Governance Rules Library

Governance works best when those who feel the impact of the decisions are those involved in making the decisions. That principle works as well in the private sector as the public sector. The other sections of the New Rules web site focus largely on outcomes. This one focuses largely on process. What are the mechanisms that encourage the most democratic and socially responsible kinds of decisionmaking?

Broadening the Electorate. The right to vote is the bedrock of democracy and liberty.  Obstacles to the right to vote should be reduced to a minimum.  

Making Elections Fair. Fairness means that voters get a real choice, which in turn requires that we enact rules that encourage the growth of many political parties.  Fairness means that all voters have an equal vote, which means enacting laws that limit the influence of money over elections.

Embracing Subsidiarity – The burden of proof should be on a higher level of government to justify its intervention in local affairs.

Protecting Liberty.  The Bill of Rights was enacted to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Civil liberties must be protected, even when that requires the intervention of higher levels of government. But these should exercise authority cautiously to allow for maximum individual freedom.