In his latest book, American agreementYuval Levin says he tried to give a new introduction to the United States Constitution. In this episode, he tells EconTalk host Russ Roberts that he wanted to reverse the moment of division in order to better understand how we can hold each other and how we can understand national unity in a very diverse society. Roberts fears that our political process has become a zero-sum game and that America can no longer boast of a shared narrative; we tend to think of “sides,” where there is another side always a traitor. Perhaps, he suggests, Levin’s book might offer a solution.
Levin argues that “we the people” may not understand the concept of unity. Of course it is impossible for everyone in a free society to agree…on anything. But as James Madison taught us, we might better understand unity as a way of doing things to do together rather than thinking alike– even when we think differently. Let’s hear what it is you think. Share your thoughts with us today, and let’s continue this important conversation.
1- What does Levin mean when he says that most Americans are guilty of not understanding what democracy is like work and the democratic way fail, about how we balance majority power and minority rights?
2- Do you believe that the Constitution has been watered down to such an extent that its ability to enforce power has been compromised? What evidence can you provide to support your conclusion? What a role [if any] Do you think social media has played such a destructive role? What role did the growth of the administrative state play?
[Note: On the rise of the administrative state, you may wish to see the inaugural episode of Liberty Fund’s Future of Liberty podcast, in which legal scholar Philip Hamburger discusses the dangers of the administrative state with Governor Mitch Daniels. Levin is an upcoming Future of Liberty guest as well.]
3- Robert and Levin agree that we live in a limited time. Roberts asks Levin if we have a few moderators for both [major] groups today. Levin responds by asking, what do we really mean when we measure, and suggests that that is what we really mean. emotionally moderate politicians. What do you mean by that, and to what extent do you agree?
4- Is the Electoral College better thought of as an anachronism or a Chesterton Fence? How does Levin explain the origins of the Electoral College, and why does he believe it is still a relevant institution today? Does the Electoral College encourage or suppress competition in the electoral process? Explain.
5- How does the Constitution shape our character, according to Levin? Does the Constitution give the United States proof of tyranny? Levin says he’s worried, but not panicking, today. Where are they? you in this question, and why?
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