Representative Democracy: The form of government we have now, representative democracy, was an excellent idea when first put into practice at the beginning of this country. Also, it is the best form of government currently being practiced on this planet. Its flaws, however, make it necessary to start looking for something new.
Direct Democracy: In a direct democracy there are no represenatives. All decisions are made at the level of the people. When a budget or law needs to be passed, then the idea goes to the people. This obviously could get very complicated but if broken down into state levels of the same system it could be sorted out. There would be no political action groups because they would have to "pay off" the entire population of the country. Corruption and "pork" would be eliminated. Taxes could not be raised without the permission of the people. The few would no longer rule the many and the government would not cost billions of dollars just to operate.
Computers: We now have the technology for computers to be used as a tool for direct democracy. A $1000 computer system would be sufficient to hook up a family to the internet and give them access to netvotes. The elimination of one Senator would pay for two hundred of these computers. This does not include all the money spent to pay all of his staff and offices and the millions spent on campaigns.When a bill comes before the people (or a budget, trade agreement, etc.) then the computer in your home would sound a beep or other audible warning. You would go and read the bill you were about to vote on (its length would be infinitely shorter due to the elimination of all the extras that Senators and Congresspeople add to get themselves reelected.) If there was something you did not understand then you could click it or a help screen and it would be explained. The main frame in Washington D.C. (located in the vacant Capitol Building) would tally the votes and the law would be passed or thrown out. Months of partisan battles would be replaced by making law in a day. In addition to all of this, people would be provided with computers which would improve the skills of the next generation of children.
President and government officials: We would need a President for foreign policy and as Commander-in-Chief in times of war, but that would be the limit of his powers. There will be no need for local, state, or federal offices so this would ease a massive strain on our taxes and economy. We would decide if we needed Supreme Courts (state and federal) and either way it be no great deed to elect that small group of people. Other agencies, such as the military and police force would stay in place but be under the direct control of the people.
Voter Participation: Who wouldn't vote if they could sit down in their own home, type in their social security number and password, click yes or no, and have all day to do this in??? Most people who do not vote feel it is not worth the effort because the government is an overgrown monster that acts on its own whim. Some feel the people they vote for are not honest. In direct democracy every vote would be on a specific issue which will affect the voter.
Future advantages: Poverty, education problems, lack of funds for space exploration, etc. would have a lot more funds once all the "extras" are eliminated. No more billion dollar government research projects to study why people laugh when they watch a comedy. No more pointless wars or trade deficits because the people would know what is worth while and what is not. Currently the government has no faith in the average person because they feel they could do it better. In times of just wars, a government is indispensible, but for domestic policy etc, the people on the ground know best...
Universal: This is not just something for the United States. Any country would benefit from this system. All human beings deserve the right to rule themselves. Don't they???
