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Political Science

From ‘the United States are’ to ‘the United States is’
A photograph of a wheeled cannon pointing out at the horizon

The U.S. fought a bloody civil war over whether sovereign authority should reside at the state or federal level. Battles like the one at Gettysburg, pictured here, were only a small part of the ideological fight. (Photo by John Kostyk on Unsplash)

From ‘the United States are’ to ‘the United States is’

Political scientist Melissa M. Lee on how the linguistic shift from plural to singular demonstrates the evolution of sovereign authority in the U.S.

Kristina García

Voters everywhere are talking about the same issues. Here’s why that matters
NPR

Voters everywhere are talking about the same issues. Here’s why that matters

Daniel Hopkins of the School of Arts & Sciences says that our current highly nationalized political system drives voters to focus on symbolic, emotionally fraught, easily accessible issues that resonate throughout the country.

The right frequency: Is talk radio dividing America?
Al Jazeera

The right frequency: Is talk radio dividing America?

Brian Rosenwald of the School of Arts & Sciences is featured on a “Listening Post” special to discuss how conservative talk radio has played a divisive role in modern politics.

Q&A on the UK’s new prime minister
New UK prime minister Rishi Sunak sits at a table with his cabinet at Downing Street in London.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, center, holds his first Cabinet meeting in Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool Photo via AP)

Q&A on the UK’s new prime minister

Political scientist Brendan O’Leary discusses Liz Truss’ fall, Rishi Sunak’s rise, and what it all means going forward.

Kristen de Groot

‘A lens of empathy’: Disability advocates on John Fetterman and leadership
The Guardian

‘A lens of empathy’: Disability advocates on John Fetterman and leadership

Mihir Kakara of the Perelman School of Medicine says that political debate formats do a disservice to candidates and viewers with disabilities, especially since language difficulties don’t necessarily signify cognitive impairment.