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You know how the people of the United States can directly make laws? How this proposal subverts the existing political structure!
In the United States, representatives of the people usually make laws through Congress. However, as society becomes more diverse, this system faces more and more challenges. In response to this situation, a proposal called "National Citizens' Initiative for Democracy" appeared in public. The proposal hopes to give ordinary citizens the right to directly make laws at the federal level, which would thus change the existing political structure.
"The National Initiative for Democracy does not alter or abolish the governmental functions of Congress, the President, or the judicial branches."
This proposal was promoted by the late Alaska Senator Mike Gravel and his nonprofit organization, the Democracy Foundation. The proposal was put forward in the early 21st century with the aim of allowing the American people to formulate laws in a direct manner and bringing the opinions and voices of citizens into the higher-level law-making process.
Currently, 24 states in the United States have adopted some form of citizen initiative system, but such a mechanism has been lacking at the federal level. Gravel and his supporters argue that the current system of representation no longer effectively reflects the will of the people, especially in a country with an increasingly diverse population.
“The current decision-making process makes our political system increasingly disconnected from the people.”
According to the current proposal, the National Initiative for Democracy Act will establish an independent election trust committee, with responsibilities including registering voters, assisting in reviewing draft laws, and conducting referendums. Every legislative initiative needs to be based on full discussion through public hearings and subsequent review processes.
Supporters of the proposal believe that this multi-step review process will not only make which bills are more fair and transparent, but also prevent "mob rule" from occurring and make the entire legislative process more rational and responsible.
"They believe that with the development of technology, ordinary people will be able to have their voices heard in decision-making."
This movement was not limited to the enactment of laws, but also involved changes in the entire political system. Proponents of promoting direct democracy emphasize that the making of laws should be under the direct control of voters rather than relying solely on a small number of representatives. Through the development of digital technology, voters were able to express their opinions across the country, which was an innovative idea in 18th-century America.
In addition, the National Initiative for Democracy Act stipulates that the source of financial support for foundations and organizations promoting initiatives must come from natural persons, which can effectively prevent large companies and political action committees from interfering too much in political initiatives. This provision further emphasizes the purity of the democratic process, ensuring that all opinions come from genuine citizens.
If this proposal is realized, it will make the United States a more inclusive and transparent democratic system, unlike the past that only relied on elections to select representatives. What changes will the implementation of this proposal bring, and what profound impact will it have on future democratic participation?
"If these systems can be established, people will have a greater sense of trust and participation."
The main idea behind this proposal is that the sovereignty of the people transcends any representative body. Supporters believe that only when the people can directly participate in the formulation of laws can justice and equality be truly achieved in the legislative process. Many participants and observers hope the proposal will inspire greater citizen participation and deepen democracy.
For the future of the United States, can the people break through the limitations of the traditional representative system and truly have the right to make laws?
