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We are professors of political science. The goal is not to post partisan opinions, but rather to share our academic research. Learn more. Each post reflects only its author's views.
Buyer beware: Most of our posts discuss ongoing, unpublished research. We may revise our conclusions as we continue our research.
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Tag Archives: direct democracy
What is the future of the Republican nominating system?
The Republican Central Committee recently decided that it would not change the manner by which candidates gain access to the Republican primary ballot. The decision not to change the rules creates a possible showdown with Count My Vote. The group … Continue reading
Background research on Utah’s caucus-convention system
The news reports a proposed ballot measure to reform Utah’s nominating system. This might be a good time to remind readers of an excellent report by the non-partisan Utah Foundation about a year ago. The report’s author, Morgan Lyon Cotti, … Continue reading
Posted in Everything
Tagged caucus, convention, direct democracy, initiative, nominations, utah foundation
2 Comments
Do we live in a “compound Constitutional Republic” or something else?
There are no uses of the phrase “compound constitutional republic” in any American English book from 1800 through 2000. Last March, the Utah legislature passed a bill (HB 220) requiring Utah’s public schools to teach that the United States is … Continue reading
Posted in Everything
Tagged democracy, direct democracy, james madison, legislature, representation, republic
9 Comments
Do we live in a democracy or a republic?
Maybe it’s not a coincidence that we began referring to ourselves as a “democracy” more frequently at the same time that our country became more (directly) democratic. Do we live in a democracy or a republic? Let’s ask Google. I … Continue reading
Posted in Everything
Tagged democracy, direct democracy, education, ideology, initiative, john adams, recall, referendum, republic, thomas jefferson
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