Cooper Talks

How does direct democracy work in the USA? What exactly is an initiative? Why are ballot measures growing in popularity? In this episode I look at the different types of direct democracy in the USA, some recent examples of measures that have been successful and the arguments for an against them. As legislative democracy stumbles along, will direct democracy become the solution to America's problems?

The Supreme Court has had a long history of dealing with race relations in the USA, but has the Roberts' Court seen a change in attitude since Alito's appointment? In this episode I look at three recent cases on the Court and look for clues to the future. With Fisher v. University of Texas, Austin back at the Supreme Court, could this be the end of affirmative action programs?

Is the Supreme Court the final protector of women's rights, or is it establishing laws it has no right to? In this episode I look at the issue of abortion at the Supreme Court, the justification of it, the evolving decisions, the impact of those decisions and the potential impact of the Texas HB2 case. This is a presentation on the specific rulings to demonstrate how the Supreme Court has operated and how parties and interest groups use the Supreme Court to advance their causes.

A look at some of the constitutional issues affecting the USA today.