A bipartisan group of senators voted to approve a key procedural measure that puts legislation reopening the federal government on track to pass the United States Senate. The Civitas Partisan Index suggests a relatively good year for Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections, with shifts in voting patterns in urban and suburban districts. [... more]

The remarkable story of Frederick Douglass, a former slave who fought for his freedom and became a prominent abolitionist, highlighting the brutal realities of slavery, the power of education, and his journey to become a free man. [... more]

The North Carolina Supreme Court has made significant rulings on voter ID, gerrymandering, and voting rights, impacting the state's electoral landscape. The court's decisions have changed the composition of the court and its likely rulings, with implications for future elections and the balance of power in the state. [... more]

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent rulings on voter ID and redistricting have significant implications for North Carolina and federal elections. Dr. Andy Jackson, director of the Civitas Center for Public Integrity, discusses the potential impact on state and federal laws, and the ongoing litigation in North Carolina. [... more]

A state task force explores health care coverage, while economists debate the merits of free trade and its impact on the economy. Meanwhile, a discussion on originalism and its role in shaping the Supreme Court's decisions highlights the importance of understanding the Constitution's original intent. In North Carolina, the state legislature grapples with the balance of power between the governor and the General Assembly, setting the stage for a potentially contentious 2021. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are likely to deal with issues linked to criminal justice and law enforcement reform in the new year. Teacher unions are pushing back against school reopening, citing concerns about COVID-19 safety. Meanwhile, a western state's approach to police accountability has some lessons for North Carolina. A new merger between the John Locke Foundation and the Civitas Institute will bring together two prominent state-based free market think tanks. A philosophy professor discusses the concept of grandstanding in public discourse, where individuals use moral and political discussions to show off their own moral superiority. [... more]

North Carolinians have multiple methods to vote, including by mail, early voting, and in-person on Election Day. The state has made changes to the elections process, including reducing the witness requirement for absentee ballots and implementing procedures for safe voting during the pandemic. [... more]