A Modest Proposal to reform our government.

A Modest Proposal to reform our government.

“In Federalist 52, James Madison of Virginia wrote that, ‘Under these reasonable limitations, the door of this part of the federal government is open to merit of every description, whether native or adoptive, whether young or old, and without regard to poverty or wealth, or to any particular profession of religious faith.’”

I would make no corresponding changes to the U.S. Senate, the Presidency or the Judiciary, as I think those branches are fine the way they are (mostly).

This is just a quick write up and is intended to be a straw-man to generate discussion.  It is by no means my final proposal and I am aware that some elements would need further tweaking.

1.       Who is eligible

a.       See the U.S. Constitution: Article I, section 2, clause 2

b.      Additionally:

                                                               i.      Must be a member of a recognized political party in the state of residence

                                                             ii.      Must not have ran for office the prior three consecutive election cycles

                                                            iii.      Any candidate must secure 5,000 signatures of eligible voters

2.       Term

a.       A Representative can be elected for no more than three consecutive 2 year terms

3.       Campaign

a.       The Campaign for House of Representatives will consist of one general primary and one general election

                                                               i.      A general primary will be held 3 months prior to the general election with the top two vote getters moving on to the general election

b.      Funding

                                                               i.      All campaigns will be funded by the Federal Elections Commission with each candidate receiving a separate stipend to cover all campaign expenses during the primary and the general election

                                                             ii.      No private funds will be permitted

4.       Committee and Leadership Positions

a.       Committee positions will be awarded to candidates based on vacancy and at the discretion of sitting committee members

b.      The leader of the Committee is a simple majority of any member with at least 1 full term served on the committee

c.       The Speaker of the House is determined by seniority with a vote by the full House for all eligible candidates – simple majority

5.       Compensation and Benefits

a.       Base Pay + Bonus for committee and leadership positions

b.      Lodging (Apartment in Washington DC)

c.       Office Space

d.      Health Benefits

e.      Travel between home office and Washington DC

f.        All Federal Holidays

g.       All other Time off dictated by House Sessions

h.      3 Paid Staff Members (Hired by the Representative)