James Madison - Two Things Required for a Democratic System To Work

"The House of Representatives was intended to be the most representative element of the United States government. James Madison, the primary author of the U.S. Constitution, explained that the House should have "an immediate dependence on, and an intimate sympathy with the people." In order for our democratic system to work the way our founding fathers imagined two things are required. First, the people must be informed. It is essential that we have a government that is open to the public and a media that is free from government influence. Second, the people must be involved. Americans must communicate their views, beliefs and ideas to their elected representatives." -Congressman Leonard L. Boswell, 3rd District, Iowa