Why don't we implement a policy democracy?

Question

In the west we believe that we all have a government by the people and for the people, yet often our governments don't do what we want them to do. This is because we have elected representatives, who act on our behalf, instead of letting us make our own decisions. In the original Greek Democracy, every individual had a say, directly. They didn't work through representatives. So why don't we modify our government structures as follows:

We still elect representatives, but with a twist. Every major piece of legislation must be open to public vote. This could work through an ATM system or online. So if the country wants to go to war, the citizens get to vote on it. If they want to hike Internet Radio Royalties, the citizens get to vote on it. If they want to take discipline out of schools, we can decide.

Some might say that citizens can't vote on every single complex issue, as they can't understand them. Well if that is true, then in fact you don't have a democracy. What do you think?

Answer 1

I think our country is so huge that such a democracy would be impracticable.

As for the Greeks, let me remind you that there was no "Greece" in classical times; there was democratic Athens, and a few other more or less democracies.

Also, let me remind you that democratic Athens' attitude toward women was similar to the Taliban. They actually had more rights in totalitarian Sparta than in Athens.

Still, there are policy democracies in the world today. One of the Low Countries in Europe is one--I can't remember which exactly--and it seems to work well for them.

I think if we had a policy democracy, more people would be interested in voting and educate themselves about the process, but with things as they are now, many people just don't care. I don't blame them.

Answer 2

For one thing, America was not founded as a "Democracy" it was founded as a Representative Republic. We took more from the Romans then we did the Greeks in the political sense.

The definition of our political system and what a "true" Democracy is, is in a constant state of theological flux. With the brains of the multitude of "Democracies" in the world thinking about what really is a true Democracy. So in a sense the questions you ask of our government is more of a philosophical argument of what exactly a true Democracy is as opposed to a practical one.

The term, "It is what it is" applies justly to The United States. Our system of government IS the Constitution of The United States. So therefore you must work within the confines of that paper.

While you suggest, "why can't we do this and this and this", the answer to your question is...because we can't. It's against the will of The United States Constitution.

Now you can agree/disagree with the idea of a Constitution all you want. But, without a complete elimination of The United States, your proposals will never happen on a federal level.

Though I do concede that if proposed, your ideas could be considered on a state level. (Albeit with some difficult gates to pass through). I remember one such law being passed in Washington State, and being struck down by the State Supreme Court there. BUT, it could happen.

Answer 3

Yes, the majority run all over the minority, exactly what our founding fathers did NOT want! That is why we are a Representative Republic!

We see how well the propositions worked in California. Almost bankrupted them!

You don't have enough time to read through 1 bill, and it's amendments, much less hundreds. And most of you wouldn't know what it says anyway!

We are NOT a democracy, and we will NEVER be a democracy. There are no true ones, they don't work!

Answer 4

You have a good point. Direct democracy just wouldn't work as we still have people that believe abolishing slavery was the wrong thing to do. A lot of people swear we are on a quest to take back the holy lands in the middle east for the faithful. Taken in respect for those who choose to believe these things I really don't see where we are ready for direct democracy just yet. Although I do feel that our gov't has strayed far away from democracy and became a big business oriented government.

Answer 5

You first might want to consider the usual abysmal voter turnout in this country.

Second, there's no way most people will have time to seriously look over all the "major" legislation...and who will determine what is major legislation anyway?

Third, the cost would be extremely high.

Fourth, there's no way voting could take place over the internet...it's just not secure enough.

Finally, for the majority of issues, we do get to vote. We have ballot measures and such, and do have the power to vote for a new representative if we so choose.

Answer 6

"...often our governments don't do what we want them to do."

Let me amend that. Often our government doesn't do what I want it to do. Direct democracy or spins on direct democracy give you the illusion that you have a say over what your government does. I'd have just as much influence in a direct democracy as I do in an indirect democracy. I still wouldn't be able to decide how I want to live - I'd have to count on hundreds of thousands or millions of others agreeing with me, sort of like how I have to count on 535 members of Congress to do the right thing now. The only difference? Even though Congress is full of self-promoting pandering idiots, they know slightly more about the legislation they're passing than the average schmuck I pass on the street. I don't know if that's better or worse, but I do know that I am not better represented in a direct democracy rather than in an indirect democracy. My vote only has significance in conjunction with others.

Answer 7

Democracy is when 2 wolves and a sheep meet to decide who is for dinner.
Liberty is when the sheep has a gun.

we should not want a pure democracy because that will bring on the tyranny of the majority. if ignorant people vote on issues they don't understand it would only bring disaster.

we should desire liberty in every area of our lives and instill a democratic-republic like the founders intended. if we are not pleased with how our representatives are voting for us, that is when we vote them out. when the dissatisfaction becomes too great...that is when a revolution occurs.

Answer 8

If you think nothing is getting done now, try what you are suggesting.

First of all, we can't even get 70% of the people in the US to VOTE PERIOD!

Second, we have a vote as long as we hold our elected officials responsible. It's when they think we're not looking or don't care that they go rogue on us.

We MUST be active, politically, in order to ensure that we are represented in the way we intend.

Until that time, it won't matter if we have someone representing us or doing it ourselves, you still have to vote.

Answer 9

Just for as soon as Tom I believe you; however, suppose you'll have placed the BNP aspect of your query like this. BNP/Tory/Labour/Liberal Democrat/Green/and so on together with it. That manner you could tick the entire events which can be precisely like them however are imparting themselves as too politically right to take action. It is all one huge con by means of they all. Evidence of that's within the poltical process right here within the UK with what the events say and what they do after they get a bit of of vigor. They all most effective constitute the few who pay into the celebration finances however no longer folks that feel their lies and guarantees. A reality my buddy.

Answer 10

Number 1, we are not a simple democracy, we are a democratic republic. Many people forget that. Mostly heart bleeding Democrats. We are a Republic!.. Check your history. Read the Constitution.