Government

short readsMar 5, 2014

Public’s anti-incumbent mood hasn’t always predicted big electoral swings

Despite surveys showing anti-incumbent sentiments at or near all-time highs, most members of Congress appear to have little to worry about.
short readsFeb 25, 2014

House set to lose six centuries of experience as Dingell, other long-serving members retire

The spate of congressional retirement announcements may seem like a lot but is within historical norms. But the retirement of several long-serving members likely will further reduce overall experience levels in both the House and Senate,
short readsFeb 25, 2014

Arizona bill sparks debate about religious objections to gay marriage

The bill would allow business owners to cite religious beliefs as a reason for denying services – including to same-sex couples – without fear of legal retribution.
short readsFeb 7, 2014

Sochi Olympics shine spotlight on Russia’s Muslim population

Security has been among the main storylines leading up to the Winter Olympics, set to begin in Sochi, Russia. Sochi is not far from the city of Volgograd, the target of several recent suicide bombings, and according to The Associated Press, up to 100,000 security personnel have been deployed to guard against potential terrorist acts. […]
short readsJan 17, 2014

Key findings about growing religious hostilities around the world

Highlights from the fifth annual Pew Research Center study of religious hostilities around the world.
reportJan 14, 2014

Religious Hostilities Reach Six-Year High

A third of the 198 countries studied had a high or very high level of social hostilities involving religion in 2012. About three-in-ten countries had a high or very high level of government restrictions on religion, roughly the same as in 2011.
short readsDec 31, 2013

As 2014 brings new state laws, a look at public opinion on the issues

Every new year means adding thousands of new state laws to the books. This year’s wide range includes everything from tanning bed age limits (Illinois), to a new ban on selling shark fins (Delaware). While most new laws represent incremental change, sometimes state laws can also signal broader movement on a public policy issue or […]
short readsDec 23, 2013

Congress ends least-productive year in recent history

Congress enacted 57 laws — just 49 of them substantive — in the first session of its two-year term, the smallest first-year legislative output in nearly two decades.
short readsNov 20, 2013

States that allow same-sex marriage also provide protections for religious groups and clergy who oppose it

The battle over same-sex marriage has been about more than whether to allow gays and lesbians to wed. In every state where same-sex marriage is legal – including Illinois, which today became the 16th state to allow gays and lesbians to marry – politicians and others have also debated how to best protect religious freedom. […]
short readsNov 15, 2013

Texting while driving may be common, but it’s illegal in most states

Number of states that ban texting while driving.