Should there be an intelligence test to determine whether or not someone is allowed to vote?

Question

Think about it, democracy is by the people for the people. What if the people are stupid? Then you get something that is by the stupid for the stupid. A country (particularly a world superpower) should not be controlled by stupid people.

Keep in mind that the test I am proposing would not have a partisan swing. It would just be something that tests if the person is intelligent enough to understand what is going on in the world. It would also test how well the person understood how the government runs.

This is not some sneaky joke poking fun at the average intelligence of the members of a certain political party, I'm just wondering if anyone else thinks that this is a good idea.

Please, just answer why or why not you would support such a test. No mud slinging, I don't care what you think is wrong with whatever political party you oppose.

Thank you.

Okay, I'm not advocating Jim Crow laws, this test would not judge people on race, gender, religion, party affiliation etc.

You would just be a number, and it would be graded by machines. Once the results came back you would be informed whether or not you are intelligent enough to vote.

Answer 1

No, because IQ measures how quickly you can assimilate information.

Someone may be very smart, but uninformed about specific political issues. And someone may be a bit less smart, but do a lot of reading and research.

And there's almost no objective way to measure the difference between whether someone is actually informed and understands the issues, versus someone just parrotting back what they heard someone else say -- other than long essays tests, and almost nobody is going to bother voting if that happens.

Answer 2

I agree 100%, this "get out and vote" campaign is horrible. I don't have a problem with people voting whether it's for or against my party. What I have a problem with is people not knowing what is going on and voting for who ever mom and dad tells them to. All I ask is that they form their own intelligent opinion, then vote.

Answer 3

I see you're a Jonah Goldberg reader, well Jonah forgets we outlawed that practice for the common good, who is he to sit and judge who can and can't vote, NO we don't need to return to the Jim Crow days thank you very much

Answer 4

The South used to do that to prevent African Americans from voting. It is illegal. Besides most neocons wouldn't pass and we need the loyal opposition.

Answer 5

No. That's being elistist.

Besides, IQ tests aren't 100% accurate.

Even legal idiots are capable of producing things.

Answer 6

Neal Boortz talked about that in his book 'Somebody's gotta say it'.

And dealing with people here on Y!A, I happen to think he has a point.

Answer 7

This country's founders only allowed land owners to vote. "Founders also favored property ownership qualifications for voting" http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_dye_politics_5/0,7238,445357-,00.html

There are many different types of IQ tests. Several have been claimed to be culturally biased by people who don't like the tests. I guess not everyone grew up playing with jigsaw puzzles and building blocks.

Answer 8

And who determines what questions? And what would be passing?

So if I am not as smart as, hmmm, let's say you, I can't vote?

That can be racist, sexist and so many other things rolled up into one.

In other words, NO!

Answer 9

And take away the Hillary and Obama voter base?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... :)

Answer 10

No