On July 4, 1776, America declared to the world it was a new and independent nation, no longer ruled by an English monarch but a government that existed for the benefit of its people. At the heart of this new democracy was the belief that the powers of government were given by the consent of the majority and that the actions of government should represent the will of the majority. According to Thomas Jefferson, "The fundamental principle of [a common government of associated States] is that the will of the majority is to prevail."
But the will of the majority of Americans does not prevail. At least not yet. Right now the groups that make up the majority of Americans who can vote, do not make up the majority of citizens who do vote, meaning the voices and views of the majority are not fully represented by government at any level. That could change this November.
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