On a related note, should elected officials be accountable to thier constituency directly, or should they be given room to make their own judgement?
Before you answer, consider the intelligence of the majority of Americans.
2007-10-15 04:10:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
It's based on both. Elected leaders should be held accountable for all decisions they make. They should, however, ultimately make their decisions based on what they think is best for their constituents while taking voter opinion into account......
2007-10-15 04:15:21 · answer #1 · answered by Brian 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Actually, I think it is hard to say I believe someone has character if I disagree with their stance on certain issues but other issues I can overlook as difference of opinion. Take the abortion issue for instance: I am against abortion because I consider it the destruction of innocent human life for the convenience of another human. That stated, how could I in good conscience say I believe someone has good character if I disagree with them on an issue as black and white as that. On the other hand, I can get past differences in my beliefs on economics for instance because opinions on that type of issue does not have near as much bearing as to whether or not someone is a good person.
They are directly accountable to their constituency - it's called the election process. We live in a representative-republic, as such, we select people to represent our interests at the federal level and give them the latitude to do what they believe is in the best interest of the country. If you don't like the job they've done, you can vote against them in the next election. Our system of government was set up to avoid quick fixes and rash decisions from ruling the day - complex issues take time to consider and come up with solutions that are the best fit for most people. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if there were recall elections every time there was an unpopular decision made in the running of our country.
Sorry for such a long answer and thanks for a thought-provoking question for a change.
2007-10-15 04:29:55 · answer #2 · answered by True Grits 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leaders should be chosen by both.
And on your second question... there is a time where the leader should decide on issues by the principles... not just because of the ever-changing thoughts of polls of constituents.... ever-changing stances of the public is exactly why a pure democracy can and will never work on a large scale... thank goodness we have a representative republic based on democratic principles
2007-10-15 04:15:06 · answer #3 · answered by DiamondDave 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both. I would not vote for someone if they did not advocate the issues important to me. I would not vote for someone if I thought they were pandering, corrupt, incompetent or had a history of untrustworthiness.
Elected officials need only be accountable to the law, their promises and their constituency at the next election. So yes, they have room to make judgments.
2007-10-15 04:22:20 · answer #4 · answered by jehen 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I vote based on specific issues.
Elected leaders should vote based on the opinion of constituency except where there are sudden, transit shifts in opinion or the elected offical has informtion not available to the general public.
2007-10-15 04:21:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Elected Leaders should follow the laws of the country and the wishes of the people who put them in office , within reason .
They should not be thing of their selves and their welfare .
Leaders are elected to to protect and serve the people and to obey the Constitution to the best of their ability .
They should do no harm to the people and their country whom they serve .
I tend to vote on issues that effect this nation the most and this election it seems to be the invasion of Iraq and closing the borders .
Both effecting the safety of the USA .
2007-10-15 04:34:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Isnt Their Stance On Specific Issues what brings out their character?
2007-10-15 04:19:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know of no other more diversified country than ours. The decisions elected officials make need to help all our citizens regardless of party agenda. It takes a lot more that just watching Fox news or CNN to know what is best for this country as a whole.
2007-10-15 04:16:54 · answer #8 · answered by rance42 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It has to be both. Anyone can take a stance on issues, it's the character of the leader that tells you if he will keep that stance or change it when he/she is elected.
2007-10-15 04:19:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I elect solely on whether I believe they will truly put the interests of our country before their own gain, or that of their political colleagues.
I could care less whether they're a "nice guy" or who's been smoking their cigar. It's irrelevant.
2007-10-15 04:24:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋