#checksandbalances — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #checksandbalances, aggregated by home.social.
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“We made a conscious decision to not talk about the War Powers Resolution in this case,” Morrison said.
Instead, the plaintiffs want the judiciary to quickly declare the war unconstitutional, based on the idea that the Constitution’s Declare War Clause forbids the president from waging a full-scale, extended war that Congress never authorized and has voted to terminate. Such a ruling could pro vide a way to hold Trump accountable for ignoring such war powers resolutions.
“To flout a court judgment, among other things, would be an impeachable offense,” the lawsuit notes.
#IranWar #WarPowers #NationalIranianAmericanCouncil #ChecksAndBalances
https://www.levernews.com/iran-war-victims-put-trumps-power-grab-on-trial/ -
“We made a conscious decision to not talk about the War Powers Resolution in this case,” Morrison said.
Instead, the plaintiffs want the judiciary to quickly declare the war unconstitutional, based on the idea that the Constitution’s Declare War Clause forbids the president from waging a full-scale, extended war that Congress never authorized and has voted to terminate. Such a ruling could pro vide a way to hold Trump accountable for ignoring such war powers resolutions.
“To flout a court judgment, among other things, would be an impeachable offense,” the lawsuit notes.
#IranWar #WarPowers #NationalIranianAmericanCouncil #ChecksAndBalances
https://www.levernews.com/iran-war-victims-put-trumps-power-grab-on-trial/ -
“We made a conscious decision to not talk about the War Powers Resolution in this case,” Morrison said.
Instead, the plaintiffs want the judiciary to quickly declare the war unconstitutional, based on the idea that the Constitution’s Declare War Clause forbids the president from waging a full-scale, extended war that Congress never authorized and has voted to terminate. Such a ruling could pro vide a way to hold Trump accountable for ignoring such war powers resolutions.
“To flout a court judgment, among other things, would be an impeachable offense,” the lawsuit notes.
#IranWar #WarPowers #NationalIranianAmericanCouncil #ChecksAndBalances
https://www.levernews.com/iran-war-victims-put-trumps-power-grab-on-trial/ -
“We made a conscious decision to not talk about the War Powers Resolution in this case,” Morrison said.
Instead, the plaintiffs want the judiciary to quickly declare the war unconstitutional, based on the idea that the Constitution’s Declare War Clause forbids the president from waging a full-scale, extended war that Congress never authorized and has voted to terminate. Such a ruling could pro vide a way to hold Trump accountable for ignoring such war powers resolutions.
“To flout a court judgment, among other things, would be an impeachable offense,” the lawsuit notes.
#IranWar #WarPowers #NationalIranianAmericanCouncil #ChecksAndBalances
https://www.levernews.com/iran-war-victims-put-trumps-power-grab-on-trial/ -
G. Elliott Morris's poll asks: Are Americans better off? It reveals 58% feel the U.S. is worse off under President Trump, with 56% wanting Congress to check him—even a quarter of Republicans agree. This highlights widespread dissatisfaction. Discover the full details here: https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/2026-09-25-58-percent-country-worse-off-than-under-biden #VoterSentiment #USPolitics #Polls #ChecksAndBalances
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G. Elliott Morris's poll asks: Are Americans better off? It reveals 58% feel the U.S. is worse off under President Trump, with 56% wanting Congress to check him—even a quarter of Republicans agree. This highlights widespread dissatisfaction. Discover the full details here: https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/2026-09-25-58-percent-country-worse-off-than-under-biden #VoterSentiment #USPolitics #Polls #ChecksAndBalances
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Faschisten interessieren sich nicht für Gerichtsurteile.
#Faschismus #Rechtsstaat #fascism #checksAndBalances #WehrhafteDemokratie #USA #Trump
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Faschisten interessieren sich nicht für Gerichtsurteile.
#Faschismus #Rechtsstaat #fascism #checksAndBalances #WehrhafteDemokratie #USA #Trump
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Faschisten interessieren sich nicht für Gerichtsurteile.
#Faschismus #Rechtsstaat #fascism #checksAndBalances #WehrhafteDemokratie #USA #Trump
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Faschisten interessieren sich nicht für Gerichtsurteile.
#Faschismus #Rechtsstaat #fascism #checksAndBalances #WehrhafteDemokratie #USA #Trump
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This is very concerning and goes to the heart of #Democracy and what is meant by the term.
—-Quote
1 hour ago 11.58 AESTSecrecy bid from some of the most powerful covert operatives in Australia – senior bureaucrats
Bill BrowneEarlier this year, an Australia Institute freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that the Attorney-General’s Department had been holding back information from the public.
Their apparent motive was to escape tricky questions at Senate Estimates, the rare opportunity that democratically elected representatives get to ask questions of government officials.
Now, the secretaries who head government departments are suggesting footage from Senate Estimates should not even make it online.
In a parliamentary submission, the Secretaries Board (departmental heads) have suggested either preventing the use of committee evidence on social media altogether, or requiring committee evidence to be published without editing or captions.
They complain that public servants have been accused of “‘hiding’ things, ‘covering up’ for the government, or ‘being a liar’.”
The problem, of course, is that senior public servants do sometimes hide things and cover up – not just for the government, but to serve their own interests as well. Departments spend time and money training public servants to dodge Estimates questions. And when they do so, ridicule (though never abuse) is an appropriate response.
Last year, then Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer said public servants were writing their “genuine thoughts” on Post It notes so they could never become public knowledge. The Public Service Commissioner is supposed to be the “steward” of public service integrity, but it took senators to remind him that this was an illegal breach of the public service’s obligation to keep accurate records.
Public service delegations at Senate Estimates are generally fronted by deputy secretaries or secretaries. They are the elite 0.1% of the public service, in sought-after roles of significant power and influence. It is entirely appropriate that they are subjected to public scrutiny.
In other words, there is a power imbalance when a senator questions a secretary or deputy secretary – but it is the public servant who likely wields much more power than the senator and is invariably paid more.
Of course, parliamentary questioning is not always kind or constructive. There are politicians who could do better on social media. But Senate Estimates is a key accountability mechanism for these organisations and the executive government more generally. So long as public servants deliberately hide information, open questioning will remain a necessity so the public can find out what is being done in their name.”
https://live.thepoint.com.au/#8fe433f938#AusPol #PublicService #Transparancy #Accountability #DemocraticInstitutions #LiveParliamentaryEnquiries #TheRightToKnow #ChecksAndBalances #WestminsterSystem
#Polliticians #PoliticalAppointees -
This is very concerning and goes to the heart of #Democracy and what is meant by the term.
—-Quote
1 hour ago 11.58 AESTSecrecy bid from some of the most powerful covert operatives in Australia – senior bureaucrats
Bill BrowneEarlier this year, an Australia Institute freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that the Attorney-General’s Department had been holding back information from the public.
Their apparent motive was to escape tricky questions at Senate Estimates, the rare opportunity that democratically elected representatives get to ask questions of government officials.
Now, the secretaries who head government departments are suggesting footage from Senate Estimates should not even make it online.
In a parliamentary submission, the Secretaries Board (departmental heads) have suggested either preventing the use of committee evidence on social media altogether, or requiring committee evidence to be published without editing or captions.
They complain that public servants have been accused of “‘hiding’ things, ‘covering up’ for the government, or ‘being a liar’.”
The problem, of course, is that senior public servants do sometimes hide things and cover up – not just for the government, but to serve their own interests as well. Departments spend time and money training public servants to dodge Estimates questions. And when they do so, ridicule (though never abuse) is an appropriate response.
Last year, then Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer said public servants were writing their “genuine thoughts” on Post It notes so they could never become public knowledge. The Public Service Commissioner is supposed to be the “steward” of public service integrity, but it took senators to remind him that this was an illegal breach of the public service’s obligation to keep accurate records.
Public service delegations at Senate Estimates are generally fronted by deputy secretaries or secretaries. They are the elite 0.1% of the public service, in sought-after roles of significant power and influence. It is entirely appropriate that they are subjected to public scrutiny.
In other words, there is a power imbalance when a senator questions a secretary or deputy secretary – but it is the public servant who likely wields much more power than the senator and is invariably paid more.
Of course, parliamentary questioning is not always kind or constructive. There are politicians who could do better on social media. But Senate Estimates is a key accountability mechanism for these organisations and the executive government more generally. So long as public servants deliberately hide information, open questioning will remain a necessity so the public can find out what is being done in their name.”
https://live.thepoint.com.au/#8fe433f938#AusPol #PublicService #Transparancy #Accountability #DemocraticInstitutions #LiveParliamentaryEnquiries #TheRightToKnow #ChecksAndBalances #WestminsterSystem
#Polliticians #PoliticalAppointees -
This is very concerning and goes to the heart of #Democracy and what is meant by the term.
—-Quote
1 hour ago 11.58 AESTSecrecy bid from some of the most powerful covert operatives in Australia – senior bureaucrats
Bill BrowneEarlier this year, an Australia Institute freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that the Attorney-General’s Department had been holding back information from the public.
Their apparent motive was to escape tricky questions at Senate Estimates, the rare opportunity that democratically elected representatives get to ask questions of government officials.
Now, the secretaries who head government departments are suggesting footage from Senate Estimates should not even make it online.
In a parliamentary submission, the Secretaries Board (departmental heads) have suggested either preventing the use of committee evidence on social media altogether, or requiring committee evidence to be published without editing or captions.
They complain that public servants have been accused of “‘hiding’ things, ‘covering up’ for the government, or ‘being a liar’.”
The problem, of course, is that senior public servants do sometimes hide things and cover up – not just for the government, but to serve their own interests as well. Departments spend time and money training public servants to dodge Estimates questions. And when they do so, ridicule (though never abuse) is an appropriate response.
Last year, then Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer said public servants were writing their “genuine thoughts” on Post It notes so they could never become public knowledge. The Public Service Commissioner is supposed to be the “steward” of public service integrity, but it took senators to remind him that this was an illegal breach of the public service’s obligation to keep accurate records.
Public service delegations at Senate Estimates are generally fronted by deputy secretaries or secretaries. They are the elite 0.1% of the public service, in sought-after roles of significant power and influence. It is entirely appropriate that they are subjected to public scrutiny.
In other words, there is a power imbalance when a senator questions a secretary or deputy secretary – but it is the public servant who likely wields much more power than the senator and is invariably paid more.
Of course, parliamentary questioning is not always kind or constructive. There are politicians who could do better on social media. But Senate Estimates is a key accountability mechanism for these organisations and the executive government more generally. So long as public servants deliberately hide information, open questioning will remain a necessity so the public can find out what is being done in their name.”
https://live.thepoint.com.au/#8fe433f938#AusPol #PublicService #Transparancy #Accountability #DemocraticInstitutions #LiveParliamentaryEnquiries #TheRightToKnow #ChecksAndBalances #WestminsterSystem
#Polliticians #PoliticalAppointees -
This is very concerning and goes to the heart of #Democracy and what is meant by the term.
—-Quote
1 hour ago 11.58 AESTSecrecy bid from some of the most powerful covert operatives in Australia – senior bureaucrats
Bill BrowneEarlier this year, an Australia Institute freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that the Attorney-General’s Department had been holding back information from the public.
Their apparent motive was to escape tricky questions at Senate Estimates, the rare opportunity that democratically elected representatives get to ask questions of government officials.
Now, the secretaries who head government departments are suggesting footage from Senate Estimates should not even make it online.
In a parliamentary submission, the Secretaries Board (departmental heads) have suggested either preventing the use of committee evidence on social media altogether, or requiring committee evidence to be published without editing or captions.
They complain that public servants have been accused of “‘hiding’ things, ‘covering up’ for the government, or ‘being a liar’.”
The problem, of course, is that senior public servants do sometimes hide things and cover up – not just for the government, but to serve their own interests as well. Departments spend time and money training public servants to dodge Estimates questions. And when they do so, ridicule (though never abuse) is an appropriate response.
Last year, then Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer said public servants were writing their “genuine thoughts” on Post It notes so they could never become public knowledge. The Public Service Commissioner is supposed to be the “steward” of public service integrity, but it took senators to remind him that this was an illegal breach of the public service’s obligation to keep accurate records.
Public service delegations at Senate Estimates are generally fronted by deputy secretaries or secretaries. They are the elite 0.1% of the public service, in sought-after roles of significant power and influence. It is entirely appropriate that they are subjected to public scrutiny.
In other words, there is a power imbalance when a senator questions a secretary or deputy secretary – but it is the public servant who likely wields much more power than the senator and is invariably paid more.
Of course, parliamentary questioning is not always kind or constructive. There are politicians who could do better on social media. But Senate Estimates is a key accountability mechanism for these organisations and the executive government more generally. So long as public servants deliberately hide information, open questioning will remain a necessity so the public can find out what is being done in their name.”
https://live.thepoint.com.au/#8fe433f938#AusPol #PublicService #Transparancy #Accountability #DemocraticInstitutions #LiveParliamentaryEnquiries #TheRightToKnow #ChecksAndBalances #WestminsterSystem
#Polliticians #PoliticalAppointees -
A quotation from Hannah Arendt
The [American] Founding Fathers never believed that tyranny could arise out of the executive office, because they did not see this office in any different light but as the execution of what the legislation has decreed in various forms. I leave it at that. We know today that the greatest danger of tyranny is, of course, the executive.
Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) German-American philosopher, political theorist
Interview (1973-10) with Roger Errera, Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (ORTF)More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/arendt-hannah/76120/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #hannaharendt #America #Constitution #executive #founders #legislature #president #tyranny #separationofpowers #checksandbalances
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A quotation from Hannah Arendt
The [American] Founding Fathers never believed that tyranny could arise out of the executive office, because they did not see this office in any different light but as the execution of what the legislation has decreed in various forms. I leave it at that. We know today that the greatest danger of tyranny is, of course, the executive.
Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) German-American philosopher, political theorist
Interview (1973-10) with Roger Errera, Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (ORTF)More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/arendt-hannah/76120/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #hannaharendt #America #Constitution #executive #founders #legislature #president #tyranny #separationofpowers #checksandbalances
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A quotation from Hannah Arendt
The [American] Founding Fathers never believed that tyranny could arise out of the executive office, because they did not see this office in any different light but as the execution of what the legislation has decreed in various forms. I leave it at that. We know today that the greatest danger of tyranny is, of course, the executive.
Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) German-American philosopher, political theorist
Interview (1973-10) with Roger Errera, Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (ORTF)More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/arendt-hannah/76120/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #hannaharendt #America #Constitution #executive #founders #legislature #president #tyranny #separationofpowers #checksandbalances
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A quotation from Hannah Arendt
The [American] Founding Fathers never believed that tyranny could arise out of the executive office, because they did not see this office in any different light but as the execution of what the legislation has decreed in various forms. I leave it at that. We know today that the greatest danger of tyranny is, of course, the executive.
Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) German-American philosopher, political theorist
Interview (1973-10) with Roger Errera, Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (ORTF)More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/arendt-hannah/76120/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #hannaharendt #America #Constitution #executive #founders #legislature #president #tyranny #separationofpowers #checksandbalances
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Heather Cox Richardson explains how President Trump and his administration are acting like the Constitution doesn't exist. She details how emergency powers, tariffs, and even wars are being used to bypass congressional authority. Discover the full analysis here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-26-2026 #ConstitutionalLaw #ChecksAndBalances #USPolitics
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Heather Cox Richardson explains how President Trump and his administration are acting like the Constitution doesn't exist. She details how emergency powers, tariffs, and even wars are being used to bypass congressional authority. Discover the full analysis here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-26-2026 #ConstitutionalLaw #ChecksAndBalances #USPolitics
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TIL about Parliamentary powers to Order Documents be produced (OPD) from the govt. The NSW’s Premier doesn’t like it, apparently. There’s a lot he doesn’t like, protests for instance, or transparency, and even free speach. He’s a peculiar one this one. He’d fit in well as a Liberal Premier.
#WestminsterSystem #NSWPol #NSWLabor #ChrisMinns #ODP #ChecksAndBalances #NSWLegislativeCouncil
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TIL about Parliamentary powers to Order Documents be produced (OPD) from the govt. The NSW’s Premier doesn’t like it, apparently. There’s a lot he doesn’t like, protests for instance, or transparency, and even free speach. He’s a peculiar one this one. He’d fit in well as a Liberal Premier.
#WestminsterSystem #NSWPol #NSWLabor #ChrisMinns #ODP #ChecksAndBalances #NSWLegislativeCouncil
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TIL about Parliamentary powers to Order Documents be produced (OPD) from the govt. The NSW’s Premier doesn’t like it, apparently. There’s a lot he doesn’t like, protests for instance, or transparency, and even free speach. He’s a peculiar one this one. He’d fit in well as a Liberal Premier.
#WestminsterSystem #NSWPol #NSWLabor #ChrisMinns #ODP #ChecksAndBalances #NSWLegislativeCouncil
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TIL about Parliamentary powers to Order Documents be produced (OPD) from the govt. The NSW’s Premier doesn’t like it, apparently. There’s a lot he doesn’t like, protests for instance, or transparency, and even free speach. He’s a peculiar one this one. He’d fit in well as a Liberal Premier.
#WestminsterSystem #NSWPol #NSWLabor #ChrisMinns #ODP #ChecksAndBalances #NSWLegislativeCouncil
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Just wanted to say, former #FedChairman #JeromePowell is a hero, and I don't think people appreciate his heroism enough.
The job of the #FederalReserve is to prevent bank-runs, #debt crises, and #inflation, by manipulating the money supply, and it's set up the way it is to ensure it's run by calm hands and not panicky #investors and #politicians with ulterior motives. People genuinely do not realize how much it protects us.
Jerome #Powell protected us from #Trump, under threat of violence and the reality legal attacks that are still attempting to put him in prison. #Trump demanded for years that he lower interest rates so he could have a quarter with more spending, which would've sent the #US #economy into long term #HyperInflation, making food and housing way more unaffordable than they are now, and had global ramifications that would last decades.
He protected us from that.
No matter what other disagreements we have with him, we can say for a fact that Jerome Powell did his duty, for the #American people, under threat. And for that, he will always be a hero.
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Just wanted to say, former #FedChairman #JeromePowell is a hero, and I don't think people appreciate his heroism enough.
The job of the #FederalReserve is to prevent bank-runs, #debt crises, and #inflation, by manipulating the money supply, and it's set up the way it is to ensure it's run by calm hands and not panicky #investors and #politicians with ulterior motives. People genuinely do not realize how much it protects us.
Jerome #Powell protected us from #Trump, under threat of violence and the reality legal attacks that are still attempting to put him in prison. #Trump demanded for years that he lower interest rates so he could have a quarter with more spending, which would've sent the #US #economy into long term #HyperInflation, making food and housing way more unaffordable than they are now, and had global ramifications that would last decades.
He protected us from that.
No matter what other disagreements we have with him, we can say for a fact that Jerome Powell did his duty, for the #American people, under threat. And for that, he will always be a hero.
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Just wanted to say, former #FedChairman #JeromePowell is a hero, and I don't think people appreciate his heroism enough.
The job of the #FederalReserve is to prevent bank-runs, #debt crises, and #inflation, by manipulating the money supply, and it's set up the way it is to ensure it's run by calm hands and not panicky #investors and #politicians with ulterior motives. People genuinely do not realize how much it protects us.
Jerome #Powell protected us from #Trump, under threat of violence and the reality legal attacks that are still attempting to put him in prison. #Trump demanded for years that he lower interest rates so he could have a quarter with more spending, which would've sent the #US #economy into long term #HyperInflation, making food and housing way more unaffordable than they are now, and had global ramifications that would last decades.
He protected us from that.
No matter what other disagreements we have with him, we can say for a fact that Jerome Powell did his duty, for the #American people, under threat. And for that, he will always be a hero.
-
Just wanted to say, former #FedChairman #JeromePowell is a hero, and I don't think people appreciate his heroism enough.
The job of the #FederalReserve is to prevent bank-runs, #debt crises, and #inflation, by manipulating the money supply, and it's set up the way it is to ensure it's run by calm hands and not panicky #investors and #politicians with ulterior motives. People genuinely do not realize how much it protects us.
Jerome #Powell protected us from #Trump, under threat of violence and the reality legal attacks that are still attempting to put him in prison. #Trump demanded for years that he lower interest rates so he could have a quarter with more spending, which would've sent the #US #economy into long term #HyperInflation, making food and housing way more unaffordable than they are now, and had global ramifications that would last decades.
He protected us from that.
No matter what other disagreements we have with him, we can say for a fact that Jerome Powell did his duty, for the #American people, under threat. And for that, he will always be a hero.
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Meanwhile, rather than looking at the claims for power availability and sources, not to mention water (see US reports of massive pollution as well as excessive water usage) the UK government is taking the ‘easy way out’ - reducing any safeguards.
We will be left holding the can when these fail as the bubble deflates before finally popping.
#AI #UK #DataCentre #ChecksAndBalances #Labour #Maladministration
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Meanwhile, rather than looking at the claims for power availability and sources, not to mention water (see US reports of massive pollution as well as excessive water usage) the UK government is taking the ‘easy way out’ - reducing any safeguards.
We will be left holding the can when these fail as the bubble deflates before finally popping.
#AI #UK #DataCentre #ChecksAndBalances #Labour #Maladministration
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Meanwhile, rather than looking at the claims for power availability and sources, not to mention water (see US reports of massive pollution as well as excessive water usage) the UK government is taking the ‘easy way out’ - reducing any safeguards.
We will be left holding the can when these fail as the bubble deflates before finally popping.
#AI #UK #DataCentre #ChecksAndBalances #Labour #Maladministration
-
Meanwhile, rather than looking at the claims for power availability and sources, not to mention water (see US reports of massive pollution as well as excessive water usage) the UK government is taking the ‘easy way out’ - reducing any safeguards.
We will be left holding the can when these fail as the bubble deflates before finally popping.
#AI #UK #DataCentre #ChecksAndBalances #Labour #Maladministration
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#Africa #democracy #ChecksAndBalances #colonialism #history
"The Buganda Parliament: Africa's 1,000-Year-Old Democracy
Picture this: It's 1890, and a group of British colonial officers stride confidently into what they expect to be another 'primitive' African chieftain's hut. Instead, they find themselves standing before a magnificent parliament building that could house over 1,000 representatives, watching as elected officials debate taxation policy with the sophistication of seasoned European politicians. The twist? This democratic institution had been operating for nearly a millennium—centuries before the British Parliament had wrested power from their own monarchs.
Welcome to the Lukiiko, the parliament of the Buganda Kingdom, where democracy wasn't a European import but a homegrown African innovation that would make modern political scientists weep with envy.
(. . .)
The Birth of African Democracy
Long before the Magna Carta limited the power of English kings in 1215, the Baganda people of present-day Uganda had already cracked the code of balanced governance. The Lukiiko emerged around 1000 AD as more than just a royal advisory council—it was a genuine parliament with teeth sharp enough to bite even kings who overstepped their bounds.
The system centered around the Kabaka (king), but here's where it gets interesting: unlike European absolute monarchs who ruled by divine right, the Kabaka governed through a complex web of checks and balances that would make James Madison proud. The real power broker was the Katikkiro—essentially a prime minister who served as the head of government while the Kabaka remained head of state. Think of it as a constitutional monarchy, but one that evolved naturally over centuries rather than being imposed after bloody revolutions.
What made this system truly remarkable was its representational structure. Every saza (county) in Buganda sent elected representatives to the Lukiiko, creating a genuine voice for communities across the kingdom. These weren't ceremonial positions either—parliament members controlled everything from land distribution to military conscription, wielding power that could make or break royal policies.
Here's where the Buganda system really separates itself from its European contemporaries: women weren't political afterthoughts. The Namasole (Queen Mother) held a position so powerful that she could effectively veto royal decisions and command her own military forces. She wasn't just the king's mother—she was a political powerhouse in her own right, controlling vast territories and wielding influence that extended far beyond the royal court.
But the Queen Mother wasn't alone. Female chiefs, known as Bataka, controlled significant portions of Buganda's territory. These weren't honorary titles handed out to keep women quiet; they were genuine leadership positions with real authority over taxation, justice, and local governance. When European missionaries arrived in the 1870s, they were scandalized to find women making political decisions that affected thousands of people—something virtually unheard of in 'civilized' Victorian society.
The most stunning example? In 1888, when religious wars threatened to tear Buganda apart, it was largely the intervention of powerful women leaders that prevented complete societal collapse. While European women were still fighting for the right to own property, Buganda women were commanding armies and negotiating international treaties.
(. . .)
The British were genuinely confounded. Their entire colonial project was built on the assumption that Africans needed European guidance to develop 'civilized' institutions, yet here was a parliamentary democracy that had been functioning effectively for centuries. Colonial reports from this period reveal a grudging admiration mixed with bewilderment at finding political sophistication where they expected primitive tribalism.
Rather than acknowledge this inconvenient truth, the British chose to co-opt the system. The Uganda Agreement of 1900 nominally preserved the Lukiiko while stripping it of real power, transforming it from a genuine parliament into a colonial administrative tool. It was a masterclass in imperial gaslighting—maintain the form while gutting the function."
https://history-uncovered.com/articles/the-buganda-parliament-africas-1000-year-old-democracy
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#Africa #democracy #ChecksAndBalances #colonialism #history
"The Buganda Parliament: Africa's 1,000-Year-Old Democracy
Picture this: It's 1890, and a group of British colonial officers stride confidently into what they expect to be another 'primitive' African chieftain's hut. Instead, they find themselves standing before a magnificent parliament building that could house over 1,000 representatives, watching as elected officials debate taxation policy with the sophistication of seasoned European politicians. The twist? This democratic institution had been operating for nearly a millennium—centuries before the British Parliament had wrested power from their own monarchs.
Welcome to the Lukiiko, the parliament of the Buganda Kingdom, where democracy wasn't a European import but a homegrown African innovation that would make modern political scientists weep with envy.
(. . .)
The Birth of African Democracy
Long before the Magna Carta limited the power of English kings in 1215, the Baganda people of present-day Uganda had already cracked the code of balanced governance. The Lukiiko emerged around 1000 AD as more than just a royal advisory council—it was a genuine parliament with teeth sharp enough to bite even kings who overstepped their bounds.
The system centered around the Kabaka (king), but here's where it gets interesting: unlike European absolute monarchs who ruled by divine right, the Kabaka governed through a complex web of checks and balances that would make James Madison proud. The real power broker was the Katikkiro—essentially a prime minister who served as the head of government while the Kabaka remained head of state. Think of it as a constitutional monarchy, but one that evolved naturally over centuries rather than being imposed after bloody revolutions.
What made this system truly remarkable was its representational structure. Every saza (county) in Buganda sent elected representatives to the Lukiiko, creating a genuine voice for communities across the kingdom. These weren't ceremonial positions either—parliament members controlled everything from land distribution to military conscription, wielding power that could make or break royal policies.
Here's where the Buganda system really separates itself from its European contemporaries: women weren't political afterthoughts. The Namasole (Queen Mother) held a position so powerful that she could effectively veto royal decisions and command her own military forces. She wasn't just the king's mother—she was a political powerhouse in her own right, controlling vast territories and wielding influence that extended far beyond the royal court.
But the Queen Mother wasn't alone. Female chiefs, known as Bataka, controlled significant portions of Buganda's territory. These weren't honorary titles handed out to keep women quiet; they were genuine leadership positions with real authority over taxation, justice, and local governance. When European missionaries arrived in the 1870s, they were scandalized to find women making political decisions that affected thousands of people—something virtually unheard of in 'civilized' Victorian society.
The most stunning example? In 1888, when religious wars threatened to tear Buganda apart, it was largely the intervention of powerful women leaders that prevented complete societal collapse. While European women were still fighting for the right to own property, Buganda women were commanding armies and negotiating international treaties.
(. . .)
The British were genuinely confounded. Their entire colonial project was built on the assumption that Africans needed European guidance to develop 'civilized' institutions, yet here was a parliamentary democracy that had been functioning effectively for centuries. Colonial reports from this period reveal a grudging admiration mixed with bewilderment at finding political sophistication where they expected primitive tribalism.
Rather than acknowledge this inconvenient truth, the British chose to co-opt the system. The Uganda Agreement of 1900 nominally preserved the Lukiiko while stripping it of real power, transforming it from a genuine parliament into a colonial administrative tool. It was a masterclass in imperial gaslighting—maintain the form while gutting the function."
https://history-uncovered.com/articles/the-buganda-parliament-africas-1000-year-old-democracy
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#Africa #democracy #ChecksAndBalances #colonialism #history
"The Buganda Parliament: Africa's 1,000-Year-Old Democracy
Picture this: It's 1890, and a group of British colonial officers stride confidently into what they expect to be another 'primitive' African chieftain's hut. Instead, they find themselves standing before a magnificent parliament building that could house over 1,000 representatives, watching as elected officials debate taxation policy with the sophistication of seasoned European politicians. The twist? This democratic institution had been operating for nearly a millennium—centuries before the British Parliament had wrested power from their own monarchs.
Welcome to the Lukiiko, the parliament of the Buganda Kingdom, where democracy wasn't a European import but a homegrown African innovation that would make modern political scientists weep with envy.
(. . .)
The Birth of African Democracy
Long before the Magna Carta limited the power of English kings in 1215, the Baganda people of present-day Uganda had already cracked the code of balanced governance. The Lukiiko emerged around 1000 AD as more than just a royal advisory council—it was a genuine parliament with teeth sharp enough to bite even kings who overstepped their bounds.
The system centered around the Kabaka (king), but here's where it gets interesting: unlike European absolute monarchs who ruled by divine right, the Kabaka governed through a complex web of checks and balances that would make James Madison proud. The real power broker was the Katikkiro—essentially a prime minister who served as the head of government while the Kabaka remained head of state. Think of it as a constitutional monarchy, but one that evolved naturally over centuries rather than being imposed after bloody revolutions.
What made this system truly remarkable was its representational structure. Every saza (county) in Buganda sent elected representatives to the Lukiiko, creating a genuine voice for communities across the kingdom. These weren't ceremonial positions either—parliament members controlled everything from land distribution to military conscription, wielding power that could make or break royal policies.
Here's where the Buganda system really separates itself from its European contemporaries: women weren't political afterthoughts. The Namasole (Queen Mother) held a position so powerful that she could effectively veto royal decisions and command her own military forces. She wasn't just the king's mother—she was a political powerhouse in her own right, controlling vast territories and wielding influence that extended far beyond the royal court.
But the Queen Mother wasn't alone. Female chiefs, known as Bataka, controlled significant portions of Buganda's territory. These weren't honorary titles handed out to keep women quiet; they were genuine leadership positions with real authority over taxation, justice, and local governance. When European missionaries arrived in the 1870s, they were scandalized to find women making political decisions that affected thousands of people—something virtually unheard of in 'civilized' Victorian society.
The most stunning example? In 1888, when religious wars threatened to tear Buganda apart, it was largely the intervention of powerful women leaders that prevented complete societal collapse. While European women were still fighting for the right to own property, Buganda women were commanding armies and negotiating international treaties.
(. . .)
The British were genuinely confounded. Their entire colonial project was built on the assumption that Africans needed European guidance to develop 'civilized' institutions, yet here was a parliamentary democracy that had been functioning effectively for centuries. Colonial reports from this period reveal a grudging admiration mixed with bewilderment at finding political sophistication where they expected primitive tribalism.
Rather than acknowledge this inconvenient truth, the British chose to co-opt the system. The Uganda Agreement of 1900 nominally preserved the Lukiiko while stripping it of real power, transforming it from a genuine parliament into a colonial administrative tool. It was a masterclass in imperial gaslighting—maintain the form while gutting the function."
https://history-uncovered.com/articles/the-buganda-parliament-africas-1000-year-old-democracy
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Did the Supreme Court just reshape presidential power? Dan Mangan reports the 6-3 conservative ruling now allows a president to fire FTC commissioners at will, overturning a 90-year precedent. This dramatically expands executive authority over independent agencies. Learn more about this crucial decision. Thanks, Dan Mangan! https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/29/supreme-court-trump-slaughter-ftc.html #SupremeCourt #PresidentialPower #FTC #ChecksAndBalances
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#SCOTUS Expands Trump’s #ExecutivePower Over #Immigration
The court handed #Trump victories in his push to rescind #deportation & for hundreds of thousands of people & turn away #immigrants at the southern border.
#law #immigration #Constitution #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #judiciary #legislation #authoritarianism #autocracy #dictatorship #fascism #tyranny #racism #WhiteSupremacy #WhiteChristianNationalism #PartisanCourt #ActivistCourt
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html?unlocked_article_code=1.s1A.fkE6.E-jXQRTpMCY6&smid=nytcore-ios-share -
#SCOTUS Expands Trump’s #ExecutivePower Over #Immigration
The court handed #Trump victories in his push to rescind #deportation & for hundreds of thousands of people & turn away #immigrants at the southern border.
#law #immigration #Constitution #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #judiciary #legislation #authoritarianism #autocracy #dictatorship #fascism #tyranny #racism #WhiteSupremacy #WhiteChristianNationalism #PartisanCourt #ActivistCourt
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html?unlocked_article_code=1.s1A.fkE6.E-jXQRTpMCY6&smid=nytcore-ios-share -
#SCOTUS Expands Trump’s #ExecutivePower Over #Immigration
The court handed #Trump victories in his push to rescind #deportation & for hundreds of thousands of people & turn away #immigrants at the southern border.
#law #immigration #Constitution #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #judiciary #legislation #authoritarianism #autocracy #dictatorship #fascism #tyranny #racism #WhiteSupremacy #WhiteChristianNationalism #PartisanCourt #ActivistCourt
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html?unlocked_article_code=1.s1A.fkE6.E-jXQRTpMCY6&smid=nytcore-ios-share -
#SCOTUS Expands Trump’s #ExecutivePower Over #Immigration
The court handed #Trump victories in his push to rescind #deportation & for hundreds of thousands of people & turn away #immigrants at the southern border.
#law #immigration #Constitution #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #judiciary #legislation #authoritarianism #autocracy #dictatorship #fascism #tyranny #racism #WhiteSupremacy #WhiteChristianNationalism #PartisanCourt #ActivistCourt
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html?unlocked_article_code=1.s1A.fkE6.E-jXQRTpMCY6&smid=nytcore-ios-share -
While the resolution is largely symbolic 😞, & does not fully carry the force of #law 😞😞, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of #Republican lawmakers in both the #House & #Senate over both the #war & the “deal” #Trump struck with #Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution earlier this month.
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
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While the resolution is largely symbolic 😞, & does not fully carry the force of #law 😞😞, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of #Republican lawmakers in both the #House & #Senate over both the #war & the “deal” #Trump struck with #Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution earlier this month.
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
-
While the resolution is largely symbolic 😞, & does not fully carry the force of #law 😞😞, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of #Republican lawmakers in both the #House & #Senate over both the #war & the “deal” #Trump struck with #Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution earlier this month.
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
-
While the resolution is largely symbolic 😞, & does not fully carry the force of #law 😞😞, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of #Republican lawmakers in both the #House & #Senate over both the #war & the “deal” #Trump struck with #Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution earlier this month.
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
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🚨🚨🚨Holy hell! I never would have thought that they had it in them!🚨🚨🚨
#Senate for FIRST time approves a #WarPowers resolution in a rebuke to #Trump over #Iran conflict
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
https://apnews.com/article/senate-iran-war-powers-resolution-trump-7462a9a561103f531d995aac91f9fc96 -
🚨🚨🚨Holy hell! I never would have thought that they had it in them!🚨🚨🚨
#Senate for FIRST time approves a #WarPowers resolution in a rebuke to #Trump over #Iran conflict
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
https://apnews.com/article/senate-iran-war-powers-resolution-trump-7462a9a561103f531d995aac91f9fc96 -
🚨🚨🚨Holy hell! I never would have thought that they had it in them!🚨🚨🚨
#Senate for FIRST time approves a #WarPowers resolution in a rebuke to #Trump over #Iran conflict
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
https://apnews.com/article/senate-iran-war-powers-resolution-trump-7462a9a561103f531d995aac91f9fc96 -
🚨🚨🚨Holy hell! I never would have thought that they had it in them!🚨🚨🚨
#Senate for FIRST time approves a #WarPowers resolution in a rebuke to #Trump over #Iran conflict
#law #TrumpsWar #IranWar #SeparationOfPowers #CoEqualBranchesOfGovernment #ChecksAndBalances #US #Constitution #democracy
https://apnews.com/article/senate-iran-war-powers-resolution-trump-7462a9a561103f531d995aac91f9fc96 -
Dan Mangan reports on stunning allegations! California Gov. Gavin Newsom accuses President Donald Trump of ordering a DOJ probe into him and his wife, Jennifer, labeling Trump "the most corrupt President." Newsom claims the investigation is politically motivated due to his potential presidential run, with federal agents contacting family friends and former employees. Explore the full story here: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/15/gavin-newsom-trump-doj-investigation-california.html #GavinNewsom #DOJ #PoliticalProbe #ChecksAndBalances
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Suspending #HabeasCorpus was one of two radical ideas #StephenMiller had been pushing that alarmed Mr. Scharf. The other was invoking the #InsurrectionAct to deploy the #military to enforce the #law on #US streets as #protests grew against #deportation sweeps.
Scharf wrote confidential memos to Wiles on both topics….
[article is long, but I recommend reading it]
#Trump #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #ExecutivePower #Constitution #democracy #WhiteSupremacy #immigration
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Suspending #HabeasCorpus was one of two radical ideas #StephenMiller had been pushing that alarmed Mr. Scharf. The other was invoking the #InsurrectionAct to deploy the #military to enforce the #law on #US streets as #protests grew against #deportation sweeps.
Scharf wrote confidential memos to Wiles on both topics….
[article is long, but I recommend reading it]
#Trump #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #ExecutivePower #Constitution #democracy #WhiteSupremacy #immigration
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Suspending #HabeasCorpus was one of two radical ideas #StephenMiller had been pushing that alarmed Mr. Scharf. The other was invoking the #InsurrectionAct to deploy the #military to enforce the #law on #US streets as #protests grew against #deportation sweeps.
Scharf wrote confidential memos to Wiles on both topics….
[article is long, but I recommend reading it]
#Trump #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #ExecutivePower #Constitution #democracy #WhiteSupremacy #immigration
-
Suspending #HabeasCorpus was one of two radical ideas #StephenMiller had been pushing that alarmed Mr. Scharf. The other was invoking the #InsurrectionAct to deploy the #military to enforce the #law on #US streets as #protests grew against #deportation sweeps.
Scharf wrote confidential memos to Wiles on both topics….
[article is long, but I recommend reading it]
#Trump #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #ExecutivePower #Constitution #democracy #WhiteSupremacy #immigration
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The man who outlined his concerns in the memo, Mr. Scharf, was no resistance figure. A trim, balding, Harvard-trained lawyer who had run for office in Missouri, he had bemoaned John McCain as too moderate for the 2008 Republican nomination, & believed #Trump had been vindictively prosecuted after his 2020 election loss.
#HabeasCorpus #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #ExecutivePower #democracy #immigration
-
The man who outlined his concerns in the memo, Mr. Scharf, was no resistance figure. A trim, balding, Harvard-trained lawyer who had run for office in Missouri, he had bemoaned John McCain as too moderate for the 2008 Republican nomination, & believed #Trump had been vindictively prosecuted after his 2020 election loss.
#HabeasCorpus #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #ExecutivePower #democracy #immigration
-
The man who outlined his concerns in the memo, Mr. Scharf, was no resistance figure. A trim, balding, Harvard-trained lawyer who had run for office in Missouri, he had bemoaned John McCain as too moderate for the 2008 Republican nomination, & believed #Trump had been vindictively prosecuted after his 2020 election loss.
#HabeasCorpus #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #ExecutivePower #democracy #immigration
-
The man who outlined his concerns in the memo, Mr. Scharf, was no resistance figure. A trim, balding, Harvard-trained lawyer who had run for office in Missouri, he had bemoaned John McCain as too moderate for the 2008 Republican nomination, & believed #Trump had been vindictively prosecuted after his 2020 election loss.
#HabeasCorpus #law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #ExecutivePower #democracy #immigration
-
Scharf’s memo, in its unassuming way, was a blinking red warning light. The 2nd #Trump White House was deliberating an explosive new claim of #PresidentialPower: the suspension of habeas rights for unauthorized #immigrants.
The suspension of #HabeasCorpus has occurred just a handful of times in US history, & always under the most dire circumstances of #war or #invasion.
#law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #democracy #StephenMiller #WhiteSupremacy #immigration
-
Scharf’s memo, in its unassuming way, was a blinking red warning light. The 2nd #Trump White House was deliberating an explosive new claim of #PresidentialPower: the suspension of habeas rights for unauthorized #immigrants.
The suspension of #HabeasCorpus has occurred just a handful of times in US history, & always under the most dire circumstances of #war or #invasion.
#law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #democracy #StephenMiller #WhiteSupremacy #immigration
-
Scharf’s memo, in its unassuming way, was a blinking red warning light. The 2nd #Trump White House was deliberating an explosive new claim of #PresidentialPower: the suspension of habeas rights for unauthorized #immigrants.
The suspension of #HabeasCorpus has occurred just a handful of times in US history, & always under the most dire circumstances of #war or #invasion.
#law #judiciary #SeparationOfPowers #ChecksAndBalances #Constitution #democracy #StephenMiller #WhiteSupremacy #immigration