Citizen Accountability and Integrity Act

Title: The Citizen Accountability and Integrity Act (CAIA)

Preamble:
Recognizing the foundational principle of government by the people and for the people, this Act seeks to empower citizens with mechanisms to directly challenge and hold government officials accountable for actions that undermine public trust, integrity, and the well-being of the American people.

Section 1: Definitions

  • Government Official: Any elected or appointed federal, state, or local official.
  • Act Against the American People: Any act or decision by a government official that is proven to be corrupt, illegal, or significantly detrimental to public interest, rights, or welfare.

Section 2: Citizen-Initiated Review

  • Petition for Review: Citizens, through a verified online platform or physical submission, can initiate a review of a government official’s actions by collecting signatures from registered voters. The threshold for signatures will be:
    • 1% of the total registered voters in the jurisdiction for federal officials.
    • 2% for state officials.
    • 3% for local officials.
  • Review Process: Upon reaching the signature threshold, an independent review panel, comprising non-partisan legal experts and retired judges, will be convened to assess the allegations.

Section 3: Review Panel

  • Selection: Panel members will be selected randomly from a pre-approved list of eligible experts, balanced by professional background and geographic representation.
  • Powers: The panel can subpoena documents, interview witnesses, and hold hearings. They have the authority to:
    • Dismiss the case if found baseless.
    • Recommend formal investigations by relevant authorities.
    • Suggest immediate corrective actions or sanctions.

Section 4: Outcomes

  • Public Report: The panel’s findings will be made public within 60 days of the review start.
  • Legal Proceedings: If the panel finds substantial evidence of wrongdoing, the Department of Justice or equivalent state/local agencies must initiate legal proceedings within 30 days.
  • Electoral Consequences: If wrongdoing is proven, officials may be barred from holding public office for a period determined by the court, not less than 5 years.

Section 5: Safeguards

  • Protection from Retaliation: Citizens initiating or supporting a review are protected against any form of government retaliation or reprisal.
  • False Allegations: Frivolous or knowingly false accusations can result in legal penalties for the accusers.

Section 6: Education and Awareness

  • Public Education: The government will fund and implement programs to educate citizens on the use and implications of this Act.

Section 7: Implementation

  • Funding: A dedicated fund will be established to finance the review panels and public awareness programs, funded by a small annual allocation from the general budget.
  • Timeline: This Act will take effect 12 months after its passage to allow for the establishment of necessary infrastructure.

Section 8: Amendments and Review

  • Periodic Review: Every 5 years, this Act will be reviewed by a congressional committee to assess effectiveness and make necessary amendments.

Conclusion:
This Act aims to fortify the democratic process by ensuring government officials remain accountable to the public they serve, thereby enhancing transparency and trust in governance.

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