Is this what ideal democracy is?

In California, there is a ballot initiative that allows for petition for a public vote on the policies proposed. While this may sound like direct democracy and democracy at it’s finest, the reality of it is the manipulation of public opinion in order to create unnecessary dissension that may affect the efficiency of the democratic system in play.

With this policy in effect, the criminal justice cost has risen, the term limits of policy makers have been reduced to the extent that the elected officials now lack experience, and the policies enacted can only be overturned through public vote. These are all elements that affect the political and judicial system.

The other major problem is that getting on the ballot and being able to set the agenda costs millions of dollars. This process is favorable to those who have enough money to pay for advertising fees and promotional campaigns. This causes a favor of the elite who can manipulate public opinion to their favor and enact policies that benefit their businesses.

This makes me question, is this really what direct democracy is? How can it be done without prioritizing a certain group’s political agenda? Is the manipulation and domination of the wealthy inevitable?

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