Evaluating Good Governance in Elected Government Officials

The nature of good governance in elected government officials is a topic much debated. It is a matter not only of public perception but also of the tangible actions and policies they implement. Here, we explore the concept of governance, examining whether government officials indeed practice good governance and the factors influencing their performance.

Rewriting Governance into Practice: A Balancing Act

It’s tempting to chuckle at the idea of assessing the quality of governance. When we consider mundane practices such as access to running water or basic utilities, governments indeed manage to provide these essentials effectively, making life somewhat manageable. This is an improvement over numerous governments that are often best described with rude descriptors, reflecting their poor performance.

Imbalanced Support and National Debt

Take, for example, the case of the United States. Despite the presence of running water and basic services, the country grapples with a formidable challenge: an astronomical national debt of 31 trillion dollars. Unfortunately, this issue cannot be wished away; it demands significant and effective governance to address. A critical aspect of governance is whether officials make decisions that benefit the majority of citizens and promote social and economic stability.

The American Government and Governance Evaluations

In the context of the U.S., the performance of the federal government is often likened to a clown show rather than a serious endeavor aimed at solving governance-related issues. This perception is evident in the low voter approval ratings, with only 22% of Americans approving of the federal government. Such ratings remain below 40% consistently over the past two decades, indicating a persistent decline in trust and faith in government effectiveness.

Addressing Campaign Finance and Corporate Influence

The legitimacy of elected government officials in the United States is further hampered by the influence of corporate interests. Campaign contributions, which are essentially a form of lobbying and can be manipulated, undermine the principle of one person, one vote. Campaign finance reform, including the legalization of campaign finance, is thus necessary to ensure that government officials act in the best interests of the public rather than special interests.

Ensuring Good Governance Through Active Diversity

The maxim that 'good and evil exist' suggests that the quality of governance is not solely determined by the actions of a single individual but is a reflection of the active diversity of opinions, skills, and life stories within a government bureaucracy. When diverse voices and perspectives are represented, it leads to more comprehensive and balanced governance.

Conclusion

While elected government officials may achieve good governance in some instances, it depends on the political climate, the specific official, and the commitment to promoting the well-being of the public. The United States, for example, often falls short of good governance due to uncontrolled campaign contributions and corporate influence. Providing tangible improvements and fostering a diverse and effective administration are essential steps toward achieving good governance.