Redefining Representation The Future of Electoral Systems in America

The video discusses the limitations of the US voting system, particularly the two-party dominance and lack of representation for third parties. It highlights examples from New England and Oklahoma to illustrate these issues. The video then explores various proportional representation systems used in other democracies, such as Germany and Spain, and explains ranked choice voting. It suggests that adopting multi-winner elections could improve representation in Congress. The video concludes by discussing the challenges of changing the system and encourages viewer support for further exploration of these ideas.

What is a major issue with the current two-party system in the US?

• It allows for too many parties to participate.

• It leads to a lack of representation for third parties.

• It is too easy for new parties to gain power.

• It results in frequent changes in government.

How does the 'winner-take-all' system affect representation in Congress?

• It often results in one party dominating representation.

• It leads to frequent changes in party control.

• It ensures equal representation for all parties.

• It allows third parties to gain significant power.

What is a key feature of proportional representation?

• Each vote directly elects a candidate.

• Votes are distributed proportionally to parties.

• Only the majority party gets representation.

• It is used exclusively in the United States.

In a 'closed list' proportional representation system, what do voters primarily vote for?

• Individual candidates

• A specific policy

• A party

• A coalition

What is a potential benefit of ranked choice voting?

• It ensures only major parties win.

• It eliminates the need for elections.

• It guarantees a single winner.

• It encourages voting for smaller parties.

How can ranked choice voting lead to more proportional representation?

• By lowering the threshold for victory.

• By ensuring only one candidate wins.

• By eliminating smaller parties.

• By focusing on major party candidates.

What is a challenge in changing the US electoral system?

• The simplicity of the current system.

• The lack of interest from voters.

• The requirement for Congressional action.

• The need for international approval.

What role do states and cities have in electoral reform?

• They have no role in electoral reform.

• They can only change presidential election rules.

• They can experiment with different systems.

• They must follow federal guidelines strictly.

What is a potential outcome of having more parties in Congress?

• Increased polarization

• Less legislative activity

• More coalitional possibilities

• Fewer laws being passed

What is a reason for updating the US electoral system?

• To maintain the status quo

• To eliminate political parties

• To align with other democracies

• To reduce the number of elections