Political Power Talk

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- An adjunct professor of political science at Ripon College gave his perspective on the future of political power during a discussion Thursday night.

Steven Sorenson has 35 years of experience in corporate, estate and municipal law. He talked about how recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have shifted authority toward the states, reshaping key policy areas such as abortion, Medicaid, environmental regulation, school athletics and online speech.

Sorenson went through the history of the U.S. Supreme Court and how it gained power and influence. He defined different eras of the court by their Chief Justices such as Marshall, Berger, Warren, and Roberts.  He says only a small percentage of the court rulings are on controversial issues. But he pointed out most of what we think about the court is shaped by political pundits and social media.

Sorenson sees himself as a futurist and wrapped up his talk with a few predictions. He believes local government will evolve into regional governments, states will gain more power, and federal government will be reshaped similar to how it was in the 1930’s. One bold prediction, we will go through a depression beginning in 2029.

Sorenson’s talk was live streamed on Wisconsin Eye. The talk at Ripon College was hosted by the College’s Center for Politics and the People and Pre-Law Society.

Photo credit: Ripon College.