Let's talk of gerrymandering

[ddstory]

"America is not a democracy, it's a republic". I've heard this adage way too often, and it has boggled me at times, admittedly. I mean, what's wrong with direct democracy?

Let's look at this.

Comments

[abomvubuso]

In order to have a working direct democracy, you'd need a society that is relatively intelligent, well-educated, mindful and responsible, politically active and experienced. And unfortunately, most societies are not like that - including ones of some economically advanced countries. In this sense, while direct democracy could be a useful tool for the most part in those few good occasions like the one that you're citing, in the majority of cases it's more like a dangerous weapon.

[unnamed525]

I wonder if direct democracy is only viable up to the certain population level. If so, you could build a representative system on top of by that selecting members of one level of representation by lots of the members directly below it.

[abomvubuso]

Sounds a lot like the Electoral College :)

[unnamed525]

How so?

[abomvubuso]

I admit I'm not familiar in details with the way it's designed, but from what I've heard thus far, it's a vertical hierarchical structure, where people elect representatives who then vote for the president. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this sounds like selecting members of one level of representation directly, who then elect the top guy. Or am I reading your previous comment erroneously?

[unnamed525]

Of course, in a representative system built upon a direct democracy, you could easily have a "President" elected by direct popular vote who is the highest executive in the government.

[abomvubuso]

Yes, that's the idea of directness.