Why and Why Not
This American history podcast explores why our government is the way it is and what potential reform could look like. Whether it's the Electoral College, gerrymandering, money in politics, or the Supreme Court, join host Brad Fallon and expert guests as they look into the history of our government to think critically about how improvements could be made.
Episodes
We all know that we don't elect the President through national popular vote, but what is actually happening with the Electoral College? On this episode, join Brad and Professor Edward Foley for an in-depth look at how we elect the President.
NPR's Throughline Electoral College episode: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/918717270
Ever wonder what the VP actually does? Well, you're not alone. Many of the ambitious people that end up in this #2 spot are left with little to do. But are there reasons to change that? Brad and Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky explore the history and powers of the Vice Presidency and then ask how the institution could be reformed.
If you like this episode, please subscribe and then leave a rate and review in your favorite pod...
Ever wonder how we ended up with a complex nominating process where elections are held through completely different means on various dates throughout the year? On this episode, Brad and Professor David Andersen explore the presidential nominating system.
Listen in to learn how we ended up with today's system, how electing delegates to national conventions actually works, and whether there are reasons to change things...
Brad and Constitutional Law Professor Garrett Epps explore how representation in the US Senate fundamentally changed a century ago and why it may be time to do it again. This episode tracks the history of the US Senate and representation within it and the merits of making this body democratic.
To learn more, visit the episode page: https://www.whyandwhynotpod.com/episodes/senate-representation
Join Brad and Dr. Stephen Medvic, Author of Gerrymandering: The Politics of Redistricting in the United States, for an in-depth look at gerrymandering. This funny-sounding word gets scorn from both major political parties, yet we have more gerrymandered maps than ever. So how'd we get here and what could we do about it?
If you enjoy the episode or would like to leave a suggestion for Brad on the topic of a future ep...
In this first episode of Why and Why Not, Dr. Gregory Koger joins Brad to look into the history of the US Senate's filibuster. We look at how the rule developed, what it actually means for today's Senate, and how we could move to change it.
If you'd like to continue the conversation, you can find Brad on twitter here: https://twitter.com/BradleySFallon
If you have an episode suggestion, reach out a...
Join Brad and Dan Weiner of the Brennan Center to discuss the history of campaign finance laws in the US, the mess that we're in today, and some proposals to move forward. On this episode, we look from George Washington to Stephen Colbert.
Continue the conversation on Twitter by tweeting @ bradleysfallon with your thoughts on the episode. Or email podcastwhyandwhynot@gmail.com with feedback or suggestions for a futur...
Why and Why Not explores why our government is the way it is and what potential reform could look like. Whether it's the Electoral College, gerrymandering, money in politics, or the Supreme Court, join Brad Fallon and guests and they look into the history of our government to help ponder the future.
For regular short content, check us out on Instagram @whyandwhynotpod, Tweet Brad @bradleysfallon on Twitter if you&apo...
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