Governing

Watergate Moments, Then and Now

Watergate Moments, Then and Now

In our naive civics mythology, we want our presidents to be men and women of the highest integrity. We want them to embody the rule of law and respect for the Constitution. But these things aren’t true anymore.
The Increasingly Unruly State of the State of the Union

The Increasingly Unruly State of the State of the Union

Thanks to the increasingly commingled worlds of politics and popular entertainment, the State of the Union address has devolved into something that resembles an awards show or grand fund-raising gala, except with hecklers.
Transfer of Power: The Constitutional Crisis of 1801

Transfer of Power: The Constitutional Crisis of 1801

As a country, we don’t remember what happened 222 years ago, because we tend not to remember history. But also because that political storm “rolled harmlessly away.” Will we be as lucky?
How Do You Terminate a Constitution?

How Do You Terminate a Constitution?

Trump’s call for voiding the Constitution raises uncomfortable questions. How would it be done? Call a new Constitutional Convention, which requires two thirds of the states to agree—or attempt another coup d’état, like January 6th?