[eru]

The word limit would or one page rule, would not work out as an absolute in practise. But it would be nice as a guide.

The version control is a very good idea that might actually work in practise. At least from a technical point of view. I don't know whether some people actually prefer the old system of amending.

[jakehow]

If it is a rule, it's a rule. There is no reason why every law could not be broken down into one page. Right now ( in the US) we have these massive changes that are encompassing thousands of new rules or modifications to existing rules.

This is a bad idea for the same reason that pushing massive untested changesets into an application would be a bad idea. Incremental, atomic changes that could be revoked is a much better practice on nearly every front (except for maintenance of the power of politicians)

[eru]

I am wary, that a one page rule would have unintended side effects. Like not reducing the complexity, but making the wording extremely terse instead.

[jakehow]

Totally agree, it would need to be accompanied by a corresponding change in the culture of governance (and is highly unlikely), but one can wish.

[eru]

That's why making the one page rule a rule of honour instead of a formal rule might help. Because you want people following the spirit of the rule instead of its letter.