Alliances
- Type: Power card
- Value: $3M
- Card count: 3
Alliances in the game
This card being swapped must be in the same collection, ie, a 'Power Card' can only be swapped for another 'Power Card', or a 'Campaign Funds' card can only be swapped for anothe 'Campaign Funds' card.
Any card in any collection is at play as long as it is not part of a complete set (if it is a 'Power Card')
'Wild Cards' that are not in a complete set are available to be swapped.
Alliances in US Politics
Alliances are important for politicians because they can provide political support, help build coalitions, and increase bargaining power. By forming alliances with other politicians, a party or individual can gain influence over others and have a greater impact on policy decisions.
However, alliances can also raise concerns about transparency and accountability. For example, politicians may form alliances with other politicians or interest groups to advance their own interests or the interests of those they are allied with, rather than the interests of the public.
...more about Alliances
Currently, there is no federal law that requires politicians to disclose their alliances. However, some states and localities have laws that require disclosure of campaign contributions and other political relationships, which can shed light on alliances between politicians and interest groups.
To increase transparency and accountability, some reforms that could be implemented include:
Requiring politicians to disclose all political alliances, including the identity of the political party or interest group they are allied with.
Prohibiting politicians from forming alliances with entities that have business before the government, to avoid conflicts of interest.
Implementing stricter ethics laws to prohibit politicians from using their positions for personal gain, including through political alliances.
Creating a database or registry of all political alliances, so that the public can easily access information about the relationships between politicians.
Increasing funding and resources for ethics agencies to ensure they have the ability to effectively monitor and enforce these reforms.
Overall, these reforms could help to increase transparency and limit the influence that political alliances can have on politicians, promoting accountability and trust in government.
If you want to learn more about political aliances, here are some resources that explore how they are made, both openly and in secret, in US politics:
Books:
"The Power Broker" by Robert Caro - an in-depth look at the career of New York power broker Robert Moses and the alliances he formed to exert control over the city.
"Dark Money" by Jane Mayer - an investigation into the network of wealthy donors who have used their money to influence American politics.
"The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama - a memoir by the former president that discusses the alliances he formed and the political landscape during his time in office.
Publications:
Politico - a news outlet that covers politics and policy in the United States, with a focus on the people, power dynamics, and alliances that shape decision-making.
The New Yorker - a magazine that publishes long-form journalism and essays on a variety of topics, including politics and current events.
Documentaries:
"The Swamp" - a documentary series that examines the inner workings of Washington D.C. and the alliances that shape policy.
"The Family" - a documentary that explores the secretive Christian organization that has wielded significant influence in American politics for decades.
"The Great Hack" - a documentary that examines the role of data and technology in modern political campaigns, including the alliances formed between tech companies and political operatives.
Currently, there is no federal law that requires politicians to disclose their alliances. However, some states and localities have laws that require disclosure of campaign contributions and other political relationships, which can shed light on alliances between politicians and interest groups.
There are a number of actions you can consider and organizations you can join or support to help promote more transparency and higher ethical standards in US politics:
Stay informed and educate yourself on the issues - This includes staying up-to-date on current events, reading news articles and opinion pieces, and seeking out diverse perspectives and sources.
Contact your elected officials - Reach out to your representatives and express your concerns about the need for more transparency and higher ethical standards in political alliances. You can do this through phone calls, emails, letters, or social media.
Support advocacy groups - There are a number of organizations that work to promote transparency and ethical standards in politics, such as Common Cause, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), and the Sunlight Foundation. Consider supporting these groups through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about their work.
Get involved in local politics - Participate in your community by attending town hall meetings, volunteering for campaigns, or running for local office. By getting involved at the local level, you can help create a culture of transparency and accountability in politics.
Vote - Use your right to vote to support candidates who prioritize transparency and ethical standards in politics. Additionally, you can use your vote to support initiatives that promote these values, such as campaign finance reform or stronger ethics laws.