If an elected representative disagrees with the popular opinion of the people, is he obligated to disregard his own opinion and vote the desires of the people?
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If an elected representative disagrees with the popular opinion of the people, is he obligated to disregard his own opinion and vote the desires of the people?
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5 responses so far ↓
daredevil92103 // July 25, 2007 at 6:22 pm
i think he is supposed to represent the people.
but it doesn’t seem to be working out that way.
in2thefray // July 25, 2007 at 6:40 pm
How serious do you want. On one hand democracy/representation says yes. Populist officials/topic = yes. This fits the present Oval office occupant. What of others. The elitist worldview of we know best.A blade that swings both ways.
daredevil92103 // July 25, 2007 at 9:54 pm
this is true.
John Glenn Rivers // July 26, 2007 at 9:39 am
I wrote this question after hearing a clip of George W. saying that he doesn’t make his decisions based on what is ‘popular’ but instead based on what he thinks is best. I believe that an elected official should make decisions based on the will of the people but that leads us to the question of what percentage of the people? Is it a simple majority and does a tie leave the official to make the decsion? What would you say to those that would argue the following: We elect officials because of their skill, experience and knowledge. We should therefore, allow them to make the decisions because they are more knowledgable and have more information than the people?
in2thefray // July 26, 2007 at 10:47 am
The questions on this subject are good ones but are open to evolving.I would offer that as an answer of sorts. That due to the evolving nature and dynamics of the issues leaders do need to lead. (make decisions run with them) The voters,the people need to stay engaged. The problem with this is some leaders choose to use the disengaged public for their own ends.