Bob Dole, who overcame war wounds to dominate Kansas politics for much of the 20th century and nearly capture his nation's presidency, has died. He was 98.
Four months later, Justice Barrett sits on the Supreme Court, President Biden
Democrats have little time to act and the question of which plan to pursue looms large. This debate typically revolves around one task: identify the policy that best balances political reality with legal rigor. Why? Because Congress will get only “one shot” before the court itself weighs in. And by then it may be too late for Congress to start over.
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This legal-political balancing act poses a dilemma: popular plans get watered down to preempt legal concerns while controversial policies dominate the debate based on their constitutional pedigree. For example, Fix The Court’s plan would require justices to take senior status after 18 years (a widely popular approach), but the plan exempts sitting justices to avoid potential legal issues. Take Back the Court, meanwhile, argues that packing the court is the only viable option because anything else might be invalidated.
How Congressional Control has Changed Over the Past 100 Years
By Ellen Dewitt, Stacker News
On 1/10/21 at 8:00 AM EST
With partisan divisions and rancor filling the headlines, it seems like a miracle that Congress can get anything done.
Party control of Congress makes a difference, but not always in predictable ways. When one party holds majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives and holds the presidency, it s not necessarily easier for all to agree on legislative remedies and reforms. By the same token, when the congressional chambers are split, or the executive is in the opposing party, plenty can be accomplished.