The Democratic Process
Picture life before democracy: a world ruled by tyrants, people arrested for unknown reasons, unequal rights for different classes, and death to those who opposed unreasonable tyrants. How could this happen? Why weren’t these rulers questioned? History shows that Kings gave these tyrants rule without question, despite their lack of morals and principles. As a result, the people of Europe were oppressed and impoverished, with no way of escaping. Fortunately, on the horizon, a different government was arising: a government comprised of the people, by the people, and for the people. People began to think about their most basic rights as human beings, their inalienable rights. People throughout Europe realized that their kings were not above reproach and, most importantly, had no right to continue governing without input from the people. As the Europeans established their colonies in America, they aspired to create a new form of government, one that would give the people a voice – in other words, a democracy. Consequently, American democracy has played a very significant role in American History by paving a road for the nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. Democracy, with the creation of the Constitution, has given America the governing foundation upon which to grow and flourish into a world power and a mighty political force (Philip Walker, “The Importance of Democracy in America”).
Wikipedia.org defines democracy as a form of political organization in which all people, through consensus, direct referendum, or elected representatives exercise equal control over the matters which affect their interests. The term comes from the Greek: dēmokratía "rule of the people", which was coined from dêmos "people" and Kratos "power", in the middle of the 5th-4th century BC to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens following a popular uprising in 508 BC. Equality and freedom have been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to power. Democracy gives us each an equal voice in determining what that law shall be. Also, it gives us the right to expect that the law of the land will be followed equally by all, with all having an equal say in how the law is established. There are three things that are required for a democracy to exist: the people, a geographic territory, and a government that is formed and serves democratically – this is the interconnected trinity of democracy: people, territory, and government. Government of the people recognizes the right and ability of people to govern themselves (Tony Hileman, “Democracy and Our Civic Responsibilities”).
In practice, democracy is governed by its most popularly understood principle: majority rule. Namely, the side with the most votes wins, whether it is an election, a legislative bill, a contract proposal to a union, or a shareholder motion in a corporation. The majority (or in some cases plurality) vote decides. Thus, when it is said that "the people have spoken" or the "people's will should be respected," the people are generally expressed through its majority. But just as democracy gives us certain unalienable rights, it also confers upon us certain unavoidable responsibilities. “Of the people” recognizes our right and ability to govern ourselves. “By the people” assumes our willingness to do so, to actively participate in the government we ourselves establish. “For the people” interprets and expresses our wishes with regard to the designation and administration of laws.
Everyone from local school board member to U.S. Senator is elected by popular vote – everyone, that is, but the president of the United States. For the fourth time in U.S. history, the winner of the popular vote in a presidential election was the loser in the all-important Electoral College. Proponents for getting rid of the Electoral College believe that it thwarts our most fundamental political beliefs about how a democracy should work. Gerrymandering and voter suppression marginalize African Americans, the poor, and other minorities to further undermine democracy. Thus, cheating democracy and causing Americans to lose faith in the democratic process. How much more damage could be done by the recent ruling by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver by ruling that electors have a “constitutional right” to vote their conviction for president even if it contradicts the states popular vote. It’s likely that the Supreme Court will have to decide this issue of “faithless electors.”
Now more than ever, participating in democracy is vital. It is incumbent upon us all to stand up and be counted by voting in elections, opposing voter suppression, being informed about public affairs, having political conversations – including through social media – and demonstrating tolerance for differing views. In this way, we will increase democracy’s effectiveness, strengthen our trust in the democratic process, and achieve better governance.
“The motivating force of the theory of a Democratic way of life is still a belief that as individuals we live cooperatively, and, to the best of our ability, serve the community in which we live, and that our own success, to be real, must contribute.” Eleanor Roosevelt
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