How the federal budget process works
Drafting the federal budget is one of an American president’s most influential undertakings. But two-thirds of spending is set before the process even begins. We explain.
Politics & Government
Research roundups, tip sheets, articles and explainers related to the topic of politics, elections, and local and national governments
Expert Commentary
Writing about think tanks and using their research: A cautionary tip sheet
2016 tip sheet that helps journalists navigate the big-money and often partisan world of think tanks.
Expert Commentary
Arctic melt boosts northern trade routes, hurts Suez
The melting ice caps will not only impact our coastlines, but may radically alter international trade, a new study finds.
Expert Commentary
Do licensure exams help school districts pick good principals?
A licensure exam that educators in many states must pass to become school principals may be an ineffective means of predicting future job performance, a new study suggests.
Expert Commentary
Holland’s legal prostitution zones reduce rape: New research
Dutch cities that regulate prostitution in dedicated areas see a dramatic decline in rapes and sexual assaults, a new study finds.
Expert Commentary
Skilled foreigners with H-1B visas take U.S. jobs, but help reduce prices
Highly skilled foreigners are behind some of America’s most celebrated innovations. A new study suggests they drive down native workers’ wages, but benefit consumers overall.
Expert Commentary
Polling Iran: What do Iranians think?
As American rhetoric on Iran heats up again, Iranian public opinion polls can bolster reporting. We offer guidance on finding and using polling data.
Expert Commentary
The consequences of bilingual employment policies
A new study suggests the proportion of government employees who were black or white and spoke only English fell after a major U.S. city adopted a bilingual employment policy.
Expert Commentary
Voter fraud, perceptions and political spin: Research roundup
Claims of election fraud were a prominent feature in the 2016 campaign of President Donald Trump. He repeatedly warned that the election would be “stolen” from him. We look at the research and find fraud is more often spin than fact.
Expert Commentary
School choice: How parents select high schools — a look at Australia
When given a choice of public high schools, parents in Australia select those located in wealthier areas with fewer immigrants and Muslim residents, a new study suggests.
Expert Commentary