Think differently, act together – Econlib

In his latest book, American Association, Yuval Levin says he was trying to bring about a reintroduction of the US Constitution. In this episode, he tells EconTalk host Russ Roberts that in a moment of division, he wanted to take a step back to better understand how we can stick together and understand national unity in a hugely diverse society. Roberts fears that our political process has become a zero-sum game and that Americans can no longer boast a shared narrative; we tend to think in terms of ‘sides’, in which the other side is contained always treacherous. Perhaps, he suggests, Levin’s book could provide an antidote.

Levin argues that “we the people” may misunderstand the concept of unity. Of course, it is not possible for everyone in a free society to agree on anything. But if James Madison taught uswe might better understand unity as a means to that end perform together instead of think alike– even if we think differently. So let’s hear what 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 misunderstanding how democracies function? work and how democracies failure, in terms of how we balance the power of the majority with the rights of minorities?

2- To what extent do you believe the Constitution has been degraded to the extent that its inability to limit power has been compromised? What evidence would you offer to support your conclusion? What role [if any] Do you think social media played a role in this relegation? What role has the growth of the administrative state played?

[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 polarized time. Roberts asks Levin if we have fewer moderates in both [major] parties today. Levin responds by asking: what do we actually mean by mediocre, and he suggests what we are really missing temperamental moderate politicians. What does he mean by that, and to what extent do you agree with it?

4- Is the Electoral College better viewed as an anachronism or a Chesterton Fence? How does Levin explain the origins of the Electoral College, and why does he believe it is an institution that remains viable today? Does the Electoral College encourage or suppress competition in the electoral system? Explain.

5- How does the Constitution shape our character, according to Levin? To what extent does the Constitution make the United States dictator-proof? Levin says he’s worried today, but not panicking. Be true You to this question, and why?