Despite essential differences between the two democracies, what is similar is negative – a declining number of Americans and Israelis go to the polls to vote for Congress and Knesset.
The approval ratings for both legislative bodies are even lower than that of their Presidents and Prime Ministers. So, even while their primary systems have grown ever more similar, both political systems are in an advanced stage of crisis – for different reasons. Neither electorate relates to its politicians seriously; this is a dangerous development for democracy.
The writer describes the methods and language of American electioneering and how these have penetrated the Israeli political scene. He also points out the historical differences. American democracy was a natural outgrowth of their colonial experience while Israel’s democracy was an artificial creation. The public discourse of America’s founding fathers was dominated by political philosophy and the relationship between the individual and the state. The public discourse of Zionism was preoccupied with survival and devoid of political philosophy. Pincas also points out historical similarities.
Finally he points out structural and practical differences (such as Presidential versus Parliamentary system) as well as the non-representative way MKs are elected. He cites three common reasons for loss of confidence in politicians in both countries: 1. mass media providing contact with politicians unmediated by parties, 2. a growing number of extra-parliamentary bodies and forces affecting and effecting policy and 3. the perception that politics per se attracts unqualified people.
