Chapter 5 - Crowd-Legislating  

The desire of reward is one of the strongest incentives of human conduct. - Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton’s observation of human nature is as true today as when he wrote it in 1788. The quest for financial reward has fueled creativity, innovation, and imagination in the American marketplace with vigor unmatched anywhere else in the world. Why not similarly unleash the ingenuity of the American people on the political challenges of the nation, through competition and the promise of financial reward?

The power of the “crowd” has transformed our world. Crowdsourcing has unleashed the creativity of millions of people. Crowdfunding has opened up financing for small and large ventures in a wholly new way. It’s time that Congress started using the tools of the 21st century. It’s time for crowd-legislating.

The idea is simple. Let the American people compete to solve our nation’s challenges. Whether for immigration, healthcare, energy, or job creation, let’s offer cash prizes for the best political solutions. The internet has sparked the explosive growth of a powerful form of crowd-sourcing: the “innovation contest.” Companies have taken to using innovation contests to develop new products and make research breakthroughs. Philanthropies use them to solve pressing social issues. Even some federal agencies have embraced the concept. But the Congress—the place where we really need new ideas—has yet to utilize this 21st century tool. Crowd-legislating would bring the best minds of America into the legislative process itself....[Purchase the book here to keep reading]