The Constitution and Political Parties

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The Constitution and Political Parties
James Madison once observed that “[i]n every political society, parties are unavoidable.” Yet the Constitution itself contains no reference to political parties. What is more, it could be argued that political partisanship rather than constitutional principle now plays the central role in shaping our republic.
Is politics—rather than our Constitution—actually the “supreme Law of the Land?” And how should we understand the relationship between our Constitution and political parties? As providing a defense for their autonomy? As a check on their vices? As something else entirely?
Friday, May 18, 2018 | Video | |
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1:00 PM | Welcome – Paul Brest Hall | |
1:15 PM | Introductory remarks by Michael McConnell – Paul Brest Hall |
Watch Video: Welcome Remarks |
1:30 PM | Gerrymandering: Past & Present – Paul Brest Hall
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Watch Video: Gerrymandering: Past & Present |
3:30 PM | Break – Paul Brest Hall | |
3:45 PM | Restoring the Middle: Reforms to Reduce Polarization – Paul Brest Hall
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Watch Video: Restoring the Middle |
6:00 PM | Panels conclude |
Saturday, May 19, 2018 | Video | |
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8:30 AM | The Future of Campaign Finance – Paul Brest Hall (Didi Kuo)
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Watch Video: The Future of Campaign Finance |
10:30 AM | The First Amendment & Regulation of Political Parties – Paul Brest Hall
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Watch Video: First Amendment & Regulation of Political Parties |
12:30 PM | Lunch – Paul Brest Hall/Rehnquist Courtyard | |
1:30 PM | Selection of Candidates: Reforming the Primary System – Paul Brest Hall
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Watch Video: Selection of Candidates |
3:00 PM | Break – Paul Brest Hall | |
3:15 PM | Separation of Parties or Separation of Powers? – Paul Brest Hall
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Watch Video: Separation of Parties or Separation of Powers? |
5:30 PM | Final Reflections & Remarks by Michael McConnell – Paul Brest Hall |
Watch Video: Final Reflections & Remarks |