Democracy vs. Bureaucracy

By: Philip K. Howard

Since the 1960s, the main political dividing line in the United States has been over the scope of government.  Democrats have called for more public services and more regulation to address current challenges.  Republicans have called for de-regulation and fewer services, backed by ample evidence of public failures, inefficiencies, and overreach.  But government keeps getting bigger and generally more inefficient, without dealing with past and present needs.   

The public’s frustration with government has also grown. In the early 1960s, 75% of Americans trusted government to generally do the right thing.  Today, less than 25% trust government. Indeed, every successful presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter has plucked the chord of voter discontent and promised to fix government.  

“Change we can believe in.”  

“Drain the swamp.”

But nothing much changes.  

How do we square this circle?  Why isn’t democracy responsive to voter demands?   

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