This is a program of Debate Defends Democracy, a virtual discussion of Constitutional issues and the Bill of Rights presented at Federal Hall. With increasing frequency over the past two decades, the political preferences of a majority of Americans have been subverted in the legislative process by the will of a shrinking minority. This inequity is particularly stark in the institution of the U.S. Senate, which first convened under the new Constitution at Federal Hall on March 4, 1789. To balance power in the central government, the “Grand Compromise” at the Constitutional Convention, had agreed that both the most populous and least populous states would each have two Senators. One of the contemporary impacts is that the Senate is increasingly stymied in passing major legislation even when supported by a majority of Americans. This program will explore the framer’s intent for the Senate, the historical and political circumstances that have contributed to this imbalance, the effects of this distortion of representation on the health of our democracy as well as areas for potential reform, from expanded statehood to an overhaul of institutional rules. Federal Hall’s Sam Roberts will introduce the topic with an historical perspective.

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Details

Date: 03/16/2021

Time: 5:30 pm

Cost: Free

Event Category:

Website:
https://federalhall.org/debate-defends-democracy/?v=7516fd43adaa

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