That economic fantasy got a boost recently when several Republicans asserted that they would not be constrained from raising taxes by having signed the pledge.

FORBES: Connect

However, even tropical states can be water-constrained when the public infrastructure is so poor that inundation causes bacteria to run off from sewage and other sources and spoil the vital supply.

FORBES: Emerging Asia Hits a Wall of Water

So an incoming Republican president would be constrained by powerful Democratic majorities on Capitol Hill, and an incoming Democratic president would be under strong pressure from his or her core supporters to put much more emphasis on negotiation than on force.

ECONOMIST: A survey of America and the world

The government will probably depart from its current austerity plan once unemployment rates reach 6%, but fiscal spending will be heavily constrained.

FORBES: The sinking yen

Moreover, low credit from the voters and the dire state of public finances mean that whoever wins the election will be constrained in what they can do.

ECONOMIST: Ukraine's election