Democracy in the U.S. Political System is Long Gone

The U.S. political system is the oldest continuous democracy in the world. Being a democratic system, political power is spread amongst three institutions of the state namely: the executive branch, the legislative branch and judicial branch. All these three branches have equal authority and power over each other. By spreading equal power and authority, it is able to avoid a monarchist style of government where only one rules the whole nation.

Michael Brenner, a senior fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, openly claimed the death of the U.S. political system. He further emphasized that America’s political system is already non-existent brought by bad practices and habits done by voters and politicians alike. As a replacement, spin politics is instilled. Political decisions are now focused on a special interest by particular groups who favor them. They serve the interest of a particular group as opposed to another’s.

Brenner believes that a true democratic system should provide outmost importance to accountability and transparency. All citizens should get access to information and be well-informed of various public matters that may also affect every individual. Sadly, most of the decisions and actions undertaken by the government today are most likely to remain secret until devastating effects come out. He also believes that political leaders should be responsible in upholding the needs and desires of their constituents.

Public servants and public figures should also not be limited only to promises and charismatic speeches. There must be ample action which is more important than those flowering words. The press should perform its functions of facilitating the previously mentioned points with ample attentiveness and competence. These points should all coexist to uphold a better system and a better government. This was the system before that is lost today.

Today, the U.S. political arena is being dominated and disputed by Republicans and Democrats. 3rd party candidates are having a hard time getting in a ballot. None of the previously mentioned points are present in today’s system. The American people are paying the consequence of a compromised national welfare and disgruntled public integrity. The American voting population should begin to realize to only vote politicians who commit to their platform and really do what they ought to do.

During election time, it is sad to see and hear how power is gained only through money. Politicians spend vast amounts of money during the campaign period which proves that money can buy the government after all. People should begin to realize that responsible voting is very critical in creating a modest, accountable and top-performing government. Politicians should act as direct representatives of every state and not only to a particular interest group. Until we realize our mistakes, we will continue to live with the perils of a corrupt political system.