NationStates Jolt Archive

Which country, in your opinion, has the best government? Explain why as well.

My favorite as of now would be The Netherlands. They treat their people cool. They dont press unfair or unneccesary taxes. They don't start ridiculous wars on people of other religions. They don't press their own beleifs on government and raising kids on others (If you didn't guess already, I am American...). They also avoid using any kind of authority or government force unless in the best interest of their people. I'm a Libertarian, so I like these things.

What are your opinions?

The American Government.

I like the Scandinavian social democracies. I'm a social democrat, so go figure. Every figure I've seen points to that form of government being extremely efficient, balancing order, freedom and equality, while providing a high degree of services, while maintaining a healthy and growing economy, and the highest human development levels in the world. Also I just like the idea of blending socialism with freedom and democracy. Of course, you being a libertarian probably have a different view. ;)

I would have said the Canadian government but Paul Martin and the Liberals are too corrupt and stupid to deserve my respect now. I guess I would say the government of Rwanda.

Well as a Libertarian, I believe much more strongly in economic fairness than you Socialists, although I understand and respect your point of view.

I like the Scandinavian social democracies. I'm a social democrat, so go figure. Every figure I've seen points to that form of government being extremely efficient, balancing order, freedom and equality, while providing a high degree of services, while maintaining a healthy and growing economy, and the highest human development levels in the world. Also I just like the idea of blending socialism with freedom and democracy. Of course, you being a libertarian probably have a different view. ;)

You should note that those countries have a population smaller than that of NYC.

You should note that those countries have a population smaller than that on NYC.

So noted. It's still a system working for millions of people in highly developed and wealthy nations. It might not work in all countries as no system is perfect, but I like the way it's working in Scandinavia.

So noted. It's still a system working for millions of people in highly developed and wealthy nations. It might not work in all countries as no system is perfect, but I like the way it's working in Scandinavia.

Agreed. Unfortunetely, the same principles could not be applied in the U.S.

Hmmm. I was tempted to say my own government, but that's not strictly true. I suppose I'll go with Switzerland. The Swiss have the right idea: give your people the maximum amount of personal freedom possible, provide for their basic welfare largely by creating jobs related in some way to the international banking system, keep your population homogenous, and get the rest of the world to pay for it all by providing a trustworthy, private way of storing their money. :)

Hey Haloman, before you go forth on your blindly patriotic crusade against the non-super-rich and non-christian, please deeply consider the fact that America is a cesspool of lies and propoganda. From your very first day in this country, American Society has been force-feeding you with this garbage. You were taught in school about "the American Dream," where hard work and lots of overtime will make you rich and successful like in no other country. This is corporate lies and bullshit. In America, hard work will only make your boss richer. It is only a matter of time before your job is given to a 10 year old boy in indonesia. Why? Cuz they work cheap and save your fatass boss more money. So when you are sitting on the corner of 153rd and MLK begging the few, jewel encrusted CEOs for dimes, Ask yourself: "Why, oh why didn't I vote for a Libertarian?"

No offense... :D

Hmmm. I was tempted to say my own government, but that's not strictly true. I suppose I'll go with Switzerland. The Swiss have the right idea: give your people the maximum amount of personal freedom possible, provide for their basic welfare largely by creating jobs related in some way to the international banking system, keep your population homogenous, and get the rest of the world to pay for it all by providing a trustworthy, private way of storing their money. :)

Never trust the Swiss. They let in Phil Collins.

Never trust the Swiss. They let in Phil Collins.
LOL! Um ... you might have a point there! :D

I like the Swiss. They got the right idea, keeping jobs there and providing unique services to the world.

I don't like the Netherlands... Way too Liberal.....

Finland has the best government. Just as good as Sweden, and they adopted the euro. They also have mandatory military service, which is cool.

You should note that those countries have a population smaller than that of NYC.
What, so the larger the population, the better the government? Surely that would make China the best? What's so great about the American government anyway?

The problem with your thinking, China hater, is that you see the political spectrum as a line, 1 dimensional, with 2 sides. I prefer a 2 dimensional chart, with various areas for different political ideologies.

The problem with your thinking, China hater, is that you see the political spectrum as a line, 1 dimensional, with 2 sides. I prefer a 2 dimensional chart, with various areas for different political ideologies.


I hate the Chinese government, which is heavily corrupt and abuses its own citizens. Is that a problem? And I was being sarcastic. I dislike the US government too.

I was not implying that your opinions are wrong, just pointing out that you should broaden your view of politics, as there is more than just 2 opinions, left and right. I believe that this false representation is what gave birth to the two party system. The idea is that your either on the left or on the right. This simply is not true.

What, so the larger the population, the better the government? Surely that would make China the best? What's so great about the American government anyway?

There is a very big difference. Small social democracies, such as those of Finland and Sweden, would simply not work in a larger nation. Those principles are terrific, and work wonderfully for those nations, but for a state the size of the US, the government would crumble.

In terms of the theoretical working of a government (i.e. how it appears on paper), the US government excels. If you want hard proof, simply consider that this radically new governmental style, nothing more than an experiment at its creation, has brought the nation to the forefront of the world in less than 200 years, a result of WWII. Meanwhile, other nations have existed for thousands. Other factors have contributed to this outcome, but most such things would be irrelevant if not for the government suiting the nation. Of course, the US may not retain this status, but no other nation has reached such widespread power in such a short period of time. And just the idea of three, separate balanced branches of government, each both independent in nature yet reliant on one another, is nothing short of genius.

Someone mentioned the Swiss government, and I am inclined to agree that it is among the best in the world. Their international policies keep the people from aggression while still maintaining huge economic ties. They are known for their manufacturing of things ranging from watches to rifles. The military, with every citizen having a period of obligatory service, is also commendable.

Though America has a very revolutionary type of government, I think we need to move on. Ever since WWII, other nations have made great improvements and drastic changes to their governments, while the US has not changed a bit since the 1800's. The US is behind the times, and needs to adapt to the rapidly-changing pace of the world today.

Ever since WWII, other nations have made great improvements and drastic changes to their governments, while the US has not changed a bit since the 1800's.
What??? Have you ever heard of Franklin D Roosevelt? He made some pretty big changes. The US Government of today is mostly built up from his government.

I would have to say the Irish Government, because Im Irish. All the legislations brought in and THEN announced to the general public who all stand there and go ''well if its already there...'', i love that!

Can you say "Tyrany by Majority"?

Though America has a very revolutionary type of government, I think we need to move on. Ever since WWII, other nations have made great improvements and drastic changes to their governments, while the US has not changed a bit since the 1800's. The US is behind the times, and needs to adapt to the rapidly-changing pace of the world today.

There are lots of changes in the government since then... Such changes were forseen by the creators of the Constitution, hence the Elastic Clause built into it.

The changes i see today are mostly negative.

Italy. A new executive branch every 6 months. Let someone try it out and then kick him out. :D

Just kidding. I like the swede's government.

I like the Scandinavian social democracies. I'm a social democrat, so go figure. Every figure I've seen points to that form of government being extremely efficient, balancing order, freedom and equality, while providing a high degree of services, while maintaining a healthy and growing economy, and the highest human development levels in the world. Also I just like the idea of blending socialism with freedom and democracy. Of course, you being a libertarian probably have a different view. ;)
I also like the Scandinavian Governments, But I also like the American government. The Problem with most democracies is that they become too much of beaurocracy, and we all know that Beaurocracy Sucks!!

The changes i see today are mostly negative.

I'm not trying to say you're right or wrong, but what kinds of changes? There have been a lot of good and bad laws created since then (thankfully, most of the notoriously bad laws were overridden later, as with segregation), but what things stand out to you?

Either Belarus or Cuba.

For Cuba: The same dictator has lasted for the past half century, he must be doing something right. ;)

For Belarus: Does a good job hiding the fact it is really a Dictatorship.

Either Belarus or Cuba.

For Cuba: The same dictator has lasted for the past half century, he must be doing something right. ;)

For Belarus: Nice Dictatorship.
I hate the modern Belarusian government, as do most of the belarusian people.
I had an exchange student, a child victim of the Chernobyl incident, and his translator said that many people in Belarus Hate the current leader.
BTW, He's not a dictator.

I would have to say the Irish Government, because Im Irish. All the legislations brought in and THEN announced to the general public who all stand there and go ''well if its already there...'', i love that!
And we get to vote on amendments to our constitution. Take that Americans!

I don’t like any nation’s government. None that I can think of provide their people with maximum civil liberties, have gotten rid of property tax, disbanded the welfare state and removed itself from the economy. When a government does that, it will be my favorite.

Recognizing it as an independent state, Hong Kong. It simply has wonderful levels of freedom.

Hey Haloman, before you go forth on your blindly patriotic crusade against the non-super-rich and non-christian, please deeply consider the fact that America is a cesspool of lies and propoganda. From your very first day in this country, American Society has been force-feeding you with this garbage. You were taught in school about "the American Dream," where hard work and lots of overtime will make you rich and successful like in no other country. This is corporate lies and bullshit. In America, hard work will only make your boss richer. It is only a matter of time before your job is given to a 10 year old boy in indonesia. Why? Cuz they work cheap and save your fatass boss more money. So when you are sitting on the corner of 153rd and MLK begging the few, jewel encrusted CEOs for dimes, Ask yourself: "Why, oh why didn't I vote for a Libertarian?"

No offense... :D



:rolleyes:

I like any nation that doesn't try to assimilate people of diversity, and recognizes the whole 'Seperation between Church and State' thing.

Since Franco and Pinochet are out of power, I'll have to say the US.

I would have said the Canadian government but Paul Martin and the Liberals are too corrupt and stupid to deserve my respect now. I guess I would say the government of Rwanda.

Wow, SHIT. Someone doesn't seem to have their head on straight here.

I'd have to say the Scandinavian Governments... Nice mix of personal freedoms, socialism, and that cool Scandinavian-ness! :D

Asking this question of me is like asking what's my favorite disease.

I guess my favorite government then would have to be that of Antarctica.

I don’t like any nation’s government. None that I can think of provide their people with maximum civil liberties, have gotten rid of property tax, disbanded the welfare state and removed itself from the economy. When a government does that, it will be my favorite.

I heartily agree...to a certain extent. I don't think the government should be completely out of the economy (aka laissez-faire system), rather it should simply be free-market, with enough regulation to ensure competition. And actually, in that regard, I like the government of South Korea, at least the post Korean War government, because they have the best economic structure (elimination of all tariffs, etc.). However, government structure wise I like the U.S. checks and balances, and basically my ideal government would be a modified version of that system. Some changes I would make would be to allow a consitutional amendment be proposed and voted on by the populace, as well as the elimination of the electoral college.

Amazingly, very few governments have managed to even come close to removing the welfare-statism, no matter how economically free.

I would have said the Canadian government but Paul Martin and the Liberals are too corrupt and stupid to deserve my respect now. I guess I would say the government of Rwanda.

The government of Rwanda? Are you insane? :eek:

I hate the modern Belarusian government, as do most of the belarusian people.
I had an exchange student, a child victim of the Chernobyl incident, and his translator said that many people in Belarus Hate the current leader.
BTW, He's not a dictator.

The CIA World Factbook says otherwise. ;) (I actually don't really like the leader much, I just put him done because he's doing a good job of hiding the fact that he is a really a dictator.)

We haven't had a good government in at least 100 years, so I hate them all :D

The Nederlands :D

stalin's russia probably. or mongolia during the (old) rule of the khans. or tibet, at nearly any time it was it's own country. or vietnam, that's very good. or some of those old original societies with ologarhies of the wise.

Hey Haloman, before you go forth on your blindly patriotic crusade against the non-super-rich and non-christian, please deeply consider the fact that America is a cesspool of lies and propoganda. From your very first day in this country, American Society has been force-feeding you with this garbage. You were taught in school about "the American Dream," where hard work and lots of overtime will make you rich and successful like in no other country. This is corporate lies and bullshit. In America, hard work will only make your boss richer. It is only a matter of time before your job is given to a 10 year old boy in indonesia. Why? Cuz they work cheap and save your fatass boss more money. So when you are sitting on the corner of 153rd and MLK begging the few, jewel encrusted CEOs for dimes, Ask yourself: "Why, oh why didn't I vote for a Libertarian?"

No offense... :D

Okay. You've forced me to do this point by point. :p

1) You sir, need to get off the generalization bandwagon. First of all, I doubt you even live in America. (Edit: Heh. I'm an idiot, and failed to read the first post. Sorry.)

2) Just because I like my country and generally tend to agree with their policies does not mean I am blindly patriotic. I am highly, highly critical of my government, I just happen to believe that we have found the best system of government, and it works for us.

3) I am not super rich. I am from the middle calss, thank you very much. I like how you stereotyped here. What if I wasn't Christian? OOPS. Smooth mistake there. The fact that I am in fact, christian, has no relevance whatsoever to the governments I like and dislike.

4) Too bad I lived in Columbus, Ohio, and had succession after succession of liberal teachers. THEY'VE been force-feeding me bull about America being the down fall of our civilization; America being corrupt and oppressive. I've heard all of it. Nope. My views are my own, thank you very much.

5) This is why my dad was poor as dirt when he first went to college, worked his ass off and had three jobs to pay his own fucking way through college, had financial hardship for a couple of years paying back grants and loans, all the while holding a steady, good paying job. Then he got a better job, and we moved and have a larger house, and a good life. The American dream is very real, thanks.

Actually, I AM more or less a libertarian with Conservative leanings.

Which country, in your opinion, has the best government? Explain why as well.

My favorite as of now would be The Netherlands. They treat their people cool. They dont press unfair or unneccesary taxes. They don't start ridiculous wars on people of other religions. They don't press their own beleifs on government and raising kids on others (If you didn't guess already, I am American...). They also avoid using any kind of authority or government force unless in the best interest of their people. I'm a Libertarian, so I like these things.

What are your opinions?

Well, madam wussy... Even though I myself am not to fond of our current government officals and behavior, truth is you lucked out. A constitutional republic that ensures its citizens basic civil liberties is by far the best form of government. And you live in one that you REALLY need to start getting involved in instead of just *****ing about it.

We only need a few modifications to keep extremist from rocking the boat and to keep politicians from easily partaking in corrupt and unethical behavior. Aside from that, we'd be very well off. More so than most nations you might even praise.

In reality your just praising their culture.

Sorry Haloman, I was just having a little fun. I hope we're still cool.

And Americai, I am in school. The most involved I can be now is sticking bumper stickers on other peoples cars. And as for rocking the boat, I hate being stuck between people who will rob me blind thru taxes and people who will send my job to malaysia and put me in a cardboard box to save a buck. By the way, I do love the culture, but it was molded primarily by the laws that bind it.

Completely off-topic: Why do I have to send you half my paycheck when I can't even chug a fucking brewsky?

I would have said the Canadian government but Paul Martin and the Liberals are too corrupt and stupid to deserve my respect now.

I feel the same way about any of the parties in the Canadian system. One is just as corrupt and stupid as the other.

I would have to say Switzerland. Although I have never been there, I never hear any thing bad going on in that country. They are basically neutral to all others. Now if only we could all learn from them. And I'm American mind you.

Sorry Haloman, I was just having a little fun. I hope we're still cool.

And Americai, I am in school. The most involved I can be now is sticking bumper stickers on other peoples cars. And as for rocking the boat, I hate being stuck between people who will rob me blind thru taxes and people who will send my job to malaysia and put me in a cardboard box to save a buck. By the way, I do love the culture, but it was molded primarily by the laws that bind it.

Completely off-topic: Why do I have to send you half my paycheck when I can't even chug a fucking brewsky?

You will get out of school eventually. When you do, be involved. Those you dislike here do things you do not. They are an organized voting bloc, they write their congressmen, they are involved in their politics on a local and national level. This is why dubbya is elected. A bunch of religious churches got together and created a voting bloc that politicians pay attention to. They manipulated a popular party and next thing you know we got a nut for president.

As for being stuck in your "situation" (which doesn't sound bad in my opinion), they are ways out. And frankly, you are well off considering our government is particularly benign to one of the ways to climb the social ladder compared to other nations. I'll only give you a hint:

Business. Learn more about it, and you'll learn how the engine runs. Learn how to run the engine, and it will do things for you. Learn how it interacts with our government and politics and you'll be a pretty influential voice.

Your just in school. So take heed. Our nation is a LOT more complicated thing than you know. It isn't just the crap you think it is now. It has more variables. One of them is American business leaders.

I feel the same way about any of the parties in the Canadian system. One is just as corrupt and stupid as the other.

Oh, give me a break. At least the Liberals and the NDP are TRYING to do what's right for Canada. You should feel grateful that Stephen Harper's Conservatives aren't running this country. Could you imagine how many 'Minority Rights' would be lost?

Hey Haloman, before you go forth on your blindly patriotic crusade against the non-super-rich and non-christian, please deeply consider the fact that America is a cesspool of lies and propoganda. From your very first day in this country, American Society has been force-feeding you with this garbage. You were taught in school about "the American Dream," where hard work and lots of overtime will make you rich and successful like in no other country. This is corporate lies and bullshit. In America, hard work will only make your boss richer. It is only a matter of time before your job is given to a 10 year old boy in indonesia. Why? Cuz they work cheap and save your fatass boss more money. So when you are sitting on the corner of 153rd and MLK begging the few, jewel encrusted CEOs for dimes, Ask yourself: "Why, oh why didn't I vote for a Libertarian?"

No offense... :D
The country was formed to be equal... But morons screwed things up even from the start , *cough Sneeze cough* Im sorry im allergic to bushes and slaves, and now look at us and it is even illegal to spank your child -.- ever read the bible you morons, "Spare the rod spoil the child" Even people who worship other religions would agree with those words. Also have you seen where murders, rapeists, and child molerters go to, its not a damn jail its a free resort with 3 square meals a day, internet access, workout facilitys, area's to play many types of sports, all we need now is a hot-tub and a pool and it will be complete -.-

We force freedom down everyone else throats and make sure everyone is doing what we want or we get mad and call them worthless then when they try to help us we get all mad and start calling them a bunch of crap, hum... does that sound like Stalin "Oh yes yes you are free to do as you wish as long as what your doing is what I want you to be doing"


In terms of the theoretical working of a government (i.e. how it appears on paper), the US government excels. If you want hard proof, simply consider that this radically new governmental style, nothing more than an experiment at its creation, has brought the nation to the forefront of the world in less than 200 years, a result of WWII. Meanwhile, other nations have existed for thousands. Other factors have contributed to this outcome, but most such things would be irrelevant if not for the government suiting the nation. Of course, the US may not retain this status, but no other nation has reached such widespread power in such a short period of time. And just the idea of three, separate balanced branches of government, each both independent in nature yet reliant on one another, is nothing short of genius.


Who cares about how it looks on paper its how well it works is what matters Besides you can't forget about us haveing slavery and segregation and bush acting like state and church is one then useing his family to help make him look better (Who cares about the presidents family his job is to run the country and be a good diplomat... which he fails at both and if you want to argue then explain why in the clinton years my dad was getting more money a year and in bush years his pay check keeps going down, and if you want to argue the diplomat part go in a forgheners chatroom and say "Bush is the greatest diplomat ever" Im sure the responses from that will explain themselves)

Don't complain if I spelled something wrong or something doesn't make sense, its 2am and I realy don't care right nmow

Bush has squandered the money he promised not to touch, and now we are in severe debt. But at least he gave us multiple tax breaks. Oh wait, those tax breaks all went to the rich... But on the bright side, he isn't leading our army on a crusade against Islam. Umm, scratch that. At least he is treating all people with fairness and respect. Well, all rich white christian men anyway...

I like the Scandinavian social democracies. I'm a social democrat, so go figure. Every figure I've seen points to that form of government being extremely efficient, balancing order, freedom and equality, while providing a high degree of services, while maintaining a healthy and growing economy, and the highest human development levels in the world. Also I just like the idea of blending socialism with freedom and democracy. Of course, you being a libertarian probably have a different view. ;)

I've often wondered how a government/nation that taxes the hell out the rich and corporations could attract foreign investment (or internal investment, for that matter... given how entrepreneurialism is severely punished by such exorbitant taxes).

70% income tax is exorbitant, imo (in case you're wondering exactly what type of tax rate i'm talking about), and i have heard that such staggering tax rates are actually on the books in Sweden. If such taxes are not in force on people's pocketbooks, killing their financial freedom, please let me know.

--------------------

To answer the question:

The US's government is the best. Two legislative bodies, a president's signature and the okay of the Supreme Court are necessary for any law to be passed.

The president may veto any law, but his veto may be overturned.

et al (checks and balances)

They have legislated too much socialism into our code, but we still have more personal/business financial freedom than just about every other country. Everyone, even the filthy rich, get to keep most of what they earn (nobody is taxed above 50%... in fact, I think the highest tax rate is somewhere around 38% for the wealthiest of the wealthy, who carry the majority of the country's tax burden, keeping millions of lazy non-workers in clothes, under a roof, and fed -- hehe)

Our tax system does not discourage entrepreneurialism (comparative to the taxes of other countries -- see above), which is absolutely vital to building and keeping a strong economy (jobs are provided for those who cannot provide a job for themselves, product value increases through competition, trade increases through top-notch products, investment opportunities increase for investors, etc.)

blah

i'm wasting my lunch hour on you folks. Enough from me!

hehe

The US government CAN work, but often doesn't, due to tyranny by majority. It was awesome in the 90's, with a Republican congress and Democrat prez.

I've often wondered how a government/nation that taxes the hell out the rich and corporations could attract foreign investment (or internal investment, for that matter... given how entrepreneurialism is severely punished by such exorbitant taxes).

70% income tax is exorbitant, imo (in case you're wondering exactly what type of tax rate i'm talking about), and i have heard that such staggering tax rates are actually on the books in Sweden. If such taxes are not in force on people's pocketbooks, killing their financial freedom, please let me know.



The Swedish tax system is very fair... and as far as I know the top rate is not 70%, it's nearer 60% I think. It's based on your income in any case, so the more you are earning the more you are paying. You'd have to be on a high-income to be on the top level of tax.

And I don't understand what you mean about books?

Which country, in your opinion, has the best government? Explain why as well.

What are your opinions?

Britain..not the modern one though..perhaps a good few decades ago...

No government! Govern yourselves! Woot!


Other than that, probably the Paris Commune, CNT-FAI communes during the Spanish Revolution, Shanghai Commune or any other event that gave power to the people. NOT some beaucractic State Socialist system bossing everyone around, but communal government with a democractic voice for all workers.

I feel the same way about any of the parties in the Canadian system. One is just as corrupt and stupid as the other.

So, just for the sake of argument, is there a political party anywhere in the world that is less stupid and corrupt than the Canadian Liberal party?

(One that has some amount of power, that is. The Green Party of the United States, for example, is arguably less corrupt; since they are almost completely powerless, they aren't in much of a position to engage in corruption. I won't, however, claim they are less stupid.)

the japanese goverment it has the best ejucasionl setemin the world.the cedazions have respect.but i am one how dreems of a world wethout borders and i will not but completly happy untell that time.it is just semple we are all humen and shoud be one.

Now for the comedy post, particularly atr the moment.

Brazil has the best government.

Why:- because they spend so much time slinging mud at each other, holding congressional hearings and otherwise pulling stunts and tricks on each other that they don't actually do anything and the country gets along by itself quite well now thank you. A sort of minimal government by infighting rather than by design.

Oh and foreign policy here is called a mirror. We treat your country and citizens in the way you treat ours. The Americans did not like this very much when we started fingerprinting them on the way in. :D

Never trust the Swiss. They let in Phil Collins.
Hah! I have to put that in my sig now.

Bhutan have some pretty cool ideas.

Canada was considered to be the country with the highest standard of living 7 years in a row once. I'm sure that the government must have had something to do with that. :D

I believe that Canada is what every single nation should aspire to be.

Sorry Haloman, I was just having a little fun. I hope we're still cool.

And Americai, I am in school. The most involved I can be now is sticking bumper stickers on other peoples cars. And as for rocking the boat, I hate being stuck between people who will rob me blind thru taxes and people who will send my job to malaysia and put me in a cardboard box to save a buck. By the way, I do love the culture, but it was molded primarily by the laws that bind it.

Completely off-topic: Why do I have to send you half my paycheck when I can't even chug a fucking brewsky?

Don't worry about it. I can respect your beliefs if you can respect mine. :)

Woah Woah Woah... Heres the order of government by Palixia

1. Vatican city
2. Swiss
3. Finnish
4. Sweden
5. America
6... Palixia

Oh and foreign policy here is called a mirror. We treat your country and citizens in the way you treat ours.

oh dear. i'd just like to say, i'm british, and, um... please don't.

Canada was considered to be the country with the highest standard of living 7 years in a row once. I'm sure that the government must have had something to do with that. :D

I believe that Canada is what every single nation should aspire to be.

Finally! You're my new best friend.

I would have said the Canadian government but Paul Martin and the Liberals are too corrupt and stupid to deserve my respect now. I guess I would say the government of Rwanda.
That give the word corrupt a bad name. Paul Martin did not notice the money being wasted because he had his own sponsorship scandle going on at the time (according to Global News).

I feel the same way about any of the parties in the Canadian system. One is just as corrupt and stupid as the other.Totally agree.

Oh, give me a break. At least the Liberals and the NDP are TRYING to do what's right for Canada. You should feel grateful that Stephen Harper's Conservatives aren't running this country. Could you imagine how many 'Minority Rights' would be lost?The NDP seems to care about Canada and tries to do what's right for Canada, but I think the Liberals do as little as they can to keep their power (which usually means they break the law).

So, just for the sake of argument, is there a political party anywhere in the world that is less stupid and corrupt than the Canadian Liberal party?I hope you mean more stupid and more corrupt. Not less. I think that would be worthy of its own thread.

Canada was considered to be the country with the highest standard of living 7 years in a row once. I'm sure that the government must have had something to do with that.

I believe that Canada is what every single nation should aspire to be.In some ways that last statement is true. They should try not to mimic our health care or levels of corruption. With our healthcare you don't pay for it, but you don't get treatment either. If corruption was strawberries, us Canadians would all be having alot of strawberry smoothies right now. I would support this with some facts but its 3 am(but maybe in the noon when I wake up I will). According to the propaganda my Socials teacher told me, Canada's government is envied by many other nations and some are trying to make their system more like ours.

For all the people talking about how the American system has checks and balences, I would like to quote the one senitor from Farenhieght 9/11, "We don't read most of the Bills that we pass."

jobs are provided for those who cannot provide a job for themselvesMany people HATE the jobs they are provided. Watch Bowling for Columbine, you see how this can be be a bad thing.

Canada was considered to be the country with the highest standard of living 7 years in a row once. I'm sure that the government must have had something to do with that. :D

I believe that Canada is what every single nation should aspire to be.

If I had to emigrate (you never know, I might) that's where i'd go...

If I had to emigrate (you never know, I might) that's [Canada] where i'd go...
A considerably wise decision. When it comes to imigration and integrating diferent comunities. Nothing beats the Canadian Mosaic of cultures and people.

Canada could have been the best, if it weren't for mediocre (at best) leadership since John A. Macdonald. Okay, that wasn't very generous of me... since Laurier :D

One does have to admit, though, for all the arrogance and corruption the Chretien-Martin team's long-term economic policy over the past decade+ has done the country a lot of good... even though such drastic cuts to health and defence were a mistake, IMO :/

So in light of that, my answer is the Netherlands, mainly due to the generous amounts of freedom they give to their cities.

I'd say either Portugal under Antonio de Oliveira Salazar or Paraguay under Alfredo Stroessner.

I'd say either Portugal under Antonio de Oliveira Salazar or Paraguay under Alfredo Stroessner.Either you are kidding me or you are a fascist.

Germany! Yay!

Mainly because they have a lot of safeguards and checks (more than the US has anyways),
because work on social egalitarianism and equality is written in the constitution,
because they always have to think enormously carefully when thinking about going to war and
because history always plays a part in political debate.

And because I'm biased.

Canada could have been the best, if it weren't for mediocre (at best) leadership since John A. Macdonald. Okay, that wasn't very generous of me... since Laurier :D

What about Trudeau?

The UK--no great changes in the system of government since 1689... what a constancy! :)

What about Trudeau?Yes what about Trudeau? or Lester B. Pearson?

a Democracy that all elected officals are elected by popular vote and where you can't get your family involved in your politics, the whole thing is based on governing and your status doesn't matter only what you can do for the country matters.... We need a government like this somewhere -.-

Don't get me wrong, I'm personally a big fan of both Trudeau and Pearson. Unfortunately, most of what Pearson accomplished (aside from universal healthcare, YES!!) came before he was Prime Minister... the 0.7% GDP (or whatever percentage it is) goalpost for foreign aid by developed nations, multinational peacekeeping, etc. The universal healthcare itself, in MY opinion (and it's certainly arguable), should be credited more to Tommy Douglas of the CCF/NDP. Pearson's leadership over two minority governments (if I'm remembering my history correctly >_<) eventually ensured that the guy who I think could have been Canada's BEST Prime Minister couldn't get nearly as much done as he could have. I can't exactly fault him for that. So on second thought, I will concede that Pearson was a pretty fine leader, if we count his time at the UN :)

Trudeau... as a red-blooded Canadian patriot, I have to love the guy overall. We have him to thank for our constitution and the Charter we all snuggle every night before bed :D Sadly, his grand vision of Canada cost the economy and government finances dearly - but we have Mulroney to thank for making the situation SO MUCH better - and exacerbated (sp?) problems with Quebec and the west. Though his tenure as Prime Minister came and went a long time ago, a lot of the pitfalls (as well as the benefits) of his leadership are still around. I'd rather wait a few years and see how things pan out from here before I would make any final judgement of him for myself. And in the end, in true Canadian fashion... whether Trudeau was a "good" or "bad" Prime Minister, he was still a lot better than the alternative ;) I hope history treats him well.

Of course, I should add that no government in our nation's history has come through to the end without some sort of blotch on its record. Sir John Macdonald even got himself mired in a huge corruption scandal, and as a person he was hardly a saint. I suppose that, given the cut-throat nature of the parliamentary system and general attitude of cynicism toward politics in Canadian society, the bad tends to be overly magnified relative to many other countries. By the way, is this just about the ONLY country in the world where a national leader hasn't risen to some sort of mythic status?

But anyway, I still stand behind my belief that Macdonald and Laurier were the best ^_^

I am a huge fan of Trudeau. He did ruin the economy but he made Canada the nation it is today at every other level.
Brian Mulroney was an ass. A truly forgetable prime minister.

Well as a Libertarian, I believe much more strongly in economic fairness than you Socialists, although I understand and respect your point of view.

ROTFLMAO!

Venazuala and Bolivia!! goddam i love whats happening in south america with all the revolutions, hope they start in europe soon too. HUGO CHAVEZ is a LEGEND!

ROTFLMAO!

This thread is seven months old. Stop grave-digging.

Either Britain, since it is the most teneble form of democracy implemented in the west, or The Vatican City.

I think the UK has it down quite well...all parts of the government and the political system are fairly accountable. Needs PR and some more deeply entrenched human rights laws though. Screw Parliamentary Soveregnty.

I'm a big fan of the Swiss democratic system. I think it's a perfect example of how we can try to implement direct democracy in the modern age. Whether or not one might agree with their right of centre economic viewpoint, their version of democracy gives maximum exposure to the people to decide how they want to approach the economic side of things.

Things I like about Switzerland;

1) Government is primarily focused on the cantonal level, with the federal government's role limited to a great degree, thus giving much more power to the indivdual since everything is closer at hand.

2) A bicameral legislature that has one house based on proportional representation, and one on regional representation. Changes on the federal level have to gain the approval of both houses. This is exactly what I think my country (Canada) needs to apply.

3) Since domestic policy is set at the cantonal level, Switzerland, despite having 3 or 4 primary ethnic groups, doesn't have the ethnic tension inherent in many other countries. Again, I think Canada can learn from this.

4) National service. Although not everyone agrees with it, I think it's a fantastic idea. And best of all, the swiss democratic method is flexible enough to remove it if the Swiss decide to.

Switzerland is by no means perfect, but I believe it's the best 'role model' for countries trying to reform and modernize their democracies.