Democracy Forum

Issue: Participatory Democracy Program Name: Democracy Forum Broadcast Date: January 9, 2012 Broadcast Time: 10-11:00 a.m. Program Topic: What do we need to make our democracy work better? Key Discussion Points: a) Why do you think Congress has such a low approval rating? b) What are the systemic impediments that prevent Congress from responding to what members surely know citizens want? c) Is campaign finance reform part of the solution? What about a constitutional amendment to allow broader reform? d) Why are there so few moderates in Congress? e) Some people think the two-party system is part of the problem. They advocate solutions like open primaries or others that favor small parties. What do you think of those suggestions? f) What about revising the Senate rules to limit use of the filibuster? g) How do you view the role of the media? h) What changes would you propose? i) What can citizens do? Guests by name and affiliation: A) Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree B) Dr. Thomas E. Mann, constitutional sc