if you could change anything in American or British politics what would it be?

Question

name as many things as you would like

Answer 1

I would love to see our government actually be force to abide by the constitution, and stop trying all the nonsense to get around it.

Answer 2

I read all the answers that came in on this particular question and I think that the point is being missed. If I could change anything in American and British politics I would change the attitude that the working people have of each other. Because while Americans do have too much offered to them while others go hungry Britons are not exactly starving in the streets either and you have your fair share of fat and lazy peoples too. The average American doesnt feel much different than the average Briton does, most oppose the war, think the govt should do something about crime in the streets, want the best for our kids, wish our government wasnt made up of long term power seekers,are horrified by the poverty and hunger in the world and don't know enough about the politics of other countries to talk intelligently about them. We should be friends when the world starts to beat us up not enemies. One point I would make (in answer to an answer) is that the US has so had a war in our country since the civil war. It is true we didnt come into WW2 until Pearl Harbor but remember Pearl Harbor that was war in our country. If we had a war on our continent are you gonna send your guys to help ?? How many of you would agree to that? Thats how America felt in WW2.

Answer 3

The present method of governing Britain is out of date

My idea is that we need a complete revamp in government. Not just change the people, but completely change the way we think about government.
When the current system of democracy was created the population of England was about a sixth of what it is now. So there were 659 MPs for about 10 million people, being a representation ratio of about 15000 to 1.

Now, we have 646 MPs, and about 60 million people giving a representation factor of about 93,000 to one.

So each person's representation has reduced by around 600%.
In other words, you now get about one sixth of the representation that a citizen in 1801 got. Another way of looking at this is to say that, in order to have the same level of representation that we had in 1801, we would need 3876 MPs.
This is obviously ludicrous. and is absolute evidence of a need for a change.

As the population has increased so dramatically, then the effectiveness and fairness of a central government has reduced.
What we now need is an increase in the power of local government, and a reduction in the power of central government.
I propose that we should bring back something akin to the parish councils. We should have constituencies of a maximum of 500 families. These constituencies should have total control over the lives of its constituents, with no interference from outside, They must provide all of their own facilities such as school, health care, pensions, police, ar anything which they feel that they need.
If they feel that they are too small for a particular project or service, then they negotiate with nearby constituencies to make suitable arrangements. There would be no higher level arbitrator. Full responsibility would rest at the local level.

The benefits of this are enormous. Firstly, everybody would know everybody else within a constituency, so when a problem arises it would be easy to get to the source, because it would be to everyone's benefit to do so. This alone would reduce terrorism and serious crime to a minimum. A sort of neighbourhood watch scheme in which everybody takes full part, and makes the decisions. The money presently spent on taxes, most of which disappears in red tape, civil servants' and MPs' salaries, waging war, and hundreds of other expenses from which the average citizen receives no benefit whatsoever, would be spent on directly benefiting the community, on projects voted for by the community.
It is most likely that taxes could be reduced to a fraction of what is presently paid, because all wastage would be readily identified. Everybody would participate in their own government, because they would be able to understand it, and would have a real voice.
There would be no need for secret services, or secrets of any kind, saving another fortune, and removing another load of confusion.
We would overcome the problems created by too much power in too few hands

I'm sure you can identify many other benefits, and I'm also sure that any disadvantages could quickly be overcome.

Answer 4

British Politics: Change the voting system to STV Proportional representation.

Answer 5

Capitalism. We are now following in americas footsteps to become over eating, selfish bastard consumerists while there is the enourmous problem of starvation and disease raging in other parts of the world. Dont even get me started on war. I believe the longer we live in this type of society, ignoring the plight of others, then the more we become responsible. We have come a long way since the slave trade but that does not relinquish us from our duty to fellow men. Let us stop trying to create empires of working drones who posses no thought and let us change the world in which we live.

Answer 6

The politicians...would be regular "intelligent, wise" people in for a term or two, not power hungry self-serving lifers. Spouting lies for political gain and to belittle your leaders in front of the world would be banned. Considered debate on issues would be encouraged prior to decisions. Support after decisions are made would be encouraged.

The Media...would have to give equal time to the candidates and REPORT their stated positions, NOT create, censor and spin the news.

The People...would be required to briefly read the candidate's position statements before they voted.

Answer 7

In American Politics: get rid of that chimpanzee that is at the wheel of this nation before he crashes us.

In British Politics: sorry, don't know much about it. Oh, I know, get rid of those silly wigs the magistrates wear. I mean that went out with the 20th century.

Answer 8

I dislike the idea that my carefully considered vote, decided on a range of issues - local and national - is exactly the same value as the guy down the road who "won't vote for Cameron 'cos he looks a bit of a poof 'n' we never vote for liberals anyway, 'cos my dad would turn in his grave 'n' Blairs lot are all on the take.....so lets see who's left.....Ah BNP, well I cant stand that bloke who runs the corner shop, so I'll vote for them"

So, overall, I guess I'd like to change the intelligence of the voters

Answer 9

George Bush

Answer 10

WW2 and they way the Americans still harp on about how they saved us.

The lazy shits only got involved after Pearl Harbour and they have never had a war (apart from civil) on their own doorstep. They always go looking for one but the American People have not had to face bombs falling on their country while they are sleeping.

Answer 11

Their wages!!Let them all EARN it.Reduce by half and top up pensioners money,health services,public services and schools with it.Bin the perks,i.e-the cars and country houses,the expensive overseas flights(i have to pay for these thingsso why shouldn't they?)I guarantee-results would very quickly be seen!These people get paid phenomenal amounts of money,for doing very little.Also,some of these people have other means of support,so they won't lose that much-it won't hurt their pockets to have their wages reduced.There is more,much more that could be changed,no space though:-/