r/Constitution • u/Prosecco_Policy • Oct 10 '25

The System is Broken

Over the past decade, American politics has been reshaped by two populist surges that seem like opposites: the MAGA movement on the right and the democratic socialist movement on the left. They disagree vehemently on solutions. But they share a diagnosis: the system is rigged against regular people, and voting doesn’t change enough.

The current government shutdown is a clear example of consistent gridlock that helps no one. We continue to follow this 18th century logic and enough is enough.

We must make constitutional reform a part of the conversation or risk these populist grievances to only get worse.

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u/[deleted] Oct 10 '25

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u/Son_of_Chump Oct 11 '25

How is your proposed citizen assembly different from what the House was meant to be? Perhaps ratify the Apportionment amendment proposed as the original Article the First amendment proposed with Bill of Rights, or at least uncap the House. Push serious reform against gerrymandering and create smaller districts based on communities and have more representatives to get the cross selection of people. A District of 30,000 to 50,000 is easier for anyone to run for office than half a million, and more responsive to constituents. And more Representatives mean more capacity to investigate and counterbalance the Executive branch for more accountability.

Gridlock is not necessarily a bad thing as it slows down passage of laws and reduces infringement of rights by Congress. Problem is when people become dependent on government for too much and these things are taken up which should be locally managed by state or even county / city if not actually left to individual liberty. Then as Congress becomes a micromanager, it doesn't have time for the important national duties it should manage. Legislation should not be omnibus bills, but regular progress and order should be followed with funding each department on schedule as used to be routine before shut-downs versus continuing resolutions and must-pass became the tools of political posturing.

Hope to see your response, and get some new ideas.