Democracy is a lot more fragile than many thought

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Democracy is a lot more fragile than many thought Preserving Democracy: Pursuing a More Perfect Union

Premiered January 06, 2022

Democracy is a lot more fragile than many thought

The January 6 Capitol Riots revealed that democracy is more fragile than many realized.

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Episode Extras

Experts examine how new media and social media are changing politics and journalism norms

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The “hall of mirrors” of social media and misinformation

The U.S. wasn’t the first democracy, nor is it the first nation to have issues with it.

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“We don't want just the veneer of a democracy”

Experts discuss the long history of the two political parties in the U.S.

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How the two major U.S. political parties formed

“The fiercest fights of our history have been to keep other people from voting.”

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America’s long, bitter fight for equal voting rights

Experts discuss times in history when the nation and democracy were at the brink.

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Democracy’s strange compromise

Experts recall instances of violence throughout history aimed at crippling the Republic.

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Political violence throughout American history

Experts discuss the worldwide erosion of democracy in recent years.

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“Most democracies die at the ballot box”

“The fiercest fights of our history have been to keep other people from voting.”

Watch (04:26)

Clip

America’s long, bitter fight for equal voting rights

Experts discuss times in history when the nation and democracy were at the brink.

Watch (06:12)

Clip

Democracy’s strange compromise

Experts recall instances of violence throughout history aimed at crippling the Republic.

Watch (06:21)

Clip

Political violence throughout American history

Experts discuss the worldwide erosion of democracy in recent years.

Watch (04:01)

Clip

“Most democracies die at the ballot box”

Experts discuss one of American democracy’s biggest vulnerabilities: race relations.

Watch (05:20)

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American Democracy's “Achilles Heel”

The January 6 Capitol Riots revealed that democracy is more fragile than many realized.

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Democracy is a lot more fragile than many thought

Explore issues from the American Revolution to civil rights and the 2021 Capitol riot

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Preview

Preserving Democracy Preview

Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) Discusses January 6, 2021 with Margaret Hoover.

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Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) Discusses Jan. 6, 2021

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Preserving Democracy: Pursuing a More Perfect Union

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Preserving Democracy: Pursuing a More Perfect Union

About the Program

Preserving Democracy: Pursuing a More Perfect Union

Follow the pursuit of democracy from the Revolutionary War through recurring cycles of civil rights progress and backlash, the 2021 Capitol riot and beyond. Explore the impact of voter rights and a civics curriculum on engaged and informed citizens.

Program Specials & Extras

Kevin Elliot, professor at Yale and author of "Democracy for Busy People," joins.

Watch (18:10)

Special

How can American democracy work better for "Busy People"?

A law professor explains the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision on Moore v. Harper.

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Special

Moore v. Harper and 'independent state legislature theory':

A new podcast brought to you by Preserving Democracy

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Welcome to States of Democracy!