Paper #3

Consider the book Tyranny of the Minority. The authors argue that there are certain features of American political institutions that make it easy for an antidemocratic political movement to undermine democracy. 

It is 2029. The President (choose between Josh Shapiro or Nikki Haley) has asked you to lead a commission to propose changes to the American political system to ensure that the United States has a healthy democracy going forward. In a well-organized paper of no more than 6 pages, do the following:

• Briefly explain which critical features of democracy might be under threat in the United States over the coming decades.  
• Propose three changes to the American political system that you think Americas should consider. For each of the three changes:
  • Explain how it would fix a problem with the system
  • Explain how it could be implemented

Write the paper yourself and cite sources appropriately (in a reference list that does not count against the page limit). In addition to Tyranny of the Minority you should plan on citing at least a few more sources. I am happy to look at drafts, outlines, etc.

Your grade will be based on quality of your logic and evidence, the organization of the paper, and the clarity of your writing.

Hints:

• Propose changes that would fix a institutional problems; don't propose a change in people's behavior. That is, you can't just make your proposal "people shouldn't vote for dictators" or something like that. 
• The assigned book describes - either directly or by implication - lots of potential institutional arrangements that might make a difference.