this post was submitted on 16 Mar 2026
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[–] Grumpyleb@lemmus.org -1 points 18 hours ago (2 children)

In the age of misinformation and people using influencers and podcasters as "news and information" it's become the norm unfortunately. I tend to try and get as broad a view as possible and filter out the bullshit. And admittedly I don't understand the PAC system or the electoral college, and I can't condone lobbying as we've seen it's detrimental effect on general rights to Americans as well as pushing policy. Again, these don't affect us as foreigners, but they tend to push certain policies that end up with wider reaching effects.

[–] givesomefucks@lemmy.world 7 points 18 hours ago (2 children)

or the electoral college

That's the part that's relevant...

Whether a state goes 51% of 100%, counts the same.

This leads to depressed turnout and obviously no elections being on "all Americans". Most of our votes for president don't matter because most states go one way or the other.

[–] ShaggySnacks@lemmy.myserv.one 2 points 11 hours ago

Whether a state goes 51% of 100%, counts the same.

While the Electoral college has it's own major issues. Awarding of the votes is done because 48 State Legislatures believe all the votes should go to the winner. Maine and Nebraska award their vote on a semi-proportional system. A true proportional system would go a long way of addressing some of the major issues such as a someone's Presidential vote being utterly meaningless. A Republican in California or Democrat in Idaho. (https://electoralvotemap.com/which-states-split-their-electoral-votes/)

This is the problem when people say "Vote Blue". Sure voting Democrat/Republican for US House or lower elections does matter, Senate and Presidential elections? If you live in a Red State, a vote for the Senate or President is completely meaningless in having a say of who gets elected.

Sure, states flip from red to blue and vice versa. However, that only happens if Parties really invest in that state to change it. Parties don't have unlimited funds, they pay attention to swing states which would have a better return on investment.

It's the inherent flaw of first past the post/winner take all style of voting.

[–] Grumpyleb@lemmus.org 2 points 18 hours ago (2 children)
[–] givesomefucks@lemmy.world 4 points 18 hours ago (2 children)

That's not even the worst...

Our House of representatives is supposed to make up for it, but each rep represents over 20x the people they did when the country was founded.

The reason we lost so much representation, is the room they occasionally meet in would be too cramped if they kept adding chairs to it.

But just in general, it's almost always best to blame political leaders for a government's actions and not just blame every person living there.

Good and bad.

[–] IronBird@lemmy.world 2 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 14 hours ago)

the cap on House seats was a deliberate move to restrict the power of cities/progressive forces of the time, it wasnt some accident/short-sightedness

make it more expensive to campaign (because you have to reach so many more people) and you effectively force out independent canidates

even if House seats were increased to something sane like 150-200k pop/seat (currently at 800k+, iirc), the senate effectively gives 2/3rds of national political power to 1/3rd of the country. there is no means for the House to completely bypass the Senate

[–] Grumpyleb@lemmus.org 1 points 18 hours ago

But just in general, it’s almost always best to blame political leaders for a government’s actions and not just blame every person living there.

Good and bad.

Agreed, frustration gets to me, considering I come from the Middle East I tend to have very conflicting emotions, having grown up in England I appreciate law and order, equality and an attitude of live and let live. But when my friends and family are in direct danger, my anger rages.

[–] Sonicdemon86@lemmy.world 1 points 14 hours ago

If they do it right they only need 22% of the popular vote to win the presidentance, so yeah don't say it is all Americans that want this when such a small number is needed to win.

[–] IronBird@lemmy.world 0 points 15 hours ago

considering the state of mainstream american news, pretty sure those listening to "influencers" are better informed. especially as far as iran/isreal/american imperialism in general is concerned