Government that’s responsive, effective, and accountable to the people is the way to prevent the tyrannical abuse of power (both political power and corporate power). It’s the quality of the government, not its size, that’s most important.

The role of the government is to keep the peace. Peace in a democracy requires not only the defense of laws, but also the sharing of power and the distribution of resources in an equitable manner. This allows for the social trust and collaboration that make economic prosperity (and individual achievement) possible.

Democracy is an unfinished project in America, yet it’s the best way to work towards liberty, justice, security, and prosperity for all.

Maintaining relentless hope paired with organized action is our only viable way forward.

In our polarized landscape, it’s easy to think that we only have one of two choices: capitalism OR socialism, free enterprise OR government involvement, individual responsibility OR community support, supporting one’s own country OR supporting the international community.

These and many other issues that seem like binary choices are actually two sides of a spectrum, and the two sides are mutually dependent. Each extreme on the spectrum (or pole in the polarity) has downsides, which moving towards the other end of the spectrum would resolve.

Successful efforts manage polarities - they ensure we’re on the right part of the spectrum given the current needs of our situation. If you only believe in binaries, then “pro-market” OR “pro-government” seems like an irresolvable tension. In reality, it’s possible to have harmony through the market AND government working in ways that complement each other. Furthermore, it’s actually necessary to have that harmony for either to function properly.

Democratic politics is a tool to manage these polarities and is supported by the harmony that well-managed polarities generate.

Democracy has 3 pillars: Robust democratic political institutions, democratic ideals to unite society and direct policy, and a democratic culture shared in how we interact. At its best, democracy is much more than the right to vote.

Democracy is itself an ideal, which means it’s not something we will completely achieve. The value of an ideal, like a north star, is that it points us in the right direction. It’s a way to guide our discussions and decision-making.

In an ideal democracy, we share power and come to decisions through mutual understanding. This requires an openness to honest communication, and the knowledge of one’s own values, beliefs, and desires. It also requires confronting and correcting exclusionary systems.

The model for democratic institutions I most prefer is power-sharing liberalism, as developed by Danielle Allen (for more: an article, a podcast, a book, a website).

When you break it down, I think the path is fairly straightforward - difficult, challenging, but not overly complicated and certainly not impossible. These are the steps I’m seeing. Over time, these steps overlap and build a virtuous cycle. Each step helps to reinforce the others.

Step 1: People have to want democracy, Cultural change and education.

• Since democracy is based on the will of the people, the people have to believe that democracy is in their best interest.

• This requires creating a democratic culture, which includes mass media that values seeking truth, conversations that are empathetic not antagonizing, inclusive communities that live into pro-social values, and education so folks can think and reason accurately for themselves - rather than being persuaded by demagogues who claim to represent their interests.

Step 2: Voting out the self-seeking chaos agents, Voting in public servants.

• Leadership makes a difference. If the public can learn to judge candidates by their pro-democracy record and their pro-social values, they can elect leaders who pursue our collective wellbeing, not just their own personal power.

• Even for community-based organizations, we must be careful to support leaders who are committed to the mission and accountable to the communities they serve.

Step 3: Redesigning Institutions, Creating new organizations of power

• Politics can happen most effectively when we have people with pro-democracy values running the government and community organizations - people who want compromise and collaboration, not war or domination.

• For institutions that are completely captured and corrupt, grassroots organizing within communities can create new ways of sharing power and resources that circumvent decrepit institutions and put pressure on the status quo.

• Democratic leaders consult with both their constituency and with policy experts on ways to improve policies and institutions for the benefit of all. There are many existing proposals that could be tried. We have the ability, we have the expertise, we need the political will.

Step 4: Rebuilding social trust.

• Trust is earned over time when we see institutions working for our benefit, and when there’s transparency about the changes that are happening. This leads back to the need for step 1, accurate education and media, and the virtuous cycle continues.

Democracy is complex, nuanced, and ever-evolving. Rights have to be constantly fought for and defended. For more ideas, policy proposals, and courses of action, see my book recommendations.