Democracy can be both a mechanic-- “we have elections”, and a philosophy-- “the state responds to and serves public interest.”
Ironically, fixation on the mechanic can hinder the philosophy. Winning elections can come through short-term plays that sell long-term outcomes out (for example, low taxes by scrimping on infrastructure and state services) or dueling sabotage to sink the other party’s prospects.
Democracy can be both a mechanic-- “we have elections”, and a philosophy-- “the state responds to and serves public interest.”
Ironically, fixation on the mechanic can hinder the philosophy. Winning elections can come through short-term plays that sell long-term outcomes out (for example, low taxes by scrimping on infrastructure and state services) or dueling sabotage to sink the other party’s prospects.