Carry the Two
Mathematics & Representation
Oct 2, 2024
Ismar Volić, a mathematics professor and director of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy, teams up with Theodore R. Johnson, a scholar of Black electoral politics and Washington Post columnist. They delve into how math shapes apportionment in the U.S. Congress and the historical rivalry between Jefferson and Hamilton over rounding methods. The duo discusses the flaws of the Electoral College, potential reforms for fairer voting, and how statistical techniques could enhance democratic representation. Brace for a blend of humor, history, and enlightening insights!
34:22
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Quick takeaways
- The significant increase in the ratio of representatives to constituents in the U.S. raises concerns about effective democratic representation.
- The mathematical complexity behind apportionment methods reveals systemic issues like misrepresentation and highlights the need for electoral reform.
Deep dives
Historical Context of Apportionment in the U.S.
Apportionment was a significant topic during the Constitutional Convention, where the founding fathers debated how many constituents each representative should have. James Madison suggested a ratio of approximately 30,000 people per representative, acknowledging the need for adjustment as the population grew. However, today's ratio has drastically increased to about 760,000 people per representative, raising concerns about the feasibility of effective representation. This gap in representation is exacerbated by the influence of special interests and lobbyists, indicating a disconnect between elected officials and the citizens they represent.
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