A 5 Step Program for Exersizing Democracy
The word democracy literally means “rule by the people.” It is derived from a Greek word coined from the words demos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”). - Britannica Online
Even the broadest definition of democracy cites some form of accountability of power to the citizenry as a whole. But how can there be accountability in the face of widespread apathy? How can a state be democratic if it’s citizens do not exersize democracy?
In responce I propose five steps for every citizen who wants their “democracy” to be democratic.
1. Actively Gather Information
In order to exercise power effectively, a citizen must be informed. However information is not provided without bias. Politicians have an overt agenda, and this defines what information they provide. News organizations filter information according to their view of what’s important, how much you need to know, and even what opinion you should hold. In order to get around these filters and biases, citizens must seek out a variety of different sources of information, and were possible seek out primary sources.
2. Discuss Issues, Actions and Policies
Understanding is born of discussion. It is by discussing information with our peers that we are able to process it for ourselves, rather than just passively accepting the interpretation provided to us.
3. Vote for the best candidate, not the lesser of two evils.
If voters are voting for the lesser of two evils, or in other words choosing between the two most viable electoral alternatives, accountability is subverted by the security those two alternatives enjoy. There is no compulsion to be truly accountable when secure in the knowledge that you will one day be re-elected.
4. Communicate to Power
Democracy does not end on polling day. Whoever gets elected must be made aware of what is expected of them, what is acceptable, what is unacceptable, what forms of conduct will be endorsed, and what forms of conduct will be resisted. Communication occurs directly to power, through letters, or appointments with a local members, or a telephone call. And it occurs indirectly, by influencing our peers, by writing to newspapers, and by public acts that make the strength of your opinion known.
5. Hold Power to Account
All of this will mean nothing unless the process of accountability is ongoing. Vote against the corrupt, protest injustice, and obstruct the abuse of power. When necissary, protest, boycott, or stand in front of a tank. Only when the abuse of power is actively resisted will it be curbed.
This five step plan does not apply only to parliament, it applies to all sources of power within society. We do not live in a democracy if only one powerful institution in our democracy makes a pretense at responding to the wishes of the citizenry.
These are not extraordinary measures, but instead the every day duty of every citizen in a democracy, who wishes to continue living in a democracy.
Use it or lose it.
Postscript: Yeah, I was feeling naive. Demos kratos… as if.
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Posted: by Kieran March 5th, 2007 under Democracy.
Comments: 7
Comments
Comment from Dana
Time: March 5, 2007, 6:28 pm
What upsets me the most is the idea of voting for a member of Parliament in a party “safe” seat. I understand the system completely, but it seems to defeat the purpose of having one’s vote count if you live somewhere where everyone’s going to vote for the same people anyway.
Even though its claimed that people are voting for a local representative, party politics pretty much ensures that this doesn’t really happen anyway. Parliamentarians aren’t really individuals who come together to work on concerns for Australia and concerns for their electorate, they join a party, tow the party line, and try and make vague references to how an issue effects their electorate but really thinly veil it as support or opposition against the Government depending on their party.
Things are better in the Senate, where voting tends to be a bit more representative. Perhaps we should think of abolishing the House rather than abolishing the Senate? 
It’s telling that there is nothing in the Standing Orders of the House that references parties.
Comment from David Bath
Time: March 5, 2007, 6:53 pm
Kieran: Great post. And if we are going Athenian, it’s worth remembering that the phrase “roped in” comes from the practice of slaves sent around (with ropes still dripping from wet paint) to get reluctant citizens to turn up to the meetings, listen, participate (each citizen could speak up) and vote. The rope-stain was considered a mark of dishonor, proof of unwillingness to take up the duties of a citizen of a democracy.
Dana: Good points! The “safe seat” problem was why I posited the need for a modernized version of ostracism. Care to add your thoughts to that post?
Comment from David Bath
Time: March 5, 2007, 7:00 pm
Forget to say I think the opposite of each of these points is in the handbook of the major parties, but entitled “A 5 Step Program for EXORCISING Democracy”
Comment from Kieran
Time: March 5, 2007, 7:33 pm
David: I’m glad you like it.
Dana: Perhaps instead of abolishing either house, we should make the lower house proportional to a single electorate of the whole country.
The margin of the vote required for a seat would be miniscule, ensuring broad representation of minority as well as majority interests.
The upper house would become a comparatively conservatizing force.
Comment from Dave Bath
Time: March 5, 2007, 8:29 pm
Citizen-initiated referenda would be a darn useful mechanism too.
Comment from Kieran
Time: March 5, 2007, 8:53 pm
A citizens initiative, like any other democratic measure, only empowers the people who assert their right to use it.
The generation of apathy and the filtering of information will be just as effective in preventing democracy in supposedly direct democratic system as they are in a representative system.
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