Jeanne Zaino on American Democracy in Crisis

The video discusses the need to rethink Madisonian government, focusing on democracy's fragility and the role of political parties. It highlights the challenges of government responsiveness and public perception, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues to reduce public frustration.

What is a key characteristic of democracy as discussed in the first section?

• It is defined by economic prosperity.

• It is fragile and requires constant attention.

• It is a modern invention.

• It is inherently stable.

Why did the founders create a system where political parties became necessary?

• To ensure economic growth.

• To facilitate international relations.

• To promote individual freedoms.

• To manage the division and separation within the system.

What is a major challenge for the establishment of a third party in the U.S.?

• Insufficient funding.

• Historical and structural absorption by the two major parties.

• International opposition.

• Lack of public interest.

What is a proposed solution to make the political system more responsive?

• Revising the Constitution to reduce division.

• Increasing the number of political parties.

• Focusing solely on economic policies.

• Eliminating political parties.

What is a significant factor contributing to public frustration with the government?

• Excessive taxation.

• Overrepresentation of minority groups.

• Rapid policy changes.

• Government's lack of response to long-standing issues.

How does the media influence public perception of the government?

• By providing unbiased information.

• By creating narratives that may not reflect reality.

• By focusing solely on international news.

• By ignoring political developments.

What was a major issue with the healthcare bill passed during Obama's presidency?

• It was not debated in Congress.

• It was too comprehensive.

• It was a watered-down version of the original proposal.

• It was passed without public support.