Articles by Eleanor Stratton

The mass layoffs at the General Services Administration, part of a broader effort to reshape the federal workforce, bring constitutional concerns to the forefront. With policies like Schedule F poised to expand executive power over civil servants, the debate over government efficiency versus...

The United States Constitution outlines the powers of government branches, ensuring all operate within prescribed boundaries. For agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), creation or abolition is governed by legislation. The founders crafted a system requiring...

Article II of the U.S. Constitution provides the foundation for executive orders, vesting the president with the authority to ensure laws are faithfully executed. This power, while significant, is bound by existing federal laws and constitutional rights. Presidents throughout history have used...

Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution vests the power to lay and collect tariffs with Congress . The Founding Fathers intended for legislative oversight on taxation, tariffs, and related financial matters, viewing tariffs as strategic levers to be used with caution and prudence....

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, addressed the challenge of defining citizenship after the Civil War. It aimed to overturn the 1857 Dred Scott decision, which had denied citizenship to people of African descent. The amendment’s language extended citizenship to “all persons born or...

Gold in Trump’s Office

Presidents often personalize the Oval Office with meaningful artifacts. In President Trump’s case, a notable addition is a shining gold trophy. This golden ornament raises questions: what is it and why display it? The replica’s presence carries deeper meaning. As the U.S. prepares to host most...

The Constitution assigns Congress the power of the purse, as outlined in Article I. This means Congress, not the President, decides where federal dollars go—a critical point ensuring that one branch can't dominate the cash flow. Past presidents have occasionally tried to exert control over...

Does The Constitution Even Mention Executive Orders?

Few tools in the president’s arsenal generate as much debate as the executive order. With the stroke of a pen, presidents can shape national policy, bypass legislative gridlock, and set the course for government action. But where does this power come from—and more importantly, where does it...

President Trump's proposed federal employee buyout plan raises significant constitutional and legal questions: Potential conflict with the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits federal spending beyond congressional appropriations Questions about compliance with Administrative Procedure Act...

The Constitutional Fight Over Trump’s Spending Freeze

The recent clash between the judiciary and the executive branch over federal spending reveals a fundamental issue with constitutional implications. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. found himself at the center of this controversy when he declared that the Trump administration was defying...

Trump’s Executive Orders: Legal Analysis

As the Trump administration issues sweeping directives—from freezing federal funds to redefining citizenship—the debate over executive power has never been more urgent. For some, these orders are a necessary response to political gridlock, allowing the president to enforce policies that...

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are independent entities operating outside government influence. They address societal needs like: Human rights Environmental conservation Health care Education NGOs aim to fill gaps where government action may be insufficient or alternative perspectives are...

The Trump administration's decision to halt operations at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has ignited controversy. This move aims to save taxpayer money and prioritize American interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argues that USAID has functioned more like a global...

President Trump issued pardons to nearly all individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol events. This action aligns with his goals of justice system reform and addresses what he perceives as misuse of the system against political opponents. The pardons reunited many...

President Donald Trump's recent suggestion to take over the Gaza Strip and transform it into a "Riviera of the Middle East" has sparked significant reaction. During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed: U.S. ownership of Gaza Reconstruction and...

A presidency reshaping the boundaries of power. A Congress struggling to assert its authority. A judiciary caught in the middle. Are we witnessing a necessary course correction in government efficiency—or the early signs of a constitutional unraveling? The U.S. Constitution, guided by Article I,...

A contentious legal dispute is brewing between labor unions, tech mogul Elon Musk, and the U.S. Treasury Department. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the Alliance for Retired Americans have initiated a lawsuit against the...

U.S. consumers may see higher car prices due to tariffs on automotive imports from Mexico and Canada. In 2023, these imports totaled $106 billion. A 25% tariff could raise the average new car price by $3,000 , according to TD Economics. This adds to an already expensive market where new cars...

President Donald Trump has proposed a strategic move linking ongoing U.S. aid to Ukraine's fight against Russia with gaining access to Ukraine's rare earth materials. This approach showcases both a strategic and economic initiative, recognizing these elements' critical role in modern technology....

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a firm message to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, emphasizing concerns over Chinese influence in the Panama Canal area. The United States views the Chinese presence, primarily through the Belt and Road Initiative, as worrisome for the strategic...