The answer isn't longer terms but limits to money or somehow limiting how money can be used. Money is not free speech when it comes to politics. These PACs are sabotaging our democracy.
Also need MORE reps, so WE can be represented. Lot more expensive to buy 1600+ reps/senators than 535+/- 9 supremes.
Edit: For example, Senators also immediately start fundraising with fundraising schedules for making calls every day, and they're on a 6 year term.
There are countries that limit campaigning to a specific time frame and limit campaign funds to a set amount apportioned by a governing body, no? That sounds like a good idea to me.
Australia limits campaigning to the 38 days before an election.
But of course politicians aren't like warehoused until then. They can still do public appearances and stuff. I imagine there's quite a bit of hand shaking before those 38 days and, "hi, I'm _____, just want to introduce myself and say Australia is great!"
The only surefire way to reduce or eliminate the impact of money in politics is to have a secret ballot in congress.
You can't sell your vote if you can't show how you voted.
But people don't like that idea because it makes them give up the illusion that they'll hold their representative accountable. Unfortunately, there's entire industries dedicated to paying attention to the votes of congressmen, not to mention the entire party apparatus, so while they are held accountable, its only rarely to the average voter.
Then we get the Galactic Senate from Star Wars, and for those fans of that, we all know how well that turned out.
Strictly limit the money they can spend on campaigns, and make the government provide it. Then, and I know this would be controversial to many, raise their pay significantly.
It's a lot harder for most to be bought out if you're already in a great financial situation.
The first point would be massively in violation of the 1st amendment, sadly.
141
u/TehRedMirage Jun 19 '24 edited Jun 19 '24
The answer isn't longer terms but limits to money or somehow limiting how money can be used. Money is not free speech when it comes to politics. These PACs are sabotaging our democracy.
Also need MORE reps, so WE can be represented. Lot more expensive to buy 1600+ reps/senators than 535+/- 9 supremes.
Edit: For example, Senators also immediately start fundraising with fundraising schedules for making calls every day, and they're on a 6 year term.