Woozle: Created page with "==About== Representative democracy (RD) is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions – as opposed to [[direct democracy..."

2013-03-28T20:58:10Z

Created page with "==About== Representative democracy (RD) is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions – as opposed to [[direct democracy..."

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==About==
[[Representative democracy]] (RD) is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions – as opposed to [[direct democracy]], where citizens vote directly on such decisions.

* '''Advantages''':
** Decisionmakers can be provided with adequate resources (time, assistance, expertise) for making good decisions.
** Meaningful debate and consensus are theoretically possible, given the smaller number of negotiators.
* '''Disadvantages''':
** RD creates [[unaccountable concentration of power]] in a number of ways:
*** Traditional forms of RD usually have set terms for each representative and a very high bar for recall (i.e. removal from office by popular initiative), giving them a large window during which they may do damage.
*** Traditional electoral methods:
**** support the creation and continuance of a two-party system, greatly narrowing the field of available candidates.
**** do not represent the wishes of the voters very [[vote fidelity|accurately]], often resulting in the election of "compromise" candidates strongly disliked by a majority.
**** can be manipulated by the powerful in a number of ways, including {{wp/link|gerrymandering}} and mass-media propaganda (advertising).
==Solutions==
* [[Liquid representation]] attempts to address the problems inherent in RD without creating the problems inherent in DD.
* [[Range voting]] increases [[vote fidelity]], making it more difficult to manipulate the vote and providing less stability for a two-party system.
* Having representatives deliberate online, so that they didn't need to travel long distances when elected, would reduce the need for long terms of office.
** Having such deliberations take place solely in text mode would also provide a searchable record of such deliberation, making it easier to hold representatives accountable.
** [[Structured debate]] would rigorously document the logic (if any) behind each position, further ensuring accountability.
==Links==
* {{wikipedia}}

Representative democracy - Revision history

Woozle: Created page with "==About== Representative democracy (RD) is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions – as opposed to [[direct democracy..."