Understanding the Purpose of the System

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Identifying the differing opinions on what Congress is failing to do, whether it is passing major legislation or facilitating bargaining and dealmaking, is crucial. The disagreement between progressive and conservative views on the purpose of the system, such as whether more constraints or more flexibility are needed, is a key factor in understanding the flaws and successes of the American system. Clarifying this fundamental question can shed light on the reasons for the current societal divisions.

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.