The distribution of power

What is to be done with oligarchy and oppression? These are fundamental obstacles in the path toward happiness.

Redefinition of democracy
The rule of the people, this is the concept that matters behind the word democracy. Presidents, parliaments, elections, parties... are relevant to democracy as long as they articulate the rule of the people. They don't define democracy, and their sole existence doesn't guarantee a democratic society. In fact, top-down governments are very likely to become plutocracies regardless of poll results.

Democracy is a bottom-up process. Individuals, groups, and communities must define their agenda, and must be able to decide on the problems they have the capacity to solve. The political superstructures must emerge from this process, and must complement it where the empowered communities cannot reach alone.

Fighting concentration of power
Power and wealth tend to concentrate. The distribution of power and the distribution of wealth are connected. Where power is concentrated in a few hands, the chances of tyranny, corruption, and oppression increase. The goal of happiness for everyone becomes more difficult. There is no centralized human power that stays away from corruption for long. This is how plutocrats can target centralized governments so easily to create plutocracies dressed up as democracies.

Bottom-up. Place decision-making in the bottom by default. Escalate a level up when the current level can't decide effectively. Bigger power structures exist to supplement the smaller ones:


 * when the individual can't, the circle will act
 * when the circle can't, the community will act
 * when the community can't, it will involve the communities powering its sources.

Topics to be discussed and resolved between specialists and other people affected. Generalist politicians should be a last resort, not the drivers.

The transmission of power to relatives and friends must be forbidden (for example, monarchies).

Of course the power cannot be sustained by military ranks and other groups obtaining and retaining the power violently.

Delegation should be done when needed, for specific reasons. No wild-cards should be given to unaccountable politicians that act on their own. Set limitations to political representatives. Avoid life-long professional politicians. Promote actual professionals serving during limited periods before going back to other jobs.

Avoid cult to the person by all means. The success of government relies on communities and teams.

Efficient decisions
Focus on efficient and transparent processes leading to realistic and implementable decisions in a timely manner. Looking for flexible, durable decisions. Avoid to build now to demolish when the next guy comes building again...

Consensus first. Voting should be a tool for consensus, not an end in itself. It is a last resort when the way of consensus has been exhausted.

Transparency is key. Knowledge bases, archives, communication, records of participation. All this to be used in current processes, and to help the efficiency of future processes in our communties, in other communities.

Transforming existing power structures
When joining political structures not compatible with the Spiral principle, transforming these structures must be an explicit top priority. Otherwise it is better not to join them.

Defending achievements
In case of attacks, how to defend what it took so much effort to build? How can decentralized power defend itself? How to handle violence, including police, prisons, defense.