This Is How Democracies Die

[*michaelsean*]

(01-25-2018, 07:09 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: It's hard to say. I mean, we probably each have our own thresholds. You would first have to ask what the defining characteristics are of a democratic government, and then assess how well we meet those standards.

I tend to agree with Dahl's framework for a polyarchy (what some call a representative democracy). His standards are effective participation, voting equality, enlightened understanding, control of the agenda, and inclusion of adults. These standards should then result in consequences such as political equality, guarantee of essential rights, moral autonomy, economic prosperity, and human development (progression of society/education).

How effective is our participation? How equal are our votes? Does the citizenry understand things in government? Do we control the agenda? Are all adults included?

Also, these aren't perfect standards, just some of the best ones I have seen that are widely used.

Ok then let me ask. Since they laid this at the feet of Trump and Republicans, let’s say 3 years from now Trump is gone, and a middle of the road traditional person replaces him. Presumably s Democrat. And also by then the Dems have at least one house. Are we good? If not why?