to peaceful speech and assembly protected.

Did Police Do Too Little to Stop Charlottesville Violence?

Authorities are being second-guessed over their handling of Saturday’s protests. Virginia gun laws are the more obvious problem.

Trump Suggests ‘Military Option’ In Venezuela

More stupid, irresponsible rhetoric from the President of the United States.

The Incoherent Nature of Nancy MacLean’s Narrative

A Duke history professor uncovers “stealth plan” by “fifth columnists” who are seeking to overthrow democracy in the U.S. for their plutocrat masters.

Progress towards Peace in Colombia

The FARC have disarmed. Now to the hard part.

Trump Reverses Parts Of Obama’s Opening To Cuba

Foolishly, President Trump is rolling back part of President Obama’s opening to Cuba.

Maryland and Washington, D.C. Sue Trump Over Alleged Emoluments Clause Violations

Maryland and the District of Columbia are suing President Trump based on alleged violations of two provisions of the Constitution that have never been litigated before.

Trump Considering Reversing Obama Policy On Cuba

President Trump is reportedly considering at least partly reversing one of the great foreign policy successes of the Obama Presidency.

The Politics of Presidential Removal

Some thoughts on presidential interruptions.

Trump’s Muslim Speech Was A Change In Tone, But It’s Unlikely To Accomplish Anything

President Trump’s speech on Islam was a change of tone. However, as critics noted, it was short on substance and is unlikely to accomplish anything.

David Clarke’s Plagiarized Masters Thesis

The infamous former sheriff and current Trump Homeland Security official committed academic fraud.

No, The 25th Amendment Isn’t The Way To Solve The Donald Trump Problem

A Constitutional coup d’etat is not the way to solve the Donald Trump problem.

South Korea Elects New President Who Favors Dialogue With North Korea

South Korea has elected a new President who breaks with his impeached predecessor in favoring dialogue with the North.

Today in “Asked and Answered” (NPV Edition)

How close to success is the National Popular Vote initiative? (Spoiler alert: not close).

The Power of Primaries

As usual, an attempt to explain congressional behavior brings us back to the issue of our basic institutions. The way we elect congress matters.

“America’s Greatest Domestic Threats”

Wayne LaPierre’s perverted view of the world in two sentences.

The First 100

An assessment of the 45th President’s first 100 days.

Changes in Turkey

By a narrow margin, Turks voted for some significant changes.

Montenegro To Become Member Of NATO For No Good Reason

The tiny Balkan nation of Montenegro is set to become the latest member of the NATO alliance despite the fact that there is seemingly no good reason for it.

Former Trump Campaign Manager Worked To Help Putin

More evidence of ties between the Trump campaign and Russian interests.

Trump’s Revised Muslim Travel Ban Blocked By Two Federal Judges

Two more losses for the Trump Administration.

South Korean President Removed From Office After Impeachment

South Korea removes a corrupt leader by peaceful means.

George W. Bush Speaks Out Against President Trump

Well, at least someone has a backbone.