Restoration by George Will

George F. Will’s Restoration (1992/93) diagnoses how careerism in Congress undermines representative democracy. What was already troubling three decades ago is now intensively worse—lobbying, special interests, and political self-interest have become far more entrenched, deepening the gap between citizens and politicians and stifling true deliberation.

Will’s Five Core Reforms

1. Term limits, to curtail lifelong lawmakers and restore independence of thought.
2. Campaign reform, reducing candidates’ reliance on donor money through spending caps and transparency.
3. Anti-gerrymandering redistricting, to ensure fair, competitive districts.
4. Tort reform, making legislators more accountable for abuses (Will identifies legal liability as a check).
5. Reinvigorating congressional deliberation, by restoring constitutional norms and limiting executive overreach.