The United States and Democracy

The classification of a Political entity usually confuses two topics, each of which, in turn, entails a further division into two areas. The two topics are: the means of choosing leaders, and, the processes of governance. That they need to be distinguished is evident from an example of an absolute dictator being elected, for one term, every ten years. Is this a Democracy or a Dictatorship? Obviously, it can be both. Now, in the processes of governance, pure Democracy, e. g. a referendum on every issue, is highly unfeasible. But it is not impossible, since technology may one day facilitate instantaneous voting, and the wisest leadership intuitively grasps the interests of the citizenry. Plainly, neither of these is the current case in the United States, and given the well-documented influence of wealth on governmental activity, it is difficult to classify the U. S. processes of governance as a 'Democracy'. On the other hand, the Constitutional Principle of 'one person, one vote' does qualify as 'Democratic'. However, the classification of the United States' means of choosing leaders needs to further distinguish between de jure and de facto--what that process is in theory, and what it is in practice. Given the low voter turnouts in even the most dramatic elections, often hoped for by many politicians, and the undue influence of wealth on the process, exacerbated by the continued refusal of corporate interests to accommodate free time and space for political advertising, it is difficult to classify the United States as a de facto Democracy with respect to choosing leaders, as well.