Feature Archives

“The American dream I experienced is out of reach for most people,” writes Pramila Jayapal.

How I Became an American How I Became an American

My path to US citizenship was a long and difficult one.

Jun 25, 2026 / Feature / Rep. Pramila Jayapal

The boarding schools Native children were sent to, like this one in Ohio, were little more than brutal detainment camps.

250 Years of Genocide, Theft, and Displacement 250 Years of Genocide, Theft, and Displacement

Natives have nothing to celebrate as the United States stages another sick-making festival of self-congratulation.

Jun 24, 2026 / Feature / Simon Moya-Smith

The Declaration’s catalog of grievances against King George III sound like Donald Trump’s to-do list.

The Celebration of the Nation's Birth Is Still a Sham The Celebration of the Nation's Birth Is Still a Sham

If America must observe its 250th anniversary, let it be by taking stock of Reconstruction’s unfinished mission.

Jun 24, 2026 / Feature / Madiba K. Dennie

Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice, is as important in shaping of the Constiution as its framers.

America Is Due a Third Reconstruction America Is Due a Third Reconstruction

The nation can thank the Supreme Court for its periods of turmoil. It’s time for a new jurisprudence.

Jun 23, 2026 / Feature / Michele Goodwin

The signing of the US Constitution in 1787, in a painting by Junius Brutus Stearns.

Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else? Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else?

If we want to make it another 250 years, the Constitution is going to have to do a lot more than protect individual political and civil rights.

Jun 23, 2026 / Feature / Elie Mystal

Frederick Douglass petitions Abraham Lincoln to allow Black soldiers to fight in the Union Army during the Civil War (in a 1943 mural by the African American artist William Edouard Scott).

The American Revolution’s Long Tail The American Revolution’s Long Tail

Throughout US history, social movements—from reformist to radical—have returned to the language and ideals of 1776.

Jun 22, 2026 / Feature / Richard Kreitner

Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn

His take on history arms youth with the courage to “transform the world.” It’s no wonder the right aims to erase it.

Jun 19, 2026 / Feature / Dave Zirin

Franklin Delano Roosevelt knew that economic security was fundamental to democracy.

We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision

Roosevelt understood that freedom that extends from economic security.

Jun 18, 2026 / Feature / Harvey J. Kaye

In 1877, Congress convened to settle the disputed presidential election between Samuel Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes.

We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government

The promise of democratic governance was stolen from the people. We must win it back.

Jun 17, 2026 / Feature / Jamie Raskin

Lin-Manuel Miranda (center) and the cast of “Hamilton” perform at the Tony Awards in New York City.

Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder

Dismantling the cult of personality created around the founding era's plutocratic foe of democracy.

Jun 16, 2026 / Feature / William Hogeland

Sections

The Nation

Current Issue

Feature

How I Became an American How I Became an American

250 Years of Genocide, Theft, and Displacement 250 Years of Genocide, Theft, and Displacement

The Celebration of the Nation's Birth Is Still a Sham The Celebration of the Nation's Birth Is Still a Sham

America Is Due a Third Reconstruction America Is Due a Third Reconstruction

Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else? Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else?

The American Revolution’s Long Tail The American Revolution’s Long Tail

Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn

We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision

We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government

Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder

Log In

Feature

How I Became an American How I Became an American

250 Years of Genocide, Theft, and Displacement 250 Years of Genocide, Theft, and Displacement

The Celebration of the Nation's Birth Is Still a Sham The Celebration of the Nation's Birth Is Still a Sham

America Is Due a Third Reconstruction America Is Due a Third Reconstruction

Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else? Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else?

The American Revolution’s Long Tail The American Revolution’s Long Tail

Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn

We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision

We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government

Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder