The Problem with Mass Elections and the Micro-Democracy / Working Group Alternative
markgorton.substack.com
Electoral democracy as it is structured in the U.S. assumes that mass elections will translate popular will to a good set of government officials; however, this electoral system disproportionately selects good-looking liars and criminals rather than the best and brightest. Poor electoral outcomes are not an inherent property of democracy but a result of poor system design. The current electoral system in the U.S. (and the world) asks far too much of the average voter who takes cognitive shortcuts that are easily hacked by politicians and interest groups. Superficial appearances, catchy slogans and positions on a limited number of issues are used as proxies for intelligence, integrity, decency, experience and competence.
The Problem with Mass Elections and the Micro-Democracy / Working Group Alternative
The Problem with Mass Elections and the…
The Problem with Mass Elections and the Micro-Democracy / Working Group Alternative
Electoral democracy as it is structured in the U.S. assumes that mass elections will translate popular will to a good set of government officials; however, this electoral system disproportionately selects good-looking liars and criminals rather than the best and brightest. Poor electoral outcomes are not an inherent property of democracy but a result of poor system design. The current electoral system in the U.S. (and the world) asks far too much of the average voter who takes cognitive shortcuts that are easily hacked by politicians and interest groups. Superficial appearances, catchy slogans and positions on a limited number of issues are used as proxies for intelligence, integrity, decency, experience and competence.