CRITICISM OF POWER RELATIONS IN DEMOCRACY BY JASON BRENNAN

Abstract

The article analyses the scientific work of the contemporary American researcher J. Brennan on the institution of elections and its importance in democracy.
The article considers five arguments in favour of democracy as a government of the people, which include: 1) the argument of consent, which is given by citizens to the government in the state based on the results of elections; 2) the argument of interests, which the government should take into account based on the results of elections; 3) the argument of autonomy, which is experienced by citizens when they become authors of laws based on the results of elections; 4) the argument of non-domination, which protects citizens from domination based on the results of elections; 5) the argument of moral development, which develops a sense of justice and good life based on the results of elections.
Examples that refute these arguments are revealed and presented as counter-arguments. All of them relate to the power of an individual, an individual citizen as a person, and not citizens as a whole. Among these counterarguments, the following five are distinguished. First, the counterargument of state control as opposed to consent. For example, when a citizen does not vote, but is still forced to obey government policy, pay taxes, etc. Secondly, the counterargument of the interest of the situational majority as opposed to the interest of an individual citizen, since voting or not voting by an individual does not affect the consideration or disregard of his or her interests. Thirdly, the argument of adaptation to the majority position as opposed to autonomy, since an individual cannot force the government to meet his or her interests. Fourth, the counterargument of restraint from participation as opposed to non-domination. For example, when citizens themselves are restrained, or when they are restrained by procedural checks, courts, etc. Fifth, the counterargument of moral development without involvement in the electoral process, because those who live in authoritarian and totalitarian regimes can develop moral capacities.
It is concluded that J. Brennan's statements about the powerlessness of an individual citizen in a democracy, despite his participation in the electoral process, are proved.