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Troper Think Tank: What is the best way to fix the USA Congress?

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AceofSpades Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Showing feelings of an almost human nature
#201: Dec 28th 2011 at 10:04:54 PM

No way are any of those guys going for number one in this environment. And G Ood Luck getting that implemented by 2013; stuff like that takes a long haul effort.

abstractematics Since: May, 2011
#202: Dec 28th 2011 at 10:14:06 PM

@De Marquis

Is it up to the state? I thought the Congress would be the one in charge of House districts, not the individual states. They're federal districts after all.

Because of Wesberry v Sanders, it's not so much about geography anymore. Right now, populated cities get to send a bunch of representatives, while large chunks of land get single representatives. And in those populated cities, there's a lot of cases where if you're voting for the "wrong side", your vote gets shut out by the majority. A PR system would make sure that such a minority living in a majority's region would also have the votes counted for something.

As I've said in response to Pentadragon, I think the region-based thinking might not be as strong as it seems, and for concerns that are region-based, it can be relegated to state governments.

@Clevomon

Most of them address the conduct of congresspersons and the procedural customs, not the actual system.

  • 1: Sounds fair, though it might be challenged in the courts due to the 27th amendment.
  • 2: What I like about this one is, too many things are based on auto-reject if no decision is made. This idea, in contrast, suggests an auto-confirm system. I like that, and I think it has potential to be implemented in some (not all) things. The auto-reject should stay on final decisions for important things (like approving bills on floor).
  • 3: This is tricky. The senators hesitate at the threat of filibuster, and I don't know if we can do anything to change that. It's political strategy.
  • 4: This is really part of the bigger problem that maybe Congress is too party-bound. Party affiliation does have some sense of organization, but the right balance is the key. Party leaders shouldn't dictate everything, but not sure how we can mitigate this.
  • 5: I agree with this.
  • 6: This wouldn't be effective if the nature of debates itself isn't handled properly.
  • 7: The fiscal report idea is interesting, but I'm not sure how it can be done fairly; it's the same dilemma as with redistricting committee.
  • 8: You know what, this has a point. If the no-tax pledge, for example, is illegal, then that might improve something.
  • 9: It would be nice if we could have the members join together for discussions and relations. I wish the congresspersons would see that they're part of one legislature, and should learn how to cope with other members outside the party caucus.
  • 10: There's a more fundamental issue than this and that's the system of elections. Once that's been fixed, we wouldn't see just two parties. Then, with less polarization, perhaps seating wouldn't be so two-sided. But anyway, one way to implement seating is by seniority, as mentioned, without regards to party.
  • 11: We tried something like this and it didn't work. It's not the lack of bipartisan groups; it's the lack of human relations and cooperation amongst members, as noted by this page itself.
  • 12: Would probably require the limit on campaign funds and regulating campaigns we talked about, which would need a constitutional amendment.

edited 28th Dec '11 10:14:28 PM by abstractematics

Now using Trivialis handle.
DeMarquis (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#203: Dec 29th 2011 at 11:28:19 AM

@Abstract: drawing up Congressional districts is a state function. See this article and scroll down to "Change in Congressional Districts".

Districts dont correspond to natural concentrations of population, since they have to each represent the same number of people. What people like about this is that with fewer constituents to answer to than a Senator, House Reps are more accessible to ordinary people. You can write a letter to one and have a fair chance of getting it answered. Fewer votes can swing an election. While there's many advantages to proportional representation, one negative perception is that if I vote for a party and the party selects the office holders, there is no one specific person who represent me. Local issues tend to cross party lines, and many people feel that their Rep is doing a good job even if he or she belongs to the other party.

And even if my district is a safe seat for the other party- meaning that in some sense my vote is wasted- I can still support my party with financial contributions. That helps keep the balance in Congress overall, so we achieve some of the effects of PR even without the system.

I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.
Serocco Serocco from Miami, Florida Since: Mar, 2010 Relationship Status: Faithful to 2D
Serocco
#204: Feb 20th 2012 at 1:09:02 PM

How about ban lobbying in its entirety?

In RWBY, every girl is Best Girl.
abstractematics Since: May, 2011
#205: Feb 20th 2012 at 1:12:30 PM

Then how are you going to influence Congress?

Now using Trivialis handle.
ATC Was Aliroz the Confused from The Library of Kiev Since: Sep, 2011
Was Aliroz the Confused
#206: Feb 20th 2012 at 2:31:57 PM

The best way to influence Congress and solve disputes is with a bake-off.

If you want any of my avatars, just Pm me I'd truly appreciate any avatar of a reptile sleeping in a Nice Hat Read Elmer Kelton books
Deboss I see the Awesomeness. from Awesomeville Texas Since: Aug, 2009
I see the Awesomeness.
#207: Feb 20th 2012 at 4:31:55 PM

How about ban lobbying in its entirety?

Because it's protected by the first amendment.

Fight smart, not fair.
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