Our democracy needs a lot of repairs -- beginning with a bigger House

[Nevilledog]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/28/danielle-allen-democracy-reform-congress-house-expansion/

No paywall
https://archive.is/nd9Xb

What if we increased the size of the House?

Given that most of us are pretty frustrated with Congress, this might sound crazy. But growing the House of Representatives is the key to unlocking our present paralysis and leaning into some serious democracy renovation.

I am using my Post column this year to explore why we are pulling apart as a people and how we can change that dynamic and come together. In January, I wrote about our desperate need to renovate our democracy. It has endured for more than two centuries, serving us well in some ways and very imperfectly in others. We are still completing a critical transition to broad power-sharing across communities and among citizens of all backgrounds. Our institutions weren’t originally built for this — and we have been cobbling on additions and extensions decade after decade.

Now, the pace of change has accelerated, and all our deferred maintenance is catching up with us. We need a plan for functional institutions of self-government in 21st-century conditions. We all know it, but we’re stuck. There’s so much work to do. Where to begin?

I propose we start with the first branch of government — the branch of the federal government that was designed by the framers to be closest to we the people.

*snip*

[Bev54]

1. I would think the size of the senate would be far more important for actual functioning

of the government and proper representation of the country. Stop the gerrymandering would help with representation in the house.

[brush]

5. Good point. No way Wy. with under a million people should have the same...

representation as the larger states like California, with nearly 40 million people. And the filibuster of course NEEDS TO GO.

Both houses need similar renovation though as again, the larger states are under represented. 435 reps is not etched in stone anywhere.

[overleft]

2. Also having one senator per 5 million people would be more equitable.

It is not really fair for Wyoming with 581000 people to have two senators while California with 39 million people having the same number represent them.

[RKP5637]

4. Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[RKP5637]

3. First priority should be getting money and bribes out of politics. Next is getting

religion out of government.

[Fiendish Thingy]

6. Nah, we need a bigger SCOTUS before we need a bigger house.

But sure, let’s make sure our elected representation is equitable.