Lotanna Nnaji
POLISCI 1AA3
Todd Alway
October 19th 2022
Midterm Test
I believe that the indirect democracy of the modern era is not the most
democratic form of democracy possible. However, indirect democracy man-
ages to strike a balance between individual and public interest which pro-
vides the best outcome for our homogeneous society, therefore indirect
democracy is more sufficient as a whole. To understand why direct democ-
racy is more democratic but less sufficient, we must look at the Athenian Po-
litical system that practised a Direct form of democracy where “the people
(demos), participated directly in the affairs of the state” (Held,12) This
meant all the of Citizens of Athens would debate, decide and vote on all ma-
jor issues in the Assembly. However only adult males where counted as citi-
zens, which meant only them could participate in government. This excluded
most of the population which were women and slaves.
Direct democracy is more democratic because democracy means ‘power to
the people’. Direct democracy does place power directly into the hands of
the citizen, which in turn gives them the most power because each vote car-
ries the same weight as is each opinion is actually equal. Each person is di-
rectly involved in governing themselves (Alway, 2022) which leaves more
power in their own hands as opposed to having someone choose the best
rules for society in your ‘best interest’, therefore making direct democracy
more ‘democratic’ simply because it gives more political control and more
authority to the citizen by giving a bigger say and plays a bigger part in de-
ciding rules/major issues for society.
Although direct democracy is technically more democratic and works well in
terms of allowing citizens to be responsible for taking actions that improve
their quality of life and shields individuals from abuse of power from politi-
cians, where governments are unable to hide information from people and
discouraging nepotism, it will not work as well as indirect democracy works
now. Firstly due to population differences that would slow down decision
making . Direct democracy requires individual participation for everything
which means all citizens (which in todays world, more people qualify to be a
citizen, which means more citizens)
decide what actions should be taken, which would make responses much
slower as everyone has to participate and everyone’s vote is equal, which
means a slow implementation of laws and slower course of actions.
Secondly, we live in a homogeneous society with differences in wealth, opin-
ion and so much more. In ancient Athens where pure democracy is practised
“The public" and ‘the private" were intertwined. Citizens could properly fulfil
themselves and live honourably only in and through the polis.” (Held,12). In
society everyone has interests that do not align. This makes it difficult for in-
dividuals not to prioritize individual interest and satisfaction allowing for
more and more people to make the incorrect choices when voting. Most peo-
ple vote emotionally allowing for the best outcome for themselves, rather
than logically. Lastly there is often miscommunication issues involved in di-
rect democracy.
Indirect democracy is good because the public have chosen a representative
that does not have any vested interest therefore is able to make the best
and logical decisions that benefit both individual and public interests. It also
limits majority factions which increase minority factions and give individuals
temporary access to power. This makes it better as those who abuse power
may not get re elected and we are able to see who use their power correctly.
Lastly indirect democracy uses the consent of individuals which make is less
tyrannical and more democratic
Democracy is also the freedom to elect our own dictators. By allowing people
to select their own dictators it is democratic however it could be more demo-
cratic. The way we practise can become more democratic by holding more
Referendums. Which is asking for public opinion.
In conclusion, Modern Democracy should not be more democratic, otherwise
it would be detrimental to society as a more democratic form of democracy
would mean more of direct democracy which does not benefit minority fac-
tions and fails to balance individual and public interest as through a direct
democracy. Indirect democracy maintains public interest as well as individ-
ual interest making it more sufficient for our modern world although less
democratic.
Citations
Held, David. “Democracy from City-States to a Cosmopolitan Order
(1992).PDF - Political Studies {\992). XL, Special Issue, 10-39 Democ-
racy: From City-States to: Course Hero.” Political Studies {\992). XL,
Special Issue, 10-39 Democracy: From City-States to | Course Hero,
1995, [Link]/file/171817595/Democracy-From-City-
states-to-a-Cosmopolitan-Order-1992pdf/.