1.05 - What is Duverger's law?

A short introduction to the historical concept of the term "liberalism" and some of the key players. Nothing too heavy, just some mild rambling on an interesting topic. Love the podcast? Hate the podcast? Ideas for future episodes? Send Taylor an email at [email protected]

In this episode we discuss some further ideas about the "individual" as we relate to politics and how the government should avoid trying to interject itself between the actions and outcomes of certain personal choices. Have feedback? Let email the show at [email protected]

New Format! Quick, loose, and minimal edits. Getting back into the swing of things, we'll briefly discuss the concept of the individual as a philosophical idea. I will spend more time on this topic in future episodes. Glad to be back!

In this episode, we'll lay the foundation for season 2 and introduce the idea of "stewardship" as it relates to politics. We'll also discuss why this isn't another centrist party, pyramid schemes, and the sporadic holiday upload schedule. Upwards and onwards!

Today we’ll wrap up season 1 by recapping of all the topics we’ve hit on thus far. Additionally, we’ll look ahead into season 2 and reestablish some of our primary goals moving forward. Diving into the philosophical deep end!

In this episode, we’ll discuss the idea of “centrism”. If left vs right is bad, why not shoot for something in the middle? Maybe compromise and rationalism will solve all our problems? We’ll examine the facts, hear both sides, and see what happens. 

In today’s episode we will discuss what is (in my opinion) the superior election method for representative bodies, mixed member proportional. We’ve covered a lot of the other systems and discussed their pros and cons, now it’s time to look at one that best reflects the will of the people! 

In this episode, we take a (very) high-level look at some other election systems used throughout the world. Plurality systems, majority systems, proportional systems, etc. A good introduction to some alternatives to First Past the Post and all its many problems. 

In this episode we explore why there can only ever be two legitimate parties in US politics. 20th century French political theorist Maurice Duverger has the answer. We'll also touch on gerrymandering, the spoiler effect, and why hockey fans never get what they want. 

We'll discuss the seven eras of US politics and how there are only ever two major parties at work at any one time. Jefferson's anti-federalists, the Whigs, the Republicans, and all other players get their time in the sun today (with a bonus shoutout to the Free Soil Party). Have things always been the way they are now? And how do we move forward? Let's find out.