Two historic democracies debuted in the late 18th century. One was terrible, the other terrific. *
The French Revolutionaries decapitated democracy with their guillotine during the Reign of Terror, thus giving Napoleon an opening to replace the short-lived republic with a monarchy. Emperor Napoleon, like his imperial predecessors, ruled from the high castle and looked down on his subjects.
On the other hand, America's first president George Washington governed---not ruled--- from the street-level town square, figuratively speaking. He had to work with Congress which held the power of the purse. Likewise for his successors.
Power shared is power limited. Everyone has to play the check-and-balance game. Frankly, this isn't a very efficient system. Still, it is effective enough to keep our unique republic going and growing.
In short, America is a town square democracy. It has stood the test of time. If history is any guide, this town square democracy will go on riding out future storms, one way or another.
Author: renqiulan
* Terrific but far from perfect, our democracy is always a work in progress.
