If you could do one thing to improve democracy in the U.S., what would you do?

Answer 1

I would dismantle the two-party system and hold open, taxpayer funded elections in an effort to break the tie between government and corporations. Elected officials don't serve the people; they serve big oil, tobacco, pharmaceutical companies and other corporations that feed their war chests. America will remain a plutocracy until we all foot the bill to elect real leaders.

Answer 2

That's a very good question - much better than the usual crap that passes for questions in the political realm.

I would have to say that finding ways to improve civic participation and the rational discussion of contemporary issues would immediately better democracy in the United States. Political apathy is crippling our system of government.

The solution is not telling people "Get out and vote!" because they are uniformed on what the issues are and where those running stand on them. Armed only with sound bites and political catchphrases to aid their decision, they may be voting for individuals they really don't want in office (even though they don't know it yet).

An uniformed vote is worse than no vote at all.

What is the cure for American political apathy? That's the million dollar question. Basically, we have to find a way to get the people of this country to care about politics. That's a tough task.

Essentially, Americans don't seem to understand that what is going on in Washington fundamentally affects the way the country is. I'm not sure who, but somebody aptly stated: "No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the Legislature is in session." People just don't seem to understand that.

Unfortunately, I feel that the only way the people of this country will ever care about politics is if some drastic attack on their Constitutional rights occurs (a la Galactic Senate of Star Wars fame). Even then, you wonder...

Answer 3

Actually, the electoral college was implemented to improve democracy. This is a Federation of States, thus the term United States. The founders well knew that a few large cities would control the entire nation if there were no system to prevent it from happening.

So, they developed the electoral system. To win the presidency, candidates must please more than NY and CA as would happen under your misbegotten and ignorant idea about the electoral system.

The best thing we could do is eliminate the professional politicians by limiting all terms of office to one term and one term only, at all levels from the small town mayor to the presidency. No one could live his/her life as a politician year after year.

And, make it so no one could be president who had held any elected or government office in the last ten years.

Answer 4

Make all Elections funded by the public instead of individual contributions. It would take power away from corporations and permit the people to have more choices when going to the booth.

The system would allow all candidates - no matter what party they were from - to have an equal opportunity to have their platform, and stance on the issues recognized.

When and only when this happens, we will have a true democracy.

Until then, Corporations retain the grip of power over our "leaders". It was Benito Mussolini who once said: "Fascism should really be called Corporatism." Who better to know that than a Fascist Dictator, eh?

Answer 5

Fight for a democratic-socialist government that would decrease the gap in income and eliminate "classes." This would give everyone the same access to education, public services, and political power. In a capitalistic society like the US, those that are born into wealth and luxury are usually the ones who are given the privileges and opportunities. Those that are born into poverty or "lower classes" have to fight for equal access to the luxuries of the wealthy. This system is unfair and under a democratic-socialist government, there would be no extreme wealth and no extreme poor, we would all be as equal as we could possibly be.

Answer 6

I would establish a Governing Board of Trustees for Elections with the ultimate goal of removing politics from elections and insuring fair, open, democratic elections in which all votes are counted -- once. Politicians with a vested interest in the outcome of elections have to be held at arms length from the mechanics of the process. We have to confront the realities of today's world and create a uniform national voter registration so voters vote once in their home state. Trustees must insure that election voting machines are not hackable and they provide paper copies as receipt and for auditing election results. The board of trustees would be charged with devising an apolitical method of selecting and appointing future trustee. Trustees would advise the Congress, courts, and states on matters related to elections.

Answer 7

As a public, demand accountability, efficiency, and respect from our representatives. Think of all the things we could do if legislators stopped partisan posturing and did their jobs. The problems we could solve!

This requires people to care about their government which is, alas, a value very few Americans seem to have.

Answer 8

Remove electoral college.
Remove at least the 3 worst democrats
(Kennedy,Hillary,Kerry).
Due to internet - approach 'real' democracy in communities.
Fair Tax system


Btw, I would have supported JFK in his day.
But am GOP because of the above 3.

Answer 9

Excellent question with a simple answer:

Vote republicans out of office this November.

This will restore checks and balances in all 3 areas of our government, Executive, Legislative & Judicial.

Answer 10

Somehow eliminate political parties and allow all qualified people to have a chance at office. Eliminating parties would also help usher in politicians who aren't just out for the parties gain, but are for the people who supported him.