Switzerland perhaps, because of it's direct democratic system. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland#Direct_democracy
I actually respect Switzerland, because it has a nice blend of powers. It impresses on federalism ie more power to the localities for specific things. Then one can challege laws on the federal level within reasonable means...they can also institute constitutional changes but they require even higher standards. I believe everyone is required to serve in the military....? Everyone owes a weapon (specifically a rifle), and crime there is extremely low. It's a good structure imo. ----------------------------- Lowest taxes in the EU....I believe...?
It would certainly be interesting to see Swiss perspective on that. Nima, sorry I don't see where you mentioned your opinion on this.
I think it depends on the structure of the direct democracy, imo. Switzerland use direct democracy in a way to check legislative action, and in some sense I think that's reasonable. The Constitution there can change as well. Not sure I agree with the level of their standards on that, but I think it's much better than ours in ways. Here you literally have to beat the living shit out of politicians to really make budget/spending limits...there it would be a lot easier. And given it only takes one dumbass judge in America to change the structure of our Constitution, it might be to have some relative standards available to put those enforcements back into place.
I think Scandinavian countries probably take the cake in terms of being most representative, but I still think the foundations of the US government (Bill of Rights, Constitution, etc.) are the most democratic in the world. If this country instituted a federal parliament (or changed the structure of government just enough to encourage open and honest debate and the consideration of a plurality of views) I think we could be on top.
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ei.html#Econ It looks like Ireland has the lowest taxes in the EU. Last time I remembered they have a fairly good tax structure. It has a very good influx of corporate tax registration, I believe. Nice GDP. Not sure it would be the most 'democratic'.
Gawd. Over 50% tax rate. Crazy. Wonder if that includes toll road and stuff. Mom lives over there 3 months out of the year and says some bridge costs like $11 to cross to get to a beach.
Good call, Desis. Isn't it in Kerala that they have something like 50% women in parliament, or am I thinking of one of the other states? Where ever that is it's pretty darn impressive.
Whichever country is the 'most democratic', I don't care as long as it doesn't try to enforce its idea of democracy in other countries by military force.