The hottest Political History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Electronic Jim Crow Ballot Boxes! Electronic Jim Crow Currency! Electronic Jim Crow Police State!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Fraud Political History Digital Currency
  1. Electronic Jim Crow systems are being built in the US, affecting voting, currency, and surveillance.
  2. Historically, punishment for unlawful actions by politicians was reflected in election results.
  3. The spread of electronic control in ballot boxes poses a threat to democracy and civil society leaders.

Unfounding founding fathers

Douglass’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💾 History Political History Education
  1. Many academic fields are not teaching young people the history of their field, which may be limiting their capacity to offer alternative perspectives.
  2. While the founding fathers were deeply educated about politics and governance, current practices often show a lack of depth and passivity.
  3. Reflecting on the past can offer interesting insights into the present and help avoid undoing the hard work of those who came before us.

The Truth Behind the Federal Reserve

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 08
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Reserve Central Banking Political History Financial system
  1. The Federal Reserve, which controls the nation's money supply, is privately owned and has been a key player in driving countries into massive debt through various methods.
  2. The history of banking and central banking in America involves a complex web of power, from fraudulent practices to political manipulation, impacting the country's economic landscape significantly.
  3. Proposed solutions such as reclaiming the government's power to print debt-free money, alongside advocating for a monetary reform act, aim to combat the control of elite corporations and bankers and restore financial independence to the country.

FIVE POINTS: Meet the new year, same as the old year

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political Analysis Government Political History
  1. The way Congress is scheduled affects how decisions are made. Members plan their work around breaks and weekends, which changes how laws are discussed and voted on.
  2. Having a celebrity like Oprah as a presidential candidate raises concerns about their ability to govern. While she might attract votes, a celebrity's lack of experience could be risky for important national decisions.
  3. Retiring committee chairs in Congress leads to a loss of expertise and reduces their effectiveness. Strict rules on how long someone can serve in leadership roles can harm the quality of governance.
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The debacle of the old congressional calendar or: how you know the Constitution wasn't divinely inspired

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Legislation Political History Congress Governance
  1. The old congressional calendar was poorly designed, causing long gaps between elections and when Congress actually met. This led to issues like the 'lame duck' sessions where outgoing officials had to make big decisions without a fresh mandate.
  2. The Framers of the Constitution made mistakes in setting the calendar dates due to not knowing how long ratification would take. This resulted in the first Congress meeting much later than expected, leading to political instability.
  3. The 20th amendment fixed these problems by aligning the start of congressional terms with the beginning of sessions. This helped ensure smoother transitions in government and avoid delays in handling national issues.

Summer of '64

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 31 May 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Political History Party Politics Legislation Historical Analysis
  1. In the 1964 Civil Rights Act vote, geography played a big role in how members of Congress voted. Northern Democrats were more supportive, while Southern Democrats and Republicans had very little support.
  2. The intensity of support for civil rights varied among party members. Northern Democrats were the strongest advocates, while the Republicans had mixed support, often not pushing for civil rights despite some members voting for it.
  3. Party labels don’t define who supported civil rights; individual actions mattered more. Some heroes and villains in the civil rights movement existed in both parties, and it’s important to focus on their contributions instead of just party affiliations.

On Warm Buckets of Piss***

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Science Campaign Strategy Political History
  1. Choosing a vice president usually doesn't change the election outcome much. It often matters more what the other side does than who you pick.
  2. A vice president can affect things significantly if the president dies. This is an important reason to think carefully about who to choose.
  3. Political parties often prioritize short-term gains from a VP selection over long-term party strength. It's better to choose someone who can lead well if needed.

Beating a dead (dark) horse: Everyone on the bolt bus

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Political Behavior Party Dynamics Political History
  1. If a political convention is deadlocked, it can lead to chaos because delegates may act emotionally and irrationally. This could cause factions to break away unexpectedly.
  2. A close division within a party is not the same as a deep division. Just because opinions are split doesn't mean there's a serious conflict that would lead to a big breakup.
  3. Voter indecision doesn’t always mean delegate disagreement. A split vote among voters doesn’t automatically lead to delegates deciding to fracture the party, as that would be a more serious choice altogether.

Of Deadlocks and Dark Horses

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political History Party Dynamics
  1. A brokered convention and a dark horse candidate are different ideas. A brokered convention happens when no candidate can win the nomination easily, while a dark horse is someone who unexpectedly wins despite not being a frontrunner.
  2. Modern politics makes it harder for dark horse candidates to succeed. Unlike in the past, where parties did most campaigning, today candidates need to run their own campaigns and have significant organization and funding to be viable.
  3. The idea of factions splitting off at a convention seems unlikely. History shows that successful splits usually happen over major, divisive issues. In the current climate, factions are more likely to stay united than risk losing the election.

Counterfactuals, Consequences, and Election Importance

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political History Political theory Consequentialism
  1. Elections are often labeled the 'most important', but some are truly more significant than others. It's helpful to compare them using different criteria, like the changes they brought about.
  2. Understanding what is 'important' versus what is 'consequential' helps clarify elections' effects. 'Important' events shape outcomes, while 'consequential' events influence timing or method without changing the end result.
  3. Two notable elections in American history are 1800 and 1860. The 1800 election was crucial for establishing a democracy, while the 1860 election led to expected tensions and conflict, showing how sometimes the less dramatic event can be more important.

Man on the Moon

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Legislation Political History Space Exploration
  1. Newt Gingrich proposed building a permanent base on the moon, reflecting ongoing interest in space colonization. This idea goes back to his 1981 legislation about space territories.
  2. The process of granting statehood has historically faced numerous complications, largely due to Congress having too much discretion without clear rules. This caused political challenges and tensions in the past.
  3. Gingrich's plan for moon statehood shares problems with earlier proposals. It lacks constitutional backing, leaving room for Congress to change the rules easily later on.

Day One?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Presidency Legislation Political History
  1. Presidential candidates often make big promises for their first day in office, but the actual execution can be complicated by factors like inauguration falling on a Sunday.
  2. Historically, inaugurations have faced challenges due to timing and the need for a new president to take the oath of office legally.
  3. The implementation of the 20th amendment ensures clearer rules about inauguration timing, preventing gaps in presidential authority.

Through the Looking Glass

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Foreign Policy Cold War Media Political History
  1. The movie 'Countdown to Looking Glass' shows a fake crisis that fits into Cold War themes. Even though it's old, the issues of terrorism and political instability are still relevant today.
  2. Gingrich compares the crisis to historical events but misses mentioning some key moments, like the Cuban missile crisis. This raises questions about the choice of examples used in the movie.
  3. The film ignores Congress's role in crisis situations, focusing only on the President's actions. This leaves out important discussions about legislative authority during national emergencies.

Once upon a time, today was very important

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political History Legislation Political parties
  1. Congress used to start meetings on the first Monday in December, which created a yearly gap between elections and new sessions. This meant that elected officials often had to wait a long time before taking office.
  2. In the early days of the U.S., voting for the Speaker of the House was much more chaotic and could take weeks or even months. There were many small parties and factions, making it hard to find a consensus.
  3. A famous Speaker election battle happened in 1859, where the House was deadlocked for two months because different groups couldn't agree on a candidate. This showed how divided the political landscape was back then.

Ready Steady Stoned

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Elections Political theory Bipartisanship
  1. It's often thought that not renominating an unpopular president can help a party, but history shows it usually doesn't lead to success. Popularity tends to be closely tied between the president and the party.
  2. Historical claims need to be contextualized. The idea that there has never been a clear successor is not true; there have been various obvious candidates in history.
  3. Dropping out of a race isn't always a noble choice. Sometimes it's simply about recognizing the inability to win rather than stepping aside for the good of the party.

A House Divided

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Political strategy Public Opinion Economic Policy Election Dynamics
  1. Lincoln faced a divided nation and had to adjust his views, ultimately moving towards abolishing slavery when public sentiment shifted. Obama is in a tough spot because he doesn't have a clear, unilateral action like the Emancipation Proclamation to tackle today's issues.
  2. The call for Obama to adopt more aggressive leftist policies, like higher taxes on the wealthy, might not actually resolve underlying economic problems. It's important to recognize that such actions alone won't fix the economy or reduce unemployment significantly.
  3. Moving to the left could risk alienating moderate voters and lead to more gridlock in government. Lincoln was a savvy politician who adapted to his situation, and it's unclear if moving left is the best strategy for Obama as he approaches upcoming elections.

Tuesday APD blogging: The case of the federal calendar

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Legislation Government Political History Election Process
  1. The Framers of the Constitution were well-intentioned but made mistakes, especially with the timing of when Congress should meet. They chose December, which didn’t match well with the new government's start date, causing a delay in legislative processes.
  2. Originally, Congress met much later in the year after elections, leading to 'lame duck' sessions, where outgoing officials had little power and new officials were not in place yet. This affected the ability to pass important laws efficiently.
  3. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, eventually fixed some of these timing issues by adjusting the start dates for Congress and the President, making the process smoother and allowing new officials to take office sooner.

How would Watergate have played out absent the 25th amendment?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Impeachment Constitutional Law
  1. Without the 25th amendment, Nixon might have faced different political pressures and may have delayed his resignation. He could have argued that the situation was a partisan attack to gain public support.
  2. Impeachment would likely still happen without the amendment, but the conviction could be less certain. If the GOP had united against it, they might have swayed the Senate's decision.
  3. Carl Albert probably wouldn't have wanted to become Acting President. The pressure to take the role would increase if it meant avoiding an even less desirable president in James Eastland.

On leadership

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Congress Elections Political History
  1. Not many people have served in top leadership positions in both the House and Senate. It’s a rare transition, mainly because moving to the Senate means starting over with seniority.
  2. Three out of the five leaders who made the jump from House to Senate went on to serve in Senate leadership positions. This shows that ambition plays a big role in their career paths.
  3. Personal traits are important for leadership. Many of these leaders likely sought out leadership roles because they had natural leadership qualities, not just because of their circumstances.

On no-longer-quite-as-special interests

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Process Legislation Political History Government Policy
  1. It's important for political leaders to clearly state their plans in writing. This helps them show their true intentions instead of being vague.
  2. Changes in policy proposals can happen depending on who is in power. Certain proposals that would have been unthinkable before might be on the table now.
  3. Strong political figures can greatly influence debates and decisions in Congress. Their presence can lead to more accountability and dialogue about important issues.

On the meeting places of legislatures

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislature Security Democracy Political History
  1. The Texas Capitol is impressive and has a friendly atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore freely. It's filled with Texas symbols and has a rich history shown through its art and architecture.
  2. In contrast, the U.S. Capitol has become highly secure, making it hard for visitors to access and enjoy the space. Once, people could wander freely, but now security measures have changed that.
  3. This shift to more security at the U.S. Capitol feels like a loss of openness. It makes people reflect on how public access to government buildings has changed over the years.

On Presidential Debates and Antebellum Nostalgia

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Strategy Political History Voter Engagement
  1. Presidential debates are very controlled events, limiting candidates' freedom to speak openly. The rules often make debates feel more like scripted shows than real discussions.
  2. Nostalgia for historic debates, like Lincoln-Douglas, might not reflect what voters want today. Those debates were lengthy speeches without direct engagement or questions.
  3. In debates, candidates often focus on attacking each other's positions rather than clearly sharing their own. Debates mainly show how well candidates think on their feet rather than informing voters about policies.

On candidates holding odd jobs

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political Science Political History Campaigns
  1. It's very rare for someone who's currently in the House of Representatives to run for president. Only a few have even won significant votes in the past.
  2. Being a sitting Representative often means lacking enough political experience and stature that voters expect from presidential candidates.
  3. Representatives can have a lot to lose if they run for president because they might have to give up their powerful roles in Congress, and their long voting history can be used against them.

On hair metal political analogies

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Cultural Commentary
  1. People often change their opinions about political figures over time, even if they previously criticized them harshly. It's funny to see this shift, especially when both sides are praising leaders they once disliked.
  2. The concept of nostalgia plays a big role in how we view the past. Just like with music, what people liked or disliked can change as time goes on.
  3. Comparing politicians to musicians can highlight how our perspectives change. Just like some albums may not seem as fun later, political opinions can shift based on current events.

On the history of political phrases

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Campaign strategies Legislative Process Political Rhetoric Public Policy
  1. The phrase 'waste, fraud, and abuse' became popular in American politics around the late 1970s. It seems strange that it didn't exist earlier, given how much it's talked about now.
  2. Many political phrases we hear today have roots that go back much further in history. Phrases like 'split-ticket' and 'corrupt bargain' have been around since the 19th century.
  3. Even though 'waste, fraud, and abuse' is commonly criticized, it has only recently gained attention in the political spotlight, showing how language in politics evolves over time.

On Career Paths

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Congress Political History Political Humor
  1. Historically, many Senators had experience in the House, but it seems less common now. This suggests that moving from the House to the Senate used to be a more typical career path for politicians.
  2. Before the 1840s, it was not unusual for Representatives to have previously served in the Senate, showing how political careers were more interconnected back then.
  3. Claude Pepper is a significant example of someone who served in both the Senate and the House, but he was the last of his kind, highlighting a change in political career trends.

RIP: Robert Byrd

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Senate Political History Political Figures
  1. Robert Byrd was the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, holding office for over 51 years. He had a significant impact on the Senate and was known for his knowledge of its procedures.
  2. Byrd had a complex legacy, having been a former member of the Klan and participating in the filibuster against the civil rights act, but he later renounced and apologized for his past actions.
  3. The 'Byrd rule' is an important Senate procedure named after him, which can impact legislation process. The term 'Byrd bath' refers to the careful review process to ensure legislation complies with this rule.

Research Note: On Walking Out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War Political History Secession Political parties Historical Events
  1. The 1860 Democratic conventions in Charleston and Baltimore saw several southern states walk out over disagreements.
  2. The southern states seceded from the union in two main waves, starting with South Carolina and ending with Tennessee.
  3. Some states, like Missouri and Kentucky, chose not to leave, indicating divisions in support for secession.

John Horgan Listened To Me But Then He Didn't. I Was Thrown Out Of The NDP.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics COVID Policy Government Ethics Political History Public Health Social Issues
  1. John Horgan took action to help the homeless during COVID by approving a policy to put them in hotel rooms. This move not only supported vulnerable people but also helped the hospitality industry.
  2. The CERT program was created to provide direct payments to Canadians, helping many survive the economic impacts of the pandemic. This program influenced further economic support for small businesses.
  3. Horgan faced backlash after implementing vaccine mandates, leading to a personal split with those who opposed them. This situation highlighted tensions around medical ethics and government policies during the pandemic.

Predictions for a Trump presidency

Tolu’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policy Public Opinion Political History
  1. Predictions about Trump often missed how much of an impact he would have on domestic policy. Many thought he wouldn’t be able to change much due to resistance from both parties, but he actually had significant support from his followers.
  2. Trump's presidency could redefine international relations. His approach might lead to a more isolationist America, which would shift power dynamics around the world as other countries adapt.
  3. It's important to be cautious when making predictions, especially in politics. Past assumptions about party politics may not hold true, and factors like grassroots support can greatly influence outcomes.

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.