To What Extent Do Election Results Express the Will of the People
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.384Keywords:
Political Philosophy, Elections, the Will of the People, Tyranny of the Majority, Representative DemocracyAbstract
This review examines whether election results truly express the will of the people in liberal democratic systems. It argues that the results of elections delicately express the will of the people–or the desire to maximize material well-being, happiness, and fulfillment. The review explores political theories that support representative democracy as the optimal form of government for achieving this maximization. It also acknowledges the potential for tyranny of the majority, but contends that representation alleviates this concern. The essay also discusses circumstances where the results of elections deviate from the people's will. Citing examples such as the Greek bailout and the Catalan independence referendum, the effectiveness of representative democracy in maximizing material well-being of the people is proven. Ultimately, the conclusion is drawn that election results can express the will of the people when the electoral system is well-operated and supported by social cohesion, freedom, autonomy, and moderate decentralization of power.
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