A Preface to Politics — CHAPTER VIII

1. 1. The deliberate choice of issues in a campaign is nearly the core of the statesman's task, determining the educational value and political interests of the people.
2. 2. The two-party system forces parties to keep issues simple and few to maintain a superficial homogeneity, suppressing real demands.
3. 3. New issues that cut across party lines are a national blessing, not an evil, because they break up false unanimity and allow expressive groups to voice their needs.
4. 4. The state should be seen as a provider of civilizing opportunities, not merely a policeman, allowing moral and social questions to enter politics.
5. 5. The tariff controversy has absorbed an excessive amount of attention in American politics, becoming an incubus that distracts from more fundamental human concerns.
6. 6. Judge Lindsey's success in Denver came from centering his political work on the happiness of children, giving his attack on corruption a human vitality that abstract issues lack.
7. 7. The recall of public officials is a half-hearted and negative way to deal with the rigidity of fixed terms; all elections should be held when the people petition for them.
8. 8. A political representation by trade interests (Interessenvertrag) alongside geographical districts would allow citizens to vote both as consumers and producers, solving the dilemma of conflicting interests.