Backgrounders

Current political and economic issues succinctly explained.

Renewing America

Renewing America

The U.S. Immigration Debate

Author: Brianna Lee

Ongoing arguments over U.S. immigration policy play out against concerns about curbing illegal immigration, changing demographics, and maintaining the country's global competitive edge, explains this Backgrounder.

See more in United States, Immigration

Renewing America

Renewing America

U.S. Patents and Innovation

Author: Steven J. Markovich

The U.S. patent system has generated growing debate over whether it helps foster innovation or stifles it through unnecessary protections, as this Backgrounder explains.

See more in United States

Renewing America

Renewing America

Gasoline Prices

Author: Toni Johnson

With the Middle East unrest ongoing and the global economy recovering, gasoline prices are rising considerably. But policies to ease U.S. consumer impact take time and policymakers are divided over the course of action.

See more in United States, Energy/Environment

Author: Steven J. Markovich

Spending on research and development is cited as important to a globally competitive economy. But a crucial U.S. advantage appears to be eroding, explains this Backgrounder.

See more in United States, Infrastructure

Renewing America

Renewing America

The Dodd-Frank Act

Author: Steven J. Markovich

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"), signed into law in July 2010, is one of the most significant regulatory reform measures since the Great Depression.

See more in United States, Economics

Renewing America

Renewing America

U.S. Rail Infrastructure

Author: Elizabeth Dovell

Rail infrastructure is a critical component of a transportation network capable of helping the United States compete in global markets. Efforts to expand and modernize U.S. rail, particularly to include high-speed trains, are under debate as lawmakers weigh costs and benefits.

See more in United States, Transportation, Infrastructure

Renewing America

Renewing America

Oil Market Volatility

Author: Toni Johnson

Though shifts in demand and reduced production by some major producers have influenced oil prices, investor behavior is also increasing market volatility.

See more in Infrastructure, Energy

Author: Roya Wolverson

With U.S. unemployment and high debt threatening Americans at home and U.S. power abroad, this Backgrounder looks at congressional candidates' difficulty in articulating policies that balance job creation and debt reduction.

See more in United States, Elections, Economics

Renewing America

Renewing America

GDP and Economic Policy

Author: Roya Wolverson

Gross domestic product has been the dominant measure of economic strength for decades, but some experts question whether the metric alone is a sufficient tool for measuring overall societal wellbeing.

See more in United States, Economics