Our founding fathers never intentioned that holding office would be a full time job. They envisioned that every officer/representative held full time jobs in the private sector, and that their position of authority was to be part time.

So I'd posit that there be a scheduled time of gathering for matters pertaining to government, with a clause for meeting during special circumstances, and that the pay grade runs between $25/day to $100/day, depending on time/experience. I also posit that time limits be enforced, of which 8 years is the maximum in a lifetime for a politician. Make it somewhat like jury duty, where everyone gets a chance (if they are so inclined), but no one wants to make a career out of it. No more lifetime politicians; no more impossibility for Ma Jones or Pa Doe to serve his country...office would be open to any law abiding citizen without having to have a fortune to "run for office".

Also, I posit for it to become a felony if it's found that government officers are taking money (bribes, payoffs) for special interests and pork. On top of the 3 branches, I'd include a 4th branch, which is comprised of citizens of all walks of life, from every state, which would keep an eye out for any and all infringements that the other 3 branches commit. This group, of course, would be voluntary, much like we do here on GLP, watching...but this group would have power to bring charges against anyone in the other 3 branches, and try them in court if the judicial branch isn't willing to do their job. This group would also "score" the President during regular reviews, just like every employee is reviewed in the work place. Also, the President would make a salary based on performance, with a top scale of $100,000 per year. He/she could NOT hold any investments, or have ANY conflicts of interests, etc.

All employees of government (state and federal) would receive no greater than minimum wage, with the exceptions of COL raises, and performance/review wages, with a top scale of $15/hr for those who have proven themselves and have put their time in. Pensions would be based on pay rate, after 30 years of service. No automatic pensions. Benefits would be the same as the majority of benefits in the private sectors.

That would be a start.