1.04 - Only Two Parties?

09/21/23 • 32 min

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.

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1.03 - Where did Left v Right Come From?

On today’s episode we’ll be learning some political vocab. Left, right, and the folks in the middle. We’ll be going all the way back to 18th century France, discussing the three estates, tennis courts, and accidental seating arrangements as we try to answer the question: Where did Left v Right come from?

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1.05 - What is Duverger's law?

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.