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How Incrementalism Destroys Progress

How Incrementalism Destroys Progress

Often times, the American people are told that only incremental, slow change can be achieved. They are told that moderate politicians have ostensibly the same goal, to help, but are just more realistic than "radicals" like Bernie Sanders. Despite consistent polling to the contrary, politicians aligned with corporations have claimed that they stand with the people in opposition to a stronger social safety net. These are lies. Through corporate induced, profit motivated obstructionism, supposedly "moderate" politicians blocked popular initiatives while those who advocated the bill shied away from confrontation to the detriment of their cause.

Domestic, Politics, U.S., USEli WeingerFebruary 3, 2023Comment

Deference: Police Accountability and the Court

Deference: Police Accountability and the Court

In constitutional questions regarding police encounters, the Supreme Court often defers these decisions to Congress. In doing so, the rights of citizens to seek justice for the wrongful behavior of law enforcement officers are left in the hands of hyperpolarized politicians who fail to hold police accountable, leaving the rights of citizens in legal limbo.

Domestic, Politics, U.S., USNick WitkowskiFebruary 2, 2023Comment

Is There Hope for Bipartisanship in America?

Is There Hope for Bipartisanship in America?

When partisan divides appear stronger and more rancorous than ever, many Americans have been left without hope for the political future. Yet, in the midst of these tensions, there have been notable instances of bipartisan efforts across levels of government.

Domestic, Politics, U.S., USJordyn YoderJanuary 31, 2023Comment

Tracking in Our Education System

Tracking in Our Education System

The process of student tracking, despite seeming practical, has had many unhindered consequences on student education, particularly with the education of minority students. At first glance, this system makes perfect sense by having students placed into classes seemingly catered to their experience and abilities, but studies on the effects of tracking suggest it may be perpetuating systemic racial and socioeconomic inequality.

Domestic, Politics, Society, U.S., USBryce HollandJanuary 30, 2023Comment

The (Lack of) Separation of Church and State

The (Lack of) Separation of Church and State

The first amendment clearly states that the federal government shall not interfere with US citizens’ religious freedom. But does this mean that religion and politics are completely separated in the United States today?

Domestic, U.S., USGrace ScottJanuary 29, 2023Comment

Congressional Inaction is Forcing the Supreme Court into the Firing Line

Congressional Inaction is Forcing the Supreme Court into the Firing Line

Over recent decades, Congress has progressively grown less effective, forcing the Supreme Court to address these issues in ways that are inconsistent with public opinion. Recent controversial decisions have led to questions regarding the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the need for judicial reforms.

Domestic, Politics, U.S., USEli BlaufussDecember 9, 2022Comment

Recent Jackson Hearing Sparks Questions About Senate's Power of Advice and Consent

Recent Jackson Hearing Sparks Questions About Senate's Power of Advice and Consent

In the past decade, the practice Advice and Consent has caused enough conflict to question whether its purpose has been tainted by politics.

Politics, U.S.Abby KrugAugust 20, 2022Comment

Toxic Grading Culture: The Consequences of Grades on the Learning Experience

Toxic Grading Culture: The Consequences of Grades on the Learning Experience

Grades, as a tool for measurement and for learning, are a fundamental part of American education but its negative effects often go ignored. As studied by psychology, grades are immense obstacles to curiosity and the long-term learning of students.

Domestic, Society, U.S., USBryce HollandMay 19, 2022Comment

Biden’s Opportunity in the Ukraine Crisis

Biden’s Opportunity in the Ukraine Crisis

The Biden administration has thus far succeeded in its attempt to reestablish America’s credibility abroad following the turmoil of the Trump era. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has further united the West, and presents an opportunity for Biden to prove that the Western world can be a model in global leadership.

Politics, U.S., USCharles CampbellMay 18, 2022Comment

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: More than just checking a box

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: More than just checking a box

Ever since Ketanji Brown Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden and recently confirmed by the Senate to be the next member of the Supreme Court, discourse continues to rage over whether she is qualified for the position. Are critics of Jackson right in their doubts, or are they mistaken?

Domestic, Politics, Society, U.S., USHaley BarrettMay 6, 2022Comment

SCOTUS Considers Genocide

SCOTUS Considers Genocide

The Indian Child Welfare Act prevents Native children from being removed from Native communities. Some want to see it overturned, but doing so could lead to genoicide.

Domestic, Politics, Society, U.S., USZac RussellMay 5, 2022 Comment

The Silence of Lewis Hamilton

The Silence of Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton did not lash out or say a word after his painful defeat to rival Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the 2021 Formula One season. But the reactions to his silence tell us that his very presence, even in silence, has been rendered disruptive.

U.S., US, SocietyAira MatinMay 4, 2022Comment

Personality and Political Polarization

Personality and Political Polarization

When it comes to political polarization, are differences between American political parties’ personalities the cure or the disease?

Domestic, Politics, Society, U.S., USGrace ScottApril 14, 2022Comment

Attorney General Miyares, the Whole World is Watching

Attorney General Miyares, the Whole World is Watching

University Counsel Tim Heaphy was fired by the Virginia Attorney General in January. The firing made headlines due to Heaphy’s leave from UVa to be counsel for the U.S. House panel investigating the January 6th insurrection. Although Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office denied they were firing Heaphy due to his role on the January 6th committee, the firing was a move to punish Heaphy for his role in holding former Trump officials, some of whom endorsed Miyares, responsible.

U.S., PoliticsEllen CoyneMarch 15, 2022Comment

The Case for Electoral Reform

The Case for Electoral Reform

Tension over political representation and election integrity reached a violent boiling point during the January 6th riots. Voters on both the left and the right feel a fundamental disconnect from their elected representatives. Only comprehensive electoral reform aimed towards proportional representation can address the concerns of the U.S. voter.

U.S., Society, PoliticsBen RaffierMarch 13, 2022 Comment

As Always, Silence Is Betrayal

As Always, Silence Is Betrayal

The Virginia Review of Politics stands in solidarity with APIDA communities on Grounds, in Charlottesville, and throughout the country.

U.S., SocietyVirginia Review of PoliticsMarch 24, 2021Comment

On the Foundations of Hope: Is Running a Deracialized Presidency a Good Idea?

On the Foundations of Hope: Is Running a Deracialized Presidency a Good Idea?

“We thought our dreams would be more visible under Obama. They’re not.” - Andrew Jackson II

Politics, U.S.Camryn GreenFebruary 10, 2021Comment

Political Influencers and the Alt-Right Pipeline

Political Influencers and the Alt-Right Pipeline

In the age of online influencers, online personalities are gaining more and more control over our political process. Extremists are taking advantage of a broken system to promote their dangerous ideas— and they’re using the search algorithm to do it.

Domestic, Politics, Society, US, U.S.Kylie LynchNovember 2, 2020rotating Comment

Patriotic Education: A Distortion of American History

Patriotic Education: A Distortion of American History

With this announcement, the Trump administration weaponizes American history in an exclusionary and nationalistic way. Reacting to historic protests, “patriotic education” is a move to erase the story and legacy of oppression in the United States.

Domestic, Politics, Society, U.S., USKatie ColemanNovember 1, 2020rotatingComment

Court-Packing is Not a Good Solution

Court-Packing is Not a Good Solution

The politicization of the Supreme Court is bad for the rule of law. Packing the Court would only politicize it more. Democrats should only resort to court-packing as a last resort (not solely because they come into power).

Domestic, Politics, U.S., USA. Grayson GlogoffOctober 31, 2020rotating Comments