With the rapid advancement in technology now being incorporated into every aspect of our lives, it now raises the question as to how, or if, it will be integrated into the governmental system that has been in place since the foundation of our nation. The question arises with the technological advances mankind has achieved, should we move towards a more direct electronic form of democracy? For myself, I believe that our nation is not yet ready to advance to this state.
Our forefathers had in the insight to set up a representative democracy that has generally worked through the years. With the two party system in place, it forces our representatives to in-compass the large majority of the bell-curve that are the individuals they represent. Our representatives are able to funnel through the voices and help focus and direct our governments attention to the most pressing issues that we face. In a direct democracy our government would come to a crawl or standstill due to the need to address every individuals voice and concerns. Also, a representative is able to help protect the minority while a direct democracy may lead to a demagoguery. (source: http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/direct-democracy/pros-and-cons.html)
With the current system, there is fraud and corruption but it is limited in scope and is considered controlled. In an electronic system the ability to commit fraud and corruption has been simplified. Proponents of a new electronic system sometimes state it will be more cost effective but the government has a proven record of projects running well over costs and projects. A direct democracy will become a large "....referendum which is slow and expensive, and can result in public apathy and fatigue." (source: http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/direct-democracy/pros-and-cons.html)
Lastly, with an electronic form of direct democracy brings a new way for the general public to become part of the system. Several generations of Americans have not grown up around technology and may have their voices lost due to inability to participate in a system they are unfamiliar with or being leery of a different system. It is the post Generation X crowd, the Millennias, that thrive on the advances of the electronic age that utilize the system to its full potential that will be the greatest success story once they come of age and replace the older generations.
Prior to the question being asked "Should the United States adopt an electronic direct democracy" I was ill informed on the subject. After looking at the many available sources of statistical information and studies, I have concluded that at the current time the United States is not yet ready to make this transition and adopt this modification to our current government.
Our forefathers had in the insight to set up a representative democracy that has generally worked through the years. With the two party system in place, it forces our representatives to in-compass the large majority of the bell-curve that are the individuals they represent. Our representatives are able to funnel through the voices and help focus and direct our governments attention to the most pressing issues that we face. In a direct democracy our government would come to a crawl or standstill due to the need to address every individuals voice and concerns. Also, a representative is able to help protect the minority while a direct democracy may lead to a demagoguery. (source: http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/direct-democracy/pros-and-cons.html)
With the current system, there is fraud and corruption but it is limited in scope and is considered controlled. In an electronic system the ability to commit fraud and corruption has been simplified. Proponents of a new electronic system sometimes state it will be more cost effective but the government has a proven record of projects running well over costs and projects. A direct democracy will become a large "....referendum which is slow and expensive, and can result in public apathy and fatigue." (source: http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/direct-democracy/pros-and-cons.html)
Lastly, with an electronic form of direct democracy brings a new way for the general public to become part of the system. Several generations of Americans have not grown up around technology and may have their voices lost due to inability to participate in a system they are unfamiliar with or being leery of a different system. It is the post Generation X crowd, the Millennias, that thrive on the advances of the electronic age that utilize the system to its full potential that will be the greatest success story once they come of age and replace the older generations.
Prior to the question being asked "Should the United States adopt an electronic direct democracy" I was ill informed on the subject. After looking at the many available sources of statistical information and studies, I have concluded that at the current time the United States is not yet ready to make this transition and adopt this modification to our current government.
No comments:
Post a Comment