Author: naturalstatepolitics

John C. Davis is a teaching associate professor of political science at the University of Arkansas. He earned his B.A. and M.A. in political science at the University of Arkansas and his Ph.D. in political science at the University of Missouri. His research interests include campaigns and elections, political parties, voting, Southern politics, and Arkansas politics. The author speaks only for himself, and not for the institution with which he is associated.

Winthrop Rockefeller: Toward a Better Arkansas

Leah Nerenberg, student guest contributor Winthrop Rockefeller — yes, from that Rockefeller family—played a key role in shaping Arkansas politics, and the state wouldn’t be what it is today without his influence. Born into oil money on May 1, 1912, he was the fifth of six kids of John D. Rockefeller Jr. After spending some … Continue reading Winthrop Rockefeller: Toward a Better Arkansas →

Thoughts on Free Speech on College Campuses in Arkansas

Charis Morasch, student guest contributor  As Americans’ ideological divide grows, that on college campuses seems to shrink – calling into question the ability of students and faculty to freely express themselves. Arkansas has had a messy history with allowing those in higher education to speak freely. Just after desegregation in schools reached its most intense … Continue reading Thoughts on Free Speech on College Campuses in Arkansas →

Arkansas Teacher Pay in 2025: Progress and Challenges 

Fallon Lindsey, student guest contributor Arkansas has made very big steps in improving the pay of teachers. The LEARNS Act that was implemented had a lot to do with this. The LEARNS Act significantly increased starting teacher pay in Arkansas. Even though these changes have been put into place, challenges still occur in getting the … Continue reading Arkansas Teacher Pay in 2025: Progress and Challenges  →

Arkansas ACCESS Law Prompts Student Response

Logan J. Martin, student guest contributor The Arkansas ACCESS Law, enacted this spring, marked a substantial shift in the landscape of K12 and higher education in the state. “ACCESS”, an acronym for the principles of the legislation, Acceleration, Common Sense, Cost, Eligibility, Scholarships, and Standardization, is a follow-up the governor’s signature LEARNS Act of the … Continue reading Arkansas ACCESS Law Prompts Student Response →

Remembering Governor Junius Marion Futrell’s Mark on Arkansas

Luis A. Maya II, student guest contributor Assigned to write on an Arkansas political topic, I actively recognized the necessity of creating a literary product meaningful not only for my academic satisfaction but also to contribute to the political science community. Therefore, searching for a topic that fit this criterion, I returned to my rural … Continue reading Remembering Governor Junius Marion Futrell’s Mark on Arkansas →

A Step-By-Step Guide to Researching Legislation on the Arkansas General Assembly Website

John C. Davis The Arkansas General Assembly gaveled into a general session last month. This semester, I have the privilege of teaching Arkansas Politics to a wonderful group of students, and we’ve been closely following the legislative process out of Little Rock. I wanted to share with my students a step-by-step guide on how to … Continue reading A Step-By-Step Guide to Researching Legislation on the Arkansas General Assembly Website →

Primary Voting and Party Identification: A Look at the Numbers

John C. Davis The following is the second of a series of posts on party primaries in Arkansas and recent consideration to closing the GOP primaries in the state.  Voter turnout rates are low in Arkansas. As a rule, Arkansans vote in the highest proportion in the following order: general elections with a presidential contest, midterm elections, … Continue reading Primary Voting and Party Identification: A Look at the Numbers →

The Push for a GOP Closed Primary and Potential Issues

John C. Davis The following is the first of a series of posts on party primaries in Arkansas and recent consideration to closing the GOP primaries in the state.  On June 8, the Republican Party of Arkansas voted to “close” the GOP primaries in the state at their bi-annual statewide convention. This rule change would limit access to a Republican … Continue reading The Push for a GOP Closed Primary and Potential Issues →