The Battle Against Gerrymandering and the Quest for Transformed Political Systems
On the global stage, the USA ranks 25th in the World Corruption Index, indicating that 24 other countries have more integrity and transparency in their governments. This means that the top three countries—Denmark, New Zealand, and Finland—are much further ahead. Countries like Bhutan and Chile are also ranked better than us, leading to concerns that the USA might transition to an authoritarian dictatorship. While the situation is not hopeless, it requires a significant mobilization and demand for reform from the governed, particularly in light of the recent trends of political corruption.
Reflections on Political Integrity and Reform
The USA’s ranking in the World Corruption Index suggests that our political system needs thorough examination. With a score of 25, it signifies that there is a significant gap between the top performers and the USA. Moreover, the corruption managed by special interests and the normalization of political corruption in both the Republican and Democratic parties pose a serious threat to the integrity and transparency of our government. This has led to a situation where politicians are increasingly seen as a reflection of their voters and funders, not as independent figures in the public interest.
The Implications of Gerrymandering and Transparency
Without effective measures to combat gerrymandering, the integrity of the political system is severely compromised. Gerrymandering can significantly distort the electoral map, giving one party an unfair advantage, which is a serious issue in the USA. A notable instance is Florida, where despite passing anti-gerrymandering amendments to the state constitution, the districts are still more compact and contiguous, leading to even more Republican dominance after the last election. This demonstrates that anti-gerrymandering efforts alone may not always lead to the desired outcome.
This situation is indicative of a broader issue with the two-party system, which is the only retained system among advanced industrial nations. The recent indictment and removal of 89 cabinet and high-level federal officials from the previous administration is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the current system. The two-party system often makes it difficult to remove corrupt leaders consistently and effectively.
Towards a More Transparent Political System
One possible solution to address these issues is to move towards a parliamentary system. This system would allow for more regular executive changes, enabling quicker shifts in leadership and more transparency. Many parliamentary democracies employ nonpartisan districting commissions, which draft district boundaries proportionate to the popular vote. These commissions are designed to minimize political manipulation, ensuring that each vote carries the same weight.
Implementing such systems has proven effective in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. For instance, in countries with nonpartisan commissions, districting and redistricting are more reflective of the will of the people, leading to a more proportional and fair representation of the electorate.
Conclusion
The USA faces significant challenges in maintaining a fair and transparent political system. The ongoing issue of gerrymandering, along with the normalization of political corruption, places the country at risk of authoritarian tendencies. However, there are promising alternatives, such as parliamentary systems, which could offer a more resilient structure against the vulnerabilities of the current system. The key lies in mobilizing public demand and political will to implement such reforms.