Why can't we the people have more input in our government, other than every 4 years?

You do.
Vote locally.

Your local government has more control over your everyday life than the President does.

Most Americans can’t be bothered to vote more than once every 4 years. They just don’t show up at the polls for the local stuff.

We elect governors, senators, congressmen, and local officials at much more frequent intervals. We can write to our representatives in Washington anytime we want. We have state governments and local council meetings and all kinds of governmental entities at all levels that are open to citizens’ input all the time. We have opinion polls on government websites and e-mails coming from congressional representatives and public forums where we can speak our minds. And there are action committees, local agencies, volunteer organizations, and other citizen-run entities that have a voice in how things go. Are you not taking advantage of all the opportunities that are offered to you?

@Captain_Fantasy But that is limited as well. What do you think about public meeting on certain issues, where the people run the meeting.

Like the teabaggers who suggest things like killing illegal immigrants?
We need a formal way of running things lest we descend into chaos.
Again, all the local elections and local propositions are open to the public. People just dont go.

@Rangie – so you’re saying public meetings aren’t so good, because….? Or are you saying….?

@Jeruba Yes, I try to find all avenues, but I feel that as a single individual speaking, it would not be as powerful as a group. I wonder if our calls or letters are even reaching the ears of the people we intended.

not at all like the teabaggers. Groups like that are so large, I believe there are followers there, just because. We need smaller groups that can actually communicate. Not gang like activity.

@susanc No I didn’t say public meeting aren’t so good. I am saying we need public meetings. Where we can actually speak to one another. Come to intelligent conclusions and go to our city counsel, then on up the ladder, hopefully reaching the folks that can do something about the grievances.

I am personally starting with my neighborhood. Small, I know, but it will grow enough to require a city counsel meeting. Not only get rid of things that are wrong, but improve things that need fixing. As the people find out that they have a voice, then they can reach for bigger issues.
I talk to a lot of people and they complain, but say what can I do, I am only one person? I thought some of you brainiacs might have some cleaver ways to involve people.

If your state doesn’t already do this- you could begin a movement/campaign to make your state a Ballot Proposition state. Then you would vote like Californians do- voting on major issues. Then again- there is no guarantee that what you like or think is right, would win.

In the UK we have by elections, local council elections as well.
People don’t have enough time to work out all the pros and cons for voting for or against something, it’s better to get someone to vote on our behalf.

OMG, I cannot believe know one pointed out yet that you can testify on all legislation. You can physically go to the hearings. You can submit written testimony. You can testify in person. Your involvement in policy doesn’t have to be limited to once every four years, most people just don’t want to be more involved than that. You can go to city council meetings as well. You can sit in your elected official’s office and demand to be heard.

Thank you @lilikoi! @Rangie, a person who does this stuff can get a LOT done. And by making your presence felt in these ways, you discover allies. A lot of people who haven’t tried any of these things don’t find out how much fun they are – serious fun. Good for you. Change the world, girl.

I am from California, and I never miss a vote. I will miss anything else, but never my voting. I am 67 and can honestly say I never failed to vote, and I never will. I have been to the Capitol in Sacramento. I have talked to our representatives. I just need to gather a few more to join me. This is our Country and people had better care and get involved. I think it is selfish to just go along and hand everything over to the next generation. I think all any of us want for our children is the best it can be. Better than we had it, so they can leave things better than they had it. Why tear the house apart and let them inherit a pile of trash? Let’s get to work peps. I’ll have my people call yours, and your people can call mine. lol

Local government was supposed to be where the bulk of the power in this country resided, if that helps you any.

Thanks Nullo, I am going to get myself know around her. I an new to this community. But I have already had one meeting with the Mayor, City Manager, Chief of Police, and found it very productive.

Because no-one wants to end up like Italy.

@Rangie I agree that individuals need to understand that they have more power than they generally exercise to affect the government, but what’s your position on the direct democracy (voter initiatives) in California?

@grumpyfish Voter initiatives is a good thing. However, the requirements are somewhat tough to get through. But, with determination it is at least possible. Actually, that is probably a good thing, or we would have a very long list of things to vote on and would be in he booth for an hours.
what is your opinion?

@Rangie My problem with them (in general) is that voter initiatives never raise taxes, and usually increase spending. This leads to runaway financial problems in the state.

Republics are able to make the hard decisions necessary to keep the state afloat, direct democracy becomes too self serving. (There’s a quote, I don’t remember by who, about “Democracy will fail when the voters realize they can vote themselves free money” or something more eloquent)

@JeffVader I dunno, some Italy around here might be nice. I want me some Renaissance architecture. And some walls, dash it all And culture! We have The Hill, but that’s not even close to being the same as Lucca.

@grumpyfish I agree with the fact that some has lead to runaway financial problems in the state. But, unfortunately there are too many democrats in the state. So, we are out numbered from the get go. However, the idea of the public being able to create an initiative is a good thing. But, we are too far out of balance.

@Rangie Well said =)