The Need for a System Reset
American democracy is built on the principle of a government accountable to its people. When that connection weakens, the system ceases to function for the majority. This is the challenge we face today: a system that has become unresponsive to the needs of its citizens, requiring a fundamental reset.
The Anatomy of Failure
A System Unresponsive to the People
Over decades, the priorities of Congress have shifted. Representatives now spend an inordinate amount of time fundraising from a small pool of wealthy donors and special interests. This creates a system where policy is shaped not by the needs of the American public, but by the priorities of those who can fund campaigns.
The result is a government that struggles to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans—from a national debt surpassing $34 trillion and soaring healthcare costs to crumbling infrastructure and economic uncertainty. Its incentive structure is aligned with outside interests, not the public good.
The Self-Preservation Loop
Despite historically low approval ratings, incumbents are reelected over 95% of the time. This is not a sign of public satisfaction. It is the result of a system designed to protect incumbents through gerrymandered districts and enormous fundraising advantages.
This "self-preservation loop" prevents new ideas and new leaders from emerging, ensuring that the institution remains stagnant and unable to adapt to the country's evolving challenges.
The Consequence of an Unresponsive System
When a government fails to solve the real-world problems of its citizens, it creates a dangerous void. People's legitimate frustration becomes a powerful political force. Extremist movements exploit this energy by offering radical, anti-democratic solutions.
Detailed plans like Project 2025 are designed to capitalize on this very moment. They propose to dismantle democratic checks and balances, politicize the civil service, and centralize executive power, effectively replacing our system of government with one based on authoritarian control.
This authoritarian risk is not the cause of our problems; it is the direct consequence of a system that has stopped delivering for the American people.
The Data of Dysfunction
Historic low - Americans have lost faith in Congress
Despite low approval, incumbents almost never lose
Average amount incumbents outspend challengers
20 lobbyists for every member of Congress
Coordinated action by just 20% can replace everyone
Authoritarian blueprint being implemented now
There Is a Way Out
The solution must be as fundamental as the problem. It cannot be a minor reform or a shift in partisan control. It must be a complete reset of the institution itself.
The Fresh 535 movement proposes a simple, powerful, and non-partisan strategy: coordinated electoral action to replace every single member of Congress.