Ultimately, my “gut feeling” is that the imperilment of democracy in the US stems from the loss of the culture of democracy within our country. It is the Tocquevillian “‘informal mechanisms’” that lead to a civil society that fosters and supports the institutions of democracy. The founding of the US is a perfect example of this itinerary from the ideas and culture of democracy to an institution of democracy. Although, as Zakaria mentions in the Sean Illing article, the founding fathers were wary of “democratic majoritarianism,” the introduction of liberal democracy was a completely unique experiment, based on the informal stipulations of the colonies. The presence (and lack of) cultural norms supported by the regime of the British monarchy, ultimately lead to the the emphasis of the key aspects of the Constitution—freedom of expression without fear of punishment, elected officials, control over policy invested in those elected officials, etc. Today, those same cultural stipulations are not as celebrated. In class, we mentioned the discrepancy between the voter turnout in the Iranian 2009 presidential elections (around 85%) and that in the US 2008 elections (around 50%). The conclusion we can draw from such a comparison, is that the US culture has become complacent and content. Citizens in the US don’t feel the need to vote, because there is no need to change things. Comparatively, in Iran, the elections are the only chance, albeit very little, to change things. In this way, I find it laughable and ironic that the very cause of the “imperilment of democracy” that has the media up in arms is what makes our country unique and successful.
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Nationalism, Ideology, and State Power
Professor Shervin Malekzadeh
I totally agree with your stating that the imperilment of American democracy stems from the loss of the culture for democracy. The complacency seen in the need (or lack there of) to vote stems from an increase in self-interest. The past decades indicate that the paradigm shift in society is one of greater self-promotion. Serving oneself rather than ones neighbor is prioritized. I think many of us have become victims of this. Personally, I admit that I used to be very disengaged from the politics that surrounded me. My privilege provided stability and security. It took the last presidential election and an understanding of public policy to help me see that my vote could affect what happens to people that are in unstable situations.