All Policy Issues

The balance of power between the federal government and individual states is one of America's oldest and most enduring constitutional debates. The Tenth Amendment reserves to the states all powers not delegated to the federal government, yet the precise boundary has been contested since the founding. Today, this tension manifests in conflicts over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, federal funding conditions, gun regulations, abortion access, marijuana legalization, and environmental standards. The January 2026 standoff in Minnesota—where the state challenged ICE operations, the Governor placed the National Guard on standby, and the federal government threatened to withhold billions in Medicaid funds—represents the most acute federal-state conflict in decades, raising questions about the limits of federal authority and states' ability to resist federal policy.

Data privacy policy addresses how personal information is collected, used, stored, and shared by companies and governments in the digital age. The debate centers on balancing individual privacy rights against business interests, innovation, law enforcement needs, and national security. The United States lacks comprehensive federal privacy legislation, creating a patchwork of state laws and sector-specific regulations while Europe's GDPR has become a global standard.

Taxation policy determines how governments raise revenue to fund public services and programs. Debates center on the appropriate level of taxation, who should bear the tax burden, the balance between income and consumption taxes, and how tax policy affects economic growth, investment, and inequality. The U.S. employs a mix of progressive income taxes, payroll taxes, corporate taxes, and various state and local taxes.

Healthcare policy in the United States encompasses debates over coverage, cost, quality, and the appropriate role of government versus private markets in healthcare delivery and financing. The U.S. spends more per capita on healthcare than any other developed nation while covering a smaller share of its population, creating ongoing tension between those who favor market-based solutions and those who advocate for greater government involvement.

The U.S. national debt has grown to unprecedented levels, raising questions about fiscal sustainability, intergenerational equity, and appropriate government spending and taxation levels. Debates center on whether debt levels are dangerous, how to address deficits, and the proper role of government in the economy.

Climate change policy addresses how governments and societies should respond to rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. The debate encompasses emissions reduction strategies, energy transitions, economic impacts, and international cooperation.

Abortion policy in the United States has undergone dramatic changes since the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson decision (2022) overturned Roe v. Wade, returning abortion regulation to the states. The current landscape varies dramatically by state, from near-total bans to constitutional protections for abortion access.

Gun policy in the United States involves balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns. The debate encompasses federal and state regulations, licensing requirements, and restrictions on specific firearm types and accessories.

Immigration policy encompasses the laws, regulations, and enforcement practices governing who may enter, reside, and work in the United States. It is one of the most debated issues in American politics, touching on national security, economic competitiveness, humanitarian obligations, and cultural identity. The debate spans from those advocating complete border closure to those supporting free movement of people.