Is democracy more than just a yes/no set of options that comes up every 4 years?

Question

It seems like voting one way or the other doesnt fix deep seated problems - for example the influence of corporations over goverment through lobbyists, the influence of ownership concentrated media. Its easy to speak out against this sort of thing - but what realistic things can citizens do to actually bring about change?

Answer 1

First of all, I congratulate you for starting to understand.

What you want to consider is whether "democracy" is the ideal, or if there is something else more important. "Democracy" does not equate to "freedom". Our country was not founded on democracy, nor designed to preserve democracy at all times. The ideal was freedom, and our founders were well aware of the fact that democracies can be every bit as tyrannical as a dictatorship.

What we can realistically do about it is reject the assumption that the choice is limited to the two major parties. Start evaluating the candidates, all of the candidates, based on their core principles and beliefs, and ignore the soundbytes and commentary of the media. Ignore PBS and Conservative Talk Radio, look at what the candidates actually say and do and have said and have done over time.

Once you identify the candidate who shares your own principles and values, vote as if you were the only one that has a vote.

When enough people do that instead of falling for slick advertising and promises, we'll have more than just democracy, we'll have freedom.

Answer 2

If in any given election the voters send a clear message about what they want their elected representatives to do or not to do, and their mandate is not heeded, whether because of influence exercised by lobbyists or the media or otherwise, the only practical and realistic remedy open to the voters is to make sure that their elected representatives who ignored their mandate are replaced in the next election with representatives who will pay more attention.

Answer 3

You really should be voting every year and more than just once in November. Most of your problems arise from state and local governments which you have more control over; write a letter, join a political organization, take part in a protest. Sitting around complaining that you can't do anything isn't doing anything for anyone.

Answer 4

You see Jack... We live in a Republic.
We vote for like-minded representatives to study the issues and vote on our behalf.
If we don't like the way things go...we fire them and vote in someone who better represents us.

"...and to the Republic for which it stands..."
-Pledge of Allegiance

At the close of the Constitutional Convention, a woman asked Benjamin Franklin what type of government the Constitution was bringing into existence. Franklin replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

Answer 5

First i could point out out united statesa. is a republic, no longer a democracy. Secondly, the president of united statesa. does no longer be able of a king. extra significant elections come each 2 years right here for the legislative physique. i think of the biggest flaw in our equipment is that the president of united statesa. has too lots ability in formulating and administrating US distant places coverage. The CIA, as occasion, should not be directed as a cabinet post related to the administrative branch. in my opinion, the CIA could be a value fairly, answerable to the congress and not the president.

Answer 6

Public opinion does eventually sway the government. Note how very few Republican Senators voted for the immigration bill and it was essentially the bill that Bush wanted. So one effective way to do something is to write or call your elected officials.

Answer 7

Participation.

Answer 8

Go to town meetings in your city. You'd be surprised at what you can change.
If there's something you want to change, you can have a petition written and ask people you think would agree sign it. You can arrange your own town meetings to influence or pursuade people to sign it.

Answer 9

Ideally. Anyways, what are you doing to make it better? Stop writing questions to complain and be active in maintaining American democracy.

Answer 10

it should be, but it isnt