Is Liberal Democracy Going Out with A Shrug?

We have work to do.

Recent polling data has given me pause: only 54 percent of U.S. adults aged 18-29 resonate with the idea that “Democracy is the greatest form of government." Within this, 21 percent are firmly in agreement, while 34 percent somewhat agree.

It's striking that another 34 percent shrug off the question by remaining neutral, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and 12 percent outright disagree.

What's behind this ambivalence? I suspect it's multifaceted. We Americans are largely beneficiaries of an enviable standard of living, with ample food, amusements, and disposable income, which might lead us to focus on our differences more than what unites us — perhaps a symptom of our comfort, we might be bored.

Another contributing factor, in my view, is the diminished emphasis on history and civics in education. Without a solid grasp of how and why our freedoms are anchored in the Constitution, many seem indifferent when asked about the significance of democracy.

The crux of the issue may be a failure of imagination.

I get it. It's hard for them to conceive of a world where those rights and freedoms are curtailed or lost because they've never witnessed such an erosion firsthand. And I doubt that many have a full understanding of the governing philosophy of a free country.

Of all the political systems worldwide, liberal democracies such as ours stand out as beacons of freedom and fairness. Rooted in the principles of classical liberalism, this political ideology intertwines the essence of democracy with the core values of liberty and equality under the law.

Not for nothing, the word 'liberal' has increasingly taken on a pejorative connotation in political discourse over recent years. Opponents of liberal (aka Democratic) politics did a great job ruining the term.

I recall an instance when a potential employer glanced at my resume and said he hesitated to hire me because my liberal arts degree seemingly branded me as a “communist” or some other such nonsensical label. Sheesh. Thankfully, that’s not the subject at hand.

Let’s look under the hood of liberal democracy, and touch on why it plays such a pivotal role in the structure of successful modern societies.

The Pillars of Liberal Democracy

At its core, liberal democracy is a form of governance that champions the rights of the individual, the rule of law, and the separation of powers within a state. It operates on the belief that all citizens should have the freedom to express their opinions, practice their religion, and pursue their personal happiness without fear of oppression or unjust interference from the government.

A liberal democracy can manifest in a variety of governmental forms: sometimes it's under a crowned head, like in Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, or the quaint streets of the Netherlands. Other times, it unfolds in the republics—from the United States' storied halls of Congress to Germany's Bundestag or along the Seine within the French Republic. Each nation melds tradition with the people's will in its unique blend.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once quipped that "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." He wasn’t wrong. Liberal democracy is a messy business.

But it beats living in a chaotic, graft-ridden dictatorship.

Democratic Governance

The democratic aspect of liberal democracy emphasizes the importance of a government elected by the people, for the people. Through free and fair elections, citizens have the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions.

This system ensures that the voice of the populace is heard and respected, fostering a sense of participation and ownership among the citizenry.

Protection of Individual Liberties

Liberal democracy is deeply committed to safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. This commitment is manifested in the constitution or legal framework of a country, which outlines and protects the civil liberties of its citizens.

These liberties include freedom of speech, assembly, press, and religion—cornerstones of a society that values diversity of thought and belief.

Rule of Law

Another fundamental principle of liberal democracy is the rule of law. This concept dictates that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. It ensures that laws are transparent, predictable, and applied equally to all individuals, thereby preventing the arbitrary use of power and providing a check against corruption and abuse.

If we cannot agree on the rule of law over the law of ruler, we will disintegrate as a functioning society.

Checks and Balances

The separation of powers into distinct branches of government (usually the executive, legislative, and judicial branches) is crucial in a liberal democracy.

The U.S. governance framework is designed with a system of checks and balances, a safeguard against the concentration of too much power in any single branch. This principle of separation of powers is laid out in the Constitution, with Article I detailing the distinct roles and responsibilities that define each branch's authority.

Look, you may like and agree with the leader of the moment—but it is a truism that what goes around, comes around. Beware of leaders who seek to find shortcuts or pervert the constitution to save their hide or forward a shady or punitive agenda.

Why Liberal Democracy Matters

In a world where authoritarian regimes still exist, the value of liberal democracy cannot be overstated. It provides a framework for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and collective progress. By valuing the individual and ensuring a fair and just society, liberal democracies foster innovation, creativity, and the free exchange of ideas, which are vital for the advancement of humanity.

Moreover, liberal democracies tend to have stronger protections for human rights and are more likely to work together on global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and international conflict. The collaborative nature of these democracies, rooted in mutual respect and common values, makes them better equipped to face the complexities of the 21st century.

But democracy cannot survive with the unspoken acquiescence of a distracted populace.

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve," said founding father James Madison in a warning to future generations. A more contemporary thought is from John F. Kennedy: "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all."

We need to educate the American voter. We need to ensure upcoming generations understand what is at stake. We, as a nation, need to grow up. There is simply no more room for 46 percent of us to offer only shrugged shoulders.

Eleanor Roosevelt summed it up:

"With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect."