Democratic overload

                Democratic overload refers to a peculiarly American phenomenon. Compared to most democracies, American citizens have a relatively high number of opportunities to vote. Come election day in November Americans have an opportunity to vote in a wide number of elections. Whilst something of a cliché, Americans do vote for everyone from the Head of State to the local dog-catcher. They also vote in primaries, propositions, gubernatorial contests, mayoral elections and so on. By international standards, this is quite impressive. Alas, it may well contribute towards voter fatigue. Secondly, democratic overload could perhaps contribute towards an ineffective political system. Let us examine both these points in closer detail.

                The link between democratic overload and voter fatigue would at first appear entirely logical. For instance, the negative tone of political advertisements may well be a contributory factor towards voter apathy. The lack of adequate choice may also be considered here. Frankly, it is very important to recognize the limitations of subjects in the social sciences, as they cannot replicate empirical research in the manner of a natural science such as Physics and Chemistry. Natural sciences can engage in experiments in order to establish a truth, whereas that option is simply not available within the social sciences (Buchanan, 2013).

                Secondly, democratic overload could be linked in some way to an ineffective political system. Although something of a blunt dichotomy, the emphasis in the states is very firmly upon democracy rather than effectiveness. The founding fathers sought to prevent the concentration of power. As such, they deliberately created a system in which the elected could never form themselves an interest separate from the public. Far from being unresponsive to the public’s wishes, it could be argued that members of the House are overly responsive to the wishes of the public. They must face the electoral process once every two years, and in order to gain re-election an incumbent usually has to demonstrate what they have provided to their constituents. This often takes the form of ‘pork.’

The American system was created to ensure that those who wield power are to some extent accountable to the people (as the ‘people’ were defined at the time). It reflects a mindset opposed to the notion of inherited titles and political authority exercised by those who are unaccountable to the people. Ultimately, our Republic was borne out of Enlightenment theory. Yet as discussed previously, the American system suffers from a democratic deficit. The intentions of the founding fathers have been progressively thwarted by the partisan rhetoric of ideological polarization, bitterness-as-usual within Congress, the role of wealthy donors and the influence of powerful interests. The first ever President (who stood as an Independent) would doubtless conclude that his great fear for the country; that of strong parties, has come true. Paradoxically, America suffers from the twin problems of a democratic deficit and democratic overload.