James Carter
Staff Reporter, Politics & US News
James Carter covers Congress and federal policy for DailyScopePost. He focuses on translating legislative and regulatory developments into clear, factual explainers for a general audience.
Articles by James Carter
What Is the Federal Debt Ceiling?
The debt ceiling debate returns to Washington every few years. Here's what the debt limit actually is and why it periodically becomes a political flashpoint.
How a Bill Becomes a Law: A Plain-English Guide
From introduction to a president's signature, here is the step-by-step path a bill takes through Congress -- and the many places it can stall along the way.
What a Federal Government Shutdown Means and How It Happens
Government shutdowns make headlines every few years. Here's what actually triggers one, which services are affected, and how they typically end.
How the U.S. Electoral College Works
A plain-English walkthrough of how presidential elections are actually decided in the United States, from state electors to the certification of results.