In a republic a representative serves as the “voice” of the people. And this innovation of our republic is a drastic improvement over representation in “democracy.”
In democracy representation was conducted through a randomized process.
A noisy, unstructured, and ignorant process.
Under this process citizens thoughtlessly quarrel over legislation without restraint and often with remorse for their chattering ignorance. It was said of Athens, for instance, they voted in retaliation to kill all citizens of a nation. A day later they voted for less restrictive punishment. The stupidity of democracy, however, saw their generals all citizens of a certain nation without restraint. If “democracy” had its way here domestically the same stupidly murderous process would result in the death of millions perhaps even domestically.
In a republic, or at least the founders’ republic, such errs happen infrequently.
Because in a republic candidates are intentionally chosen from a competitive field by thoughtful voters. Thus the pride of responsibility in a republic prevents representatives from being as ignorant and unserious as the random citizens chosen from a democratic lot.
In democracy this random selection of voters means any one voter never represents anyone but their own selfish selves. And the lack of incentive for re-election means they can do as they please without accountability.
Such is life in a full blown political democracy.
Unaccountable, random, thoughtless, and violent.
In this way democracy as a political system is no better than a belligerent drunk.
Perhaps this domestic expansion of “democracy” explains why so many are drunk with power. And before we know it the rest of us will have to deal with the political hangover of a groggy ideology.
Zigmund Reichenbach holds a M.A. in Philosophy from West Chester University. You can find him commenting on news stories of national and state interest at his Facebook page Zigmund Reichenbach -- Commentator or you can follow him on Twitter @zreichenbach1. To support the creation of articles like these visit our Patreon here.