For obvious reasons, we’ve all been focused on the role of government in our lives. But for most Americans, the people who maintain the real power over their lives are in the boardroom, not the war room. The New Republic’s Miya Tokumitsu takes a look at the United States of Work: “Employers may subject our bodies to drug tests; monitor our speech both on and off the job; require us to answer questionnaires about our exercise habits, off-hours alcohol consumption, and childbearing intentions; and rifle through our belongings. If the state held such sweeping powers … we would probably not consider ourselves free men and women.” (I work for myself. So when it seems like I’m being self-deprecating, I’m actually sticking it to the man.)

+ Quartz: The case for being grumpy at work.