Do politicians undermine democracy?

Question

One of the strongest arguments in favor of democracy is that there are no "experts" in government and this is why the people are good in governing matters. Lately the Republican party has been saying that the Democrat party will bring disaster to the U.S. and doesnt this statement undermine our government? If you think about it then the Republicans are saying that they are better suited to govern, hence the "experts". Dont get me wrong, but Democrats do it too but to a philosopher these ideas surprise me. What do you think and please no bashing and dumb comments.

Answer 1

Actually, in a representative form of government the idea is to pick our local "expert" to go to congress to look out for our interests and represent our views.

Sometimes the experts we pick go against how we would vote as self-interested individuals. But we can tolerate that because we know that they have a broader and more informed point of view.

In a "pure Democracy" where everyone could legislate and vote from a self-interested perspective, the masses would often exercise some pretty bad judgment. Consider a few potential referendums:

- Eliminate taxes? Sure!
- Attack Hitler in Europe? Fuhgetaboudit!
- Double the minimum wage? Yeah!
- Another national holiday (or two or three)? OK with me!
- Nuke Afghanistan on (9/12/01)? You bet!

I could go on and on. But the point is that our elected representatives don't "undermine" democracy, they preserve it (at least when they're trying to do their job and not simply get reelected.)

The tension between the parties is healthy. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Answer 2

I firmly believe the far left and far right have quite cleverly succeeded in creating a pendulum effect. They are happy to share power for when they lose it they know it won't be long before it swings back their way and then they can reap the benefits , money, and power that those in their positions enjoy.

I hope to some day see moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans coming together to form a third party.

Only 15% of Americans claim to be far right or far left. This leaves the other 85% of us without true representation.

I'm for supporting all and as many moderate candidates as I can in Congress for if we don't start there a third party president will be not only a lame duck but dead in the water. The Republicans and Democrats would finally find something to unite over and that is there hatred for true representation of the American people as a whole.

Answer 3

That coffee smells good, I like the brew.

Why not just rename your question--

Can I explain Reason #1 to vote out the rest of the Republicans from our legislature?

I mean come on, it's not the Democrats that are trying to thwart every progressive ideal or corroborating with the media to feed the masses dumbed down or irrelevant news on a regular basis.

Answer 4

for once, i agree with a person on this site.
Usually i just make fun of stupid people.
See, i get really bored, i'm just stuck here in kansas with no intellegence in sight
The only problem with your theory is that true democracy is not possible, especially in groups bigger than like 5
To gain power, someone is going to claim they are better suited to the job (mostly because they are good at nothing else!).
And every person cannot attend a session of congress, or we wouldnt even have senators.
So politicians were created out of necessity and dark magic
When you give them access to power and wealth, they are reduced to mere mortals, despite the claimed backing of God or whoever else they claim supports their ideas
to end with a word from an american politician:
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. "-Abe Linclon

Answer 5

Partisan politics must not undermine democracy but must strengthen it through good debates of issues without bickering up to the extent of disunity.

Answer 6

The problem is less with politicians and more with the two party system. The two party system has bred corruption and complacency. The politicians are corrupt and the people are complacent with the mediocrity we get from the politicians.

Answer 7

We have democracy, its just that everybody in office wants to vote for what will keep them in office, not whats for the better of our country.

Answer 8

that's their job.
now as for 'democracy', it seems to be slipping every year. -- cameras on streets, searches in federal buildings, fingerprinting kids for their own good. where's is gonna lead AND how fast?