The chapter explores how competition is fundamental to the American Constitution, driving factions to make compelling arguments and fostering collective action amidst varying opinions. It sheds light on the deliberate inclusion of tensions and contradictions in the Constitution to encourage adaptability and balance in American politics. Additionally, the discussion covers the dynamics of power and representation within the political system, focusing on the Electoral College, regional balance, and the challenges posed by the evolution of government power over time.
Can a document unify a nation? Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute and author of American Covenant argues that the Constitution unified the United States at the founding of the country and that understanding the Constitution can help bring the country together today. Listen as Levin speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about how the Constitution not only took into account fractious politics, but also ensured that polarization would lead to a stronger democracy. Topics include the inherent limitations placed on the majority and how that affects policy formation, the vital if misunderstood advantages of the electoral college, and why, despite all the warnings to the contrary, this is far from a dangerous moment in American political history.