How would you feel about a guardianship branch of government that would have the power to conduct mandatory interviews of candidates for office and politicians already in office? This branch would also have the power to create a general questionnaire on political positions that each candidate would have to fill out in order to run for any office. This branch would be elected by proportional representation through a single transferable vote. Does this sound like something you'd want in government?

No, what I want in government is all members are elected for life, but take a vow of poverty.

Then every four years we hold elections again, but this is not elections to simply replace people. Instead this is elections for who, if anyone, gets an up close and highly personal tour and demonstration of a functioning guillotine.

Members can resign, but are forced to continue their vow of poverty unless released from it by a democratic vote.

I believe that hyperintelligent dogs are our future. Also they should be elected through a Condorcet method.

I'm not sure what problem this "guardianship" suggestion solves...?


Most of the potential constituents already get a general feel for an officeholder's ideals; also, a person's exact position on issues can change over time.

Quote: Original post by Talroth
No, what I want in government is all members are elected for life, but take a vow of poverty.

I've thought that something like a "vow of poverty" could improve the political process. While their pay rate may be higher, only allow them to collect enough to meet the poverty level and defer the rest of their pay for some number of years. That deferred portion should be made dependent on improving the "condition" of the median family.

Also make political appointees and elected officials agree not to work in a related private sector job or become lobbyists of any kind for maybe 8 years after leaving the office.

And finally add in a change so that elected officials who accept bribes can get life in prison, and I think you'll stop a lot of the problems.

[Edited by - HostileExpanse on December 14, 2009 10:04:59 AM]

Quote: Original post by ManaStone
Does this sound like something you'd want in government?

Nope, there is no mechanism to stop rigging and corruption.

I think that intentional lying to the public while holding a public office should be punishable by public whipping (with a live TV feed). After the third occurance, we go with Talroths' guillotine suggestion, again live on TV. That would solve quite a few problems, if you ask me.

I'm only half joking.

Quote: Original post by ukdeveloper

Quote: Original post by ManaStone
Does this sound like something you'd want in government?

Nope, there is no mechanism to stop rigging and corruption.

I don't know, my method isn't likely to stop it completely, but it is going to kill a lot of corruption.

Quote: Original post by HostileExpanse
I'm not sure what problem this "guardianship" suggestion solves...?


Most of the potential constituents get a general feel for an officeholder's ideals, and exact positions on issues can certainly change over time.

Sometimes politicians will not go on political shows or grant interviews unless certain conditions are met. This branch would cut through this barrier and allow politicians to be asked the tough questions.

Quote: Original post by ManaStone

Quote: Original post by HostileExpanse
I'm not sure what problem this "guardianship" suggestion solves...?


Most of the potential constituents get a general feel for an officeholder's ideals, and exact positions on issues can certainly change over time.

Sometimes politicians will not go on political shows or grant interviews unless certain conditions are met. This branch would cut through this barrier and allow politicians to be asked the tough questions.

If people choose to elect someone who doesn't really give any strong indication of their stance on issues which are important to that constituency, then why complicate the process of giving them what they deserve?


I'm a fan of disclosure laws, but the media and the election process itself generally do a decent job of disclosing a candidate's views.

Sneftel: there's an easier solution, which will be available sooner.

Create one clone of Berlusconi for each country. If necessary apply small mods.

LOL.