Combatting Extremism

Abstract

Few Americans are happy with the state of American democracy. Our political institutions appear dysfunctional and our political culture more generally has become increasingly toxic and tribalistic.  To what extent do the institutional structures within which elections and politics take place contribute to the polarization and extremism in our politics and political culture?

This essay reflects the structural approach to election law and governance that I have long advocated.  It explores a range of possible reforms from the perspective of whether they contribute to extremism and polarization.  The essay endorses some of these reforms and rejects others.  Among the areas the article considers are primary elections, voting rules, the presidential nominations process, the right way to regulate campaign finance, and new approaches to redistricting.

This is the 2024 Dunwody Distinguished Lecture in Law at the University of Florida.

Keywords: democracy, redistricting, primaries, polarization, campaign finance, presidential nominations, extremism