Governing the US Government
Exploring Modernization and Ethical Reforms
We often wonder whether global governments are more problematic and dysfunctional now, or if it’s simply that we have more transparency through various media sources.
The following are considerations to think about in terms of the current US government structure and whether its framework needs modernization.
Inclusive, Reliable, and Efficient Voting
Modernizing the Voting System
Online Voting
If we can bank online and send taxes online, we can surely vote online. Many states have mail-in ballots; every state should have this option.
Mail-in Ballots
Mail-in voting should be universally available to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote, regardless of location or circumstance.
Election Day
Election day should be a paid holiday for everyone to encourage participation.
Restoring Civic Duty and Honor
Election Efficiency and Performance Monitoring
Election Duration
Campaigns should be brief (a few months) rather than drawn-out, multi-year processes.
Performance Reviews
Both the House and the Senate should have an annual performance review process for all members of Congress, with low performance scores removing reelection opportunities.
Removing Money from Politics
Campaign Funding and Corporate Lobbying
Citizens United
We need to decommission Citizens United and eliminate private campaign funding and corporate lobbying. Funding should be federally subsidized and capped.
Gerrymandering
We need to eliminate gerrymandering to ensure fair representation.
Campaign Benefits
Politicians should have similar benefits to the general working class: no pension and no guaranteed healthcare unless it becomes a public good.
Holding Politicians to Higher Standards
Ethical Standards and Accountability
Ethical Standards
Politicians need to be held to the highest ethical and legal standards. In situations where they use their position to illegally prosper, the penalties need to be more comprehensive and severe than current insider trading laws.
Age Limits
If we are going to have an age minimum for presidential candidates, we should consider having an age maximum as well.
Judiciary Appointments
Judiciary appointments should be decided by the American Bar Association along with respected ethics professors, not by the executive office.
Civic Education
Age alone is not a sufficient criterion for voting. We should teach young people about the government and economy, ensuring that this education is as fundamental as reading and math. Ethics classes should be mandatory throughout high school.