Select members of the House of Representatives in a similar fashion as we select citizens to perform Jury Duty: at random, from US citizen rolls in each Congressional district (tax records) for the purpose and duration of performing the duties of a representative in one, two-year session of Congress. Citizen is then released from service at the conclusion of the session, and not required to serve again.
Desired effect: provide a more democratic and truly representative servant/voice of the people, from a more diverse population, to perform a necessary duty for their fellow citizens, local constituencies, and federal government; while eliminating the corruption of political parties and partisan politics in general (machines, two-party systems).
Benefits:
- de facto term limit: the entire House of Representatives would be replaced each new session of Congress (two years).
- better representation of changing demographics and opinions in each district (truly selected from one’s peers)
- opens opportunity to serve to all eligible citizens, not just those who want or who have the time/money to afford competing for the job
- de facto campaign finance reform: no campaigns, party or PAC influence
- keeps Representatives focused on their duties, not focusing on the next election (no distractions from the job at hand, representing the people of their home district)
- effective removal of party politics from the House of Representatives: allegiance to the constituent district and the process, not predetermined political views or party bosses/operatives
- elimination of career politicians in the lower house
- dramatic reduction in corruption: everyone knows each Representative will only be in the job for two years, who is beholden only to themselves and their constituents
- dramatic decrease in influence of “special interests” and lobbyists, as there are no campaign contributions or long-term “relationships” to build
- returns the job to the status of a civic duty, not a desired position of privilege
- potential follow-on effect into other areas of federal service: former Congressman would be knowledgeable and experienced, and eligible to join the Executive Branch in future.
Cons:
- belief by citizens that the elimination of voting is less democratic, or is removing their ability to express their opinions via the ballot box
- undue partisan influence during vetting/orientation training
- possibility of selectees not taking their duties seriously, or performing responsibly
- possibility of selectees being overwhelmed by scope of duties and responsibilities
How it works: analogous to the process of being selected for jury duty. Eligible US citizens are selected by random lottery to serve for a period of two years, from each of the Congressional districts. They are guaranteed a leave of absence from their current employment and rights of return (similar to being called from guard/reserve to temporary active military service), and compensated at their same pay (or a set mount if below a certain minimum) for the duration. The selectee is notified in advance of the session, vetted for eligibility within their state, and provided orientation training in Constitutional law and as to the job’s duties and responsibilities (duties remain same as current Representatives). Upon completion of the Congressional session, they are released from service, and ineligible for selection again.
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During their term of service, members would be subject to all disciplinary actions currently available, including censure, recall, and expulsion for cause; corrupt practices would be easier to spot, since soft money would virtually cease to exist.
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In case of premature vacancy, a special selection would be made for the remainder of that session of Congress, using the same method (faster replacement time)
Required policy change: amending the US Constitution, Article 1; keep the term length and age requirement, but supersede language addressing selection. Amending applicable Rules of the House, based on deconstruction of the two-party political system.