Carol wrote:

Sally quoting Ian W:

...

<As for waht democracy actually means, I think the crew do know based on their knowledge of non-federation worlds where politicians need to get elected (e.g., that bloke in Bounty - er... Sarkoff).>

Yes and no. Yes, they know about it in a theoretical way - as in it

happens

...

on planets they've never (up till now) been to. Possibly the same way

I

...

understand quantum theory - I know it exists, I've read how it works,

but

...

that's about it ...

Or possibly not. There's this exchange in the Children of Auron:

TARRANT: Zen, reroute to planet Auron. AVON: Just like that? TARRANT: A democracy. You're outvoted, Avon. Three to two. VILA: Four to one. I like to stay with the winners whenever possible.

They seem quite comfortable with the simple principles of democracy.

Another example is in Mission to Destiny where the crew of the Ortega vote on allowing Blake to take the neutrotope to Destiny. Blake, Avon and Cally are all there and not only do they see the process of voting at work, but they seem to be aware of what is happening ;-). Does anyone remember if there is any mention of democratic elections within the federation itself? - Iain