Lecture Notes for Jan 28, 2009

What's Wrong With the American Political System? 1. Problems with the Electoral College-one can win the electoral vote and lose the popular vote, as in the 2000 elections 2. Lack of Accountability in elected officials 3. 2 Party System-fails to represent enough viewpoints 4. Lack of Participation-lack of voter turnout, low participation in non corporate interest groups 5. Constitution-does not always apply to modern times-also constitution is somewhat vague which many people thinks gives the Supreme Court too much authority, especially as the Supreme Court grows more politicized 6. Patriotism to the point of arrogancy-many Americans believe the country leads in all areas, when in fact the US is behind in education, infant mortality, etc. 7. Special Interest Groups-Ones with strongest voices and most influence usually are in a good position financially-especially corporate interest groups which do not represent the population as a whole.