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What is a 'Banana Republic' and are we even using the term correctly?

Capital Hill

James Curry, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Utah, says that politicians have seemingly been using the word to mean something different than its usual meaning. “In recent years we have seen people increasingly use the term “banana republic” to describe a democracy in decline, or a government in chaos or disorder.

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Why it matters which party controls the Senate

Capitol Building and People walking around it

“The hard truth about the U.S. political system is that very little legislation gets enacted without bipartisan support,” wrote University of Utah political science associate professor James M. Curry and Princeton University politics and public affairs professor Frances E. Lee for the Deseret News.

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Last Updated: 3/11/22