Instruction
What is the paradox that Drutman discusses in this chapter?
What is the problem with “too much bipartisanship”? You would think it would be a good thing, but Drutman tells us why it’s not. Explain in your own words how it might not be desirable.
What conditions allowed for bipartisanship during the mid-century and why?
When the two parties became more nationalized (looking at national and global issues instead of local), how did this lead to partisanship?
Why does a modern mass democracy need political parties?
What is antipartisans and why is this a failed political ideology, according to Drutman? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What is responsible partisans and why is this a failed political ideology, according to Drutman? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What is bipartisan and why has this ideology failed, according to Drutman? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Drutman states that out of the three visions (antipartisans, responsible partisans, and bipartisans), responsible partisan vision is the best for a modern mass democracy. Why?
Drutman says that American politics is always looking for a balance between compromise and competition. What happens when we have too much compromise? What happens when we have too much competition? What is Drutman’s solution?
Did you learn anything interesting or did anything stand out to you after reading this chapter? Do you agree or disagree with the author’s premise in this chapter that multi-parties are the answer to our political woes? Why or why not?