by Gary Betts

Created on: July 28, 2007   Last Updated: July 18, 2011

What do Americans know about democracy?

The word democracy is derived from Greek roots and literally means "rule by the people". Yet the United States Senate, created in 1787, had its senators elected by state legislators. It was not until 1913 that the senators were elected by direct popular vote.

The President of the United States is not elected by direct popular vote. Instead, the President is elected by an archaic body called the Electoral College. With this system, the states, and not the people, dominate. Did the founding fathers intend to keep power out of the people's hands? I'm sure that was their intention. Either they did not trust the people or they did not want to share too much power with them.

Americans allow one person, the President, to veto any legislation passed by the Congress which is elected directly by the people.

Americans give nine appointed justices of the United States Supreme Court enormous power. These appointed justices are free to over turn legislation passed by the elected Congress. These justices have even been known to make law and decide elections. They may also direct the President in the use of his executive powers. Not to mention that these guys are appointed for life. And no one, except for the U.S. Supreme Court, may overrule their decisions.

In theory, any American-born person may become President of the United States. In sad reality, however, only those people with political contacts in one of only two parties and are able to raise several millions of dollars can become President. There are no fairy-tale endings in America.

The United States has a simple and oppressive two-party system. Americans have little choice in elections. Voters in the far-left, center, or right-of-center are completely left out.

After over 200 years, Americans are still unable to find a secure and reliable way to vote. Everything from touch-screen computers to hanging chads have been tried. Take a page from the early Americans and just put an "X" in a box with a pencil. It's safe, secure and leaves a paper trail.

Americans seem intent on spreading democracy around the world, even though they haven't mastered it themselves. And no matter what it costs in lives. And sometimes to people who have never lived in a democracy and don't want to do so in the future. The Iraqis are a prime example of forcing democracy down people's throats.

Americans allow terrorist suspects without charges to be locked up at Quatomino Bay to avoid legal trials.

Americans allow terrorist suspects without charges to be taken to foreign prisons so that they can be tortured by U.S. officials.

Finally, American-style democracy is a vehicle where McCarthyism still thrives. The Communist hunters of the 1950's have given way to the terrorist hunters of today. Muslims are now the main targets, but not the only targets. The McCarthyism principles have remained the same:
Use the right to criticize and you will be unpatriotic.
Use the right to hold unpopular beliefs and you will become a suspect.
Use the right to protest and you may be arrested.
Use the right to independent thought and you may become a traitor.

What do Americans know about democracy? Not much.

Learn more about this author, Gary Betts.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.