[notahacker]

> The sortition mechanism is a robust anti-gerrymandering, anti-corruption, anti-just-about-everything-we-don't-like-in-government mechanism.

I'd argue that the worst aspect of the US political system is the fine margins between two fiercely partisan factions which random members of the public tend to strongly identify with. Making which faction with ~45% hardcore supporters [in swing states] has control a matter of dumb luck as opposed to whether their conduct impresses or appals the few people able to see merit in both political philosophies doesn't sound like an improvement.

Also, the incentive to be corrupt certainly isn't weakened by removing any incentive to present oneself as clean for future re-election from the equation.

[thechao]

A significant source for enabling corrupt behavior is the fact that the party (usually) controls the seat, and highly noncompetitive races where incumbents are almost guaranteed their seat. If a statesperson doesn’t “own” their seat, and they don’t have a party to cover them, they have to worry about the next person asking questions.