Danger ahead for Democracy
This month, for the first time ever, 13 Presidential Foundations and Centers across the political spectrum issued a joint statement expressing concern for our country’s future. Strengthening our democracy, Presidential Centers Affirm that “Democracy Holds Us Together” is an urgent call to action for every citizen:
“The unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, are principles that bind us together as Americans. They have enabled the United States to strive toward a more perfect union, even when we have not always lived up to those ideals. As a diverse nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, democracy holds us together…
“We, the undersigned, represent a wide range of views across a breadth of issues. We recognize that these views can exist peaceably side by side when rooted in the principles of democracy. Debate and disagreement are central features in a healthy democracy. Civility and respect in political discourse, whether in an election year or otherwise, are essential. Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and respect for human rights around the world because free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home…
“Each of us has a role to play and responsibilities to uphold. Our elected officials must lead by example and govern effectively in ways that deliver for the American people. This, in turn, will help to restore trust in public service. The rest of us must engage in civil dialogue; respect democratic institutions and rights; uphold safe, secure, and accessible elections; and contribute to local, state, or national improvement.
“By signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy undergirding this great nation, protecting our freedom, and respecting our fellow citizens. When united by these convictions, America is stronger as a country and an inspiration for others.”
Signed, Obama Foundation, George W. Bush Presidential Center, Clinton Foundation, George & Barbara Bush Foundation, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, The Carter Center, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Richard Nixon Foundation, LBJ Foundation, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Truman Library Institute, Roosevelt Institute, Hoover Presidential Foundation
This sentiment is not new. In 1950, a report from the American Political Science Association (APSA) titled “Toward a More Responsible Two-Party System” was a significant document in the field of political science. It advocated for reforms aimed at strengthening our two-party system by making it more accountable and responsive to the needs of all Americans. The hope was to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry and to ensure that political parties played a more responsible role in American democracy. Overall, it was a call for greater integrity and responsiveness in the functioning of the two-party system in the United States.
There were seven key points in the report:
1 & 2. Reducing Political Machine Influence and Strengthening Party Platforms: calling for the political parties to develop platforms that clarify their policy positions and goals to help voters make informed choices.
3. Improving Candidate Selection: making it more transparent and open to a broader range of candidates to ensure that candidates were chosen based on their qualifications and alignment with party principles rather than political connections.
4. Campaign Finance Transparency: reducing the influence of money in politics and promoting fairness in electoral competition.
5. Fostering Informed Citizenship: recognizing the importance of educating and engaging the electorate to make more informed political choices and encouraging civic education and political participation.
6. Accountability and Responsibility: seeking to make the two-party system more responsible to the citizens, with parties and candidates held accountable for their actions and policies.
7. Promoting Democracy: making political parties more responsible and responsive to the needs and preferences of the voters.
It didn’t happen. So last July, the APSA issued a new report, More Than Red and Blue: Political Parties and American Democracy. “Today, American politics is in a very different place. Most of the common wisdom tells us that the contemporary Democratic and Republican parties are so polarized and incompatible that their differences prevent legislative action, fuel zero-sum thinking, and even provoke violence. If anything, the range of choice provided by today’s parties is too wide.”
This 2023 APSA report “is not designed to advocate for any particular set of reforms but instead to inform the debate.” Its three parts – The Functions of Political Parties, How Did We Get Here, Sources of Change – “provide a comprehensive understanding rooted in the academic literature of why and how our parties have changed as well as positive means of moving forward to encourage these key political participants to be more responsible promoters of democracy and prevent a decline into a more authoritarian form of government.”
Let’s hope our democracy is protected and that it endures.
Mark Berg is a community activist in Adams County and a proud liberal. His email address is MABerg175@Comcast.net.