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Lack of diversity.
Most members of Congress are older white men, and over 50% are millionaires.
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Sortition bodies are diverse.
Since assemblies are selected randomly, they form a microcosm of the citizenry.
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Elections require money—and lots of it.
The link between money and politics suggests corruption, which undermines
confidence in our system. Politicians spend huge amounts of time raising money
for reelection rather than working on issues.
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No money required.
All adult citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status, are eligible. No money
is required to enter the lottery or serve as an assembly member. Participation
is free.
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Competition for power.
Elections create an us-versus-them mindset that produces unnecessary division
and anger. Undermining the competition becomes a strategy.
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Power is shared.
With no “enemy” to defeat, assemblies are more open to considering win-win
solutions. It is about all of us.
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Politicians are not free.
They must bend to the wishes of party leaders to avoid being primaried and to
receive committee assignments.
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Assembly members are free.
With no party bosses to worry about, assembly members are free to discuss
issues earnestly and vote their conscience. No party loyalty is required.
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Elections force candidates toward simplistic messaging.
Voters have limited time and information with which to consider complex issues.
It is quicker to appeal to emotions than reason. Complex issues are reduced to
slogans that lack nuance and detail.
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Assemblies make informed, considered decisions.
Assemblies follow a process that includes research and study, hearing from
relevant experts and community members, and small-group deliberations in which
participants weigh evidence and discuss possible solutions.
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Politics is mean.
Politicians engage in partisan bickering, blaming, shaming, spinning,
name-calling, strawmanning, demonizing, and anti-intellectual pandering that is
unhealthy for everyone.
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Better mental health.
No more political vitriol.
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