Description

Our political system has become more and more polarized over the last few decades, causing gridlock in Washington that has made it more difficult to solve some of the nation’s pressing problems. Come learn about some interesting initiatives that have the potential for changing that.

A 2017 study of HBS alumni by Harvard University Professor Michael Porter and business executive Katherine Gehl highlighted the weak and deteriorating political system as the greatest impediment to the U.S. economy. Congress has a 13% approval rating, yet 94% of all incumbents are re-elected. Election districts are gerrymandered, so there are few competitive elections. Moderates are disappearing, while Independents, the largest voting group, are disenfranchised. Major votes in Congress are along party lines. Dissatisfaction is demonstrated by the fact that the U.S. has among the lowest voter turnout in the developed world.

Government gridlock has contributed to economic and social problems such as stagnating wages, failing schools, inefficient and expensive healthcare, decaying infrastructure, a convoluted tax code, and rising entitlement costs.

A non-partisan group of HBS alumni has been working with Porter/Gehl to identify solutions that could encourage bi-partisanship and reduce gridlock.

This event will focus on modifications to the electoral process. Many seemingly attractive solutions; e.g., campaign finance reform and establishing term limits are difficult to implement because politicians like the perks of their incumbency. However, there are reforms, such as Non-Partisan Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting and Open Primaries, and Reduced Gerrymandering that are being increasingly adopted throughout the country.

Come meet the leaders of a few major election-reform groups that are working to improve our electoral system. Their ideas are non-partisan, designed to bridge our nation’s divisions and lead to constructive solutions to our endemic problems. Our HBS team will also discuss how alumni can use their networks to encourage productive change in our political system.

Please note that no refunds will be issued.