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Re:Big Tech lobbyist language made it verbatim into NY’s hed... by ncallaway on Friday February 17, 2023 @11:59AM (#34837170)
I think a bicameral system with a House of Representatives (with a much larger body, with the number of constituents per representative fixed) and the a other body (we could even still call it the Senate for continuity and familiarity) being selected by sortition the way you describe would work well, and be a good transition step
Re:Big Tech lobbyist language made it verbatim into NY’s hed... by candiddevmike on Friday February 17, 2023 @12:08PM (#34837290)
I don't think there is a benefit to any kind of bicameral system, regardless of how it is setup. A large unicameral system allows for more direct representation and should limit the influence of money when combined with term limits.

"Tyranny of the majority" seems like more of a problem for the rich and powerful, in my experience.

Re:Big Tech lobbyist language made it verbatim into NY’s hed... by ncallaway on Friday February 17, 2023 @02:01PM (#34838844)
“Tyranny of the majority”

I dunno, I can definitely think of some times in our history when it impacted the poorest people.

I think there’s something very useful in the elections for representatives, in terms of it being an official poll of the people.

I think sortition is a really interesting concept and could work well, but I think it won’t work if it’s the only legislative body. I would be pretty starkly against that, but I would support reforms that made it the second legislative body.

If you really want a unicameral system as your top priority, I’d support a proportional representation House of Representatives.

Re:Big Tech lobbyist language made it verbatim into NY’s hed... by christkv on Friday February 17, 2023 @02:27PM (#34839137)
Proportional does not work. Most European parliaments are proportional and has the same dysfunctions as the us system. The root is always the parties. They have to go.
Re:Big Tech lobbyist language made it verbatim into NY’s hed... by ncallaway on Saturday February 18, 2023 @01:33AM (#34844539)
> The root is always the parties. They have to go.

I don't really think sortition itself would kill the parties. It does seem like a good way to weaken them, but...I suspect they would find a way to survive.

I genuinely don't know of how to do away with political parties. Is there a good example of a democratic system (or a governance by the people) that doesn't have political parties?