What would the effect be if the following changes were made in the U.S.?

Question

I know this will never fly in the U.S., but one can wonder. What if to vote in any election above the local level, one would have to have one of the following: 1) a Bachelor's degree, 2) an IQ in at least the 75th percentile of adults(extremely generous), 3) or the successful completion of an introductory class on government, politics, and political parties.

In addition, 1) real term limits would be instituted(no more 80 year old senators) and 2) the process for 3rd pary candidates would be simplified.

I honestly believe we would get a much better result than what we get now. What do you think? As Americans we love picking the best for our Olympic teams, elected representatives, etc. What would be wrong with being a little more selective in who decides our leadership?

Hey Bill,
I agree with you on the 2 terms for Congress. Great one, however don't you think that intelligence at least increases the likelihood of better electoral decision making? Come on!

This is not meant to be arrogant or condescending. Why are we so comfortable making value judgements on looks, status, religion, etc., but not on intelligence?

Trust me, I don't think I'm all that smart, but I have worked at a polling site before and let me tell you, it is downright scary who gets to vote in this country. If that offends anyone, so f****** be it!

Leogirl,
People would only have to have one of the qualifications, not all three. As for messing with our 2 party system, I have seen the mess in places like Italy with so many parties, but somehow, the American people need to have a true choice.

Also remember, I didn't say intelligence guarantees a better vote, just that it increases the likelihood of a better vote.

Black Sabath evidently thinks working class people are all stupid and incapable of scoring in the 75 percentile on an IQ test. I disagree.

Answer 1

Ouch! All that just gave me a headache, especially since not having any caffeine yet!

Answer 2

I don't think your going to get an intelligent vote just because you have a bachelors degree. I know many with Masters that I wouldn't trust to walk me across the street, so that's out. I like the class on Government, but that's a standard HS senior class, I'll vote for the term limits and the 3rd party gets the same process as the democrats and the republicans.
Your views would take us away from what this country stands for. Freedom for the people by the people. Not just the ones who had the privilege of an education. That is what we escaped from in the first place.
With your plan Bill Gates & Steve Job wouldn't be eligible to vote.

Answer 3

I think there are plenty of intelligent ppl who do not have a bachelors degree. I do think educating ppl better on politics and the candidates up for election would be a good idea. What I get really sick of is how most candidates ads are bashing the other person. We learn absolutely nothing about them in that ad. They waste time and money. Candidates need to stop this because no one with a brain believes anything they say about each other because its usually twisted and barely true. People would be able to make a more informed decision if they could learn more about what they are voting for.

Answer 4

Makes a lot of sense, I think the Bachelors degree is a bit of a stretch cause there are a lot of able and extremely intelligent americans out there without a degree, you can;t measures someones intelligence or value of decision making with a degree, comeone people can have bachelors degrees in administration and not know jack **** I know alot of people like that. There are a lot of changes that should be made, but sadly we are following a 200 year old piece of paper, that doesnt keep up with the times.
But I do believe there should be more qualification to voting that just that, but hey... even if everything was done right and people voted fairly, people with influence and money will always get their way sadly

Answer 5

No, the way to go would be to not have just 2 candidates, where neither usuallu meets the approvl of the voter, who then has to vote for whom he detests less. No real choice.
If voting was set up the way a pope is voted for, that would change things drastically.
If you have 15 choices, and pick them in the order that you like them (everyone else doing the same), you may get someone who never got beyond third place in anyone's ballot, because a lot of the #1 and #2 guys also get put into last spot, whereas the #3 guy may not have dropped lower than number 6 in anyones ballot.
We would end up with electees who are to the liking of a greater number of voters.

Answer 6

When it comes to voting, voters should be people that can think for themselves and not just follow party lines. They should be progressive and not be scared of change. They should also not be easily brainwashed. It seems to me that politicians mostly stay on party lines and are not willing to compromise!

To assure the present administration controls everything, none of the republicans will go against the president even when knowing him and his cronies are crooks.

I have always been an independent but because of the frustration of this administration, I became a democrat. These guys have to be thrown out. Actually, they should be thrown into jail.

Answer 7

I like #3 in the first paragraph. Voters should have SOME knowledge about past history & current events. To become a U.S. citizen, I believe you have to know a little about American history & politics.

Obviously, this wouldn't be possible since free elections is our set Constitutional process, but I have to agree with you on that point.

And as ou also stated, and there needs to be term limits for Congressmen as well.

Answer 8

Voting used to be for land owners. Since this is suppose to be some sort of a democracy then everyone should be able to vote if they are of legal age and a citizen. Being smart doesn't mean that you can make better decisions.

Congress should searve 2 terms, one in congress one in jail

Answer 9

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Answer 10

I would settle for requiring that you must be a citizen and be able to prove it to register.

To vote you should have to show a photo ID.

To answer your question, the effect of your plan would be to send the liberals and their friends in the news media into a royal tizzy. That's because it would work against the politicians who stay in power through the use of pandering and demagoguery.

Answer Man

Answer 11

All systems have their flaws..Nothing needs to be changed...you have to accept that other people won't vote "as well" as you because you are so smart.

If a third party system would work...it would have worked already...You will never be "happy" with who "they" vote in.

Very arrogant and very condescending.