American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

What is an Executive Order? What are the Limits of Its Power? Why Do Presidents Use Them?

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025

New Presidents often use “Day One” executive orders to move their policy agendas forward. What are the different kinds of presidential orders, what are their limitations, and why do Presidents use them?

For MLK Day: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “March on Ballot Boxes” Speech in South Carolina, May 9, 1966

January 19, 2025January 19, 2025

On May 9, 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke in Kingstree, SC about the importance of voting on the eve of a state primary. Here are his words: “Let us on that glad day in June march on ballot boxes, for this is the way we’re going to straighten up the South and the nation."

ND Native American Nation Prevails in Protecting Majority-Minority Voting Districts. A Victory for Minority Voters, But GOP Efforts to Neutralize the VRA Continue

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025

Native American voters prevailed in federal court against the State of North Dakota, protecting the ability to elect the candidate of their choice. The state has a history of diluting Native voting power.

What are the Rules as to How Contributions to Inaugural Committee Funds Are Spent? There Aren’t Any.

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025

Our recent reporting explored the massive contributions to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, reportedly reaching $170 Million dollars. What are the rules as to how that money is spent? The short answer is, there aren’t any.

Donations to Trump’s Inauguration May Reach $200M, Funding the Parade, Inaugural Balls . . . and Pay-to-Play Influence

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has received $170 Million dollars in contributions, and it’s expected to reach $200 Million – almost double his 2017 total. Yes, the contributions pay for the inaugural balls, but inaugural funds are also a vehicle for corporate “pay to play” contributions, currying favor for federal contracts, lenient legislation, or access to the President.