The State of Democracy in the United States

Contents

Preamble

I. What is democracy?

II. The alienation and three malaises of democracy in the US

1. The system fraught with deep-seated problems

(1) American-style democracy has become "a game of money politics"

(2) "One person one vote" in name, "rule of the minority elite" in reality

(3) The checks and balances have resulted in a "vetocracy"

(4) The flawed electoral rules impair fairness and justice

(5) Dysfunctional democracy triggers trust crisis

2. Messy and chaotic practices of democracy

(1) The Capitol riot that shocks the world

(2) Entrenched racism

(3) Tragic mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic

(4) Widening wealth gap

(5) "Freedom of speech" in name only

3. Disastrous consequences of US export of its brand of democracy

(1) The "color revolutions" undermine regional and national stability

(2) The US imposition of its brand of democracy causes humanitarian tragedies

(3) The abuse of sanctions breaches international rules

(4) The "beacon of democracy" draws global criticism

Conclusion

Preamble

Democracy is a common value shared by all humanity. It is a right for all nations, not a prerogative reserved to a few. Democracy takes different forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all model. It would be totally undemocratic to measure the diverse political systems in the world with a single yardstick or examine different political civilizations from a single perspective. The political system of a country should be independently decided by its own people.

The United States' system of democracy is derived from its own practices. This system is unique, not universally applicable, and it is far from perfect. However, over the years, the US, despite the structural flaws and problematic practice of its democratic system, has claimed itself as the "model of democracy". It has incessantly interfered in other countries' internal affairs and waged wars under the guise of "democracy", creating regional turbulence and humanitarian disasters.

Based on facts and expert opinions, this report aims to expose the deficiencies and abuse of democracy in the US as well as the harm of its exporting such democracy. It is hoped that the US will improve its own system and practices of democracy and change its way of interacting with other countries. This is in the interest of not only the American people, but also the people of other countries. If no country seeks to dictate standards for democracy, impose its own political system on others or use democracy as a tool to suppress others, and when all countries can live and thrive in diversity, our world will be a better place.

I. What is democracy?

Democracy is a term that derives from the ancient Greek language. It means "rule by the people" or "sovereignty of the people". As a form of government, democracy has been practiced for over 2,500 years, though in different forms, such as direct democracy of the ancient Athenian citizens and representative government in modern times. Democracy is a manifestation of the political advancement of humanity.

Democracy is not an adornment or publicity stunt; rather, it is meant to be used to solve problems faced by the people. To judge whether a country is democratic, it is important to see whether its people run their own country. In addition to voting rights, it is important to see whether people have the rights to extensive participation. It is important to see what promises are made in an election campaign and, more importantly, how many of those promises are honored afterwards. It is important to see what political procedures and rules are instituted by a country's systems and laws and, more importantly, whether these systems and laws are truly executed. It is important to see whether the rules and procedures governing the exercise of power are democratic and, more importantly, whether power is truly put under the oversight and checks of the people.

A functional democracy must have a full set of institutional procedures; more importantly, it should have full participation of the people. It must ensure democracy in terms of both process and outcomes. It must encompass both procedural and substantive democracy, both direct and indirect democracy. It must ensure both people's democracy and the will of the State. If the people of a country are only called upon to vote and then are forgotten once they have cast their votes; if the people only hear high-sounding promises during an election campaign but have no say whatsoever afterwards; or if they are wooed when their votes are wanted but are ignored once the election is over, then such a democracy is not a true democracy.

Whether a country is democratic should be judged and determined by its own people, not by a minority of self-righteous outsiders.

There is no perfect system of democracy in the world, nor is there a political system that fits all countries. Democracy is established and developed based on a country's own history and adapted to its national context, and each country's democracy has its unique value. Members of the international community should engage in exchanges and dialogues on democracy on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and work together to contribute to the progress of humanity.