Nation Topics - Government | The Nation

Bringing social justice to scale means using those institutions that can set and enforce equity standards on race, gender, sexuality, and more.

From mass incarceration to Hurricane Katrina, the federal government has failed communities of color. So why do black Americans trust it more than whites?

No one who has succeeded in America actually did it on his or her own.

With the 2012 elections projected to be the priciest ever, we must rein in the billions of influence-peddling dollars flowing toward Washington.

Perpetuating the idea that the government can’t do its job is but a half-step away from excusing the government when it fails us.

Research exaggerating the costs of social safety nets has been used for decades to launch unwarranted claims against government programs.

Dozens of proposed laws might reduce the power of money and mischief in the political process. But will they help to restore confidence in government?

Finding the right “frame” will not magically change people’s attitudes about government. We must speaks to--and act on--our common goals.

By giving people a direct voice in shaping regulations, we can make agencies more responsive and accountable, and give citizens a direct stake in policy-making.

The federal government has the unique ability, and thus responsibility, to set baselines for citizenship, economic security and market rules.