Weaknesses Of Modern Democracy

Modern Democracy has been viewed as a utopic system of government with values such as free speech, fair elections, and an inclusive society where everyone has a say, but there are also major challenges that plague democracy which have to be addressed in order to come close to that idealistic image. Democracy has become a way of life that is seen as a “civic ideal, as representative institutions, and as…’all things bright and beautiful’” (Crick 8). In order to protect these ideals, it is crucial to understand the challenges that this system will face due to the weakness that come from it. It is has become the only form of government that ensures security for its citizens by protecting their natural rights which has constructed these principles …show more content…
The complaints of citizens are being drowned out by the constant blaming of representatives among each other instead of working together on the grievances of the voters (Runciman). Another core value of a modern democracy is being able to hold representatives accountable for not following the voices of the public if there is a consensus on an issue. For example, the British public opinion favored capital punishment, but the British politicians ignored them and went against that majority (Crick 9). This deadlock among representatives themselves and their constituents prevent any form of advancement in a democracy. In the United States, Congress is failing by not listening to the public and instead go along party lines which in the end limits progress in the country (Delaney). Voters have the definitive say on whether representatives can continue the cycle of dysfunctional …show more content…
In order to spread knowledge, there has to be no form of censorship by the government on certain topics (Crick 97). Education is an important component for voters to take with them to the polls and in selecting their representatives. This starts with access to civic education which has lost its power and importance to voters. There various countries in Europe as well as the United States, Canada, and Australia that are worrying about the decline in civic education which later could causes the collapse of social capital (Bellamy 24). By having uninformed voters, it could create a unsafe environment for minority groups that are outnumbered as seen in this recent election in the United States. With an large uneducated public, there comes dangerous territory of it possibly undermining modern democracy due to these individuals not knowing their rights, duties and responsibilities as citizens (Crick 113). In order to strengthen democratic attitudes, there has to be a consensus of voters that understand the system, are able to scrutinize their officials, and intellectually critic their government on policy