How do we end gridlock in the American political System and modernize Term Paper

How do we end gridlock in the American political System and modernize the federal Government's administrative infrastructure t - Term Paper Example â€Å"Gridlock† as it is experienced in Washington D.C. today represents a system of government that the Anti-Federalists specifically warned against in the founding of the United States through the Constitutional Convention, â€Å"Bill of Rights† negotiation, and state ratification process. In understanding how Jeffersonian ideals relate to â€Å"Athenian† democracy, and also how populism and progressivism present a historical framework for reform of the political system, the goal is to continue in the tradition of innovation in social institutions so as to make them more open, transparent, participatory, and non-violent as a basis of civil society. This essay discusses downsizing government, decentralizing political organizations, and building stakeholder frameworks that lead to real participation in government organizations and decisions by citizens. The essay also discusses possibilities to increase multi-party political representation through use of informat ion technology and other forms of innovation in democratic organization to implement fundamental ideals through progress. Table of Contents Abstract 1 Table of Contents 1 I. Introduction 2 II. Definition of â€Å"Gridlock† 4 III. Two Party Monopoly 6 One example commonly cited as â€Å"gridlock† is the prevention of legislation from passing by one party through control of one branch of government, such as a Republican party majority in the Senate refusing to support Democratic legislation, or a Republican president unable to build legislative support for his/her agenda in the House of Representatives. A larger aspect of â€Å"gridlock† is the actual two-party monopoly that prohibits a wider representation of views and discussion of issues in the Federal system. This can be compared to systems of government internationally that encourage wider multi-party frameworks and coalitions, as well as an ideal of direct, participatory democracy that would be supported thr ough a more diverse representation of views than found in two-party politics. While the Constitution does not mandate a two-party system, â€Å"winner take all† representation does discourage third party candidates from attaining office, as do the discriminatory ballot measures that restrict ballot access to third parties. 6 IV. Corporate Interests over Public 6 One of the most important issues related to the ideological fusion of Capitalism and Democracy in Enlightenment thought is corruption in government related to minority business interests and the use of â€Å"pork-barrel† politics and legislation to produce social injustice. The recent Wall St. bailouts are an excellent example of the valuation of the interests of the â€Å"super rich† over the â€Å"super poor†. Nevertheless, innumerable aspects of the interrelationship between the U.S. government and the economy can be found. The chart below estimates the Federal Government to be related to appro ximately 43% of U.S. GDP through taxation, spending, and social programs. It is interesting to note that before the 20th Century government spending was typically representative of less than 10% of GDP, representing another aspect of the anti-federalist view. 6 US Government Spending as Percent Of GDP Source: