PUBLIC LECTURE: Stalemate in American Politics: Sorting Out the Culprits

A public lecture by Professor Burdett Loomis, Fulbright Flinders University Distinguished Chair in American Political Science.

The American political system was not designed to produce speedy or highly responsive policy-making. Given the US’s separation-of-powers structure, a grossly malapportioned Senate, and a powerful Supreme Court, American presidents have often found it difficult to enact their policy agendas or to respond quickly to major policy problems. Stalemate in US politics has become increasingly problematic over the past thirty years. The polarization of party politics is often seen as the major cause of this impasse, and the post-1980 growth in partisanship has certainly played a significant role. At the same time, interest group scholars argue that the proliferation of groups and the growth of lobbying has rendered policy-making more difficult, especially given the advantages found within the American system that favor those opposed to change.

This lecture examines the roles played by parties and organized interests in producing stalemate, as well as introducing the idea that American voters may well play an important part.

Cost: Free, but RSVP essential. Book via http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/lectures/loomis