SPEAKER SERIES: Dr. Peter Hanson
"The Growth of Partisan Polarization in Congress: Implications for American Politics"
Dr. Peter Hanson, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Denver who specializes in American Politics, Public Law and Political Behavior. He received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley in 2010 and a graduate of Harvard with an A.B. in Social Studies. From 1996-2002, he was an assistant to Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), specializing in appropriations and environmental policy.
Session Summary:
1. Causes and consequences of partisan polarization in the United States in both Congress and the public.
2. How modern polarization is the result of a decades-long process of societal change in the United States.
3. Strengthening of political parties in Congress, a rise in partisan obstruction, and the development of new legislative strategies aimed at steamrolling minority opposition.
4. A look ahead to the presidential elections of 2012.
Come early for refreshments and conversation.
No charge for event; Space limited to 68 people.