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The recent MP expenses debacle in Parliament has generated a lively debate on the merits of direct democracy and giving ‘power to the people'. But you don't need to go to the future to think of the possible consequences. Just look at California. It is a direct democracy paradise, with the ability to recall the governor and for any number of voter referendums. But let's look at the reality. California voters exercised their right to recall in 2003, when dull Democrat Gray Davies was replaced by charismatic Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sadly Hollywood glamour has not translated successfully into effective governance, nor solved problems with public finance. California is facing a massive $24bn deficit, with thousands of public sector workers expected to lose their jobs. Nor have local referendums necessarily assisted the process of effective government. ‘Ballot initiatives' were introduced as far back as 1911, when a popular governor wanted to curtail the power of the over-powerful Pacific Rail Company. However, what started as an initiative to give power to the ordinary voter has, in recent years, often been captured by special interest groups and self-interested millionaires. Recent voter ballots have committed the governor to spend at least 40% of the state budget on education while, at the same time, restricting the amount of revenue which can be raised by property taxes. Combined with the need for all decisions to have a two-thirds majority that means it is virtually impossible for California's governor and other elected representatives to take some of the hard decisions needed to balance state finances. At least our model of representative democracy means we give our politicians the mandate to govern for a maximum period of five years. Sometimes the grass next door may look greener than it really is! Paul Wheeler is director of the Political Skills Forum

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WHITEHALL

Soap Box: Be careful what you wish for

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