A Declaration of Independence
A reflection on our broken political system that puts power over people.
At the beginning of the school year, my superb, award-winning AP Government teacher, Dr. Bratyanski (hereafter referred to as “Dr. B”), gave us her simple definition of politics. She told everyone to write it down.
“Politics is how to gain and maintain power.” I pasted it in ALL CAPS onto the cover of my 40-page Unit One packet.
Throughout the entire year, I thought her definition was incomplete. Sure, this was a simplified version, but knowing Dr. B, simplifying a concept was a rare occurrence.
To better understand the Supreme Court, Dr. B required us to memorize 33 SCOTUS cases. She also made us participate in a mock Constitutional Convention, exit poll during election season, and attend/watch three local government meetings this school year. Suffice to say, students developed a complex understanding of American government in AP Government this school year.
All year, I wondered why she didn’t give us an ”expanded” definition.
Where in the world was the definition with the parts about creating policies for the betterment of society and acting as a democratic system and protecting freedoms? It had to be somewhere!
I eventually realized that, in today's political climate, Dr. B's definition felt more accurate than I'd hoped. At times, it feels like there is no “expanded” definition, because it doesn’t exist.
The sad reality of the current political system is that party politics is mostly about how to gain and maintain power instead of governing. Political institutions, such as the media, reinforce this narrative. Election this, election that. Candidate this, candidate that. Donor this, donor that.
Those in power within our current political system are trying to stay in power by legalizing corruption, getting rid of campaign finance regulations, and hiring consultants to recruit similar candidates that fit their “agenda.”
These party agendas can create incentives for politicians to prioritize donors, activists, and party leadership over persuading or listening to ordinary constituents.
Democracy continues to be under threat during the Trump administration. And looks to be at threat in Maine if Democrats refuse to hold a quick primary to replace Graham Platner.
As I was applying to colleges this fall, I realized that I had the problem of thinking in black-and-white. An example of a black-and-white thought is: “my future is going to be ruined if I don’t get into UNC-Chapel Hill. Black-and-white thoughts are irrational and can cause extremely high levels of anxiety.
I continue to see a therapist on this matter of inflexible thinking. I think the current two-party political system needs to see a therapist like I do. I say this after I was not treated very nicely on BlueSky after I disagreed with a reporter blaming Donald Trump for the Knicks losing Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
I refuse to be confined to both parties' agendas, which too often prioritize donors over constituents.
I am not writing this because I think most people are wrong right now. I am writing this because I think most people are smart. You are your own authentic, amazing, beautiful individual. You are a part of stellar groups filled with kind people.
However, at the end of the day, if politics right now is primarily the process of gaining and maintaining power, then party politicians have little incentive to become the civic-minded public servants that James Madison once hoped they would be.
Perhaps the first step is changing how we think about our broken political system.
The more politics I learn about, the more I wonder if peace starts by looking away from the circus and toward our neighbors around us. Maybe we’ve been taught to put too much faith in power and not enough in one other.
Really enjoyed this, Zach! Thoughtful and honestly written. Thanks for sharing.
I completely agree. It’s always alarming how quick people are to categorize you as an enemy solely based off any disagreements you have with them. People everywhere need to stop identifying themselves by party and instead make decisions based on their personal values. It’s okay to vote for one party without demonizing the other.
Shout out Dr. B