What the hell is wrong with these people?!
It is a well-known fact that those people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it... anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job. -Douglas Adams
Politicians, by definition, are psychotic sociopaths. Serving in Congress should be like jury duty. Each party randomly picks 50 people from their ranks in each district, primary them, hopefully with an eye to removing anyone who wants to be there and win , and then have the normal election.
For senators we should go back to the old "nepotism" method and have them chosen by the State legislatures. . Yeah, that guy is only a senator because his brother and his friends serve in the State legislature. That is a feature- not a bug. That way the guy is less likely to betray the people in the State Legislature and sell the people of his state out in the name of the National "Common Good."
The Supreme Court should consist of a randomly chosen "Grand Jury" of citizens with equal state Representation. The Current Supreme court should hear arguments, then present their decisions to the Grand Jury individually with their arguments for why they recommend the jury make that decision. If the Jury decides 60% or more to one side, all Judges with the opposing opinion are automatically removed from office and a new one appointed . If the Jury votes 75% against the decision of a Judge, the Judge looses his position and is brought up on charges of Treason, with the penalty of death. Want to make a name for yourself by forcing a "new" interpretation of the Constitution down people's throats? Want to uphold a law that is overwhelmingly unpopular with the public? Think Again. Its Family Feud for Constitutional law. Survey Says? You're dead you treasonous scum.
I suspect such a system would prevent quite a few of these 5:4 decisions, since there would be a consequence to not going with the popular understanding of 50 people given the 6 page constitution, told to read it and apply it as the PLAIN LANGUAGE and INTENT OF THE FOUNDERS (To preserve individual freedom) would indicate. Only problem I see is the reappointment of new judges. Once could assume the president that signed the offending legislation would still be in charge. Perhaps the minority leader needs to nominate in cases where the legislation was signed by the sitting President.
I know. Useless speculations. Well I can dream can't I?