Rigorous!! Federalists never expected a rigid two-party system to develop......that eventually leads to fascism. They also never expected weakening of competition in markets (monopolies), concentrations of financial power in banks, or particularly the emergence of multi-nationals transferring wealth outside the nation. The historical tendency to consolidate power and control is opposite and weak compared to the gains created by "friction"........markets and competition. We are doing it wrong!
Dear Bianka, I always find your articles very good to read! But this time I couldn't help myself 😊. This topic interests me enormously, and that is why it was impossible for me to post my comment as a reply to your article on your substack. That is why I wrote my own article. Here is the link if you are interested: https://johanvandenborn.substack.com/p/the-terminal-danger-of-american-institutions
This was really good. I wrote an article on a similar topic about six weeks ago. 👇You’re write to focus on the primary system, which seems to be the single biggest contributing factor to the current instability. It’s only been around for about 50 years. In fact, Senators weren’t even elected by popular vote until the early 20th century, as you’re probably aware.
Dear Bianka, excellent. Madison's belief that "community will" or greater diversity would somehow prevent a single faction to become dominant was, alas, doomed to fail in a system that votes in majority per district fashion. Other democracies realized that, if they wanted to preserve democracy and achieve greater diversity -- as Madison had wished -- they would have to institutionalize proportionate elections. As you know, Switzerland did it in 1919; too many people felt they were excluded politically. It has been a blessing for Switzerland! I wonder if the U.S. would ever contemplate such a change to voting laws because now you have two huge parties that have become institutions themselves and as such have their own inertia and with that self interest at preserving the status quo. It seems the GOP and Dems have the kind of institutional respect for their parites (or their leader in the case of the GOP) that Madison had assumed they would muster for the Senate and the House. DM?
Unfortunately, the Electoral College element in the US of actually electing of the president and vice-president - as opposed to the results of a popular vote - will perpetuate the selection of a tyrant (in the Greek sense) and allows for the financial support of the oligarch class.
I would guess only the collapse of the economic system - contracting ever so slowly to a deep recession/depression style level will show the failure of the current cult approach to governing.
My arc of history as a boomer is showing me the whole system has been evolving into a morally and ethically deficient system of self-enrichment in order to feed the narcissistic philosophy of the consumer society.
Madison and his compatriots had Locke and Hume - we have Oprah!
Rigorous!! Federalists never expected a rigid two-party system to develop......that eventually leads to fascism. They also never expected weakening of competition in markets (monopolies), concentrations of financial power in banks, or particularly the emergence of multi-nationals transferring wealth outside the nation. The historical tendency to consolidate power and control is opposite and weak compared to the gains created by "friction"........markets and competition. We are doing it wrong!
Dear Bianka, I always find your articles very good to read! But this time I couldn't help myself 😊. This topic interests me enormously, and that is why it was impossible for me to post my comment as a reply to your article on your substack. That is why I wrote my own article. Here is the link if you are interested: https://johanvandenborn.substack.com/p/the-terminal-danger-of-american-institutions
Thank you Johan.
I see you are also fan of the works of Peter Turchin? I immediately spotted the angle, even before you mentioned him. Very important author!
I really enjoyed your detailed take!
This was really good. I wrote an article on a similar topic about six weeks ago. 👇You’re write to focus on the primary system, which seems to be the single biggest contributing factor to the current instability. It’s only been around for about 50 years. In fact, Senators weren’t even elected by popular vote until the early 20th century, as you’re probably aware.
https://tk555.substack.com/p/autocracy-at-scale?r=7f8sj&utm_medium=ios
This is really an excellent analysis. You've cleared the murky waters of the systemic weaknesses. thanks
Dear Bianka, excellent. Madison's belief that "community will" or greater diversity would somehow prevent a single faction to become dominant was, alas, doomed to fail in a system that votes in majority per district fashion. Other democracies realized that, if they wanted to preserve democracy and achieve greater diversity -- as Madison had wished -- they would have to institutionalize proportionate elections. As you know, Switzerland did it in 1919; too many people felt they were excluded politically. It has been a blessing for Switzerland! I wonder if the U.S. would ever contemplate such a change to voting laws because now you have two huge parties that have become institutions themselves and as such have their own inertia and with that self interest at preserving the status quo. It seems the GOP and Dems have the kind of institutional respect for their parites (or their leader in the case of the GOP) that Madison had assumed they would muster for the Senate and the House. DM?
I see precious few GOP moderates.
Traitors to the Republic all.
Bring out the tumbrils and guillotines
NOW
Unfortunately, the Electoral College element in the US of actually electing of the president and vice-president - as opposed to the results of a popular vote - will perpetuate the selection of a tyrant (in the Greek sense) and allows for the financial support of the oligarch class.
I would guess only the collapse of the economic system - contracting ever so slowly to a deep recession/depression style level will show the failure of the current cult approach to governing.
My arc of history as a boomer is showing me the whole system has been evolving into a morally and ethically deficient system of self-enrichment in order to feed the narcissistic philosophy of the consumer society.
Madison and his compatriots had Locke and Hume - we have Oprah!