America is a representative democracy. From the days of its founding it was too expansive a country to be a democracy; you simply couldn’t get everyone (in those days white men only) together to debate and vote on every issue. Today the country is much larger and has a much, much greater population (plus we, at least theoretically, allow all adults to vote) therefore getting all of us together to vote on every issue is impossible. Our Founders came up with the idea of each area electing three representatives (one in the House, two in the Senate via the State Legislature) to represent its interests and citizens in the nation’s capital. How is that working out today (even with the gender exclusion gone and the direct election of Senators)? Let’s explore. Continue reading Representative Government →