The mission of the Democratic Policy Institute is to use research and analysis to develop common sense policies that meet the needs and desires of the majority of our citizens. The DPI works to increase public awareness of certain “broken” aspects of our democracy that limit electoral engagement and discourage lawmakers from making decisions in the common interest. Our goal is a vibrant, resilient democratic government that works for all of its citizens.
We are citizens, educators, students, workers, businesspeople, policymakers
and most importantly voters united in our efforts to defend and protect
what is most special about America – our democracy.
Policy Positions
We are overwhelmed by laws, regulations and policies that seem antithetical to the needs and desires of the vast majority of our citizens – we pay more for lower quality healthcare than anywhere else in the developed world; our government stands alone in denial of the global consensus that human activity is damaging our climate; we adopt fiscal policies that favor the few at the expense of the many; and all the while millions of citizens have “checked out” of the political system convinced their participation would make no difference. How does this keep happening in a democracy?
Our democracy is broken.
Here’s how we can fix it:
Term Limits on these Covered Positions to end permanent incumbency
- President 2 x 4 years (no change)
- US House 5 x 2 years
- US Senate 2 x 6 years
- Federal Judgeships (including Supreme Court) – 20 years
- Any other federal appointment requiring approval by US Senate – 10 years
- Start all counts at passage of the relevant law/amendment
Every Vote Counts
- Federal and State Legislative districts drawn by independent commissions seeking to achieve
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- (a) distribution of representatives equal to partisan identity of population, and
- (b) lowest possible perimeter length of voting districts while respecting current county boundaries or any geographical features that impede travel
- or adopt multi-member districts
- Replace Electoral College with direct election of Presidents – alternatively adopt the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
- Implement ranked-choice voting in Presidential and Congressional elections and primaries
Get Money out of Politics - voters not dollars should decide
- Overturn Citizens United. Our Constitution starts “We the People” not “We the People and Corporations”. The idea that corporations have an equal right to political speech is beyond absurd, it is a perversion of our democracy.
- No PAC contributions to or bundling for campaigns for Covered Positions
- $2,000 max contribution to Covered Positions or issue PACs, inaugural committees & post-retirement foundations
- 3x matching on contributions up to $500 and those small contributions are tax deductible
- PACs (all types) must disclose all donors at any amount
- Public companies, large private companies and all government contractors must disclose all political contributions and lobbying efforts
Encourage Voter Participation
- Same day voter registration
- National voter database with automatic voter registration at 18 – when US citizens turn 18 their voting card is simply mailed to them
- Change Presidents Day to National Voting Day (second Tuesday of November every year) and make it a national holiday
- Reform felony disenfranchisement by state statute or amendment
End Paid Lobbying & Close the Revolving Door
- Ban lobbying by anyone formerly in or reporting to a Covered Position. For the same length of time they were in that role or for 6 years, whichever is greater.
- Ban anyone formerly in or reporting to a Covered Position from working for or owning any part of an entity they regulated while in government, for the period of time equal to the total time they were serving in such role or 6 years, whichever is greater.
- Mandatory disclosure of any effort by any person, group or entity to influence public policy – advertising, political contributions, favors, gifts and meetings with policy-makers or their staff to national database accessible to all citizens online
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- Must include a statement of purpose (what outcome they are trying to achieve) and the intended beneficiaries (those who requested or paid for the lobbying) along with what was paid.
Prevent Foreign Influence
- Total ban on foreign gifts, lobbying or campaign contributions to any covered position
- Full disclosure on source of payment for any politically persuasive writing, song, video or other recorded communication
- Enhanced election security
End Corruption
- All candidates for Covered Positions must release preceding 6 years of tax returns before running and place all investments into blind trusts before taking office
- Automatic recusal of presidential appointees dealing with president or family
- End the Presidential right to pardon
- Reaffirm independence of FBI, CIA, and Federal Reserve. Any position within those Bureaus or Agencies that requires confirmation of Senate must have full discretion to operate independently until removed and replaced by another appointee approved by Senate.
Contact
The Democratic Policy Institute is a 501(c)(4) organization.