2021 DemocracyPlus: The Approach to Rebalancing the Political Party System

An unbalanced two-party system is problematic | RebalancePartySystem DemocracyPlus

Core values topics - #RebalancePartySystem and #DemocracyPlus

In technology consulting, ‘legacy’ means an older system. Legacy systems, after many years, have defects.

America’s political system is one of the oldest legacy systems on the planet. Its primary defect is an inability to manage changes between political ideologies and voter core values. The result is an unbalanced two-party system with extremely disruptive behavior.

What recourse do voters have when political behavior goes extreme in either direction? How do we accelerate voter realignment to the correct political balance? What political planks are under the hood of the two-party system?

A political party plank outlines principles, goals, and positions on domestic and foreign topics.

Voters can support one of many ideologies within today’s political system. Options appear to include Democratic Party (liberal/progressive/social democrat) or Conservative Party (religious conservative/populist/national socialist/libertarian).

In key parts of American History, the political system was resolved by assassination. But that was yesteryear, today we need a process that continuously #RebalancePartySystem.

President Roosevelt offered the best solution with the New Deal Coalition. He built a supporter base for his programs and ideas, many were later adopted by local, state, and national candidates from both political parties—for 30 years. For example, President Eisenhower was a Republican who ran as a Roosevelt-style New Deal candidate.

The History: Anti-Federalists vs. Federalists

America was born divided and will always remain divided. But, it’s not a 50/50 split, redistricting the voter map goes a long way in creating the illusion of an equal split. Denying voting rights to all eligible voters also illegally impacts the voter base. 

In the beginning, the political division began to form during the struggle over the ratification of the American Constitution of 1787. The Federalists, led by Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, wanted a strong central government, while the Anti-Federalists, led by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, advocated states’ rights instead of centralized power. Eighty years later, the division was over the wealth and power created by slavery 

What would President Washington say?

President Washington didn't trust political parties. Not because political parties weren't necessary, but as a soldier, he knew the hearts of men. He understood greed, the need for power, and the uneducated voter base. 

However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterward the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. — George Washington, 1796

George Washington, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was acutely aware of the inherent issues that political parties could bring to a democratic society. He recognized the susceptibility of people to manipulation and saw how the emergence of the Democratic-Republican party in opposition to the Federalists could threaten the principle of popular sovereignty. This understanding led Washington to be wary of a two-party system, as he feared it could undermine the nation's foundational commitment to the sovereignty of the people.

DemocracyPlus

Rather than pursuing the creation of a third political party, we should consider the option of modernizing the New Deal Coalition model. This approach involves updating and redefining core values to resonate with today's digital age. By giving the New Deal Coalition a digital facelift and building a platform around these updated values, we can engage and empower citizens who support these principles.

The historical success of the New Deal Coalition is a promising precedent. Its ability to unite diverse groups around common economic policies and social values is a model that could be adapted to modern times. This approach emphasizes platform-based politics, where party planks are rooted in clear and identifiable core values, fostering transparency and enabling voters to make more informed choices.

The integration of digital innovation in this effort is vital. Technology can revolutionize political engagement, making it more accessible and inclusive. Leveraging digital tools for outreach, organization, and communication can help bring about a more engaged and informed citizenry.

The United States has long served as a laboratory for democratic experimentation, with its political innovations often influencing the global stage. By modernizing political coalitions and promoting a more inclusive, values-based approach, America can continue to set an example for the rest of the world.

Acknowledging the challenges of the existing two-party system, modernizing the New Deal Coalition model offers an alternative path. It seeks to address polarization and better represent the diverse range of views within the population.

This vision of 'DemocracyPlus' represents an aspiration for a more advanced and responsive democracy. It draws from the lessons of the past while adapting to the complex challenges of the 21st century.

However, it's important to recognize that modernizing political coalitions is a complex task. Success depends on widespread support, the ability to bridge divisions among interest groups, and navigating opposition from established political entities. Achieving this vision will require a grassroots movement, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the principles and values that define this modernized coalition.