Political compromises are an important feature of a well functioning political system. Our Constitution is in fact a series of compromises. But compromises require concessions and politicians often break promises in order to close the deal. This can be frustrating to voters but its crucial for agreements.
Category Archives: elections
Biden’s reelection campaign
Not many want him to run again, but Joe Biden will run again and like most incumbents will win the party’s nomination easily.
The Iron Law of Successive Elections
Will Democrats lose House seats? Of course, that’s never been in doubt. Read on and find out why a newly elected president nearly always loses House seats in midterm elections.
Elections: Engines of government power
We typically consider elections as accountability devices, the time when people can rebuke those in power and replace them with someone else. The people ultimately decide. Less understood, elections are important instruments of government power and authority. In fact the chief reason elections exist at all is because they benefit governments. This interpretation allows us to think more clearly about the role of democratic institutions and citizen participation.
Securing the right to vote – it’s not about protest, equity, and fairness. It’s about War.
Typically we think about the right to vote as something won – something gained through protest and persistent pressure on government. Turns out, that is only a small part of the story. This post details the rest of the story.
An Electoral Majority is not a Governing Majority
Our political system deliberately prevents electoral majorities from dominating government. Is this democracy?
Lots of shouting but Democrats (like Republicans) will keep the filibuster
Will Democrats eliminate the filibuster? No. And neither will Republicans. But, filibuster politics does demonstrate the old maxim, “where you sit is where you stand”
Get on board
The message is clear: Get vaccinated! The data are clear as well. Most people are on board.
Should we get rid of it? Thoughts on the Electoral College – Part 2
Support for the Electoral College and the popular vote hinge on election outcomes not democratic values.
Should we get rid of it? Thoughts on the Electoral College
Eliminate the College or not? Better the devil we know than the one we don’t.