Why does the US government seem so chaotic? And is it the system that’s broken, the people running it or both? Americans learn about checks and balances between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, but how does any of that work in real life? We’ll follow power from the federal government down through states, counties and cities, asking why governing the United States often appears far messier than governing China and many other countries.

Broadcasting from Seattle, Damon, a university professor, published poet and very opinionated American, will lead a lively, uncensored introduction to how American government works and why it so often doesn’t. Challenge the system, defend it, criticize anyone, ask absolutely anything or admit you know nothing about US politics: this is a space for curiosity, disagreement and strong opinions without judgment. No political knowledge or preparation is necessary—just come ready to question everything.

为什么美国政府看起来这么乱？到底是这套制度坏了，还是管制度的人坏了，还是两个都坏了？美国人从小就学行政、立法、司法三权之间怎么互相制衡，但这些东西放到现实里到底怎么运转的？我们会顺着权力从联邦政府一路往下看，到州、县、市，聊聊为什么治理美国经常看起来比治理中国和很多其他国家要乱得多。

Damon 从西雅图连线，他是大学教授、出版过诗集的诗人，也是一个观点特别鲜明的美国人。他会用一种很生动、不遮不掩的方式，带大家入门美国政府到底怎么运作，以及为什么它经常运作不起来。你可以挑战这套制度，也可以为它辩护，可以批评任何人，可以问任何问题，或者干脆承认自己完全不懂美国政治：这里就是一个欢迎好奇、欢迎分歧、欢迎强烈观点、但不会被judge的地方。不需要任何政治知识，也不用提前做功课——人来就行，准备好质疑一切。