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請願は終了しました
請願書の宛先: American citizens
Our proposal aims to achieve a more responsive, accessible, and representative form of governance by adjusting the ratio of constituents to Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives. We seek to ensure that each member of Congress represents no more than 250,000 constituents. This adjustment is designed to enhance democratic engagement, improve the accountability of Representatives, and reduce the effects of gerrymandering. Here's how we plan to implement it:
Our Goals and Objectives:
1. Enhance Our Democratic Engagement: By increasing the number of Representatives, our voices are more likely to be heard, encouraging greater participation in the democratic process by all of us.
2. Improve Accountability: With a lower constituent-to-Representative ratio, it becomes more feasible for our elected officials to understand and respond to our needs, fostering closer relationships and accountability.
3. Reduce Gerrymandering: With more districts and a focus on equal representation, the manipulative impact of gerrymandering can be mitigated, promoting fairer elections for all of us.
Our Implementation Steps:
1. Building Consensus: We will begin with a public awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of our proposed amendment. We plan to engage with civic groups, educational institutions, and social media to build grassroots support among us.
2. Legislative Proposal: We will draft detailed legislation outlining the amendment for presentation to Congress. This includes a comprehensive plan for addressing potential challenges, such as increased costs and the logistical implications of accommodating more Representatives.
3. Constitutional Convention Call: Pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution, we will lobby state legislatures to support a call for a constitutional convention. This requires the backing of two-thirds (34) of the state legislatures.
4. Drafting the Amendment: During the constitutional convention, we will draft the amendment to specify the new ratio and address any necessary procedural changes. This process will involve negotiations and compromises to gain broad support among us.
5. Ratification: Once the amendment is drafted, it will need to be ratified by three-fourths (38) of the state legislatures or ratifying conventions. We will continue our advocacy and outreach efforts to ensure this outcome, representing a significant step towards making our democracy more representative and responsive to our needs.
理由
This initiative is crucial and timely for several reasons, reflecting our collective need for a democracy that genuinely represents its people and is capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century. Here's why it's important and why we must act now:
The Urgency of Representation
1. Growing Population, Static Representation: Since the cap on the number of Representatives was set over a century ago, our population has grown significantly, while the size of the House has remained constant. This discrepancy has led to a dilution of individual representation and voice in our democracy.
2. Increasing Polarization and Gridlock: Our current political climate is marked by deepening divisions and legislative gridlock. By making our legislative body more representative, we can encourage a broader spectrum of views and interests, potentially easing polarization and fostering more constructive dialogue and compromise.
3. Enhanced Accountability: In an era where public trust in governmental institutions is waning, improving the accountability of Representatives to their constituents is paramount. A more direct and personal connection between us and our Representatives can help restore trust and engagement.
The Call for Immediate Action
1. Technological and Social Changes: Rapid advancements in technology and changing social dynamics are reshaping our lives in unprecedented ways. Our legislative body must be agile and responsive enough to navigate these changes effectively, ensuring that laws and policies reflect our current realities and future needs.
2. Crisis Response and Resilience: The challenges posed by global pandemics, climate change, economic disparities, and international conflicts require decisive and informed legislative action. A more representative Congress can better mobilize diverse viewpoints and expertise to address these pressing issues.
3. Democratic Renewal: There's a growing recognition that our democratic institutions must evolve to remain robust and relevant. By taking action now, we can spearhead a movement towards democratic renewal, ensuring that our democracy remains a model of inclusivity, representation, and effectiveness for generations to come.
4. Technological Capabilities for Implementation: With today's technological capabilities, managing a larger, more representative Congress is more feasible than ever. From digital platforms for legislative collaboration to enhanced communication tools, we have the means to support a more complex legislative process without sacrificing efficiency.
Conclusion
Our call for action is driven by the imperative to build a democracy that is truly by the people and for the people. By advocating for this change now, we are responding to the urgent need for a political system that reflects our diverse society, addresses the pressing challenges of our time, and lays the groundwork for a future where every voice is heard and valued. It's not just about adjusting numbers; it's about reinvigorating the principles of democratic governance and ensuring that our collective future is shaped by the many, not the few.