Electoral Reform in the United States: Proposals for Combating Polarization and Extremism

by  Larry Diamond (Editor), Edward B. Foley (Editor), Richard H. Pildes (Editor)

In the midst of the political ugliness that has become part of our everyday reality, are there steps that can be taken to counter polarization and extremism―practical steps that are acceptable across the political spectrum? To answer that question, starting from the premise that the way our political processes are designed inevitably creates incentives for certain styles of politics and candidates, the Task Force on American Electoral Reform spent two years exploring alternative ideas for reforming key aspects of the US electoral process. The results of their work are presented in this essential book.

CONTENTS:

• The Electoral Reform Imperative―the Editors.

• Ballot Structures―E.B. Foley.

• Proportional Representation―L. Drutman.

• Why Proportional Representation Could Make Things Worse―R.H. Pildes

• Primary Elections―R.G. Boatright

• Presidential Nominations―R.H. Pildes and F. Lee.

• Campaign Finance―R. La Raja.

• Conclusion―the Editors.