I would have assumed that our representatives had sufficient knowledge, but they don't. They may have some knowledge in politics and perhaps in a speciality area, but they often have little knowledge in areas that would make them more effective.
Because of this lack of knowledge we end up with a camel when what we wanted was a horse. We are "kicking the can down the road" because our representatives have no knowledge of the consequences, though surely we will have severe consequences if we don't handle our problems when they are little.
Based on that, I would suggest that this is a dire need: to educate our legislative representatives on how to effectively represent us and on how to be effective.
THE COST VERSUS THE RETURN
Educating the representatives would have an enormous return per dollar spent. And some of the modules could be made available to all people, as many of them would be of general benefit.
THE ITEMS TO BE EDUCATED IN:
The basics of ethics and our value system in the US
How to negotiate on a win-win basis.
How to have a productive debate - and how to talk with appropriate respect.
How to make a rational decision - and be open to more than prejudice or set ideology.
The proper use of experts - and using the proper experts, leveraging from their
knowledge and wisdom, including economists and businessmen
The basics of finance - including compound interest and using projections effectively
How and why capitalism works - including showing the results of socialist practices, and
how a safety net and certain regulation can create a good blend with social needs.
Each representative would be required to do the basic curriculum, which would be online.
