Political Theory

Healthcare in the United States is often described as one of the most expensive systems in the world. Many Americans wonder why basic medical care, hospital visits, tests, and insurance can cost so much. This article explains the issue using simple terms. It looks at key laws, the role of government, how insurance works, and … Read more

Abstract: Contemporary political philosophy faces the challenge of resolving moral conflict under conditions of deep pluralism. Liberal theorists such as John Rawls and Thomas Nagel attempt to address this problem by distinguishing between levels of moral justification and by locating universality in epistemological agreement concerning principles of justice. This paper argues that such approaches undervalue a … Read more

You’d think by now everyone in the US would have figured out the Electoral College, but come election season, it’s still a mystery to a lot of folk. The fact is, the Electoral College, not the national popular vote, gets to decide who ends up as President. If you’re a US citizen, understanding this system … Read more

Understanding the roots of our political system often means looking far back in time. The ancient Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE) offers important ideas about republicanism that resonate with today’s democratic experiment in the United States. We’ll explore how Cicero’s republican vision links with modern democracy, highlight tensions, and draw actionable lessons for … Read more

This article explores how political ideas shape policymaking beyond their technical merit. It examines why some ideas gain influence, how problem definitions evolve, and how shifts in perception drive policy change. Through comparative perspectives and key theorists, it highlights how politics, institutions, and framing determine which ideas succeed or fade in shaping agendas and outcomes. … Read more

The system of checks and balances in the U.S. is central to how our government works. It ensures no single branch gains too much power. It supports democracy. It protects individual freedom. Here is a detailed, clear explanation of how the system of checks and balances works in the U.S., why it matters, how each … Read more

The article “Three Kinds of Ideas” explores how different levels of ideas—policy solutions, problem definitions, and public philosophies—shape the policymaking process and political change. Policy ideas like Keynesianism provide concrete solutions to given problems, while problem definitions frame what issues governments prioritize. At the broadest level, public philosophies and zeitgeist guide the underlying values and … Read more

The significance of ideas in politics has long been underestimated by political scientists focused on material interests and rational choices. Yet, ideas—ranging from beliefs and ideologies to policy frameworks—profoundly shape how societies think, act, and govern. This essay explores the evolution of political thought on the role of ideas, tracing its roots from Weber’s cultural … Read more

The central focus of the essay is the comparison and compatibility between the British Idealist moral philosophy of T. H. Green and the contemporary liberal theories of Rawls and Nagel, especially regarding value pluralism, moral conflict, and volitional vs. epistemological aspects Bringing Two Different Traditions Together: Compatibility of Themes and Contexts There is an overlap … Read more