Why We're Polarized

Since polarization is here to stay, Klein recommends reforming the political system to function better given this reality. He cautions that he is more confident in his diagnosis of the political problem than he is in his prescriptions. He offers three systemic reforms. First, the system needs “bombproofing.” For example, he suggests that the debt ceiling should not be voted on separately from spending bills. That would prevent the Republican Party from using a looming financial catastrophe to win political advantage. Second, there is a need for balance. The founders balanced the powers of small and large states. While that division no longer resonates, the partisan one does. Both parties should have a voice in decision-making. Additionally, Klein suggests that the US Supreme Court should be restructured to represent balance between both political parties.

Thirdly, the system needs to be democratized. The electoral college should be abolished. While a constitutional amendment is unlikely, Klein highlights the possibility of the National Interstate Popular Vote Compact. The agreement commits states to cast their electoral votes for the popular vote winner. It needs more signatories to become binding but is more than 70% of the way to that goal.