Representation of Citizens in Democracy

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One of the main arguments presented by Crick in In Defence of Politics is that politics is a realistic good necessary for well-organized governance. From my experiences in the field, I understand that democracy allows for differing interests and views to be heard in a diplomatic manner. While democracy elicits diverging ideas and opinions for people, citizens in a democratic state still understand their interests are often served through democratic values and equal representation in government affairs. Political representatives must be accountable to the masses for their actions and decisions in order for the rule of law to be obligatory. Democracy does not discriminate against ideology or party affiliation. During my internship, constituents with varying party affiliations voiced their concerns and opinions in regards to legislation either presented by the Assemblyman or presented in the State Assembly. Unlike many other forms of government rule, democracy does not discriminate against political affiliation or ideology. My personal experiences with constituents on the phone, both for and against various bills in the State Assembly, underline how highly involved and engaged the demos are in local political affairs. Constituents, as a collective, have the power and will to affect the passage or denial of a bill in the Senate or Assembly simply by voicing their opinion as a group. Personalized e-mails and letters to the Assemblyman on issues ranging from animal rights to after-school programs are examples of the democratic process working in conjunction with majority consent. Democracy permits citizens to voice their opinions and offer concern or support for legislation. In addition, constituents will voice their concerns or co...

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...e office to express their views on issues took an active role in their rights as citizens in a representative democracy. Politicians are concerned with the good of the state, and a consensus on proper laws and legislation are carried out in the State Assembly. Democracy permits people to choose representatives that will best serve their interests in public affairs. Every citizen has an equal share of representation in government. The constituents I met and talked with during my internship experience have freedoms that are purely democratic, including the freedom to vote, the freedom to elect individuals that will serve their needs, the freedom to own property, and the freedom to express their views to the representatives who are responsible to their county or district.

Works Cited

Crick, Bernard. In Defence of Politics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1992.

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