Political Fix
How Should We Get American Politics Back on Track?
Scott London
- 12 pages
- English
- ePUB (adapté aux mobiles)
- Disponible sur iOS et Android
Political Fix
How Should We Get American Politics Back on Track?
Scott London
Ă propos de ce livre
The view that something is amiss in American government is now widely shared. "We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, " say scholars Tomas E. Mann and Norman Ornstein, "and never have we seen them this dysfunctional." Even some elected officials acknowledge they have a problem. "We need to change the way we do business, " says Tom Udall, a Democratic senator from New Mexico. "Right now, we have gridlock. We have delay. We have obstruction, and we don't have any accountability." The troubles facing American politics are varied and complex. Observers point to a wide range of developments that, if left unchecked, are likely to further weaken the effectiveness of government. These include: The flood of corporate money into American political campaigns. The growing influence of lobbyists and special interest groups. The increasing polarization and rancor of our political discourse. Structural impediments, such as current redistricting laws that limit ballot choices and skew election results. The "permanent campaign" that encourages lawmakers to focus on short-term gains instead of long-term solutions. Political leaders acting in their own interests rather than serving the public good. The disengagement of ordinary Americans who turn away from politics in disgust rather than getting involved and making their voices heard. This issue guide presents three options for consideration: Break the grip of special interests The key to addressing gridlock and dysfuntion in government is to rein in special interests and curb the influence of big money. Increase responsibility Our best hope of fixing American politics is to restore individual responsibility in communities and at every level of government. Fix the mechanisms of politics The mechanisms of government are no longer responsive to the will of the people. We need major structural changes to make the system work as it was intended to.
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SUMMARY
>>Political Fix
How Should We Get American Politics Back on Track?
OPTION ONE
Break the Grip of Special Interests
EXAMPLES OF WHAT MIGHT BE DONE | SOME TRADE-OFFS TO CONSIDER |
Require full and immediate disclosure of all meetings between lobbyists and lawmakers or their staff members. | But this would result in the need to document an avalanche of minute details, as even the most trivial meetings would have to be recorded. |
Create a government-sponsored online clearinghouse to disclose the nature of all special-interest group activities and funding. | This would mean more government intrusion into private organizations, and make it impossible for people to support causes anonymously. |
Amend the Constitution to reverse the Supreme Courtâs 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling that allows super PACs to collect unlimited corporate campaign contributions. | This would restrict political freedom of speech as guaranteed in the First Amendment. |
Require that broadcast media organizations provide free advertising to political candidates, and require campaigns to use only these outlets. | Media organizations would give up an important source of revenue and control over their own airwaves, and candidatesâ ability to spread their message would be limited, thus curbing their free speech rights. |
Restrict and control the revolving door between government and the lobbying industry by instituting and enforcing a waiting period before lawmakers can work for interest groups after leaving office. | This would limit officialsâability to use their experience and expertise in their future careers, thereby penalizing them for holding public office. |