The Flaws of Democracy

Paper Summary:

The writer asserts there are major defects in a democracy, including the retardation of innovation, economic unfairness and ineffectiveness of the electoral process. The writer believes that in a democracy it is actually the wealthy elite who rule, that democracies are capable of committing human rights violations and that there is widespread corruption. The paper maintains that a non-democracy would select candidates based on past work performance, and capability, as opposed to superficial looks or personal charms. The writer contends that the best form of government is an enlightened dictatorship which has a nation's best interests at heart.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Oppression of Minorities in a Democracy
Retardation of Innovation in a Democracy
Economic Unfairness in a Democracy
Ineffectiveness of the Electoral Process
Spreading Democracy around the World
Alternatives to Democracy
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In a utopian world, democracy would be the most flawless form of government that could bring equality, peace, and prosperity to the masses. Unfortunately, reality does not work that way and democracy (like dictatorships) has its flaws and drawbacks. Democracy has been accused by some as being inefficient, unfair, and ineffective due to a lack of a clear insight on the issues when voters have a hard time agreeing on the same objective. This can especially be true if the electorate is polarized during election debates on very passionate issues that often arouse public debate. Ignorance and apathy on the part of the electorate have been cited as the major reason why issues during election time don't receive the proper discussion that they deserve."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Davenport, C., & Armstrong II, D. (2004, July). Democracy and the Violation of Human Rights: A Statistical Analysis from 1976 to 1996. American Journal of Political Science, 48(3), 538-554. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Academic Search Elite database.
• Gartzke, E., & Gleditsch, K. (2004, October). Why Democracies May Actually Be Less Reliable Allies. American Journal of Political Science, 48(4), 775-795. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Academic Search Elite database.
• Jerit, J., Barabas, J., & Bolsen, T. (2006, April). Citizens, Knowledge, and the Information Environment. American Journal of Political Science, 50(2), 266-282. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Academic Search Elite database.
• Johnston, W., Krahn, H., & Harrison, T. (2006, Spring). Democracy, Political Institutions, and Trust: The Limits of Current Electoral Reform Proposals. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 31(2), 165-182. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Academic Search Elite database.
• Lau, R., & Pomper, G. (2002, January). Effectiveness of Negative Campaigning in U.S. Senate Elections. American Journal of Political Science, 46(1), 47. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from Academic Search Elite database.

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