The Worst Form of Government

"Democracy is the worst form of government, save all others that have been tried." --Winston Churchill

The problem with democracy is that everyone has a say, even those people whom you think are wrong. When you are convinced that you know what's best for a city, state, or country, it can be frustrating when people don't see things your way. The history of our government has been a battle between those who desire more democracy and those who, quite frankly, don't trust the will of the people. Throughout the ages, there have been groups who pushed for a more "business" approach to governing, one that is efficient and responsive to new problems. Unfortunately, when you must take into account a multitude of competing interests and opposing opinions, acting quickly and responsively is near impossible. In truth, democracy simply is not efficient.

Currently, there is a debate about Tulsa's form of government. Prior to 1989, Tulsa had a commission form of government which dated back to 1908. That form of government was first established in Galveston, Texas following a devastating hurricane. At the time, many leaders feared that emerging from that devastation could not be accomplished if left to a democratically elected government. Thus, the city created several "commissions" modeled after businesses—much like departments with department heads who oversaw various functions. Initially, the plan called for all of the commissioners to be appointed, but was later modified to popularly elect 2 of the 5 commissioners in order to appease citizens. Later still, it was changed to make all commissioners elected, once court challenges questioned the legitimacy of allowing appointments.

Many have credited the "Galveston Plan" as an outgrowth of the progressive movement. It is true that many of the ideas of the progressive movement are consistent with the Commission Government. Many progressives believed in the ability of government, run correctly, to solve any problem. They embraced scientific and other progressive approaches as the solution to life's problems. Thus, a streamlined, efficient government was critical to "progress." Progressive leaders, like Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt, supported the commission form of government.

But not all progressives accepted it. Also key to progressives was giving all people a voice in government, eliminating party bosses, and creating more directly elected positions. Many saw this new form of government as simply a way to dilute the voice of the working class. In fact, in Galveston, this was pretty close to the truth. Even prior to the hurricane, there was a push to increase the dominance of business interests in Galveston's government. A group of local business men created an organization, called "Good Government Club," to ensure that the business interests of the city were protected. Key to their movement was the adoption of 3 at large councilors, whom they felt would help push through the business interests of the city. Yet, the group found this was not sufficient, and saw the hurricane as an opportunity to further streamline government. Many of the same people involved in the "Good Government Club" helped to create the Commission Government.

Backed by Chambers of Commerce, the commission form of government was hugely popular in the early 1900s. Between 1900 and 1920, as many as 500 cities adopted it. Yet, it soon fell out of favor for many reasons. Perhaps the biggest reason, though, was the belief that the commission government did not adequately represent all voices. Thus, in the 1980s, groups across the nation began legal challenges to that form of government. In some cities, like Springfield, Illinois, these challenges were successful, which is why when the NAACP brought suit in Tulsa, citizens smartly changed the form of government.

As I said in an earlier post, totalitarian governments govern by power and fear—legitimacy is not critical. As many have said, Hitler made the trains run on time. But Democracy derives its just power from the consent of the governed. No matter how efficient, a government that is not perceived as representing its entire citizens, one that lacks validity in the minds of too many people, cannot succeed. The ultimate goal of any good government then is to maximize its efficiency in way that does not compromise its democracy.