Representation and representative government is a powerful idea that changed the direction of society from hierarchical controlling societies to society where every individual has a voice and every individuals concerns are heard and acted upon

 

Both Greek philosopher Plato and American founder James Madison focused on the danger that democratic majorities have on crushing individuals and minority groups: the majority uses selection of government and authority and then the majority uses the elected government to crush and enslave individuals.

​

Greek philosopher Socrates advocated for the individual, rather than a Democracy because in a Democracy the majority crushes the minority... Greek society executed Socrates for this position (corrupting the youth) and Socrates was killed with hemlock poison - proving Socrates point about the dangers of majorities unjustly crushing the minority. 

​

Actual Representative government started in Normandy when Rollo and Vikings provided Representation while building a new government in northern France. This Representative basis for government spread to England and to the United States.

​

In the United States 'no taxation without representation' was the basis for removing the ruling British with a promise to ensure Representation for American Citizens in the Apportionment Amendment.

 

But the Apportionment Amendment was never ratified and the Apportionment Amendment was never made into law and the promise of representation for individuals faded into democratic majorities enslaving and feuding and dominating:

Congressional Apportionment Amendment - Wikipedia
 

So how do American Political Parties find themselves in the same situation as the old English King?

​

Identifying the problem is the beginning of finding a solution...

​

The Controversial Philosopher:

Socrates, known for his method of questioning and critical examination of societal norms, found himself at odds with the prevailing authorities of ancient Greece. The notion of representation challenged the established order, leading to Socrates' tragic end – sentenced to death by a society uncomfortable with the radical ideas he presented.

​

Plato's Exploration:

In the Products and Humor page, two significant works take center stage – The Federalist Papers and Plato's "The Republic." Both delve into the profound analysis of representation in government, shedding light on its complexities and implications. Plato, a student of Socrates, further expanded upon these ideas in his renowned work, questioning the nature of governance and the role of representation in creating an ideal society.

  

Representation in Government: A Catchy Perspective:

Imagine representation as the heartbeat of a thriving democracy, pulsating with the diversity of voices, ideas, and perspectives. Just as Socrates dared to question the norms of his time, representation invites a dynamic dance of ideologies, ensuring that no single viewpoint monopolizes the stage.

​

Explore our products:

In Products and Humor page we have both The Federalist Papers and Plato's book The Republic, both worthwhile reads that analyze Representation in government.

 

The Federalist Papers:

This collection of essays, authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, passionately defends the concept of representation. Delve into the eloquent arguments presented in The Federalist Papers, where the founding fathers of the United States advocate for a system that ensures the voice of the people echoes through the corridors of power.

​

Plato's Republic:

Contrastingly, Plato's "The Republic" takes readers on a philosophical journey, exploring the concept of the philosopher-king and the role of representation in creating an ordered society. Unravel the layers of Plato's thoughts, as he grapples with the tension between democracy and the quest for an enlightened, just governance