1.05 - What is Duverger's law?

09/29/23 • 26 min

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.

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1.04 - Only Two Parties?

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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1.06 - There Are Other Election Systems?

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.