The Economist this week

A definite must-read this week as there are a number of excellent articles which will help with the exams. First of all, there is analysis of the new coalition government with comparisons of the new leaders in the British section. Also, there is a good comparison of the parties' promises on political reform as well as thoughts on the Labour Party's leadership contest. On the USA, there are articles on Elena Kagan, the climate-change bill and Utah's primary which has resulted in another moderate Republican being dropped by the party.

The confirmation process begins

As a result of the announcement of Elena Kagan's appointment to the Supreme Court on Monday, the political process has begun in trying to persuade the Senate Judiciary Committee to confirm her. See here for information about the meeting she has had so far with Senator Harry Reid and other links to relevant video clips. The BBC also has analysis and information as well as further links about Elena and her background. Look out for further developments in the process during study leave. There are a number of questions about her appointement - from her lack of experience as a judge to decisions taken as Dean of Harvard Law School to her being Jewish in a Court with no Protestants. What do you think? Will her appointment go smoothly?