Balance of Power: Democracy in Action: Propositions and Initiatives
Ballot initiatives and propositions are at the heart of the democratic process. They are one of the primary means by which members of the general public can participate in the political system in the United States.
Balance of Power: Political Parties and Ideology
The ideological spectrum of mainstream American politics extends from liberalism on the left to conservatism on the right. In many cases, one's choice of political party and accompanying philosophy is established very early in life, although convent...
Balance of Power: Lobbying and Special Interest Groups
Special interest groups may have very different agendas, but one thing all have in common is the ability to motivate their membership.
Balance of Power: Election Night: State and Local Government
With the majority of their political information coming from national media outlets, most Americans are primarily focused on national issues like taxes, health care, and foreign policy. And yet, in many ways state and local governments play a much g...
Balance of Power: Money and Politics
While it's rare that a politician's vote can literally be bought in the United States, the influence of money on the U.S. political system is enormous.
Balance of Power: Democracy: Those Who Don't Participate
Those who don't participate in the political process are often members of minority groups. In many cases, such individuals choose not to take part because they feel alienated from a system of government that they believe doesn't care about them.