A Monograph

Democracy and Symbols

Paul Isaacs

November 2013

Introduction

 Symbols are a powerful influence on perception. Therefore, the symbols associated with democratic structures can have a powerful influence on democracy itself.

Symbolic Names

  Using the term the “government” as a term to describe the executive/cabinet portion of the legislature symbolically elevates the executive/cabinet to a position perceived to be superior to the legislative body itself. The term is given an apparent legitimacy solely by a political party leader's ability to control the votes of the party members who are not in the cabinet. These members are euphemistically referred to as members of the “government” but in reality they are nothing more than guaranteed votes for the executive/cabinet.

 Using the term “opposition” as a term to describe those members of the legislature who are not members of the “governing” party symbolically reduces the “opposition” members to a perceived position of inferiority. The consequence is the partial disenfranchising their constituents.

 In combination the terms “government” and “opposition” divide the legislature into two mutually antagonistic groups.

Physical Arrangement

 The physical arrangement of the House of Commons, with a centre aisle and the “government” and “opposition” on opposite sides, generates a powerful visual impression of a legislature that is confrontational in nature.

Democracy

 The central principle of democracy is that accommodation and comprise are used to ensure that all voices are heard, heeded and respected in the process of making society's decisions. Fundamentally, democracy can not be confrontational.

Conclusion

  The party system has completely overtaken democracy and the symbols presented to the public have evolved to represent the confrontational nature of political parties and not democracy. The terms used to describe the members of the legislature and the physical arrangement of the legislature are an affront to and dangerous diminution of democracy itself.