Stateside Associates’ Post

Conservative Leader Shapes Republican Policy #conservativestance #fiscalresponsibility #futuredirection #governmentspending #healthcarereform #HouseFreedomCaucuschairman #immigrationpolicy #immigrationpolicy. #leadershipstyle #limitedgovernmentintervention #policydebates #politicalanalysts #republicanparty #RepublicanPartyplatform #shapingpolicydebates #taxcuts #upcomingpresidentialelections #WarrenDavidson

"Tammy Murphy, a leading Democratic candidate for Senate in New Jersey, endorses the removal of the Senate's filibuster rule, believing that reforms are necessary for meaningful progress on crucial legislation. This move could be crucial for Democrats to pass major legislation if they regain control of the House while holding the Senate and White House. #TammyMurphy #FilibusterReform #DemocraticSenateCandidate"

A good article touching on some of the work from this past Legislative session: https://lnkd.in/gTJGvCKg

NEW from me for Innovations for Successful Societies at Princeton: In 2018, in a rare unanimous vote, the Colorado General Assembly referred two proposed constitutional amendments to create independent redistricting commissions to the ballot. Both passed with over 70% support that November. I’ve had many discussions with fellow reformers from outside the state trying to untangle how and why legislators—who controlled the drawing of congressional maps and had major influence over state legislative districts—would willingly give up redistricting power to independent commissions, especially with the next cycle on the horizon. It's a complex tale of dueling coalitions, exasperated former lawmakers, cross-ideological trust-building, and pressure from donors and political independents. Many of the lessons here, I believe, are highly transferable to not only to redistricting reform movements across the U.S., but to successful statewide election initiatives generally. Thanks to Jennifer Widner, Jim Golder, and Harrison Blackman for their valuable assistance and feedback. Here’s hoping this can become an enduring resource for good government advocates around the country.  https://lnkd.in/gMV5j7mx

The South Carolina Primary is coming up on June 11, and every legislator is up for re-election. It's time for South Carolina conservatives to make sure we're voting for candidates who genuinely uphold conservative values. But how do you figure out if a candidate is truly conservative, especially if they’ve never held office before or are challenging an incumbent? Here's a straightforward guide to help you out. https://lnkd.in/eG9gvJsr

"No law can overturn any part of the original #Constitution, enacted constitutional amendments or #SupremeCourt decisions, even one as controversial as #CitizensUnited. The Act is probably unconstitutional...it wouldn’t have any impact on Citizens United...#Hawley ’s bill only addresses large for-profit corporations...Hawley’s Act would have zero impact on corporate contributions funneled through social welfare entities. The bill doesn’t close this massive loophole since it doesn’t include nonprofit corporations...It's illogical and inconsistent to grant constitutional rights to one type of corporate entity while excluding others. It will only create a loophole that will be exploited to create larger and more powerful nonprofits...The power of corporations to influence public policies transcend Citizens United and political elections. They also include the corporate hijacking of the 4th, 5th and 14th Amendments that have preempted democratically passed laws at the local and state levels...An all-out reversal of Citizens United will not reign in corporate rule. The political right of corporations to spend money in elections is due to the combined 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision that equated money spent in elections as free speech and the 1978 First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti decision which defined the free speech right of corporations for the first time." https://lnkd.in/eZCq9czs

The importance of the Vote Exercising our constitutional right to vote is not only a privilege but also a fundamental responsibility in any democratic society. The act of voting serves as the cornerstone of democracy, empowering us to actively participate in the decision-making process of our government. By casting our ballots, we contribute to shaping the future direction of our nation and have a say in electing representatives who will govern on our behalf. This participation ensures that the government remains accountable to the will of the people, fostering a system where we have a voice in matters that directly impact our lives. Moreover, voting is an essential means of upholding social justice and equality within our society. It provides an avenue for all communities to have their voices heard and concerns addressed by those in power. Through voting, we can advocate for policies and candidates that promote equity, fairness, and inclusivity, thereby working towards a more just and equitable society. Additionally, voting enables us to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions and policies, creating a mechanism for transparency and accountability in governance. Furthermore, exercising the right to vote is a powerful way for us to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly for universal suffrage and equal rights. Throughout history, countless individuals have struggled, protested, and even died to secure the right to vote for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. By participating in the electoral process, we pay homage to them and continue their legacy of striving towards a more democratic and equitable society. In essence, voting is not merely a civic duty but a profound act of solidarity with past and future generations, ensuring that the principles of democracy endure for years to come. So, as Jamaicans go to the polls today to select representatives at the local level, I encourage all who can, to make their way to the polling stations to exercise this testament of freedom, doing so with dignity and respect to everyone exercising their own rights.

Comparing #Democracy and #Republic exemplified with #USA and #Sweden 'Democracy' and 'Republic' are terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Both involve governance by the people, but they differ in structure and emphasis on checks and balances. Definitions - Democracy: A system of government where the majority rule directly or through elected representatives. - Republic: A form of government where the country is considered a "public matter" and officials are elected as representatives of the people. It emphasizes the rule of law and protection of minority rights. Focus on Checks and Balances Checks and balances are mechanisms designed to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power. These mechanisms are crucial in both democracies and republics, though they function differently depending on the country's specific structure. United States: A Federal Republic The USA is a federal republic and a representative democracy. It has a strong system of checks and balances, rooted in the separation of powers among the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Pros 1. Separation of Powers: - Executive: The President, who enforces laws. - Legislative: Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), which makes laws. - Judicial: The courts, including the Supreme Court, which interpret laws. 2. Checks and Balances: - Veto Power: The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority. - Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. - Bicameral Legislature: The two houses of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) check each other. - Appointments and Impeachment: The Senate confirms presidential appointments and can impeach the President. 3. Federalism: - Division of powers between the federal government and state governments, allowing for localized governance and preventing centralization of power. Cons 1. Gridlock: - The separation of powers can lead to legislative gridlock, where different branches or houses of government block each other, slowing down decision-making. 2. Complexity: - The system can be overly complex, leading to inefficiencies and making it difficult for citizens to understand how their government functions. 3. Influence of Money: - The significant influence of money in politics can undermine the democratic process, with wealthy individuals and groups having disproportionate influence. Sweden: A Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy Sweden is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial. The Prime Minister and the Riksdag (parliament) hold legislative power. - Sweden's political system supports a robust welfare state, providing extensive social services and benefits to its citizen

The captured US Supreme Court is a chapter in my upcoming book on Democracy. This is about Sour grapes. it's about bad presidency and divisiveness #scotus #Democracy #book #fairness #UnitedStates #USA #America #sadpanda https://lnkd.in/eZw5rcJE

And what were the consequences when Republicans won Back the House in 2022? We must not let Republicans win the Senate. Focus your minds! #democracy #ruleoflaw #progress #election2024 #rapists #sociopath #violence #mobrule #liar #trump #ignorance #danger #democracy #republicans #democracy #ruleoflaw #election2024 #reproductiverights #climatechange