How Do Legislators Think Democracy Should Work? Evidence from the U.S. and Germany

You’re invited to join Melody Crowder-Meyer, Associate Professor of Political Science at Davidson College, for an American Politics Speaker Series discussion sponsored by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Center for American Political Studies.

Registration is encouraged but not required. This event series will not be recorded.

This event is open to Harvard ID holders only. Lunch will be served.

Abstract

How democracy functions depends, in part, on political elites’ preferences and behavior. As polarization has increased and populism is on the rise, politicians’ support for democratic institutions may also be shifting. This presentation uses original survey data to identify how state legislators in the US and Germany propose democracy should function. It reveals American legislators’ orientation away from elite-centered and toward people-centered democracy and tests explanations for this pattern.

About the Series

The United States is a crossroads. How can Americans connect to each other in deep and meaningful ways, despite holding drastically different political world views? What are the causes and consequences of our nation’s historic levels of partisan polarization? Just how far can democratic backsliding go? The American Politics Speaker Series (APSS) aims to bring together scholars who are doing research on these and other important questions. Hosted jointly with the Center for American Political Studies and chaired by Professors Benjamin Schneer and Justin de Benedictis-Kessner, each session will highlight a scholar whose research is at the forefront of the study of American politics.

Event Details

The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.