Thought experiment: Trying to build true democracy

[nasher168]

Don't take this thread too seriously (please!).

It's the early hours of the morning and I'm bored. So whilst eating a bowl of cereal, I try to come up with a system of government that comes as close as reasonably possible to true democracy whilst still being functional.

Here is what I came up with. The question is, am I talking complete rubbish? Are there glaringly-obvious flaws? Is there something missing that leaves it open to exploitation?

 

[PAB]

true democracy?

what about, democratic control in the workplace. ? i.e workers control. i.e socialism

 

[Dean]

true democracy?

what about, democratic control in the workplace. ? i.e workers control. i.e socialism

That would be direct-democracy!

 

[)O( Hytegia )O(]

The flaw here is that "Random Candidacy" for President will not result in the best-qualified member of the population for the position.
If it chose Hobo Bill, Criminal John, Hooker Suzie, and Bankrupt Jamie for President, and I had to choose, I would light my ballot on fire.

 

[nasher168]

The flaw here is that "Random Candidacy" for President will not result in the best-qualified member of the population for the position.
If it chose Hobo Bill, Criminal John, Hooker Suzie, and Bankrupt Jamie for President, and I had to choose, I would light my ballot on fire.

*cough* George Bush *cough*

But yes, such a scenario is a possibility. An unlikely one, though, I would say, given the sample size. There's bound to be at least one person who actually knows roughly what seems like a good idea. Perhaps raising the number of people chosen to something like 100 would help ensure it further.

 

[Sparky]

The name of this thread reminded me of a bit of one of the episodes of a British comedy from the '80s called "Yes, Minister."