Political systems are the structures and rules that determine how power is organized and exercised in society. They shape who makes decisions, how leaders are chosen, what rights citizens enjoy, and how disputes are resolved. From federalism to parliamentarianism, constitutions to electoral reforms, these systems form the backbone of democracy and governance.
Understanding political systems is crucial because they influence nearly every aspect of civic life—whether laws are fair, whether citizens are truly represented, and whether governments can adapt to the challenges of a diverse and changing world. The design of a political system can protect against tyranny, empower majorities, safeguard minority rights, and create the conditions for freedom and stability. When systems fail, democracy itself is at risk.
This collection of podcast episodes explores how different political systems function, where they fall short, and what reforms could strengthen them. You’ll hear leading scholars and reformers discuss the balance of power between states and the federal government, the dangers of counter-majoritarian institutions, and the rise of new parties seeking to bridge polarization. Together, these conversations invite us to imagine how renovating—or even reinventing—our political systems could help create a democracy that better reflects the people it serves.
With each passing day, the relationship between states and the federal government seems to grow more complicated. States are forming coalitions and working together to chart a path out of COVID-19, while sometimes competing with one another for resources. A lack of clear guidance from the federal government will likely lead to a fragmented return to business and social life state by state in the coming weeks and months.
This situation is unique in many ways, but brings to light the complexities of American federalism — our topic of discussion this week. Charles Barrilleaux, Leroy Collins Professor and Political Science Department Chair at Florida State University, is an expert on American federalism and joins us to discuss the relationship between states and the federal government, and how that manifests itself during the response to COVID-19.
The episode begins with Michael and Chris explaining the history of federalism and what powers the Constitution gives states and the federal government.
Listen to the full episode on Democracy Works: Federalism in Uncertain Times
Steven Levitsky is Professor of Government at Harvard University. Together with Daniel Ziblatt, he is co-author of How Democracies Die and has just published Tyranny of the Minority. They argue that reforming American institutions to become more democratic will help us achieve a multiracial democracy—and in the process save democracy itself.
We are on the cusp of a multiracial democracy, but to get there we need to reform our constitution and end counter-majoritarian institutions. Majorities should be empowered to govern. If the majorities are not getting serious consideration in the legislature, something is wrong. For example, states with higher populations should get greater representation because democracy represents people, not territory.
Listen to the full episode on Future Hindsight: Tyranny of the Minority: Steven Levitsky
Our democracy is brittle. Many would say our Constitutional Republic is in trouble. So what kind of work can we do on "actually renovating our institutions"?
We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Danielle Allen, a democracy advocate, Harvard professor and nonprofit leader who's doing something about it. We talked about how to maintain a loving spirit when faced with "a lot of bleeps"; Danielle's fascinating family legacy and her "obsession" with democracy; what the heck a eudaemonist democratic pragmatist is; the ways the 5 freedoms articulated in the 1st Amendment are under threat; the merits of ranked choice voting, expanding the House of Representatives and other democratic renovations; the imperative of developing a civic portfolio; and how to "not let our differences take our humanity hostage."
Prof. Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy and director of the Democratic Knowledge Project and of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. Outside the University, she is a co-chair for the Our Common Purpose Commission and Founder and President for Partners In Democracy, where she advocates for democracy reform to create greater voice and access in our democracy, and to drive progress towards a new social contract that serves and includes us all.
Listen to the full episode on The Politics Guys: Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy
This episode features a conversation with Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, a newly formed political party that intends to bring power back to the majority of Americans and take it away from the fringes. Imagine a world in which the will of the plurality rules, where the 70-80% of Americans who support things like gun laws and abortion and climate action have their say, instead of being governed by extremists. With the support of political luminaries from both major parties, like Andrew Yang, Evan McMullin, David Jolly, and Christine Todd Whitman, the Forward Party promises to return power back to the people with a bottom up approach where communities dictate policy, not the parties. How? Through the transformative power of electoral reforms like ranked choice voting, open primaries and independent redistricting committees that motivate candidates to appeal to the majority of voters. Listen to Lindsey and decide for yourself if this is a utopian pipedream or a realistic path out of our broken and polarized political system.
Listen to the full episode on New Faces of Democracy: Lindsey Drath – The Forward Party
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