Congressional approval ratings have never been lower than they are now. Public confidence in the ability of Congress to solve important problems has waned. Discuss the reasons why politicians appear at loggerheads with one another, why solutions to substantive issues are either not addressed or given short-term solutions, and what some potential remedies might be.
In a perfectly apportioned system, no citizen's vote weighs more than another's. The U.S. Senate is one of the most malapportioned representative bodies in the developed and democratized world. What accounts for this? Does this jeopardize American democracy or facilitate it? Why?
Discuss the significance of the Baker v. Carr decision with regard to numerical representation. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of alterations to representation over time. What do you think has been most positive? What remains to be changed?