In "How Congress Works, and Why You Should Care," former Representative Lee Hamilton discusses how so many Americans are frustrated with today's politics. Hamilton quickly reminds us that, despite its challenges, our system of representative government and balance of powers is far superior to the alternatives. In other words, be careful what you ask for. Hamilton describes how the founding fathers intentionally created three branches of government, with many checks and balances on each other. As the people's house, Congress was established to directly represent us, the American people. As such, "the historic mission of Congress has been to maintain freedom." So, while the politics and the process can be frustrating, it is this very process that sets us apart as a country ran by the people. Hamilton states, "the complexity of the process represents the complexity of this country."
The core concepts developed by the founding fathers have proven valuable, as ours is the oldest written constitution of a nation still in use. However, I suspect our forefathers would not be pleased with some of the ways we've warped the system over time. With the goal of returning to a more representative democracy, below are some suggestions. (You may have seen some of these before.)
1. Congress should not determine district boundaries. This is how gerrymandering has become so prevalent, and made so few Congressional seats even contestable. Gerrymandering runs counter to the goal of representative elections. District boundaries should be determined by an independent commission or similar method.
(In California's November election, voters approved a Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw boundaries for the state legislature. Hopefully this will create more representative districts for the state. Visit http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/ for more info.
2. Congress (past, present & future) should participate in Social Security along with every other American.
3. Congress should purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
4. Congress should not be able to vote themselves a pay raise. Instead, for example, Congressional pay could rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress should participate in the same health care system as the American people.
3. Congress should purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
4. Congress should not be able to vote themselves a pay raise. Instead, for example, Congressional pay could rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress should participate in the same health care system as the American people.
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