Is it Possible to do Away With Democracy in the U.S.


 

When people say others want to do away with democracy in the U.S. it usually strikes me as over the top Chicken Little. We have a Constitution and tradition we shrug and that will carry the day regardless of who tries what. If we peek over into the dark side, however, we might not like what we see.

Let's start with "suppose." Suppose voting rules could be made so restrictive a group with a narrow view of things who wanted to take over the government always, or usually, prevailed in elections. 

Then, suppose, because of these restrictive voting opportunities legislatures in several states led to lawmakers selected by a minority of the public. Assume those representing the minority wanted to take over the government and select their own President and Congress also representing themselves but not the majority.

The desired result for that minority who wanted eliminate majority rule, the hallmark of democracy, would be to not abide by the results of a national election. The results of a national election is now done by having the electoral college voters abide by the majority of voters in each state. Those subverting the public's choice would vote for a Presidential candidate supported by a minority, not the majority, of voters. That is exactly what former President Trump demanded Vice President Pence do. It is exactly what some in the anti abortion zealots want as well. 

My question is not whether there are schemers trying to pull this off. There are. What I'm wondering is how large the minority of voters has to be for them to be successful. It seems like the minority who wants to pull this off right now can get about 40% of voters, maybe in the high 30's. They are close to what it would take to be successful. By inching forward to make voting more difficult they will slice off a few enlightened voters in crucial states. 

I hope I am Chicken Little myself and the sky is not falling. We can't be sure of anything these days.

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