The hottest Government Structure Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Technology vs Democracy

Comment is Freed • 123 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Election Dynamics Media influence Political Ideology Government Structure
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant influence in Trump's administration, compared to his lack of support during Trump's first term. This shift has raised concerns about the impact on government and democratic processes.
  2. There are serious worries about the constitutional implications of Musk's involvement in government. Courts are starting to react, but many changes could be harmful before any legal decisions are made.
  3. Musk's actions and the ideology behind them are confusing to traditional political systems. New internet culture is impacting politics in ways that make it hard for older generations to understand what's happening.

The pleasure of error

Gray Mirror • 198 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Political Commentary Government Structure Ideological analysis
  1. Politics and comedy are closely linked. Both can deliver strong messages and reflect society's values in a memorable way.
  2. Being wrong in predictions can show that our understanding or model of reality needs to be updated. It's important to recognize the forces at play that we might not have fully considered.
  3. Big changes in government are often necessary to make things more efficient. Sometimes it's better to start new systems rather than trying to fix old ones that aren’t working well.

READING: Hamilton's Constitutional Convention Speech

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Constitutional Law American history Government Structure Democracy issues
  1. Hamilton believed that weak state governments could harm a strong federal government. He thought a perfect government needed clear powers and strong institutions.
  2. He was worried that pure democracy could lead to chaos and tyranny. Instead, he preferred a system where some leaders held power for a longer time to ensure stability.
  3. Hamilton highlighted that the interests of states often clash with the needs of the entire nation. He suggested a government structure that aligns individual and national interests better.

What Happens Next?

Can We Still Govern? • 993 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Government Structure Political corruption Public Services Administrative state
  1. If Trump returns to office, he will likely make major changes to how federal workers are treated, possibly firing many and reclassifying them as political appointees. This could create a government that is less experienced and more loyal to his administration.
  2. Trump's second term may be more organized but still chaotic, with a focus on advancing his goals and possibly reducing regulatory oversight. However, this could lead to a decline in the quality of public services and less effective governance overall.
  3. Corruption might become more common under Trump, with personal interests overlapping with government duties. This could result in conflicts of interest becoming normalized, making it harder to hold him and his administration accountable.

Tax Policy: Breaking the Impasse

Comment is Freed • 93 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Political Reform Government Structure Policy Analysis
  1. Tax reform in the UK is really hard because changes lead to public outrage, making it tough for politicians to make sensible decisions. Politicians often focus on how changes will be viewed rather than on what makes sense.
  2. The current tax system is too complicated and has become a way to solve a variety of issues, leading to confusion and resistance. There needs to be a clearer and simpler approach to tax policy that takes all aspects into account.
  3. Creating a separate office for tax policy could help develop better ideas and solutions without getting caught up in daily politics. This could support governments in making more informed decisions about tax reform.
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Shadow Cabinet

Thinking about... • 888 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Government Structure Media Relations
  1. A shadow cabinet can provide an alternate political voice to the ruling party. This would give citizens access to different viewpoints and expert opinions on government actions.
  2. The existence of a shadow cabinet could help reshape American politics by promoting positive change and daily dialogue, rather than just focusing on election seasons.
  3. Having a shadow cabinet would also support the media by providing named experts who can comment on government issues, helping journalists offer more informed and diverse perspectives.

If I Ran the DOGE

In My Tribe • 1199 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Structure Political Reform Public Administration Policy Analysis
  1. Reorganizing the government can make it more efficient by reducing the number of management layers and clarifying who is in charge. This could lead to better decision-making and less wasted effort.
  2. Creating a Chief Operating Officer to manage executive branch operations would help streamline authority and reduce overlap between agencies. This would allow a focus on running the government smoothly.
  3. The government could be simplified by cutting down from many agencies to just eight main ones, which would help eliminate redundancy and make it easier to manage services for the public.

Can Constitutions Limit Government?

Fake Noûs • 348 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Government Structure Civil Liberties Political theory
  1. Many people believe constitutions limit government powers, but in reality, governments often operate outside these limits. Most actions by the government are not authorized by the Constitution.
  2. One big reason the Constitution fails is that there's no one to enforce its rules against the government. It's like letting robbers control the police; they won't enforce laws against themselves.
  3. To make a better constitution, we might need new ideas, like requiring a supermajority to pass laws or having a special court to deal with constitutional issues. This could help protect people's rights from government overreach.

The Physiocratic Platform: Land Tax

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Government Structure Economic Theory Land use Political Reform
  1. A land value tax (LVT) is different from a property tax because it only taxes the value of the land itself, not any buildings on it. This means it encourages landowners to use their land efficiently.
  2. Implementing a 2% LVT could raise a lot of money for government services while avoiding economic issues that other taxes might cause. It's seen as a less harmful option for funding government needs.
  3. There are ways to protect homeowners from being forced out of their homes due to rising land taxes, like exemptions for primary residences or allowing tax deferrals until the property is sold.

Best of "Can We Still Govern?" in 2024: Readers Picks

Can We Still Govern? • 63 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Elections Political Analysis Identity politics Government Structure
  1. The 2024 presidential election brought a lot of focus on identity politics and its impact on candidates' success.
  2. There are growing concerns about the potential risks of political changes affecting government stability and operations.
  3. Cuts to government programs are often oversimplified and can harm valuable services that people rely on.

It's not easy from here

Gray Mirror • 112 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Legislation Constitutional Law Political History
  1. Focusing on the wrong targets can lead to wasted effort. It's important to identify and direct energy towards the right problems instead of getting distracted by less significant issues.
  2. Political systems can change, but restoring the past often ignores the unique challenges of today. Acknowledging how history shapes our current situation is key to moving forward.
  3. There's a need to rethink how power is used in government. Rather than trying to go back to what worked before, it might be better to find new solutions that fit our current realities.

What does Trump's win mean for the world?

Comment is Freed • 131 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Analysis International relations Government Structure Foreign Policy Trade policy
  1. Trump's presidency might lean towards nationalism and isolationism. This could challenge established alliances like NATO and impact international cooperation.
  2. Expect unpredictability in Trump's upcoming administration, with potential government restructuring and a focus on unilateral decisions. This may lead to issues in the usual functioning of government.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign conflicts, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, could shift, leading to concerns among allies about U.S. support and stability in those regions.

January 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Legislation Political Commentary Government Structure
  1. Joe Biden announced a significant ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after months of negotiations, focusing on humanitarian efforts and returning hostages.
  2. In his farewell address, Biden reflected on his administration's achievements, emphasizing job creation, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure modernization.
  3. He warned about the dangers of wealth concentration and misinformation in America, urging reforms to protect democracy and ensure fairness for all citizens.

"Medical Freedom Movement" Circular Firing Squad

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Health Policy Government Structure Political strategy Media influence
  1. The 'Medical Freedom Movement' is facing internal conflicts, with prominent figures criticizing each other instead of working together. This creates distrust and divides among supporters.
  2. Some key players in the movement look to avoid criticizing certain narratives around vaccines while still questioning others. This complicates their unity and decreases trust.
  3. The movement has qualities similar to a cult, including strict leadership, mind control, and a fear of dissent, which can be harmful to its members.

December 16, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Historical Figures Women's Rights Government Structure
  1. Frances Perkins was the first female Cabinet secretary, and she pushed for important things like unemployment insurance and minimum wage. Her work helped shape the modern American government and support workers.
  2. Despite her success, Perkins faced opposition, especially from groups that didn't want changes that promoted equality. This opposition grew over the years, especially against women's rights.
  3. President Biden is working to honor Perkins by creating a more inclusive government and recognizing women's contributions. He emphasized that a good government should support all its people, not just property owners.

Notes from a quiet week in the House

Matt’s Five Points • 239 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Political parties Government Structure Political Analysis
  1. The current Speaker pro tempore, McHenry, has very limited powers, mainly just to oversee the election of a new Speaker. This has been accepted by both political parties as a way to avoid major conflicts until after the election.
  2. Even though things appear quiet in the House, it can still act without a Speaker. The House's authority allows it to pass legislation, meaning it's not truly inactive; it's just choosing not to move forward right now.
  3. The upcoming Speakership election could be quite contentious, depending on how much unity the Republican party can maintain. The party's internal discussions will greatly affect how the election plays out on the House floor.

Trump And The Evil "Deep State!"

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Election Integrity Political Commentary Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that the real power in the U.S. isn't the deep state, but a group of wealthy elites who control the government for their own interests.
  2. Some people argue that the current political drama distracts from important issues, like how the rules and leadership are being shaped by money.
  3. The idea that public service and government jobs are under threat highlights a struggle between working people and a powerful corporate influence in politics.

November 13, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Government Structure Legislation Political Behavior
  1. John Thune has been elected as the new Senate majority leader, showing a divide between traditional Republican leaders and MAGA Republicans.
  2. Trump's recent nominations are raising eyebrows among Republicans, especially choices like Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth, who are seen as controversial.
  3. Even though Republicans control the House, Senate, and presidency, many of Trump's policies remain unpopular, making it hard for them to govern effectively.

In the Shallows Of The Deep State.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Public Policy Political History Political culture
  1. The idea of a 'Deep State' has become popular as people try to explain political power hidden behind the scenes. It's used to describe unseen influences that control governments and decisions.
  2. Many people find comfort in believing that chaos has some hidden plan or control, rather than accepting that the world could be disorganized and unpredictable.
  3. In Western societies, trust in political leaders is low, leading people to think there might be secret groups managing things better than visible leaders, which can help make sense of troubling events.

Is Lai losing his grip on the DPP caucus?

Taipology • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Legislation Elections Government Structure Political Commentary
  1. The DPP party recently rejected one of its own nominees for the Constitutional Court, raising questions about party unity and leadership. This move surprised many, especially since the party needs to fill vacancies to maintain court functions.
  2. Lai Ching-te, the President and current DPP Party Chairman, faces challenges in controlling his party as factional conflicts seem to be increasing. The rejection of the nominee indicates a possible power shift within the party.
  3. With the Constitutional Court unable to reach a quorum, Taiwan risks entering a constitutional crisis. If they do not appoint moderate and qualified candidates soon, the court's functions will be severely limited.

FIVE POINTS: The Kavanaugh Circus was Democracy in Action

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Supreme Court Political parties Public Opinion Government Structure
  1. The Kavanaugh confirmation process showed how democracy works, with politicians and the public engaging in debates about policy. It was messy but that's a normal part of politics.
  2. Polling opinions on issues don't always predict how people will vote. It's more about how those views impact the political behavior of voters, which can be complex.
  3. In elections, the dynamics between the House and Senate can differ greatly. Different strategies work for each, and national issues can sometimes hurt certain candidates more than help them.

Problems of Majority Voting

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Systems Political parties Legislative Process Government Structure Elections
  1. Majority voting can create problems because it doesn't always consider everyone's true preferences. If people can't trade votes or favors, decisions may not reflect what the community really wants.
  2. Political parties are important for maintaining stable voting majorities. If parties can't control their members, it leads to chaos and ineffective governance, as they have to make too many compromises.
  3. To improve the voting process, we could consider new systems like jungle primaries or ranked choice voting. These changes might help ensure better candidate choices and encourage cooperation among party members.

More on Perry's Plan: A Whig Perspective

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Executive Power Judiciary Political Reform Government Structure
  1. Rick Perry's plan may weaken Congress and enhance the President's power. This could lead to a more politicized judiciary and shift more influence to the executive branch.
  2. Reducing congressional staff but not staff in the Executive Office of the President could create an imbalance of information and power. This means the President might have an advantage in legislative discussions.
  3. Cutting staff could hurt Congress's ability to properly oversee the executive branch. This is important because effective oversight helps keep power in check and ensures the government serves the people.

By the Numbers: Constitutional Amending in the House

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Legislation Government Structure Voting Rights Political strategy
  1. Since 1978, no new amendments to the Constitution have been successfully passed by Congress for states to ratify. Only one amendment, the 27th, was ratified many years later.
  2. For an amendment to pass in Congress, a two-thirds majority vote is needed. This means at least 289 votes in the House, depending on the number of members present.
  3. A total of 59 proposed amendments have been introduced in the House in the current Congress, highlighting ongoing discussions about potential changes to the Constitution.

Abolish the Income Tax

The Oasis • 0 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Political History Government Structure Economic Theory Public Opinion
  1. Some people believe that income tax is a way to control the population and discourage hard work. They feel that the more you earn, the more you pay, which can be unfair.
  2. The history of income tax in the U.S. shows that it has changed a lot over time, especially during wars. Many believe that it was introduced to help fund wars, not necessarily to support the people.
  3. There are ideas about completely getting rid of the income tax and going back to a system before it was established. Some see this as a chance to rethink how taxes work and what they are used for.