Are Democratic Representation and Effective Government Incompatible?

Are Democratic Representation and Effective Government Incompatible?

  • Submitted By: peet
  • Date Submitted: 08/06/2008 4:39 AM
  • Category: Social Issues
  • Words: 997
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 1

Democracy today is taken as the antithesis of good government, even if it is somewhat of a dubious in nature.
But then many people would agree that these governments are weak and self serving and to take these arguments further; that democratic politics and good government do not go hand in hand. I wish to examine this conundrum and see just in what ways democracy and politics impede on our leaders in ruling the country effectively. Let us first look at what ways this can be said to be true.
To start there is an accountability issue, once a party has been elected it is effectively secure in power until the next general election. There are those whom would argue that parties will use these periods of power to strengthen their parties position such as subtle changes to the electoral system to benefit their distribution of votes.
Though history has proven that (at least in the UK) a head of state can be brought down before the end of their term, as was displayed in 1990 when Margaret Thatcher was ousted by her party on a vote of no confidence due to an attempt to bring back the poll tax.
The media also interferes with the democratic process by what many would call overt cynicism. To the point (despite its obvious necessity in a free society) media scrutiny of politicians and policies can be blamed for the creation of the nineties ‘spin’ culture in government, some could say fathered by Alistair Campbell. This media scrutiny and pandering to the press causes them to pass populist legislation, despite possibly having a detrimental effect on the nation.
This is tyranny of the majority. People unfortunately can often be misinformed on certain issues, whether this be due down to misleading media representation or an ignorance brought on by a growing political apathy. As such popular demands can be made of the government based on false beliefs, distorted facts or just plain ignorance.
Democracy today bears little resemblance to its origins more...

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