Polyarchy
This post is part of Polyarchy, an independent blog produced by the political reform program at New America, a Washington think tank devoted to developing new ideas and new voices.
Is Trump actually appealing to motives that differ from “normal” partisan battles?
Is Trump actually appealing to motives that differ from “normal” partisan battles?
Does democracy require parties to function?
The fate of social democracy should worry not only those on the left, but anyone concerned with democracy in Europe.
In the “New Deal order,” battles over the shape of American politics were waged as quarrels inside the Democrats’ big tent.
The latest in Polyarchy
These days, the meaning of “neoliberal” has become fuzzy. But it has a long history of association with the Democratic Party.
No Republican “epiphany” will be forthcoming.
It’s normal for a lot of people to run in a year like this. But not this many.
Bernie Sanders’s good fortune should be available to everyone.
Progressives have struggled to build policy clout at the state level. Here’s why.
Democrats should learn from the successes — and the mistakes — of Republicans in seizing control of state governments.
It would maximize participation and broad-based appeal, and improve our democracy.
Pay staff more. Improve technology. And think big.
It’s not just an obstacle to progressive policy. Under McConnell’s rules, the filibuster weakens the institution — and democracy.
Could Trump’s latest move be an express highway away from democracy?
A poorly chosen phrase hides a valuable idea: Work isn’t everything.
Congress has a resources problem and a structural problem. Maybe a new committee can help.
Even four percent of the vote might decide the future of the nation. That’s precisely what makes his candidacy compelling — and controversial.
Only Howard Schultz and a few others could do what Schultz is doing. And that’s the way in which “politics is broken.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has begun a better tax debate, but we still need to close loopholes, not just raise rates.
A public matching system for donations will pay for itself in more responsive policy.
Rarely does political reform get this kind of top billing.
Liz Cheney’s rise might mark a last gasp of family politics.
Voters supported independent redistricting, voting reform, and campaign finance reform.
The U.S. has a turnout problem, but mandatory voting isn’t the way to fix it.
A game theory experiment for how both parties are thinking of the Supreme Court nominee.
Employers should do more, but government support for workers has been key to the social contract.
The cracks are growing. But the status quo has powerful forces propping it up.
Democrats can talk about Trump corruption, or about lobbyists and campaign finance, but they’re not the same.
Democrats are embracing an anti-corruption message. Can they put their money (raising) where their mouths are?
Americans overwhelmingly support checks and balances. That should be the focus of the midterms.
Anthony Kennedy’s retirement is a reminder that the US is unlike every other democracy in the world.
The disconnect undermines electoral accountability and exacerbates polarization. Something has to give.
If Californians want moderation in politics, there is a better way.
Health care policy plays a chief role in maintaining racial inequality.
What ranked-choice voting in San Francisco tells us about electoral rules and political incentives.
The Polyarchy team discusses their biggest concerns and the most promising developments of the current moment.
Democrats haven’t enforced fiscal discipline just because they “do a better job” on the issue. At each point in time, they made a choice.
Industry has all the expertise.
We need a conversation about data protections in America.
Political requests from bosses can veer toward coercion — regardless of whether bosses intend it.
Democrats winning more elections won’t solve the problem.
What happens if the outcome is really close and there are credible allegations of foreign meddling?