Preserving Democracy: Pursuing a More Perfect Union

Political violence throughout American history

“Mobs trying to overturn democratic elections are not necessarily new in American history, but it has happened enough that we have to realize it's a symbol of a problem with democracy,” says Columbia University Eric Foner. “Or, a problem with people accepting the legitimacy of everybody having a say in our political democratic system.”

Political violence throughout American history

6m 21s

  • How can American democracy work better for "Busy People"?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How can American democracy work better for "Busy People"?

    18m 10s

    We sit down with Kevin Elliot, professor at Yale University and author of the new book "Democracy for Busy People," to discuss possible fixes to make our democracy more inclusive and accessible for all voters. From large-scale concepts like mandatory voting in Australia or ranked-choice voting in Alaska and Maine, to more bureaucratic, minute details like voter registration and polling locations.

  • Moore v. Harper and 'independent state legislature theory':: asset-original

    Moore v. Harper and 'independent state legislature theory':

    9m

    A professor from Columbia Law School explains the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Moore v. Harper, a 2023 case that brought a fringe legal theory, the 'independent state legislature theory,' to the nation's highest court. A positive ruling would have had far-reaching implications for American elections.

  • What do the Jan. 6th attacks tell us about our democracy?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    What do the Jan. 6th attacks tell us about our democracy?

    9m 37s

    On the two year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, Yale historian Joanne Freeman reflects on the enduring legacy left behind by the attack on the Capitol, and what it means for our democracy now: "What the lying did, what the erosion of faith in the democratic process did, was teach people to not trust the electoral process. "

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