Lawrence Lessig: We the People, and the Republic we must reclaim

The video uses the fictional Lesterland to illustrate the influence of a small group on elections, drawing parallels to the U.S. system where funders have significant sway. It critiques the dependency on funders, labeling it as legal corruption, and proposes reforms like small dollar funded elections to restore democracy. The speaker calls for action to address this issue, emphasizing the need for a government that works for all citizens.

What is the unique power that Lesters hold in Lesterland?

• They can veto laws.

• They decide who can run in the general election.

• They control the media.

• They appoint judges.

In the analogy of Lesterland, who are the Lesters in the United States?

• The funders

• The politicians

• The media

• The general public

What percentage of Americans gave $10,000 or more to federal candidates in 2010?

• 0.01%

• 0.05%

• 0.000042%

• 0.26%

How does the speaker describe the type of corruption present in USA-land?

• Based on bribery

• Legal and systemic

• Focused on small businesses

• Illegal and secretive

What is the main consequence of the corruption described in the United States?

• It reduces the influence of lobbyists.

• It increases public trust in government.

• It blocks reform and maintains the status quo.

• It leads to more efficient governance.

What is the proposed solution to reduce the influence of funders in elections?

• More general elections

• Increased lobbying

• A single statute for small dollar funded elections

• A constitutional amendment

What is the speaker's view on the possibility of solving the issue of corruption?

• It is impossible to solve.

• It can be ignored.

• It is solvable with citizen action.

• It requires international intervention.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary before addressing other important issues?

• Increasing taxes

• Reducing government size

• Ending the corruption of funder influence

• Building more infrastructure

What analogy does the speaker use to describe the urgency of addressing corruption?

• A broken clock

• A burning building

• A terminal illness

• A sinking ship

What historical figure is quoted at the end of the talk?

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton