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From Republic to Ruin
How America became a kleptocracy and kakistocracy
“The end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations.” Thomas Jefferson
The United States is often described as a ‘democratic republic,’ a form of government that combines elements of democracy, meaning that power ultimately rests with the people, who exercise it through voting, and republicanism, meaning the country is governed by elected representatives who operate under a constitution that protects individual rights. In a nutshell, leaders are chosen through elections and are bound by laws designed to protect citizens from tyranny. Although citizens elect representatives, they do not directly make laws and policies, albeit in some states and local governments, citizens can propose laws or vote on specific measures.
Due to gerrymandering (state level) politicians control district boundaries to favor their party, making elections less competitive and reducing voter impact. In many cases, districts are drawn in ways that make certain election results almost predetermined. Similarly, Presidents are not elected by direct popular vote, but by the electoral college. This means a candidate can win the popular vote and still lose the election. Together, these systems…
