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The Question
What if the very structure of American politics is threatening democracy itself?
About This Conversation
What if the very structure of American politics is threatening democracy itself? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Jacob “Jake” Grumbach, author of Laboratories Against Democracy, as we uncover the collision between national political parties and state-level governments in the United States.
Learn how technology, changes in media, and fundraising have contributed to this unique situation, and understand the increasing importance of state governments in shaping the policies that affect our lives.
We'll also dive into the impact of nationalization on states like Wisconsin and Michigan, and explore the relationship between ordinary citizens and their local governments. Dr. Grumbach shares insights on the role of technology and media in transforming the political landscape, and the emergence of labor unions as a platform for collaboration across demographic lines.
Furthermore, we discuss valuable advice for Gen Z on how to navigate this complex world of politics, emphasizing the importance of focusing on policy change over individual successes, and understanding the long-term nature of political involvement. Don't miss this enlightening episode that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the current state of American democracy.
Conversation Map
A guided path through the source-provided topic list for this episode.
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The nationalization of state politics and why this is a problem
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Creating political change as a young person
Recurring Questions
Recurring Question
"What books have had an impact on you?"
For Young Listeners
"What advice do you have for teenagers?"
Resources Mentioned
- Laboratories against Democracy: press.princeton.edu
Guest Bio
Professor Grumbach's research focuses on the political economy of the United States. He is particularly interested in public policy, American federalism, racial and economic inequality, campaign finance, and statistical methods. His book, Laboratories against Democracy, investigates the causes and consequences of the nationalization of state politics since the 1970s. Additional recent projects investigate labor unions, election law, and money in politics.
Professor Grumbach teaches courses in statistics for the social sciences and in state and local politics.
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