Whats wrong with congress?

[spearo]

The 16 day shutdown from last year, as well as a failure to compromise on obamacare and many other issues has led many to believe that congress isn't doing its job. Do you agree with this? If so, why? 

[Louisistan]

The U.S. Congress has become a pissing contest between two parties who are no longer willing or able to cooperate. At least that's what it looks like from over here.

[The Separatist Land of RM]

To me, it seems like Congress is just a system that puts two groups of people with different ideas on key issues together, then tells them to reach an agreement on said issues. You will obviously have problems with efficiency.

[Klopstock]

There are many problems with Congress.

First, as a representative body it members are not directly accountable to the success of the government (compare this to a responsible body, such as found in parliamentary systems).

Second, the prevalent use of the senate filibuster has distorted the consequences of elections. If a minority of 41% can halt any legislation, then a party can lose elections yet still have an outsized impact on the business of the senate. Instead of making elections matter, the filibuster allows a loser to play spoiler. Instead of fighting an election and going from there, the senate sees constant trench warfare. Recent filibuster reform for most judges and all executive branch officials should help, but I would favor expanding reform.

Third and finally, the deliberative nature of Congress is fading. We are in an era where donors, activists, ideologues, the media, and interest groups wield enormous clout. Their role in shaping the public consciousness and elections is powerful, and greatly affects members of congress. There are many good members of congress who could work effectively to conduct the people's business. But they are increasingly smaller players on the political stage.

[Deleted]

Yeah, lack of compromise is killer for a legislative. First Past The post and the "revolving door" do a lot to feed that.

[WolfVale]

Whats Wrong with Congress: At the foundation stage of our country the elected representatives had a real stake in the outcome of their decisions. They, their families and their country were on the cutting edge, and decisions counted or the very country could have been lost in war. Representatives in congress were primarily farmers and small business owners and they had a vested interest in their decisions. Today you have lawyers looking out for themselves and beholden to those who contributed to their campaigns. Reelection and taking care of yourself is the golden rule in congress not concern for the country, your family, or the future. We need an Amendment to the Constitution, "one term only for elected officials", both in congress and for the presidency.