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Appointed Leadership

You believe experienced insiders best understand the complexities of governance and should select leaders from among themselves.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Appointed Leadership is a political ideology centered on the belief that leaders should be selected or designated by a specific authority, group, or process, rather than being chosen through popular elections or hereditary succession. This ideology emphasizes the idea that leadership is best entrusted to individuals who are identified as particularly qualified, competent, or loyal by those already in power, or by a recognized institution, rather than by the general populace. The rationale behind Appointed Leadership often includes arguments that such a system ensures stability, continuity, and the selection of leaders based on merit or expertise, rather than popularity or lineage.

    Historically, the concept of Appointed Leadership has appeared in various forms across different societies and eras. In ancient times, many city-states and empires, such as those in Mesopotamia or China, relied on councils of elders, religious authorities, or monarchs to appoint officials and administrators. During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church exemplified Appointed Leadership through the selection of popes and bishops by conclaves or higher clergy, rather than by laypeople. In modern times, Appointed Leadership can be seen in technocratic governments, military juntas, or one-party states, where leaders are chosen by party elites, military councils, or other select groups. The ideology persists in some contemporary political systems, particularly in contexts where stability, expertise, or ideological purity are prioritized over broad-based democratic participation. While Appointed Leadership can provide certain advantages, such as efficiency and continuity, it is often criticized for lacking transparency, accountability, and popular legitimacy.

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Appointed Leadership.

No Government

You believe individuals and communities can organize themselves voluntarily without any coercive state authority.

Ethical Artificial IntelligenceCRISPR TechnologyCentral Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)CryptocurrenciesEconomic Stimulus

Anti-Authoritarian

You believe concentrated power always tends toward abuse, and citizens must be vigilant in constraining government authority.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)CryptocurrenciesCRISPR TechnologyTerm LimitsRural One-Off Housing

Anti-System

You believe the institutions that claim to serve the people actually serve the powerful, and new structures are needed.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)Corporate SubsidiesTerm LimitsBonus CapCryptocurrencies

Personal Liberty

You believe what people do in their private lives is their own business, and the government has no place regulating personal behavior.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)CRISPR TechnologySocial Media RegulationEthical Artificial IntelligenceSmartphone Ban in Schools

Objectivist

You believe rational pursuit of your own values and productivity is the moral foundation of a free and prosperous society.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)CRISPR TechnologyEthical Artificial IntelligenceSocial Media RegulationCryptocurrencies

Revolutionary

You believe the current system is too corrupt to fix from within, and only fundamental transformation can create real justice.

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)Corporate SubsidiesTerm LimitsRenegotiating Foreign DebtDefunding the Police

How similar are your political beliefs to Appointed Leadership issues? Take the political quiz to find out.