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Evidence-based legislating: The missing link in efforts to resurrect Congress as the co-equal branch
The members of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress have been called “superheroes” for their strong bipartisan recommendations by Bruce Patton of the… Read More
Popular constitutionalism in the age of Trump
Few things are more gratifying than having a work of scholarship recognized for an anniversary, and I am exceptionally grateful to Anthony Marcum and James Wallner for their… Read More
Popular constitutionalism: But how would the people rule?
Fifteen years ago, Larry Kramer’s book The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review (Oxford University Press) challenged the conventional understanding of judicial review and introduced popular constitutionalism to… Read More
Popular constitutionalism: Antidote for rule by the judiciary
On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln traveled to the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to give witness to the cause for which the Americans who had fought and died in the… Read More
Symposium: The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review
“Who ought to rule” is an age old question, pondered by the great thinkers since the days when Socrates padded about the public square in Athens. These days, “Who ought… Read More
Video: Time for an upgrade: Getting better tech for Congress
Congress and modern technology: These two terms aren’t often paired together, let alone considered compatible. Although technology has the capability to enhance the First Branch’s abilities—from legislative empowerment to… Read More
How should we think about impeachment?
It’s in the news—relentlessly, and many commentator and interested parties have taken some hard positions on the issue. But maybe we should pause, take a step back, and ponder, “How… Read More
Memo: Staff recruitment, retention, compensation and benefits; and chair term limits
To: The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress From: Alan E. Wiseman, Co-Director, Center for Effective Lawmaking, Vanderbilt University; Craig Volden, Co-Director, Center for Effective Lawmaking, University of… Read More
Congress must protect its constitutional power over war
Louis Fisher’s new policy study notes: “Nothing in Article II places any exclusive power in the president over external affairs. He is the Commander in Chief of the… Read More
What is a gerrymander?
Gerrymander? What constitutes a gerrymander? Prof. Julia Azari (Marquette University), Lee Drutman (New America), and James Wallner (R Street Institute) consider how the gerrymander impacts our politics, examine what the… Read More