Why Does the USA Seem Less Democratic than Europe Despite Being the Beacon of Democracy?

The United States often prides itself on being the beacon of democracy in the world. Yet, when compared to its European counterparts, it seems to fall short in some aspects. This article explores why the USA may appear less democratic than Europe, despite its democratic rhetoric.

Proportional Representation vs. 'First-Past-the-Post' Systems

One key difference between the USA and many European countries is the voting system used for legislative elections. Most Continental European countries, such as Belgium and Germany, employ proportional representation. In proportional representation systems, each voting district allocates a number of delegates to the national parliament based on the proportion of votes each political party receives. This system tends to promote a wider range of political parties, often resulting in multi-party government coalitions.

In contrast, the USA uses a 'first-past-the-post' system in state and federal legislative elections. This system can lead to a situation where more than fifty percent of the voters support a losing candidate in the presidential election. For example, in some of the most critical elections, there might be tens of thousands of conservatives in blue states like New York who simply don't matter, ever.

Limited Multiparty System in the USA

In the USA, the two-party system often leaves voters with few choices. While the proportional system in Europe encourages voters to support multiple parties, the American system suppresses the need for voters to consider more than two options. This can lead to dissatisfaction as voters in certain regions might feel their votes are not being valued or heard.

In Europe, voters often have more options, and their opinions are harder to ignore, leading to a more representative and inclusive political process. In the USA, voters must often choose between candidates with vastly different economic and social policies under a binary system, which can be constraining and alienating.

The Electoral College and Federal Representation

The USA's federal structure is another reason why it might seem less democratic compared to Europe. The United States is a federal republic, meaning it is a federation of states bound together by a constitutional republic. This is fundamentally different from a direct democracy where a simple majority of voters can overpower the minority.

The USA has an electoral college system, where each state's electors vote for the president. Electors are typically allocated based on the state's population. This system prevents a single state with a large population, like California or New York, from dictating the outcome of the election. It also protects smaller states from being overshadowed, ensuring a balance of power.

The electoral college is particularly relevant in presidential elections, where each state's electors' votes are cast for the president based on the state's popular vote. This system is designed to ensure that the country's federal branch remains representative of all states, not just the most populous ones.

Arguments for and Against the Electoral College

Supporters of the electoral college argue that it helps maintain the federal balance by giving smaller states some say in the federal government. It also ensures that the country's most crucial issues won't be ignored by states with fewer votes. However, critics argue that it can lead to a divergence between the popular vote and the electors' votes, as recently seen in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

While some argue that the electoral college hinders democracy, its critics believe it safeguards against what they see as harmful consequences of direct democracy. Nonetheless, it remains a crucial aspect of the American electoral system, ensuring a balance of power between the states and the federal government.

Conclusion

The USA's democratic system is complex, with strengths and weaknesses. While the binary party system and 'first-past-the-post' voting system may seem limiting, the electoral college and the federal structure help maintain a balance of power and protect the interests of smaller states. As the USA and Europe continue to evolve, perhaps both can learn from each other's systems, creating a more inclusive and representative form of democracy for all.