Reforming American Politics

This book provides a detailed template of how to reform the American political system to avoid rogue presidencies, move toward a multi-party system and reduce political polarization. Guided by his career on the frontline of congressional and executive conflict Ivan R. Eland advocates decentralizing Congress and reforming election law to create a more competitive political system that acts to moderate extreme polarization of the parties. Proposed reforms include increasing competition in the political system by creating multi-member congressional districts, which would reduce or eliminate gerrymandering; better registering voters’ preferences by instituting ranked choice voting in all elections; deregulating how governments require private political parties to nominate their candidates and raise and spend campaign funds and nullifying the Electoral College. Focusing on reforms that can be undertaken without altering the US Constitution, this book is a novel and readable contribution that will help advance student and public debate on reforming U.S. democracy.