2008 Woodie Awards
The Founders had few intentions for democratic participation
Jonathan Wharton, History and Social Sciences Affiliate Assistant Professor
Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: Opinion
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Historically speaking, the Framers of the Constitution did not intend for all Americans to participate in politics. In fact they established several parameters, instruments and devices for limited democracy on the national level. If anything, the Constitution reflects a republican form of government, not a true democracy.
Democracy equals participation. When one examines the intentions of "modern" European Enlightenment Era political philosophers (the basis of our governmental ideals), they challenged their respective European governments to incorporate democracy. Essentially democracy means that all citizens actively engage in the political process. From voting to lobbying to decision making, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and others envisioned a proactive populace advocating for themselves. Selecting public officials was a good start, but there's nothing better than the individual literally engaging in the political system in countless ways, especially since political participation should be a natural right protected by the government.
The Framers adapted some of their ideals, but did not want all Americans to participate in the national government directly. They feared mob rule and were uncertain that if everyone had a say in politics, chaos would result. Look at what happens in town halls and state legislatures. Americans, particularly New Englanders, take their concerns to "town greens" or squares where they voice their opinion on local matters. Frank Bryan's work, "Real Democracy: The New England Town Meeting and How It Works" details this phenomenon (of course visit Hoboken's city hall and you'll understand the difficulty of getting local projects through, such as the stalled Babbio garage proposal). There are just too many participants, egos and interests at stake and the art of political negotiation becomes paramount -- assuming it's at all possible.
To replicate this model on the national level would be problematic, according to the Founders, especially Federalist supporters protecting the newly created federal government. Therefore Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and other Federalist delegates at the Philadelphia Convention adopted a more systematic approach to limiting Americans' involvement in national politics.
Democracy equals participation. When one examines the intentions of "modern" European Enlightenment Era political philosophers (the basis of our governmental ideals), they challenged their respective European governments to incorporate democracy. Essentially democracy means that all citizens actively engage in the political process. From voting to lobbying to decision making, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and others envisioned a proactive populace advocating for themselves. Selecting public officials was a good start, but there's nothing better than the individual literally engaging in the political system in countless ways, especially since political participation should be a natural right protected by the government.
The Framers adapted some of their ideals, but did not want all Americans to participate in the national government directly. They feared mob rule and were uncertain that if everyone had a say in politics, chaos would result. Look at what happens in town halls and state legislatures. Americans, particularly New Englanders, take their concerns to "town greens" or squares where they voice their opinion on local matters. Frank Bryan's work, "Real Democracy: The New England Town Meeting and How It Works" details this phenomenon (of course visit Hoboken's city hall and you'll understand the difficulty of getting local projects through, such as the stalled Babbio garage proposal). There are just too many participants, egos and interests at stake and the art of political negotiation becomes paramount -- assuming it's at all possible.
To replicate this model on the national level would be problematic, according to the Founders, especially Federalist supporters protecting the newly created federal government. Therefore Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and other Federalist delegates at the Philadelphia Convention adopted a more systematic approach to limiting Americans' involvement in national politics.