Forever we are reminded of the "Priviledge" we have of living in a democracy. And, compared with many parts of the world, it is indeed a priviledge. But perhaps we can do better.
Democracy, as originally practiced by the Greeks, was not true "Democracy" as we argue for it today. The people selected their leaders, this is true, but only a select few, slaves and many others were not allowed to vote. Those who did vote had the leisure and time to support those candidates who represented their best interests.
Imagine, then, a world in which votes are weighed up by how much we know. We all have the right to vote, but before voting we have to answer a short questionaire about the politicians, the parties, the issues at table for the election. And, should we answer correctly our votes are "counted" - we are aware of what the issues are, and so have the priviledge of self-determination.
Should we fail the questionaire our vote is discounted. We did not know the issues, hence we could not be given the priviledge of self-determination.
Technology exists to make this happen - aside from (legitimate) fears that such a system could be manipulated or biased (but can't all systems?) how much different would our government be if only those who knew something about it participated in it?
Disagree? Consider this. You are piloting a plane, with every passenger given an equal say in what you do at the controls.
Would you prefer to be the pilot, or the passenger?
Or you're being operated upon for a tumor in your head, and the medical theatre is open, the surgeon will do whatever the visitors suggest...
Something to consider, anyways.