Tim,
you put your finger on it.. very well. The problem is not actually the 'system' its the people... human nature is driven by self or family serving ideas. The only alternative to crop up in our time has been marxism "live for the State" which, as u pointed out becomes corrupted. It also has the mild problem of not giving any sense of ultimate meaning or purpose to its citizens. Among other things the Russian approach also proved that a generation or 2 of sustained atheistic and materialistic determinism in education just succeeded in reducing the humanity and dignity of millions.

The idea of a senate composed of independants is theoretically wonderful and one which I totally support. but the old human nature being the devious critter that it is, would find a way to pervert it and chanel its influence into benefitting the various competing interests of our community. What a tragedy that we have to have "Labor" and "Liberal" "left" and "right" always 'us/them'.

While people may have some issues with the more 'colorful' aspects of the old Israelite economic system, it is where we get our idea of social welfare and human rights from. Outside the Temple and priestly spheres, there was private property and social welfare. There was nothing of 'left and right'.

As trite as it may sound.. "New people make any system work" and new people are those who live for One greater than themselves. Well there I go.. "bible bashing' again

David Boaz says, "The idea of a senate composed of independants is theoretically wonderful and one which I totally support. but the old human nature being the devious critter that it is, would find a way to .... chanel its influence into benefitting the various competing interests of our community..."

First vaguely sensible thing you have said in a long time David, congratulations. And amazingly, without all the capitals, exclamation marks, and other distracting embellishments!!!! Knock off the last para, and other people might even be able to have a conversation with you.

Grace.. u can always have a good convo with me.
But I speak from a 'Christian in democracy' perspective.
I am convinced that unless we are able to extricate ourselves from the 'Them/us' quagmire that political discussion usually resolves down to, it will be circular ad absurdem.
I also am not writing academic papers here :) I do enjoy interaction and I dont mean to be personally insulting, but I do mean to be passionate.

Grace,
What are your ideas or suggestions regards checks and balances that could be put into place, that will stop a government becoming corrupted or less efficient over time?

Timithy, I would elect a few more feminist mothers and grandmothers to parliament. Corruption usually has a hard time facing up to a withering maternal stare.

GRACE....
(hope you saw my apology about misquoting you on the other subject)

they don't have to be feminist.. they just have to be ordinary level headed women.. we need to lose that 'combative' term.. perhaps a council of elders ? :)