Strange case of US democracy

Going by some decisions taken by US Presidents that have had very negative consequences for the USA itself and other countries, a dilemma does arise about democracy and what it means and how it is exercised in the USA.

- Raj Gonsalkorale

The latest being the decision taken by one person, President Donald Trump, that appears quite at odds with the Lincoln model of governance in a democracy, viz, “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people”.

A question does arise whether this decision, which appears to have had serious negative consequences for the people in the USA, had the support and approval of the people in the USA. If not, whether democracy has been derailed?

HISTORICALLY, US Presidential elections have had low voter turn outs, generally around 60%. On the average, Presidents winning elections have received around 48-50% of that vote, effectively, around 30-35% of the registered number of votes. In effect, the Presidents have been minority leaders. This is not uncommon as similar outcomes do occur in other democracies, and it is a dilemma that needs to be considered and addressed. What stands out in the US and in its “democratic” constitution, is the extraordinary power given to one individual via its executive order system, to make decisions that impact on its own citizens and the citizens of the rest of the world, without any consultation within with those who have elected the President, or without, with the rest of the world.