A demagogue is a group that aims to deceive and manipulate the people for its own selfish ends. This group includes the schemers, rabble-rousers, and warmongers. Hitler was often viewed as a demagogue as he used hatred of the Jews as a means to grab power and mold society into what he wanted. He was also obviously a warmonger. Some other demagogues include Bilbo, a senator and governor that dominated Mississippi politics for almost 20 years, Huey Long, a politician in Louisiana, and Joseph McCarthy, a ruthless senator that used peoples" fear of communism to boost his own image. Demagogues are motivated solely by the desire for political power, and do almost anything to attain it. They lie, deceive, and exploit popular prejudices to further their own political desires and careers. The only democracy has against these demagogues is their ability to choose their leaders. They can choose to vote these kinds of politicians out of office. However, since democracy practices freedom of speech, it is often hard for the public to see through the lies and empty promises of the demagogues, which is why they are more prevalent in democratic societies than any other form of government.
National Debt.
The United States, although it is one the most prosperous nations in the world, is not invulnerable to economic problems. Part of that problem is the National Debt. During the 80's and early 90's the national debt had been growing constantly, and by 1997 had grown to nearly $6 trillion. Between 1992 and 2000, the government had already implemented policies that were supposed to solve the problem by 2001. However, the events of September 11, 2001 sunk this hope, as much money was used for the relief of the terrorist attack, and the ensuing wars. Some think the US tax burden is too high, even though they have the lowest tax rates in the developed world. The American education system has been cited as an economic problem as gangs, drugs, and guns have become a problem.