Overview

The Center on Congress at Indiana University produces a series of commentaries by Director Lee Hamilton. In these commentaries, Hamilton draws on his 34 years of experience as a United States Representative from the Ninth District, Indiana, and explains the important function of Congress in our system of representative democracy. The commentaries listed below specifically describe the crucial role that citizens play in making Congress work.

The Press is Good, But Not Good Enough emphasizes how vital an energetic press is to our democracy, and it urges journalists to redouble their efforts to give citizens the information they need to be engaged and active in the political system.

Citizens Can Be Powerful Lobbyists discusses the importance of dialogue in a representative democracy. Hamilton explains that healthy discussion and education must occur before tough issues can be resolved.

The Cup of Coffee Solution suggests that one of the best ways for a citizen to influence the policymaking process is to arrange a visit with a congressman when he or she is back home.

We Must Reclaim Our Campaigns urges voters to insist that candidates for public office provide substantive information on their core beliefs and on important issues, so people can make better-informed judgments about how to vote.

Democracy Relies on Healthy Dialogue discusses the importance of respectful listening and civil speech in a representative democracy. Hamilton explains that a process of education and vigorous discussion must occur before tough issues can be resolved.

The Cornerstones of Active Citizenship describes four ways you can become an active citizen: vote, communicate your ideas to legislators, be informed about issues, and get involved in working to improve your community.

Why We Need an Informed Citizenry explains that for a democracy to work, people need to be well-informed as well as actively engaged.

The Merits of Civic Engagement explains that citizens who devote effort to advancing the common good are less likely to feel alienated from government. As a first step, Hamilton suggests that people identify problems in their own community and work to address them.

Has Direct Democracy Gone Too Far? discusses recall measures and explains why the Founders established a representative democracy rather than a direct democracy. By passing the public's views through an elected body of citizens who are better positioned to discern the interests of the country, representation prevents the ills of an overbearing majority.

Making a Difference explains that Congress is the most important link between the American people and their national government. For Congress to do its job properly, Hamilton says, citizens must actively communicate their concerns and preferences to their representatives.

Can the People Govern? acknowledges that many Americans nowadays question government's effectiveness and responsiveness. But Hamilton makes a case that motivated citizens can constructively impact the process of governing. Lincoln's ideal of a "government of, by and for the people" is still an attainable goal.

Vote for Democracy warns that we can't allow democracy to become a "spectator sport." Hamilton asks Americans not to give in to cynicism and indifference, and says that voting should be a fundamental duty for every citizen.

Clicking on any commentary title will direct you to a screen with the text of that essay. You can hear a shorter version of the commentary, recorded by Mr. Hamilton, by clicking on the LISTEN TO THE RADIO VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE link. If you wish to print the commentary without frames, click on PRINTABLE PAGE.