Short-Ballot Principles, authored by Richard Spencer Childs and originally published in 1911, advocates for simplifying the election process by reducing the number of elected officials and concentrating responsibility. Childs argues that the complexity of long ballots obscures accountability and hinders effective governance. By streamlining the ballot, voters can make more informed decisions, and elected officials become more directly answerable for their actions.
This work provides valuable insights into the progressive era’s reform movements and the ongoing debate about electoral systems. It examines the historical context of ballot design and offers a framework for improving democratic participation and government efficiency. The principles outlined in "Short-Ballot Principles" remain relevant for understanding contemporary challenges in electoral politics and the importance of transparent and accountable governance.
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