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The People

The mission of The People is to bring Americans together to engage in civil discourse, establish and carry out nonpartisan governmental reforms. By doing so, we will live in a truly representative democracy. By activating all citizens and bringing our country together, one collective voice will be established and the average person can be heard. We will help individuals organize around common causes, rounding out strengths and weaknesses, and connecting them with others to accelerate their efforts. This will help us to facilitate productive dialogue between those with variation in beliefs and promote action to address needed governmental reforms.

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Big Picture
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6 of the most important democracy books of the past 6 months

"Groaning bookshelves about our divisive times" are one of the main features of the publishing world these days, Kirkus Reviews notes. So we identified six books, all published since last summer, that are particularly worthy of note in a campaign season when the faulty functionality of American democracy is getting discussed more than in any previous modern election.

The authors come from the political left, right and center — but they all have a broadly similar panoramic view of the dysfunction plaguing our democracy. And their prescriptions for reversing the decline have more in common than not. What they all agree on: The principles of our Constitution are under assault and the citizenry's only chance at a successful counter attack is by embracing a broad array of plans for strengthening democratic institutions.

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Congress
True
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"The rapid spread of coronavirus has made it unsafe and unwise for members of Congress — many of whom are among those most likely to become grievously ill — to convene in person," argue Daniel Schuman & Marci Harris.

Big rules changes required, and quick, for Capitol Hill to respond to coronavirus

Schuman writes the First Branch Focus newsletter and is policy director for Demand Progress, a nonprofit group advocating for civil liberties, civil rights and government reform. Harris is a former House aide and CEO of Popvox Inc., an information and resources platform for civic engagement and legislating.

The rapid spread of coronavirus has made it unsafe and unwise for members of Congress — many of whom are among those most likely to become grievously ill — to convene in person.

Current rules, however, require members to be physically present to vote on the floors of the House and Senate. If our legislative branch is to respond effectively to this crisis and play its vital constitutional role as a check on the executive and judicial branches, it must act now to give itself the option to convene in a temporary emergency remote session.

As speaker, Nancy Pelosi has the power to convene the House outside of the chamber if the public interest requires it; Senate leaders have similar powers. Whether the House or Senate could convene online in virtual session, however, is a different matter and likely would require each chamber to vote — and in person — to amend their rules in advance.

The unique circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic make it necessary for the House and Senate to do so now.

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Events

2020 National Legislative Conference

Organizer: Women in Government

There is so much to celebrate, so join us in recognizing:

  • Hear from experts from Honda about legislative best practices that states can implement to ensure the integrity of vehicles and consumer safety.
  • The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • The Suffrage Centennial!
  • The 3rd annual Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts/Women In Government Woman State Legislator Supporting the Arts Award.
Location: Renaissance Downtown, 999 9th St NW, Washington, DC
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