If you could fundamentally reshape America what changes would you make?
My issue with America actually goes to some of the core principals on which it's founded. It's focus on rugged individualism ends up creating a cold, callous, dog eat dog society. Obviously this goes to the question of just what kind of society you want to have and so would need to be a public discussion. But if I were to change anything it would be a fundamental tonal shift away from an everybody for himself mentality which informs almost all aspects of modern American politics, towards a more realistic compassionate perspective that takes into account the random vicissitudes of life.
I am of course talking in other words of a global political shift towards the left. But I purposefully worded it this way above instead of just saying a shift to the left because I don't mean a dogmatic adoption of anything left. I personally am liberal to the degree that I probably would implement most left wing ideals. But it's the tonal shift that I think desperately needs to take place. Away from a cruel world view in which we walk over the corpses of other peoples lives and clamber each other, shoving our feet in people's faces to desperately gain another ring on the ladder. Towards a society that understands in depth the cruel random vicissitudes of life, and has, as a foundational component, a compassionate approach to policy.
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Disclaimer: I'm a teacher
Over the years I've seen such a decline in the value placed on education by parents towards their children. Extracurricular activities, social standing and emphasis on material goods have rendered a large majority of students valuing education "quaint". Add in screen time and reading a book seems antiquated to many students. My kids are huge readers but none of their friends read regularly. Of course I'm pleasantly surprised but a few each year but as I've said that number is dwindling. I would love to see a return to people placing a value on their foundational education.
Second, re-design the U. S. Senate to make it at least as democratic as the House of Representatives. It's absurd for Wyoming to have as many senators as California. The UK's House of Lords is more democratic, and they're all appointed. Third, make the President of the United States much more of a figurehead with no real political power, rather like Canada's Governor General. Fourth, create the office of Prime Minister of the United States of America, elected by the majority party in the House of Representatives and basically rubber-stamped by the Senate. The government would rise and/or fall with votes of no confidence, as governments in most modern democracies do. The two-year, four-year, and six-year election cycles would continue as constitutionally prescribed, but the secretaries of the various governmental departments would necessarily be serving members of congress. These changes would make for a much more responsive and representative government in Washington. Coalitions would be essential, leading to the formation of more than two political parties. The states, deprived of the Electoral College, could grind along much as they do now, paving roads, building bridges, etc., but with greatly diminished power. In an ideal world, they would disappear except for ceremonial purposes. As for the military, I would just about abolish the U.S. Navy except for nuclear-armed submarines, turning most of their duties over to an expanded Coast Guard. I would do away with the Marine Corps as being redundant, and turn their tasks of guarding embassies over to a much smaller U. S. Army. Obviously, this is impossible without changing the present Constitution, but you did ask about "fundamentally reshaping" the USA. 
