This remarkable book is an unblinking look at the problems of our current democracy and, more importantly, a road map to get ourselves back on course. It calls our politicians to task and identifies the many places where changes to our government systems will put control back in the hands of We, the People . Through an extensive critique of the status quo, we come to realize just how much, regardless of our political philosophy, all of us absolutely agree upon. Topics include electoral representation, taxation, special interest groups, bureaucracy, the concept of nation, etc. This is not a political book: it instead is a freethinking nonpartisan analysis of how a nation needs to work and how a government should serve its citizens. This book helps us see that change is possible. Chapter 1 - The Need for Change The Mortality of Nation, The Paralysis of Politicians, The Least-bad Candidate, The Entrenchment of Bureaucracy, National Frustration / National Chauvinism
Chapter 2 - The Concept of Nation National Boundaries, National Myths, Tribalism, Liberty, Irrevocable Assets, Homeland, Citizenship, Private Ownership, The Role of a Constitution
Chapter 3 - Governance Development of Laws and Policy, Other Forms of Government, Heads of State, Representation, Popularity Contests, Direct Democracy, The Need for Adjustments and Debate, The Obligations of Citizens to their Nation, Deliberative Democracy, Special Interest Groups, Lobbyists, Policy Writers, News and Entertainment Media, Corporations, Advertisers, The Role of Elected Representatives, Independent Representatives, Standing Committees, Untangling Existing Legislation, Drafting New Legislation
Chapter 4 - Electing Our Representatives Voting and Polling, Modern Voting Systems, Ballots, Voter Identification, Types of Voting, Referenda, Polling, Public Debate, Electoral Districts, Electoral Colleges, The Role of the President, Term Limits, The President’s Mentor
Chapter 5 - Government Administration Efficiency, Privatization, Continuous Improvement, Conflict of Interest, Labor Unions, Modernizing Administration, Transparency, Leadership, Staff Rotation
Chapter 6 - Civic Service Civic Duty, Conscription, Assignment, Youth, Testing, Exemptions, Executive Management, Compensation, Non-Performance, Transition Planning, Enactment
Chapter 7 - A Just Society Education, Social Dogma, Religion, Delinquent Behavior, Surveillance, Privacy, Personal Identification, Data Security, Coup d'Etat, New Infrastructure, Social Services, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Immigration, Integration
Chapter 8 - Money Income Distribution, Resource Stewardship, Monetary Compensation, Return on Investment, Humanitarianism, Research, Government Revenue, National Debt, Government Expenditures, Small Government, Tax Structures, Tax System Complexity, Company Perks, Stock Market Load, Inheritance, Social Burden, Unemployment, Market Distortions, The Nanny State
Epilogue
