American politics is in chaos – but in many respects the US was born that way. Throughout the late 1700s the federalist party constantly fought with the anti-federalists over their opposing desires for the future. But is partisan politics really a problem? Or is it a necessity for a democratic system to function? Seth Thevoz is joined by bestselling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H.W. Brands – whose new book: Founding Partisans: Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Adams and the Brawling Birth of American Politics explores exactly that.

“Partisanship seems to be inevitable in a democratic system of competitive politics.” – H.W. Brands
“There are lots of people on the conservative right who think the current government is out of control.” – H.W. Brands
“If partisanship ever disappears, that's going to be a system of something much worse.” – H.W. Brands.

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Written and presented by Seth Thevoz. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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