How united are the United States of America in reality?

To the occasion of the US-American elections, the current subject in class, our course (Advanced Course English, taught by Mrs. Welz) decided to attend a book- talk on the book "Die unvereinigten Staaten- Das politische System der USA und die Zukunft der Demokratie" written by Stephan Bierling. The book- talk, which took place in the famous America House in Munich on September 25, was hosted by Stefan Kornelius, who is a journalist for the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

"E pluribus unum", out of many one: That's the motto on the seal of the USA. But there isn't much left of it. The United States are divided and hostile to a degree not seen since the Civil War. The main cause of this is the partisan polarization that has now affected all participants, institutions and processes of American democracy.

The book explains how the US political system works and why it is working less and less. After the presentation of the author, the audience got to ask questions and discuss the subject further. The author informed his audience about the history of American elections, discussing different electoral outcomes and educating his listeners about the general history of the US. He also got into the upcoming elections in which the American electorate can choose between the candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, talking through the four years of Trump's presidency and the consequences of his time in office on the country. He explained the political system of the US across the board, comparing the system to our German system of government. 

Overall, it was an insightful and entertaining event which helped us make sense of the political climate in the wake of the upcoming presidential elections.