The Present and Future of US Politics: The Accountability Problem in Local Politics

28 October 12:30
Rothermere American Institute, 1a South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3UB

Justin de Benedictus-Kessner (Harvard University)

As the second Trump administration approaches its halfway point, this seminar series looks beyond the headlines to examine ongoing developments in US politics. We consider the present and future of American democracy and government and ask: what is at stake in 2026 and the midterm elections?

Each seminar will begin with a short presentation by an expert, followed by discussion and questions. Everyone with an interest in US politics is welcome. A sandwich lunch will be provided on a first come first serve basis.​​​​​​

 

The Accountability Problem in Local Politics

In the United States, hundreds of thousands of elected and appointed officials serve more than 50,000 subnational governments, making important decisions about services ranging from education to infrastructure to policing. Local politicians are supposedly the elected representatives closest to the people they serve, but are they actually accountable to their constituents? 

state of the union 2020 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead, public domain, via Wikicommons)

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