How Do American Politics Measure Up? Maybe it's just my imagination, but it does seem that American politics have taken a turn for the worse in recent decades. Is it that too much exposure over a lifetime produces cynicism and skepticism? Young people greet the political wrangling over the outcome of this Presidential election with a fresh view and vigorous participation. Are older people out of the loop to the extent that they can no longer muster up such an enthusiastic response? Perhaps some of these questions will benefit from a brief look at the political processes employed by other countries. To begin with, voters in other developed countries do not entertain such lengthy campaigns as are tolerated here in American politics. It's a fact that decades ago, Americans could wrap up the process within a year. Today, one President is barely elected before a new crop of future candidates begin to hint at their intent to pursue the office four years hence. Granted, such remarks and positioning are fairly subtle. Potential candidates allow a suitably polite period of time to precede such announcements. By contrast, Europeans seem not to think of the next leader until mere months before an election. Nonetheless, these countries seem able to elect qualified leaders, despite a relatively short period of campaigning. Do American politics require that issues be belabored to the current extent? Here's where we might make an immediate improvement to the process: instead of endless caucases, debates and primaries, well-seeded with big money and costly television ads, how about preceding all of this with a referendum, whereby the people let the candidates know what issues matter to them? This might save time and weed out those candidates who cannot or will not address those issues. Another contribution to efficiency in the execution of the American political system might be a formalized test to determine the qualifications of the hopeful candidate. A President should be well qualified to handle domestic and foreign situations. Just as the SAT tests determine the overall quality of a college hopeful's education, shouldn't the same be demanded of a President? After all, the consequences of Presidential missteps may be felt for generations to come, adversely affect hundreds of millions of lives and negatively impact the history of the world. Now here's a novel concept: what if a candidate were required to demonstrate his or her abilities without the benefit (to them) of a visible persona? In other words, what if we were to judge a candidate only on their positions on issues and their qualifications? Maybe we voters would find the short guy without a charismatic presence to have the best solutions to our problems. American politics are ripe for a change in the current process. Just as a flat tax is a straightforward proposition, a candidate who has been screened in a pre-campaign testing ground might bring better and more diverse candidates to our attention and the office which should command the highest respect. Just some thoughts on American politics. Summary American politics are a subject which people love to discuss, sometimes to heated levels! Some suggest revamping the system and letting the people have more of a voice when it comes to subjects and matters that are important. Some politicans forget the people, and invest time and taxpayer money in projects which no one cares about. Related Articles Political Campaign Strategies Register To Vote Where To Vote Related Sites