Questions tagged [united-states]
Questions relating to the government or the politics of the United States of America
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What are the practical differences between a US Senator from a party, and an Independent Senator caucusing with that party? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How do independents choose a party to caucus with?
In the USA, you can be elected to the Senate as an "Independent". Notable examples include Bernie Sanders and Joseph ...
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In the U.S., why does the majority party in a new Senate session always approve the filibuster rule?
In the U.S. Senate, the Senate rules apparently do not apply to the first day of a new Senate session until the rules are voted in by a simple majority.
Given this, and that the filibuster comes from ...
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In the U.S., how can the filibuster be invoked without continued speeches?
In the U.S. Senate, the filibuster allows a single senator to effectively block a vote by way of the senate rules that allow for unlimited debate, but now, the senate rules have somehow been modified ...
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Constitutionality of the Income Tax
There is a growing movement in the United States of Americans that call into question the constitutionality of the Federal Income tax in the modern age.
Understanding that the income tax first came ...
user117
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How do independents choose a party to caucus with?
I know that several independents in the US Senate (ie. Bernie Sanders) caucus with the Democrats. Officially, what does that mean? How do independents choose whom to caucus with (both ideologically ...
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What are the conditions and benefits of U.S. insular properties like Puerto Rico? [closed]
I always wanted to know which is the legal status of the associated states of United States like Puerto Rico.
Who is the state head, of this kind of territory?
Why can't they vote for the United ...
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Why are political party memberships public in the US?
It seems strange that a country like the USA that has anonymous voting has the government knowing if you are a member of a political party: " In many states, election officials disclose how many ...
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How does early voting work, and what are the pros and cons?
During the 2012 general election, it seemed to me like early voting was getting more attention than in previous campaigns. The Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, even voted early himself (which is a ...
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What criteria does a US Presidential candidate need to meet in order to appear on the ballot?
The eligibility requirements to run for the office of President are:
You must be a native born citizen
You must be at least 35 years of age
You must have lived in the US for at least 14 years (...
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In the Electoral College, why can electors vote in contrast to their pledge ('faithless')?
The United States uses an Electoral College system, where electors pledge to cast their vote in a particular way. However, these electors have the ability to vote in a manner that directly contradicts ...
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Why do the supreme court justices have a life term period?
The justices of the Supreme Court of the United States is composed by chief justices which have a life-term period on that position after they are "elected".
I have always asked to myself why some ...
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Why and how is the Vice President elected in U.S?
Why is the Vice President elected in the US? Why isn't he chosen by the President like any other secretary? Is there any important reason why the writers of the Constitution made that choice?
How is ...
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What is the "Fiscal Cliff" in the United States?
I've heard a ton of information on the Fiscal Cliff of 2013, and I was wondering what it is, and how it will affect the country?
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How does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) differ from Massachusetts health care reform (Romneycare)?
These two laws at face value have many similarities, but it is difficult to spot the differences. How are these two bills alike, and how are they different?
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In the United States, what is the difference between a registered and unregistered lobbyist?
If a lobbyist in the US is simply an unelected person who advocates for legislation, what is the purpose in registering them? And with whom do they register? Are registered lobbyists given special ...
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Why does the US Congress have two chambers?
Why does the US have separate houses (House of Representatives and Senate) to form Congress?
Put another way, what is the reasoning behind a bicameral legislature in the USA?
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Who was the last US President to oversee a reduction in debt?
As of 2012, the United States currently has ~16 trillion in debt.
The last five presidents have all added to the overall debt*.
Who is the last US president to decrease the total amount of debt ...
user40