The Divine Right of Electoral Victory

Arnold Kling:

The old idea of the Divine Right of Kings ... has been replaced by the Divine Right of Electoral Victory. This doctrine is that once elected, leaders can do whatever they please, and we must obey. ... I view those who appeal to the Divine Right of Electoral Victory as offering support for the too-powerful against the nearly-powerless.

... When President Obama claims to have the authority of "us," he is claiming a D[eity] justification for his command and control. The Divine Right of Electoral Victory is so firmly ensonced [sic] in people's minds that to challenge his claim is considered shocking. What is the alternative? Anarchy? Dictatorship?

The alternative is a set of norms that places limits on the actions of the rulers. Instead of a religion that honors command and control, I prefer a religion that reviles it. Citizens need as much power as they can possibly obtain to check the command and control of their rulers. The last thing that citizens need is more excuses for their rulers to exercise command and control.