One of the great strengths of American democracy, we believe, is that it was not meant to be easy. From the very beginning, our founders understood that governing a free people truly, fairly, and justly would require debate, compromise, and patience. They understood that democracy would always be a journey, not a destination.
And yet, throughout our shared national history, there have always been voices calling for a “simpler” government. Some argue that we should just do away with the checks and balances that slow things down and that we should concentrate power in the hands of a few people who can get things done. If we could just eliminate all this dadgummed complexity, our problems would be solved.
In response, we offer this from Daniel Webster, the legendary lawyer and statesman who served as secretary of state under William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore.
Webster said:
“Nothing is more deceptive or more dangerous than the pretense of a desire to simplify government. The simplest governments are despotisms; the next simplest, limited monarchies; but all republics, all governments of law, must impose numerous limitations and qualifications of authority, and give many positive and many qualified rights.”
Webster understood, and we should remember, that democracy is not always about what is most efficient. It is often not about making one person’s singular vision a reality with the stroke of a pen. It’s about ensuring everyone has a meaningful voice in shaping their future. It’s about building a system where power is held in check, individual rights are protected, and no one, no matter how rich or powerful, can operate above the law.
The danger of ‘simple’ government
History shows us what happens when leaders promise to “simplify” democracy. It rarely goes well: Napoleon dissolving the French Republic, 20th-century strongmen claiming they needed more control to fix their nations’ problems, or 21st-century populists in the attention economy. The pattern is clear. Every time a leader says, “I alone can fix it,” democracy ultimately suffers. And once power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it’s tough to get it back.
We’ve seen efforts to weaken the very institutions that hold Americans together. There have been constant attempts to restrict voting rights, regular attacks on the free press, and efforts to erode the independence of our courts. Taken on their own, each of these might not seem like much. Together, they coalesce into a broader campaign to make our government “simpler” by making it less accountable, less fair, and less representative of the people it serves.
The journey of democracy
Here’s the thing, though: Democracy was never meant to be simple. It was meant to be just, and justice takes effort. It takes patience. It requires us to listen to people we may not always agree with, to argue in good faith, and to find common ground. It requires us to accept that progress doesn’t come all at once – but that if we stay engaged, if we refuse to give in to cynicism, then over time, we can make our country better.
That’s what America has always done: We’ve expanded rights. We’ve strengthened our institutions. We’ve made our union more perfect — not by seeking the comfortable or easy way out, but by committing to the ongoing journey of self-government.
So, the next time someone tells you that democracy is too slow, complicated, or frustrating, remind them in no uncertain terms that it’s supposed to be. And then remind them that the effort we put into building a just and fair society is always worth it.
