In the United Kingdom, to promote transparency, honesty, and integrity, the Prime Minister and Parliament convene once a week to initiate a time dubbed “Questions to the Prime Minister.” This legally mandatory question-and-answer session lets parliament ask questions to the Prime Minister, who is obligated to respond truthfully and to the utmost of their abilities. This unique time grants members the ability to bring national attention to their local district issues, helping to bridge the gap between the highest government office in the land and the citizenry.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “take time for all things: great haste makes great waste.” With Franklin’s words in mind, I believe it is in the best interest of our polarized and diverse nation to adopt a similar format to that of England. In America, it would behoove Congress to pass legislation, setting aside a couple of hours, one day a week, for an open form of questions between the legislative and executive branches. For an adequate and productive time, Congress must act to install buffers to maintain germaneness, protect U.S. national security interests, eliminate punditry, and safeguard political norms. Ensuring these regulations are followed to the letter, the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court should be installed to referee between Congress and the President, similar to a presidential impeachment trial.
Utilizing this platform for the public good, those in Congress seeking an open dialogue with the President can freely discuss anything from local issues to foreign affairs. To encourage the executive branch’s commitment to accuracy, if the President is unable to formulate a diligent response, a legislator may request a follow-up letter with the Chief Justice’s approval. Upon this legally binding request, 7 days must be allotted for the President and their staff to write to Congress informing them of their reply.
Installing a time of assembly for questions featuring all branches of the federal government is direly needed in America. This form will promote the free exchange of ideas, sponsor the reintegration of social norms back into politics, and advance issues critical to the citizenry at large. Importantly, the establishment of this time of questions would help reassert the power of Congress as the statutorily most consequential branch of government, recognized under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, while providing another check to the ever-growing powers of Article II.
I am a student at Gettysburg College, double majoring in IDS Emerging Threats in National Security and Political Science, as well as double minoring in History and Peace & Justice Studies. In addition to my academic studies am also an intern with the Potomac Institute for Public Studies, working under the International Center for Terrorism Studies division. All work published by me does not reflect the beliefs and opinions of Gettysburg College or the Potomac Institute, instead, the thoughts expressed are done so freely, representing my own accord.
Connor Joyce’s op-ed piece is a well written and refreshing commentary on how our government could be improved with more balance communication. It is delightful to hear the idealism of the young that may one day become a reality for our future.