In his latest book, The American Covenant, Yuval Levin He said he was trying to reintroduce the United States Constitution. In this episodeHe told EconTalk host Russ Roberts that he wants to take a step back in a moment of division to better understand how we come together and how we can understand national unity in an extremely diverse society. Roberts worries that our political process has become a zero-sum game, and that Americans can no longer boast a common narrative. We tend to think in terms of “sides,” where the other side is the one that speaks to the other. everytime Perhaps, he suggests, Levin’s book could be an antidote.
Levin argues that “We the People” may be misunderstanding the concept of unity. Of course, in a free society, it is impossible for everyone to agree on anything. But James Madison taught uswe may do better to understand unity as a means Get in action Rather Think alikeEven if we think differently. you Think about it. Share your thoughts with us today and let’s continue this important conversation.
1- What does Levin mean when he says that most Americans misunderstand how democracy works? work Democracy Failure, In terms of how to balance the power of the majority with the rights of the minority?
2- To what extent do you think the Constitution has deteriorated and its ability to check power has been eroded? What evidence supports your conclusion? What role do you think social media has played in such deterioration? What role has the expansion of the administrative state played?
(Note: For more on the rise of the administrative state, see Part 1 of the Liberty Fund’s “The Future of Freedom” podcastIn this issue, legal scholar Philip Hamburger discusses Governor Mitch Daniels and the dangers of the administrative state. Levin will also be an upcoming guest on Future of Liberty.
3- Robert and Levin agree that we live in polarized times. Robert asks Levin if there are fewer moderates in both parties today. Levin asks what does it actually mean to be moderate, and that what we are really missing is On a whim A moderate politician. What does that mean and to what extent do you agree?
4- Is it better to think of the Electoral College as an anachronism or a Chesterton fence? How does Levin explain the origins of the Electoral College and why he thinks it is still an appropriate institution today? Does the Electoral College promote or suppress competition in the electoral system? Please explain.
5- According to Levin, how does the Constitution shape our character? To what extent does the Constitution protect the United States from dictators? Levin says he is worried today, but not panicked. you What is this question and why?
