There are driving tests to ensure that we have responsible drivers. Why shouldn't we have an IQ and general knowledge test about politics, before people are allowed to vote?
2006-06-15 14:51:42 · 21 answers · asked by Amit Shanbhag 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Oh we could also have a test before people become parents.
2006-06-15 15:08:23 · update #1
Some states had such tests before the civil rights movement. Those test weren't use to guarantee intelligent voting, but rather to exclude people from voting because of the color of their skin.
You have to be very careful when setting up "tests" for democracy that they aren't used as an excuse to prevent some from participating in the democratic process.
Part of the beauty of democracy is the allowance for the difference of thought and action, and in the USA, if you don't like something/someone you can always change it...vote differently next time....campaign for change....participate to affect change, or you can just sit back and complain. The CHOICE is yours.
2006-06-15 15:39:19 · answer #1 · answered by dragonfly 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
By definition, no.
A democracy is supposed to be a form of government where all people vote for the actions of a government limited to the people's wishes.
Whether America should give IQ tests, or put other restrictions on voting, is another matter. America is not a Democracy.
2006-06-15 14:55:59 · answer #2 · answered by blankspace987 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because IQ tests are not at all useful. No offence to the PhD's that spend their time writing these tests; but it's incredibly difficult to measure intelligence in 20 minutes, or even 20 years.
And besides, many of the things politicians deal with need intelligence - it's just a matter of morals. Abortion? Not much to know. You're either one way or the other even if you're stupid.
And above all; that would be taking away democracy from our country. The thing about the US is we always try to help out the minority (at least we're supposed to...immigration ;)...). We have to support 'em no matter how worthless we think they are.
2006-06-15 15:00:49 · answer #3 · answered by shapedy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The South used to have necessary iq assessments. in addition they had analyzing assessments. yet they did this to dam black people from balloting. There have also been guidelines affirming that you'll be able to purely vote in case you own sources - to dam the poor from balloting. if you're an American citizen who's 18 years previous you should have the right to vote because the elected leaders would have some administration over your existence. Admittably this motives issues. people will vote for someone if the candidate provides you more desirable welfare, or has a good-looking face. yet only because someone is selfish or shallow would not recommend they ought to not be allowed to vote. You recommend workshops to teach people about the political structures, besides the indisputable fact that the instructors would purely impose their own political opinions on others.
2016-10-30 23:30:49 · answer #4 · answered by derival 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if people don't live up to your IQ test they still have a right to vote for the issues they want and the person they think is right. They all lie anyway Mr. know it all. And not everybody likes politics.
2006-06-15 15:21:05 · answer #5 · answered by hexa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a democratic country , there is no an IQ test before they can vote.All kinds people whether she/he has a low or high IQ still that person can vote.
2006-06-15 14:57:34 · answer #6 · answered by prettycat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a good idea but I disagree...so many people are apathetic about politics already that this would create further apathy. However, I do feel that people should research each candidate to see who is closer to their beliefs.
Here is an idea: have them take an IQ on BS and see if they pass...then they can vote.
2006-06-15 14:58:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would totally contradict the idealism of a democracy- that everyone is created equal.
Having liscensing, rules, and regulations for driving is an infringment on your rights. If you own a car, you should be able to drive it as you please. But people would rather give up some of their freedoms for an exchange of safety. It just depends on how important you consider each freedom compared to it's exchange in safety. This is the gray world we live in- a world with choices.
2006-06-15 15:08:44 · answer #8 · answered by punchy333 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but I do think a literacy test to make sure a person can read at a fourth grade level would be good. A person hould have the ability to read the literature about the people running to make an informed decision.
2006-06-15 14:56:50 · answer #9 · answered by PuterPrsn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd rather see the IQ tests for those running for office.
Maybe another one for those who get any kind of national time "reporting" the news.
2006-06-15 14:56:56 · answer #10 · answered by franson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋