In today’s chaotic political climate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The constant influx of conflicting information and rapid changes can leave American citizens unsure of how to engage. Ironically, the prevailing cry is “Just DO something!” But what exactly should we, as citizens, be doing? What role and responsibility do we have in our government? What is the relationship between the represented and the representative?
Republic vs. Democracy: What’s the Difference?
The United States is a republic, not a democracy. While both systems place ultimate power in the hands of the people, they differ in execution.
- Direct Democracy: In a direct democracy, citizens vote on every issue. While this is an efficient way to represent the will of the people, it can also be dangerous. A quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson notes that, “Democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where 51% of people can take away the rights of the other 49%.” A direct democracy can easily lead to a majority oppressing the minority.
- Republic: In a republic, citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. This is a slower, more deliberate process, but it ensures that representatives are chosen based on knowledge, wisdom, and sound judgment. The responsibility of citizens is to select the best candidates and hold them accountable.
The Role of a Representative
Our representatives are elected to serve us and exercise authority on our behalf. The ideal representative should possess knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to apply principles strategically. When selecting representatives, we should ask:
- Do they have sound principles?
- Do they utilize these principles and reason effectively?
- Do they apply these principles to real-world issues?
The Two Seasons of a Representative
There are two main phases in the relationship between citizens and representatives: the election and the term in office.
- Election: Citizens must carefully vet and choose their representatives through the primary and general elections.
- Term: Once elected, representatives serve their term, during which we should support and encourage them. This means advocating for policies based on justice, goodness, and wisdom.
Performance Reviews: The Role of Voters
After an election, citizens are responsible for evaluating their representatives’ performance. To do this, we must:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of each office.
- Establish standards by which to assess the representative’s actions.
- Stay informed about what happens during the term, beyond just the headlines.
This evaluation is not something we can do with a yard sign or a social media post; it requires careful thought and engagement. Ultimately, “We the people” are responsible for the governance of our country.
Our Responsibility as Citizens
Today’s political landscape often encourages extreme actions: “yell,” “scream,” “rally,” “protest,” and “make your voices heard.” Some argue that revolutionary methods are necessary to address modern crises. But such approaches can undermine the very system that makes our nation unique. While less efficient than protest, a diligent, virtuous approach to politics is ultimately more sustainable. We reap what we sow, and the methods we use to engage in politics matter.
Tyranny and Representation
Disagreement with our representatives is inevitable. However, it’s crucial to understand the current state of the relationship and assess the level of division. Minor disagreements should not overshadow the larger goal of maintaining a civil relationship. Performance reviews come regularly, and we have the power to reevaluate our representatives at the polls.
Do Your Research
As an American citizen, we need to do our research and then enter into a relationship with these civil servants who represent us. We can get to know them, their background, and their priorities. Like any new relationship, we ought to find what principles we have in common. Then, when we differ in opinion, we can appeal to shared ideals: a sense of justice and reason. We must treat each other with respect, even when we differ, and base our arguments on timeless truths, not fleeting opinions.
We Will Reap What We Sow
In the end, we, the citizens, select and evaluate our representatives. We must remember that our choices directly impact the future. The work of selecting and holding our representatives accountable is ongoing, and it’s crucial to make informed decisions. After the election season, it’s time for civil discourse and engagement with our representatives to ensure they remain accountable to the people.
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