Episode 6. Tariffs, guardrails, and presidential power
This week's episode explores the broad tariffs that President Trump has assessed on the nation's trading partners. How has the president been able to enact such dramatic policy changes so rapidly? Why isn't Congress playing more of a role? Are there guardrails in place that can limit potential economic damage from these protectionist policies?
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6:02
Episode 5. Executive Orders vs. guardrails
Last week's episode explored how different institutions of American democracy provide guardrails that prevent leaders from abusing power. Today's discussion continues that theme and considers when people might mobilize those guardrails in response to presidents using Executive Orders. What are Executive Orders and what do they allow presidents to do? What harm can guardrails prevent when presidents try to use Executive Orders in ways that exceed the authority of their office?
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5:40
Episode 4. Institutions as guardrails for democracy
Institutions create important checks on ambitious politicians. That can frustrate elected officials and the people at times because these checks slow government down. Still, there are good reasons why democracies constrain individual leaders from acting without oversight. How do these guardrails work? What happens if they become weak or leaders undermine them?
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6:07
Episode 3. The people in "we the people"
If democracy means rule by the people, then one thing democratic systems need to figure out is: Who are the people? Who counts? Who might not count? These questions are critical because how a democracy answers them can influence who has power and how they get to exercise it.
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6:29
Episode 2. Democracy or republic?
Some call the United States a democracy and others push back and say no, it's a republic. What's the difference? Does it matter?
In each episode of Democracy in Five Minutes, your host, Paul Manna, will explore a key aspect of democracy and what you can do to participate in and protect democratic processes. Occasional longer-form installments will incorporate ideas from additional guests. The opinions expressed on this podcast are Paul Manna’s (or those of his guests) and do not necessarily reflect the views of his employer. You can read more about Paul on his home page: https://sites.google.com/view/paulmanna.
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