Step 1: Listen to this podcast:
The podcast begins with two premises: 1) that Congress is increasingly polarized and 2) that voter trust and approval in the federal government is low. In the episode, you will hear several proposals to “fix” these problems in American politics. Reflect on these ideas and the consequences they may have. The podcast was originally released in the months leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Since then, a great deal has changed in American politics, yet political polarization remains. Approval ratings of Congress and the federal government are also still at low levels.
Step 2: Write essay that answers the following question:
Does the American electoral system need any significant changes?
If so, which of the proposals in the podcast did you find most interesting? Pick just one or two topics. (Refer to this list of topics discussed in the podcast.) (this will be added in additional materials) Explain the proposals and discuss what impact they may have on American elections.
If you do not think any changes are needed, that’s fine too. Back up your point of view with evidence and explain why one or two of the proposed changes would not improve political polarization or public trust.
