u/LazyErDays

Presidents often pardon allies, donors, family members, or political insiders — sometimes right before leaving office. It looks like the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card for the connected.

Should we change the rules so no elected official, their spouse, kids, or inner circle can ever receive a presidential pardon? Would this reduce corruption and self-dealing, or just create new problems?

Realistic fix or naive idea? Thoughts from both sides welcome.

Presidents often pardon allies, donors, family members, or political insiders — sometimes right before leaving office. It looks like the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card for the connected.

Should we change the rules so no elected official, their spouse, kids, or inner circle can ever receive a presidential pardon? Would this reduce corruption and self-dealing, or just create new problems?

Realistic fix or naive idea? Thoughts from both sides welcome.

We complain nonstop about gridlock, corruption, and out-of-touch politicians. But can everyday Americans realistically force Congress to draft, debate, and pass a new law on a major issue?

Petitions, protests, voting, public pressure, referendums in some states — do any of these truly compel action, or is it all theater while Congress does whatever benefits insiders?

Serious answers only: What mechanisms (if any) give citizens real leverage? Has it ever worked? Or is the system designed so only money, lobbyists, and party insiders hold the power?

All perspectives welcome.

Is it ethically acceptable or even strategically justifiable for politicians (regardless of party affiliation) to deliberately spread misleading, false, or deceitful information in pursuit of power, policy goals, or electoral success?

No blame game and no referencing individual politicians, keep it to baseline principles.

Should there be swift consequences or forced retractions when this happens? Does party affiliation change the ethical standard?

For context, on a scale of 1 (Never acceptable) to 10 (Very acceptable), how would you score the current baseline in your state and/or country?

Looking for thoughtful, principle-based answers with historical or philosophical insights.