Much of what this article says has lots of merit. If a 1.5% edge gives total control, than the other side should be able to make the same claim when that 1.5% flips.

The exact terminology clouds the issues too much. "Democracy" is an elusive term. Most of us kind of know what it is--or is not--but to really nail the term becomes subject of interpretation.

For example, Canada is--legally speaking--a constitutional monarchy, as the Queen of English has the legal authority to veto any act of the Canadaan Parliament. And yet Canada behaves very much as a republic.

The founding fathers envisioned a system without any political parties, for they understand the perils of partisanship. But they could not find the words to prevent them. By 1820, the parties were firmly established. And the much of the original intent of the Constitution became unravelled.