Plato, Artistotle and Scientific Theory
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about Plato's preference for theories that take a mathematical form. Professor Toulmin adds that this preference was carried over to modern times, so that a discipline like psychology mi..
Polarization and the Changing American Economy
Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dalton Conley discusses changes in American society since World War Two. He contends that, while the United States provided a reasonable degree of economic equality and opportunit..
Political Parties in the Age of Television
Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry talks about the decline in influence of the political parties, beginning in the 1970's, when television shifted the focus of campaigns to the candidates rather than their p..
Political Stalemate: 1890s Depression Fuels Agrarian Revolt and Birth of Populist Party
Just months after Grover Cleveland takes office for a second time the economy comes to a screeching halt with a depression that lasts from the mid to late 1890s. Millions of people are out of work; thousands of businesse..
Political Stalemate: 1896, a Realigning Election
Republicans blame the Democrats for the Depression as they approach the election of 1896 with William McKinley as their presidential candidate. The Democrats, split by the Populist movement, nominate William Jennings Bry..
Political Stalemate: Activist vs. Passive Government
The campaign of 1888 between Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison plays up the economic differences between the parties. It is also one of the closest elections in American history with Harrison winning an electoral ma..
Political Stalemate: Fundamental Differences Between Republicans and Democrats Emerge
Fundamental differences between the Republicans and Democrats begin to surface during the late 19th century, particularly in relation to the economy and the role government should play in regulating it. The Republicans f..
Political Stalemate: Mudslinging Election of 1884, The
In the presidential election of 1884 Senator James G. Blaine, once the head of the Half-Breeds, challenges and defeats incumbent president Chester A. Arthur for the Republican nomination. The Democrats nominate New York ..
Political Stalemate: Pendleton Act, The
The federal government's bureaucracy is growing larger and the old method of selecting people for public office has not grown with it. The Pendleton Act, passed early in 1883 attempts to remedy the situation, but it only..
Political Stalemate: Political Stalemate
For several decades after Congress ceases to battle over Reconstruction there is political equilibrium between Democrats and Republicans. The outcome of presidential elections generally pivots on who can win four states:..