By Matt Underwood **Abolish the Senate. End the Electoral College. Pack the Court.**
It’s time to have a serious look at how we govern ourselves. The call to abolish the Senate isn’t a radical one if we truly believe in democratic ideals. The Senate, as it currently functions, is an outdated vestige designed to appease the South, and its structure fundamentally undermines the principle of one person, one vote. If we’re aiming for a true democracy, a legislative body that gives equal weight to every citizen is non-negotiable. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s a simple process. Any such change necessitates a constitutional overhaul, but in contemplating this path, we might also consider other crucial reforms. Why not explore a parliamentary system, drawing insights from the democracies that have emerged over the last couple of centuries? And if we’re talking about significant shifts, wouldn’t it be wise to explore how to dismantle states, in their current configuration, to establish new contracts between states, as well as a unified national body?
Then, there’s the Electoral College. It’s a system that, in practice, allows certain geographic regions to disproportionately influence the presidential election. The reality is, the Electoral College diminishes the impact of individual votes and frequently contradicts the popular will. Ending the Electoral College is essential for a more representative democracy. Although any amendment will be difficult to achieve, given that two-thirds of states would have to agree, the current system allows a minority of voters in particular states to have an outsized influence. Changing the way we select our president would bring us closer to the ideal of a government truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Apportioning the Electoral College votes proportionally within each state, rather than the current winner-take-all system, is a possible first step.
Now let’s address the judiciary. The Supreme Court is currently under siege by hard-line, ideological conservatives. To address this imbalance, packing the Court is a viable option, given the current circumstances. It’s a necessary measure to counter the effects of a court that seems to have been hijacked by a single political ideology. Some may even suggest that we expand the court dramatically, perhaps by adding justices from each federal circuit. Another possibility is the introduction of term limits for Supreme Court justices. Perhaps the introduction of a random selection of judges for each Supreme Court case might diffuse the power of individual judges. We cannot allow a small group of partisan judges to control the future of the nation. While some might see this as a “temper tantrum,” it’s a pragmatic response to an urgent situation.
Beyond these major reforms, several other changes deserve consideration. We must also consider ending gerrymandering. This would require an independent national commission to draw district lines and ensure fair representation. Also, we should expand the House of Representatives. The current number of representatives, established long ago, no longer accurately reflects the population. Given the drastic population increase since 1913, it’s time to re-evaluate the size of the House. Finally, we need to address campaign finance reform, specifically by overturning Citizens United. These actions, combined, would bring the U.S. closer to a more equitable and functional democracy. These are not just talking points; they are necessary steps to create a better system, one that prioritizes the voices of the many over the privileged few.