On this blog, I discuss important national issues, often concerning fiscal and economic matters.  Recently, I argued that the U.S. is a very strong country, noting our constitutional republican form of government, favorable geographic circumstances, and free enterprise economic system, among other valuable characteristics.

Today, I elaborate on the importance of our strong democratic tradition.  Consider:

• Free and fair elections. This is the essence of democracy.  The people have the final say at the ballot box, and Americans can be confident that their votes are processed and counted accurately.  In the national elections of November 2020, there were some COVID-related irregularities, especially the delayed counting of mail-in votes, but these problems have now been largely resolved at the state and county level, where elections are regulated and conducted.
  Furthermore, our system of decentralized election procedures is the best guarantee of election integrity.  The possibility and effect of tampering with elections by outside malevolent parties is greatly minimized this way.

  

• Dissatisfaction with incumbents. There is especially much complaining today that President Trump is too authoritarian.  He does, for sure, often push to expand the limits of presidential authority.  But he is frequently restrained by the courts, and he does abide by judicial rulings, even if he appeals decisions he doesn’t like.   At any rate, his opponents can show their displeasure at the ballot box every two years.
• The main source of our national strength is our long-standing institutions (constitution, favorable geography, free enterprise economic system, etc.) rather than the quality of our national leadership, which can change greatly from one election to the next. We have had good presidents and poor presidents over the years.  But the fundamental strength of our country continues unabated by the personal failings of particular leaders.

Conclusion.  Democratic procedures are not a guarantee of national strength and success, but they are needed for a country to thrive in the long run.  Our free and fair election system is one of the great strengths of our country.

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