Monday, 29 June 2009

Interactive Democracy and Money Bills



The Parliament Bill of 1911 replaced the Lords' power of veto with the ability to delay legislation for up to two years. It also removed their power over money bills - those associated with taxation.
Should Interactive Democracy allow the majority to vote on money bills?
It seems to me that an important aspect of democracy is a balance of power, so that one faction doesn't become too self possessed. Power corrupts! I think the population could handle Money Bills and should be allowed to vote on them. This may help to prevent the sort of debacle that occurred with the proposed 10% tax rate.
Using the ID system we could all decide if Money Bills should be open to Interactive voting, passing Parliament Bills of our own to curtail our own collective power. There may be good reason to do this, if the majority vote for their personal financial benefit without regard for the wider picture.

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