“To be ruled by another, paradoxical as it may appear, requires no faith, only forbearance.
To be a subject required only being an object; the rulers substitute force for faith, and the ruled
acquiescence for initiative. To rule oneself, however, is not only to affirm but also to subdue
one’s self, because reciprocity as well as autonomy is required for self-government”.
Aaron Wildavsky
Have you ever felt inspired by democracy’s ideals yet disillusioned by its reality? For many of us, the democratic system has been both a source of hope and frustration. The promise of freedom, equality, and justice, enshrined in America’s founding principles, has served as a beacon, even in times of governmental missteps and corruption. But democracy, as history shows us, is not an end in itself—it requires active participation and resilient institutions to maintain stability and peace.
Our world today is marked by the divide between democratic ideals and the reality of governance. The fundamental promise of “We the People” too often falls short, with decision-making power concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving ordinary citizens disempowered. Analysts like David Brooks and Fareed Zakaria have highlighted how technology and modern communication can deepen these divides, spreading misinformation and eroding trust in democratic institutions. With social media turning politics into a marketplace of polarized choices, true representation has become harder to achieve.
America, born from the desire for freedom and a break from colonial oppression, sought to build a government by and for the people. But the reality of our current system often lacks authentic representation. Political thinkers, from Noam Chomsky to Thomas Friedman, argue that meaningful change cannot come from centralized authority alone; it must be driven by the collective action of individuals. The hope that democracy offers us is not in a perfected structure but in its potential to evolve.
In this spirit, iGovernment envisions a new model for the 21st century. This system, inspired by the ancient Athenian Assembly and reimagined for modern society, offers a participatory approach where every citizen, rather than just elected representatives, has a role in shaping the laws and policies that govern them. Instead of a system beholden to special interests and career politicians, iGovernment centers on true civic duty and empowerment.
Imagine a society where all citizens serve for one year in a House of Assembly, crafting laws based on shared values and real-world perspectives. This approach removes the influence of lobbyists and partisan agendas, fostering an environment where the good of the community drives decision-making. In such a system, political stability emerges from the active involvement and responsibility of each citizen, reinforcing democracy’s core promise of equality, justice, and liberty for all.
This vision, as outlined in iGovernment, is not limited to the United States. It is a universal manifesto, adaptable to any culture or political structure. It speaks to those who believe in democracy’s transformative power and are ready to reimagine a future where government is a true expression of the people’s will. As Francis Fukuyama and other scholars suggest, meaningful governance reform must prioritize citizen engagement and trust in public institutions.
In a world where democracy is at a crossroads, iGovernment offers a way forward. By embracing a new form of genuine representation, we can revitalize the democratic ideals that have inspired generations. This is a call to those who value freedom and participation, to imagine a system where every voice counts—a true democracy built by and for the people.
Kenneth Ravon (AKA Kourosh Ravanbakhsh)
May, 2024