If politicians knew the majority opinion of their constituents on every issue?

Question

Would they start to represent that majority opinion.
Would they last long in office if they ignored it.
In other words, can direct democracy be a working model for government.
It seems to work for the Swiss.
Those interested may wish to visit http://www.myverdict.net.

Answer 1

No. If they did that then the constitution wouldn't mean much would it. Minority groups concerns might not be considered if the majority didn't agree with them.

Answer 2

It is possible that in time (god knows how long) they may begin to represent their constituents but a culture change is required. It is also possible that politicians may eventually go into politics to do this but I do suspect that self interest will never be eliminated. Perhaps we could get rid of politicians if direct democracy existed. We could just have the civil service who would implement the direct voting system.

Answer 3

I believe they would go with the majority opinion. Unfortunately most people vote for someone and then forget about issues or politics until next time to vote and then complain that the rep didn't rep.

If we expect those we elect to represent us we must be in constant contact with them and their staffs letting them know how we feel on every major issue. If they don't know our opinion how can they possibley represent us? Do they have to guess or just do it and get the feedback later? To take back our government from the corporations we must participate in our representative democracy or nothing will change to our liking.

Answer 4

Not necessarily. Often times, interest group politics results in favor toward whoever participates more. Often the majority does not participate, especially when their gains are diffuse. When the costs and benefits for the minority are concentrated, for example when corporations have vested interest in a particular public policy, they naturally participate and invest more into the political game. Therefore, in such cases as these among others, the majority opinion would still lose out to minority interests.

Answer 5

It would seem like a direct democracy would lead to chaos. The U.S. is a republic based on the law. That doesn't change the fact that our representatives are supposed to actually represent us instead of show partiality to their largest contributors. Is Switzerland as diverse as the U.S.? That could be a huge factor.

Answer 6

of course they know - and they already ignore it.

the only problem that american voters have is a lack of any real choice in elections.

americans wanted a vigorous investigation of the bush admin and a real move forward to stop the war in iraq and start the real war on terror.

but as we see, the republicans continue to fight any logical oversight and the dems lack the spine to fight for the american people who voted for them.

the door has never been so wide open for a 3rd party candidate.

bloomberg and hagel have both stated they may run and both deserve serious consideration - but only if they will lead as independents.

time to end the worst american monopoly - the political one.

Answer 7

How could it work. Let's face it, the electorate are greedy and self serving, and because of this we elect politicians to make the difficult decisions for us. Consider this;

1. Do you want improved NHS cover in your area, better facilities, more dental cover, more nurses, 24 hour GP service, access to whatever medicines are necessary irrespective of cost, etc. Most would vote yes.

2. Do you want to increase the tax you pay. Most would vote No.

Answer 8

I think government will always want to control certain things and keep certain information from us. We will only ever be mostly democratic, never entirely democratic or entirely free.

Answer 9

No they would not start to represent that majority opinion. The best representer of oneself is yourself.

Answer 10

they will not go against their interests and that of the special interest groups....lobbyists are killing this country....