Democracy isn't for everybody

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.democracy31mar31,0,7232354,print.story

Tim Hackler

Jefferson believed self-government is the natural desire of mankind; Hamilton took a darker view - and it looks like he was right

Jefferson asserted that ordinary people with sufficient education and virtue can govern themselves wisely, that liberty is the natural desire of all mankind, and that the world's monarchs and dictators would ultimately be overthrown. Hamilton, on the other hand, claimed Jefferson's view was folly, based on wishful thinking, because human nature itself precludes the kind of wisdom necessary for self-government.

In short, Jefferson speaks to our hopes; Hamilton speaks to our fears.

Back in 1992, I concluded that America, and the world, reflected features of both men's views; their great philosophical fight lay unresolved.

Today, Hamilton clearly has the upper hand.

Before the Constitutional Convention met in 1787, Hamilton observed the activities of a few state legislatures and concluded: "The inquiry constantly is what will please, not what will benefit the people." But he went a step further: It's the people themselves, not the legislators, who are to blame. The people, he said, "murmur at taxes, clamor at their rulers," but then elect demagogues who appeal to our worst instincts.

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History suggests that culture, not genetics, determines fitness for democracy. And history suggests we can pinpoint what kind of culture is required: a culture of the Enlightenment.

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Indeed, if Jefferson returned today, he would be shocked by the re-emergence of self-styled Christians hacking away at the wall between church and state. Hamilton and Jefferson were both deeply affected by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, but Hamilton believed reason would always be under attack by demagogues who know hate and fear are stronger motivators than reason and rationality.

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Maybe Hamilton was on to something. Is democracy a natural state of mankind? Is the survival of democracy assured even in the United States? It is a sign of our times that we cannot be sure the answer to these questions is "yes."

that's the key.

"Jefferson asserted that ordinary people with sufficient education and virtue can govern themselves wisely"

Education is the key. When our Revolution broke out, literacy here was upwards of 90% among free people - even women.