The Good Fight Are America's Institutions Broken?
Jun 4, 2022
Sam Koppelman, a Democratic strategist and co-author of "Our Unfinished March," dives into pressing topics with Yascha Mounk. They unravel the history of voting rights and discuss the need for reforming the electoral college and primaries. Koppelman highlights the challenges the Democratic Party faces heading into the midterms and 2024 and critiques voter suppression laws that threaten civic participation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessible voting and the urgency for structural changes to restore trust in American democracy.
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Early US Voting
- In the first US presidential election, only about 6% of the public could vote.
- The Electoral College decided the election without considering the popular vote.
Founding Fathers' Vision
- The Founding Fathers intentionally designed the US as a republic, distinct from a pure democracy.
- Their vision prioritized individual rights and a system of representation different from today's understanding.
Voter Suppression Laws
- Voter suppression laws are morally wrong, hindering legitimate voters.
- However, studies suggest they don't cleanly favor one party, despite common assumptions.
