The Election Cycle

American politics is often described as voting in circles. The constant swapping back and forth between warring parties with loose principles is tiring and unproductive. Americans feel increasingly disconnected from their system of government that is supposed to be representative of the people. The entrenched bureaucracy has contorted general elections into trivial popularity contests while the real power remains in unelected positions. The specified policies of the Republican and Democrat duopoly are becoming difficult to pin down as they switch positions with any change in the political winds. The constant desire for change is met with a perpetual war of detested ideologies. American elections never decide a shift in power towards the people. It is a ceremonial change in management as the true purpose of federal expansion continues unabated. Revolution is not on the ballot.

Trading Places

To humor oneself, look up the original party platforms for each American political party. The Democrats focused on a limited federal government, state sovereignty, and a staunch opposition to high taxes and central banking. The republicans were founded on ideas of social activism, government sponsored infrastructure, and an expansion of federal power. This is hilariously opposite to the platforms of our favorite (only) parties of the present day.

Throughout the 20th century the political winds spun like a cyclone as new voting blocs incentivized a redesign of both parties. The more liberal Republican party altered from being a champion of big government and civil rights to an opposing force of federal power and a beacon of capitalist ideals. The democrats cultured a platform of government welfare and a massive bureaucratic expansion in response to the Great Depression and world wars.

The parties did not switch immediately, it was a gradual progression of campaign promises for free stuff and political catering to specific demographics. Before the turn of the century, republicans dominated the voting bracket of high-income earners, and the college educated elite while Democrats were considered the party of the common man. Those voting blocs have almost entirely switched in the last election.

It is more important to address what the politicians do rather than what they say. The supposed conservatism of the republican party has conserved virtually nothing in the modern era. They outspend every prior administration, expand every federal department, and cater to every social contention contrary to their constituent’s beliefs. The theoretical liberalism of the democrats has led to countless violations of constitutional rights, instigations of foreign war, and the redistribution of wealth and opportunities. Both parties are equally responsible for fiscal mismanagement, the takeover of corporate interests and an administrative state that rivals the height of the Soviet Union.

Party’s Over

Politicians on both sides have abandoned their voters for perpetual lobbyist derived dividends and super PAC campaign contributions. It is now clear that each party’s leadership is unconcerned with traditional American principles so it about time to vacate the (R) and (D)’s. Third parties are far too niche to represent a broad American electorate and would simply recreate the same issues of partisanship. America needs a new political class that does not rely on party affiliation.

Politicians need to run on independent platforms that appeal directly to the widest scope of voters, not for the sake of populism, but to return representation to the people. Administrations should create cabinets of diverse ideologies to put the right individuals in positions of leadership instead of creating spoils for party loyalty. The founders checked their own predispositions by installing their political rivals in cabinet positions to ensure representation for the people who did not even vote for them.

Ascendancy by merit is difficult in a democracy, it’s inherently flawed but preferable to the alternative. However, if leadership positions in federal departments were filled by the people’s consensus instead of appointment, there would be greater accountability within the bureaucracy. The Judiciary and law enforcement agencies were never designed to be political, but they interpret and impose rules along strict party lines. The financial regulators and central bankers have catered to whims of Wall Street and multinational corporations at the behest of party leaders and with minimal oversight by the people. The worst actions of government are performed by faceless and nameless entities filled with unelected officials. Putting a name and election to each department would ensure better culpability and a regular transfer of power in the areas of government that influence people’s daily lives.

Voting down-ballot is irresponsible and safeguards a duopoly which has no responsibility to the people. Democracy only works if the electorate is informed and voting for individuals instead of a well-funded corruptible party. Political division is self-imposed as the people only detest the actions of government if they’re done by their perceived rivals. This creates the endless rotation of the same politicians trading positions and subscribing to the same policy as their predecessor with the full consent of foolish voters. They call it an election cycle for a reason.