In order to assess the quality of democracy in the United States, a set of criteria must first be utilized. I chose a long and specific definition of democracy developed by theorists, because I believe that a thorough analysis cannot be done with a broad, vague definition. For example, Abraham Lincoln's quote "of the people, by the people, for the people" expresses the general concept of democracy, but comes nowhere near setting down guidelines for what constitutes democracy and what doesn't. Instead, it leaves itself open to interpretation.
The precise description of democracy that I used incorporates nine basic requirements that must be met. These include the idea that control over government decisions about policy are constitutionally vested in elected representatives. It also states that elected representatives must be chosen in frequent and fair elections, and that they must exercise constitutional powers without over-riding opposition from un-elected officials.......
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