The Real Illegal-Immigration Issue: Employers

Our cities and states have the most to lose and gain from how we deal with it. What we really need to do is to enforce the laws we already have.

GOP Governors Are Unimpressed With GOP Health-Care Plan

From blunt criticism to cautious optimism, not a single governor has given the House bill a full-throated endorsement.

How Many Jobs Can Governors Take Credit for Creating?

Governors can affect their states’ employment picture, but not in the way -- or with the speed -- that most people think.

Are South Carolina Voters Too Tolerant of Corruption?

The state’s lawmakers have a history of ethics and legal problems -- yet their constituents don’t seem to care.

Why Cooperation May Be to Blame for America's Polarized Politics

It’s time for a history lesson.

NEW PODCAST

For our first episode, we talked to someone who mixes politics with reality TV. And, no, it isn't Donald Trump. Listen now.

The Complexity of Simplicity in Government

It isn’t easy to achieve, but simplicity should be a vital goal when serving the public.

Outposts of Rationality in Our Great Partisan Divide

U.S. politics isn't all poisonous. You just have to leave Washington to realize that.

Different Party, Same People: The Virtue of Political Holdovers

Two new governors have surprised their states by keeping many of the previous administrations' cabinet members.

Trump's Speech Short on Domestic Policy Specifics

In his first joint address to Congress, the president talked a lot about improving infrastructure and health care but offered virtually no new details about how.

Is the GOP's Tea Party Over?

Arizona was the poster child for Tea Party politics. Now the state's Republican leaders are focusing instead on core establishment issues. The shift there could signal what's to come across the country.

Senate Control Up for Grabs in 3 States' Special Elections

As voters head to the polls in Connecticut, Delaware and Washington, Democrats are hoping to ride some voters' discontent with President Trump to victory.

Despite Union Resistance, Right-to-Work Momentum Is Growing

Several states have already passed right-to-work laws this year -- and their reach may finally expand into the Northeast.

Low Pay and Time Away Drive Some Lawmakers to Call It Quits

Several state legislators recently resigned, saying they want to spend more time with their families -- and they seem to mean it.

Our Ever-Older Electorate and What It Means for Democracy

Younger Americans don't much like what's happening in our elections. But they're not turning out to cast their ballots.

Why America Should Redefine Political Losers

Success in public life is often defined by winning elections instead of making positive change.

Will Trump Inspire More Celebrities to Seek Office?

Republicans in one state are already gearing up for an NFL star to run for governor.

Fracking Presents Big Problems That Towns Have Little Authority to Fix

Almost every time localities attempt to regulate the oil industry, courts or legislatures stop them.

Trump Era May Become the 'Once-Great Society'

Much of what the new administration wants to change was built by Lyndon B. Johnson.

Don't Like the Ballot Measure Voters Approved? Just Ignore It, Some Lawmakers Say.

In state capitals around the country, lawmakers are trying to block voter-approved policies. Critics say it's "lawlessness" that represents the new political climate.

'Sanctuary Cities' Just the Start of Mayors' Opposition to Trump

The president's war on progressive policies presents a dilemma for almost every big-city mayor in America. But attacking urban areas also carries big risks for the president.

When Local Control Backfires

The housing shortages that plague most urban areas are a prime example of the complications that can arise when states take a back seat.

Study: More Corrupt States Have Higher Public Debt

The link between corruption and debt is particularly prominent for private projects, such as stadiums.

Thanks to Trump, 2 States Are Getting New Governors

As Gov. Nikki Haley heads off to work in the Trump administration, South Carolina could see some real political change.

Will States Stop Cities From Combating Climate Change?

With Republicans in full control in half the states, climate change skeptics have more power to target environmental programs.

To Battle Trump, State Democrats Will Use GOP’s Own Tactics

Democrats are preparing to fight the new administration's policies like Trump's pick to lead the EPA fought Obama's: with lawsuit after lawsuit. But can Democratic AGs make a difference with their diminished numbers?

Millennials Let Their Grandparents Decide Local Elections

Young people rarely vote in presidential races -- and even less often in mayoral contests. See which cities have the biggest generation gap in turnout.

Where GOP Governors Stand on 'Repeal and Replace'

The Obamacare debate puts them in a tough spot and for many, up against their Republican counterparts in Congress.

The Do's and Dont's for Planning a Transition of Power

New governors can learn a thing or two from presidential transitions.

The Democrats’ Geography Problem

An overwhelming share of their voters live in metropolitan areas. Will their appeal ever expand beyond?