Attributes and Discretion of American Public Officials

Key Insight

American public officials integrate seamlessly into society, lacking palaces, guards, or formal uniforms. This simplicity reflects not just a national mindset but fundamental democratic principles, viewing government as a necessary evil. Officials understand their power is granted on condition of blending in, displaying straightforwardness, accessibility, and civility. This 'natural style' is admired for its virile inner strength, which resides in the office and the man's merit rather than external signs of authority, as uniforms are deemed to have exaggerated importance in the modern era.

A defining characteristic is that all public officials receive salaries. This naturally follows democratic principles, preventing the creation of a wealthy, independent class of unpaid officials, which would form an aristocratic core and limit the exercise of the people's right to choose. The complete absence of unpaid offices in America is a clear indicator of democracy's absolute sway, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to serve, not just the right.

Paradoxically, in democracies, magistrates often wield greater arbitrary power than in despotic states. While despots allow freedom for fear of reprisal, and temperate monarchies guide officials with rules, democracies, due to the majority's unchallengeable sovereignty and ubiquitous presence, trust officials to serve its designs without binding them to 'inflexible rules.' Examples from New England include selectmen drawing up jury lists based only on voting rights and good reputation, or posting drunkards' names in taverns—powers that would 'revolt subjects of the most absolute of monarchies' but are accepted in America, illustrating that freedom increases as voting rights extend and terms of office shorten.