Why Are Elections Fundamental to Democratic Politics, Essay Example

Elections in America are established on a schedule.  The President can serve a maximum term of office of 8 years ( 2 X 4 years).  The US Senate every 6 years and the House of Representatives every 2 years. This staggered terms of office promotes a refresh of elected officials and is aimed at minimizing corruption or stagnation within the administration. Democratic  elections are both inclusive and permit freedom of speech. The openness and accountability of democratic elections means all have a right to vote regardless of race, creed or religion. No minority groups are excluded from the framework of democratic elections.

The electoral system within America supports the concept of a `loyal opposition where democratic values are shared with the administering party. Although they may not agree with respective policies all have a shared respect for the basic values. The public must equally encourage a framework that supports openness, civil debate and the ability to both examine and question policies.

What makes American elections unique in the world is that they are held in absolute freedom. The right of all individuals are respected in the entitlement to vote.  There is a trend however, throughout the democratic world, that the electorate are becoming less concerned in the traditional concept of respecting freedom and more skewed towards what the government can offer to enhance personal quality of individual life.  Recessions tend to galvanise such views.