"All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy"

Alfred E. Smith’s assertion that “All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy” speaks to a profound faith in the resilience and adaptability of democratic systems. The line expresses a belief that when democracy faces challenges, be they corruption, inefficiency, or popular discontent, the solution lies not in turning away from democratic principles, but in deepening and expanding them.

At its core, the quote recognizes that democracy is an ever-evolving experiment, subject to periods of dysfunction. Rather than seeking solutions through authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, or limitation of participation, Smith suggests that opening the process to greater participation and accountability is the remedy. In democratic society, flaws and crises often, inevitably, arise. Yet rather than accepting these problems as fatal weaknesses, Smith views them as signs that democracy must become more inclusive and responsive. For instance, if voter apathy or disenfranchisement appears, the answer might be to expand educational campaigns, lower barriers to voting, or increase civic engagement. If government stands accused of corruption or lack of transparency, stronger checks and balances, more open government, and freer press protections might restore trust and efficacy.

Smith’s words also carry the implication of trust in the collective wisdom and capacity for self-correction inherent in a democratic citizenry. He implies that no outside force or elite can heal such problems as effectively as the people themselves, through deeper engagement with democratic mechanisms: debate, participation, reform, and persistent questioning of power. In contrast to cynicism or nostalgia for supposedly simpler, more orderly forms of governance, the quote affirms a kind of democratic optimism, accepting messiness and conflict as features to be harnessed and addressed through the means that democracy uniquely provides.

The message continues to resonate wherever democracy faces setbacks because it offers a hopeful, proactive path forward: seek more voice, more participation, and more transparency, trusting these will heal present ills and invigorate the system for future generations.