“Politicians who want to stay in power have to keep the voters happy, even though the election itself is only symbolic. But it is the central ritual of the democratic theater state. After all, it is no longer about substantive decisions, but only about the confirmation or replacement of political figureheads, who are legitimized by the fact that citizens are allowed to perform this ritual. This symbolically reinforces the fiction of popular sovereignty on which modern constitutional states are founded. In this way, and not through substantive decisions, elections contribute to its stabilization.”
Wolfgang Reinhard
Wolfgang Reinhard is professor emeritus of modern history at the University of Freiburg. He received the Historian Prize in 2001.
This quote vividly illustrates how elections in modern democracies often primarily hold symbolic significance, securing the legitimacy of political power – a fascinating insight behind the scenes of democracy.
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Wolfgang Reinhard on the Symbolic Power of Elections – The Secret Behind Democracy
Wolfgang Reinhard reveals how elections symbolically reinforce popular sovereignty and legitimize political power in democracies.
Wolfgang Reinhard is a prominent historian specializing in modern history. His research focuses on social, cultural, and political history. He is professor emeritus at the University of Freiburg and was awarded the Historian Prize in 2001.
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