KC Johnson

A map of swing states from…2012. Only two of these states would be considered swing states 12 years later.

The last decade has featured (for understandable reasons) a lot of discussion about reforming the Electoral College, changing voting laws, and other statutory and constitutional reforms to address what many people see as the shortcomings of the American political system. One assumption underlying much (but by no means all) of this activism is a sense that America’s political divides are static. This seminar will explore the concept of the swing state, noting that swing-state identities have evolved constantly in U.S. history, often in unpredictable ways.

As always, 10-15 minutes at the end on contemporary matters, plus a Q&A

Schedule:

October 8: 19th Century & the (Underappreciated) Origins of the Swing State

October 22: 1916, 1948, 1960

November 5: Swing States in an Era of Political Realignment

November 19: The Red/Blue State Phenomenon

December 3: Swing States in Congress?

December 17: Projecting Ahead