Reforming Congress – Fergus Bordewich, Historian and Author

February 1, 2022  

  • Video
  • 0:14 – Background
  • 0:51 – Introducing his books
  • 6:39 – “The First Congress” book
  • 11:28 – Historian’s point of view to factions
  • 20:26 – Madison’s thought on external control on factions
  • 25:25 – Privacy vs transparency
  • 32:04 – How should transparency occur in Congress today?
  • 37:25 – Delegation of authority
  • 46:50 – Notion of Majority
  • 51:55 – Vetos and Delays in Congress
    [Lightning Round]
  • 1:02:54 – What does representation really mean?
  • 1:18:01- How would your ideal Congress allocate its time?
  • 1:23:50 – How should debate, deliberation, or dialogue occur or be structured in Congress?
  • 1:33:36 – What fundamental institutional improvement should Congress make within 50 years?
  • 1:38:59- What book or article most shaped your think with respect to Congress? Or congressional reform?
  • 1:41:09- Long term plans