Direct Democracy?

Question

The Greek Democracy is often regarded as the fairest version of the system ever created.

All (male) citizens above the age of 20, were open to attend assembly. At assemply they would debate and vote on issues in much the way our congress does today.

From this pool the Council was selected *by lottery* of those citizens over the age of 30. Their job was preparing legislation and regulating the assembly. The lottery was held yearly and any citizen could hold council position only twice in their lives.

The Courts were executed from the same pool of those eligable for Council. The Jurors selected by drawing lots and they acted as the Judge as well.

The main constraint of this type of Democracy came with the size of nations. Such a system of rule would have been infeasable for Rome. But in the last 20 years, the world has become much smaller.

What do you think of the possibilitys? How would an American direct Democracy manifest itself?

John Hightower · Accepted Answer

I would like to see when an issue comes up, there be 30 or 60 days of debate, and then allowed registered American vote (Internet, cellphone, some type of unique electronic  means).  And then, move on to the next question.

Sometimes, special interest groups (lobbyists) or Congressmen will stonewall an issue  for years and years - meanwhile, the problem grows worse and bigger.

For instance, every few years we talk about how Social Security is going broke.  But what we never talk about is that the Congressmen and President are covered by a separate system - they are not members of Social Security.  If they were, maybe they would finally fix the problem instead of letting the next Congress dance around the topic.

? · Answer

You have a good idea.  I think the best facet of it is that regular citizens do the governing, not career politicians.

wisdomforfools · Answer

First of all, it would have to include Female citizens.

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Direct Democracy?

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