I think the idea that every citizen of the United States can way in on every decision for the United States is a very idealistic one. Citizens of New York don’t know what it’s like in California, nor do those in Boise, Detroit, or Staunton. How would those in rural towns have a voice compared to large cities? How would a less populous state, such as Alaska, compare with a very densely populated state, such as Texas?
The United States is so massive that I don’t think giving citizens an individual right to vote on federal laws would be feasible. I don’t think that we would have accurate representation.
Now, I don’t believe that we necessary have accurate representation now, either. I would like to see more people like me in Congress—people who might actually have my rights and interests at mind when voting on bills that will have major and minor impacts on my life. That’s why it’s so important for people to go out and vote for their representatives and senators.Not only that, but to vote smartly. Far fewer people attend elections when only representative and senatorial seats are up. And those that do attend aren’t always the most informed about the views of the candidates. They typically re-elect who was already in office, because those are the names they recognize.
I don’t think we would be better off without Congress. I think some changes in access to information / education in political science is necessary. I also think it might good to re-examine how long a Representative or Senator is allowed to remain in office (Though I am sort of a fence-sitter on making alterations to this as well. I don’t really want to lose Feinstein’s voice in the Senate.)