Do we in the West really live in democratic countries?

Question

In the UK we have an Head of State who is not elected. A job as prime Minister to which many in the country cannot aspire to (1 religion is barred from the post). In the USA to become President you need megabucks. Are these really the best examples of democracy?

Answer 1

Well democracy is different for many countries. In the UK you can have a vote of no confidence. The US does not have the accountability apparatus.
You do have to have megabucks to become president. That is the nature of a competitive society. Keep in mind that the President's salary is less than that of a Senator.

The United States is a Democratic/Federalist Republic. In the US there are free elections, but this is determined by separation of powers. And the U.S.A. stands for United States of America. Now you need to say that really slowly to understand the meaning. U.S.A. means a Federation of Sovereign States.

The Definition of Federalism : A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

The Definition of Democracy: Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

The Definition of State :a politically organized body of people usually occupying a definite territory; especially : one that is sovereign the political organization that has supreme civil authority and political power and serves as the basis of government.


Each State has much autonomy from the Federal Government. Just because the U.S. congress passes a bill does not mean the States have to follow it. The Brady Act is one example.

Our Presidential Election is elected by an electoral college. Many believe that it should be on the popular vote like some other elections, but this is not what our framers (who were Federalists) had in mine. Our founding fathers new that people vote with their feet. For example, many historians only contribute racial change in the South to the civil rights movement and not a system of government. During the same time of the Civil Rights movement there was a mass exodus of African Americans from the south. These African Americans settled in the North. Since the electoral college and the number of State Representatives are based on population many events happened. 1) The South lost many laborers that produce income for the South so the economy suffered 2) The South lost Electoral Votes.3) The South lost Representation in the US House of Representatives.

So eventually times passed and the Southern States had to change their ways.

Some will tell you that democracy means that the Majority Rules. Our founding father saw problems with this notion. They asked themselves this important question; Why should a minority suffer at the hand of the Majority? This was very true for African Americans who suffered at the hand of the White Majority.
Hope this helps. Tired been up all night, just started to ramble.

Answer 2

Im afraid so..true, it may be a bit of an 'old mans club'..but surely only people who are actually educated should be allowed into high office?

Besides, the ultimate act of Democracy is at the ballot box. Blair can be crucified at the next election. Democracy, and the British public, show their teeth.

Im not a supporter of American Democracy though, that really is a joke

Answer 3

Nope. I've never met anyone who voted labour in the last election but they got in. Also its a fact the voting system is bias in favour of the current government, so thats certainly not democratic.

Answer 4

Democracy and all other governments are just a state of mind. If you think you are free then you are. The individual defines freedom.

Answer 5

Somebody said that the US has the best paid-for Congress and President in the world. For that kind of money you'd think they could do better.

Answer 6

till this last generation yes but now no one wants to be accountable for themselves
Since drugs came on the scene not just the US but the world has become a savage place.

Answer 7

Yes, it is .