Commission on Political Reform

Commission on Political Reform. The Commission on Political Reform was a bipartisan initiative convened by the Bipartisan Policy Center in 2013 to address the causes and consequences of political polarization in the United States. Co-chaired by prominent statesmen from both major parties, it sought to foster a national dialogue and propose actionable reforms to strengthen American governance. Its work culminated in a comprehensive report with recommendations aimed at improving legislative functionality, civic engagement, and the electoral process.

Background and establishment

The commission was established against a backdrop of intense partisan gridlock, exemplified by events like the 2013 United States federal government shutdown and persistent legislative stalemates in the United States Congress. The Bipartisan Policy Center, founded by former Senate Majority Leaders including Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George J. Mitchell, created the body to diagnose systemic dysfunctions. Its formation was directly influenced by concerns that deepening polarization was undermining effective governance and public trust in institutions like the White House and the Supreme Court of the United States. The launch was announced with the goal of moving beyond academic study to deliver practical, consensus-driven solutions.

Mandate and objectives

The primary mandate was to investigate the roots of political polarization and its impact on the federal government's capacity to solve national problems. Key objectives included analyzing the roles of campaign finance, redistricting, and congressional rules in fostering partisan conflict. The commission aimed to develop recommendations to encourage greater civic participation and improve the functionality of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It also sought to propose reforms that would make elections more competitive and governance more responsive, engaging with precedents set by entities like the Simpson-Bowles Commission.

Membership and structure

The commission was led by three honorary co-chairs: former Senators Bob Dole and Tom Daschle, and former Presidential Advisory Commission member Vernon Jordan. Its membership comprised a diverse group of 26 leaders from politics, academia, business, and civic life, including former United States Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman and former United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. The structure involved several working groups focused on specific areas like congressional reform and civic engagement. Staff support and research were provided by the Bipartisan Policy Center, with additional input from scholars at institutions like the University of Virginia and the Hoover Institution.

Key findings and recommendations

The commission's final report, released in 2014, identified primary causes of dysfunction including the influence of Citizens United v. FEC, gerrymandering by state legislatures, and low voter turnout. Its major recommendations called for a national primary day, independent redistricting commissions modeled after systems in states like California, and changes to the filibuster rules in the United States Senate. It also advocated for expanded voting access through measures like automatic voter registration, modernizing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and enhancing civic education. Other proposals addressed campaign finance transparency and fostering more deliberative processes in Congress.

Reception and impact

The commission's report received coverage in major media outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Post, and was praised by figures like John McCain for its bipartisan approach. Some of its concepts, such as independent redistricting, gained traction in subsequent state-level ballot initiatives and were advanced by organizations like Common Cause. However, the broader political impact was limited by the entrenched partisan environment in Washington, D.C., and many of its ambitious federal proposals saw no legislative action. The work was often cited in later reform discussions, including those led by the Committee for Economic Development and the American Political Science Association.

Dissolution and legacy

The commission concluded its work with the publication of its final report in June 2014 and was subsequently dissolved. Its legacy endures primarily through the continued advocacy of its members and the Bipartisan Policy Center on issues of governance reform. The commission's research and framing of problems influenced later initiatives, such as the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. While it did not achieve sweeping statutory changes, it stands as a significant effort by elder statesmen to chart a pragmatic path forward during a period of deep national division, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about the health of American democracy. Category:2013 establishments in the United States Category:2014 disestablishments in the United States Category:Political history of the United States