Discuss structural barriers to democracy. How do these barriers affect who is represented and who votes?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Feedback: Despite being a nominally democractic country, the United States has several systemic barriers to democracy. (1) The two-party system means money from corporations, special interests, and wealthy individuals is funneled to the Republic and Democratic parties, then matched by the government, leaving third-party candidates with no possibility of winning the presidency or important roles in Congress. (2) The Electoral College disproportionately favors states with fewer residents, and allows the election of a candidate who did not receive a majority of the popular vote. (3) The winner-take-all system means that majorities (often wealthier, White citizens) are represented while minorities and the poor are not represented. The U.S. system is in sharp contrast to the multinational party systems found in the European democracies, where religious minorities, racial groups, the working class, and other special interests form viable political parties, and citizens can find a political party with an agenda compatible to their interests. As a consequence, voter turnout in Canada and Europe ranges between 80% and 90%, compared to the roughly 50% in U.S. presidential elections.