Understanding the Foundations and Challenges of American Democracy

Introduction

• The origins of American democracy marked by independence.
• Described as one of the most radical and successful government experiments.
• Modern American political system is complex with checks and balances.
• Promises justice and equality for all.
• Increasing cracks in the system noted by Millennials.

Generational Perspectives

• Millennials, born in the 1980s, saw times of prosperity and security in the U.S.
• Peaceful oscillation of power between political parties.
• Present-day challenges include foreign interference, digital sabotage, and domestic discord.
• Major issues: Voter purges, gerrymandering, billion-dollar campaigns.
• Millennials and Gen Z are set to become the largest voting bloc.

The Election Process

Primaries and Caucuses

• Primaries: Typical vote casting using ballots. Highest votes go on to further stages.
• Caucuses: Meetings among party members. Informal discussions followed by voting.
• Example: Tess attends a caucus at her high school and changes her support due to current issues.

Delegates and Super-Delegates

• Delegates: Local leaders or activists representing the majority candidate.
• Super-Delegates: Party elites, such as elected officials or donors, who are unpledged and can change support until the convention.
• Both together decide the party nominee at the national convention.

Incumbent Presidents

• Usually do not face serious challengers.
• Challengers need more delegate support to become the nominee in case of primary challenges.

The General Election

• Once candidates are chosen by primaries and conventions, the general election begins.
• Abroad, elections are typically based on the popular vote, not so in the U.S.
• Electoral College: Determines the president at a national level.
• Electors per state are based on population size, e.g., Montana (3), Texas (38), California (55).
• Winning requires 270 electoral college votes.

Electoral College Issues

• Instances where the popular vote winner lost due to the electoral college system.
• Examples: Al Gore in 2000, Hillary Clinton in 2016.
• Questions about the fundamental processes of democracy.

Census and Gerrymandering

• U.S. Census: Happens every 10 years to count the population.
• Results used to redraw congressional districts (can lead to gerrymandering).
• Gerrymandering: Redrawing districts to benefit a party, diluting minority voting power.
• Leads to underrepresentation of minority communities.

Conclusion

• Challenges seem like democratic decay to Millennials like Tess.
• Despite these issues, there is hope in the younger generation as a catalyst for future change.
• Importance of participation in democracy to prevent its decline.