In examining contemporary governance in the United States, John Kachelman, Jr. invokes a historical perspective derived from European absolutism, particularly the concept of “monarchical absolutism.” This political doctrine, which posits that monarchs derive their authority from divine right and are thus above accountability, has troubling parallels in today’s political climate. The elite, who embody this ideology, operate in spheres insulated from the common populace, enjoying privileges and immunities that lead to gross inequalities in governance. Kachelman references philosopher John Locke, who vehemently criticized such biased political structures in his First Treatise of Civil Government, positioning his work as a foundational counterargument to the tyranny of absolute rule.
The phrase “We the People,” prominently displayed in the preamble of the United States Constitution, emerges as a profound counter-narrative to monarchical absolutism. It encapsulates the essence of American democracy—it declares that authority resides not in the government but in the citizenship. This three-word motto is much more than a decorative phrase; it symbolizes a radical departure from governance by elite rule towards a system centered on the will and agency of the people. By establishing that government must serve its citizens, the Constitution enshrines the principle that elected representatives are merely servants tasked with fulfilling the electorate’s needs, not rulers imposing their will.
Kachelman highlights the significance of this democratic ethos as he recalls Abraham Lincoln’s famous assertion that the nation should be governed “of the people, by the people, for the people.” This statement reinforced the idea that governmental authority and legitimacy stem from the consent and engagement of the citizenry. The implications are clear: when elected representatives distance themselves from the electorate’s views or dismiss the electorate’s capacity for informed decision-making, they undermine the very ideals upon which the nation was founded. This breakdown of transparency and accountability leads to a dangerous scenario where politicians fail to represent the interests of those who elected them, turning representative democracy into a facade.
The author expresses profound concern about recent covert political maneuvers, particularly within the Republican Senate, that exhibit disconcerting similarities to monarchical absolutism. He decries the practice of conducting votes in secrecy, which he argues is an affront to the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. By engaging in closed-door decision-making processes, politicians not only evade the scrutiny of the electorate but also reinforce an elitist mentality that separates them from the very citizens they are meant to serve. This lack of transparency is a direct challenge to the democratic foundation established by the Constitution, which mandates that elected officials be held accountable to the public.
Kachelman urges citizens to be vigilant and engaged, imploring them to hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions and decisions. He emphasizes the urgent need for transparency in Congress, arguing that without it, the core tenets of the Constitution are imperiled. His advocacy for active citizen engagement underscores the critical role that the public plays in combating the drift towards elitism and secrecy in governance. By staying informed and actively participating in the political process, citizens can encourage their representatives to adhere to the principles of democracy that prioritize the voices of “We the People.”
In concluding his piece, Kachelman stresses the importance of addressing the imbalance of power that arises when representatives prioritize their interests over those of their constituents. He calls for a renewed commitment to the values of transparency, accountability, and public engagement in the political sphere. By leveraging modern communication platforms and maintaining pressure on elected officials to act in alignment with the electorate’s interests, citizens can help reclaim the narrative of democracy that is threatened by the remnants of absolutism. Ultimately, Kachelman’s message is clear: the preservation of democratic governance rests in the hands of the people, who must remain vigilant against the alluring but dangerous allure of political elitism.