On Governance

 
Using the "lens" available through, and the Direct System paradigm inherent in, TQM, let's

1. Do a critique of Governance: Indirect Democracy [AS IS], and
2. Layout a re-designed Governance [TO BE]
   

 
CLAUDE (AI)   Here is a TQM-inspired critique and redesign of governance via indirect democracy:

 
Critique of Indirect Democracy [AS IS]:

• Representative democracy concentrates power in the hands of a small political class disconnected from ordinary citizens.

• Opaque lobbying and financing enable wealthy interests to gain disproportionate influence over representatives.

• Long election cycles diminish accountability to constituents. Politicians serve party interests rather than voters.

• Citizens have limited voice between elections. Policy debates abstracted from daily public experience.

• Hierarchical bureaucracy and opaque legislative processes disempower citizens from involvement.

• Indirect system focuses politicians on superficial image management rather than civic service.

 
Redesigned Governance [TO BE]:

• Transition to direct democracy with citizens enabled to vote frequently on major issues and bills.

• Public councils populated by everyday citizens chosen by lottery. Give regular input on policy as representatives of lived experience.

• Ban paid lobbying. Limit donations. Mandate full transparency on political financing and conflicts of interest.

• Annual confidence votes on all elected politicians to maintain accountability.

• Decentralized public involvement through participatory budgeting, town halls, and community consultation processes.

• Simplify and open legislative and bureaucratic processes to public scrutiny and input.

• Train civil servants intensively on quality management and community service values before appointment.

 
In summary, TQM inspired redesign would create a transparent, decentralized, directly democratic system focused on civic collaboration, ethics and fulfilling the broad interests of society.