Articles by Eleanor Stratton

Article 2 of the Constitution grants the President the power to pardon, offering flexibility in the justice system. However, this power has been exercised in controversial ways throughout history. Notable examples include: Bill Clinton's pardon of his half-brother Donald Trump's clemency for...

The exercise of presidential pardon power has long been a subject of debate, often stirring discussions about its implications on justice and governance. The recent pardon granted to Hunter Biden by President Joe Biden has reignited these conversations, prompting questions about the balance between...

Hunter Biden faces serious allegations of owing over $300,000 in rent to California venture investor Shaun Maguire. The dispute centers on a property in Venice, California, rented from 2019 to 2020. Maguire claims Hunter: Never paid rent for over a year Attempted to settle debts with an unusual...

Constitutional environmentalism has gained prominence, demonstrating how nations incorporate nature into their foundational laws. This trend merges legal commitment to nature within a country’s framework. Recently, climate constitutionalism —a more focused version—has emerged. Countries now...

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is under scrutiny for alleged racial and gender discrimination in specific student programs. The Equal Protection Project has filed a complaint, claiming NIU's "Black Student Achievement Program" and "Black Male Initiative" violate constitutional provisions....

Seattle Public Schools are transitioning away from the Highly Capable Cohort (HCC) model towards a whole-classroom approach for gifted education. This shift, set to complete by the 2027-28 school year, aims to foster inclusivity and equity. The new model will integrate students identified as highly...

Seattle Public Schools has decided to phase out their Highly Capable Cohort (HCC) programs by the 2027-28 school year, moving to a new model aimed at providing more inclusive and diverse educational opportunities. This shift comes in response to critiques about the lack of racial diversity in the...

Senator Rand Paul has ignited controversy with his remarks on the clash between federal and local authorities over immigration policies. During an appearance on CBS News' "Face The Nation," Paul addressed the responsibilities of local officials like Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in adhering to federal...

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently overturned a lower court's decision that had nullified the Affordable Care Act's mandate on preventive services. The U.S. Court of Appeals confirmed that private insurance must continue to cover preventive services at no extra cost to the insured....

Social media platforms and search engines significantly influence online conversations through algorithms and moderation. Large tech companies decide what content is visible, potentially suppressing legitimate viewpoints and hindering open dialogue. Account suspensions or post removals can limit...

Executive Orders are directives issued by the President of the United States to steer government officials or agencies’ actions, within the scope of presidential constitutional powers. These orders derive authority from Article II of the Constitution, which vests “executive power” in the...

Genetic engineering presents complex social and ethical challenges. The ability to select traits for future children raises concerns about eugenics and inequality. If only the wealthy can afford genetic enhancements, it could widen societal divisions and lead to discrimination. The ethics of...

Parental consent laws in healthcare present a complex landscape, where the rights of minors intersect with parental authority and societal values. These regulations are deeply rooted in the belief that parents act in their children's best interests, yet they also recognize situations where minors...

Conservatism began to take shape following the French Revolution. Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France emerged as a cornerstone of conservative ideology, emphasizing the value of tradition and gradual change over revolutionary upheavals. Burke argued that society was akin to a...

President Nixon’s 1971 declaration marked the beginning of the War on Drugs. His policies aimed to reduce drug supply and demand through law enforcement and treatment. The Controlled Substances Act established a framework for categorizing illegal drugs and setting penalties. Subsequent...

The Electoral College emerged from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as a compromise between large and small states. It aimed to balance state interests and prevent a direct popular vote system that some feared could lead to hasty choices or vulnerability to demagogues. Large states advocated...

Nationalism prioritizes a nation’s interests, focusing on preserving traditional identities and protecting local economies. It often manifests as skepticism towards foreign influences. Globalism, in contrast, supports international connectivity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and goods...

The post-World War II era marked a pivotal shift in U.S. trade policy. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) emerged as a crucial element, aiming to reduce tariffs and strengthen Cold War alliances. This initiative sought to prevent economic isolation and open foreign markets for...

The debate over raising the minimum wage has a long history in the United States. In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established a national minimum wage, sparking concerns about potential job losses and higher production costs, particularly for southern manufacturers. Today, similar...

America's welfare history is rooted in community responsibility and personal accountability. The Founders believed in aiding those in need while emphasizing work and self-reliance. Thomas Jefferson viewed welfare as a safety net for those unable to work due to age or illness, not as a handout....