The Basics
Fast explanations of how things work at a foundational level.
The Basics break down how a system functions without assuming prior knowledge. Each piece focuses on one core question and one main mechanism — enough to understand what’s happening before going deeper.
What The Basics cover
Basics explain how something works at a structural level — without getting lost in edge cases, legal detail, or policy debate. They’re designed to give you a working mental model you can build on.
What the system is trying to do
The core rules or mechanics that shape outcomes
Who or what has control at the most basic level
Why results often differ from what people expect
When a Basic is the right place to start
A Basic is useful when you want clarity without a deep dive — or when you keep hearing about something but aren’t sure how it actually functions.
You’re new to a topic
You want the short version before reading more
You need a clear explanation you can share with someone else
Browse The Basics
These pieces cover different topics, but they all follow the same approach: one question, one system, explained clearly.
Want more detail?
If you want to see how decisions get made, where power sits, and why outcomes vary, explore the deeper system explanations.