Liberal republics offer many advantages over other systems, including and beyond freedom.
They are usually more inclusive. (See Figure above.) It is difficult to exclude any group from participation permanently. Those excluded will see a direct path to empowerment through voting rights, while groups in power – or seeking power – will see excluded groups as potential new allies and therefore valuable to include. For example, in the U.S., over time, and with sustained struggle, the right to vote has been extended, to include people without property and wealth, women, young adults, and people of all ethnicities, religions, and racialized categories.
Note: If you think the words liberal and republic do not belong together, please look here for a quick answer and here for a deeper answer.
Excerpted from Democracy is Precious.
